Living "Thanks-giving"

 
What does it mean to be "thankful" while "giving"? Typically we are "thankful" while "receiving". However, learning to feel gratitude because we are able to give sheds a different light on the entire act of giving and receiving.

Being thankful because we have something to give leads to a feeling of abundance. In a state of abundance, we feel blessed. While blessed, our actions exude confidence, faith and a sense of peace. Others are attracted to these qualities and want to learn how to live in a similar fashion. All of a sudden and possibly without intent, a "pay it forward" movement has begun!

In such a movement, the energy is shifted from focusing on a "wish list" for the self to a "wish list" for another or others and the sense of fulfillment in providing part or all of what is needed or has been requested typically exceeds the fulfillment experienced in receiving.

Have you ever wanted something so much that you thought about it constantly, researched it, prayed for the arrival, did whatever necessary to draw it closer to you and then once received you felt happy but then easily unfulfilled? Did the lack of fulfillment then send you on another chase for something that you just knew would fill the void? Has this process repeated itself over and over for many years?

If you have answered yes (and I believe that most of us could) are you ready to begin to "Live Thanks-giving"? This does not mean that you must stop desiring or feel guilty for enjoying receiving. It simply means that a healthy balance of feeling thankful for both giving and receiving just may top the fulfillment meter.

Speaking from experience and watching family members and friends during many acts of "Living Thanks-giving", I can tell you that a rise in the fulfillment meter due to generosity produces heart bursting tears of joy! I can also tell you that joining together for any cause produces a sense of camaraderie that just may be unmatched. Now the fulfillment meter is bursting at the top!

May you find a way to "Live Thanks-giving" every day and in any way. Giving a hug or a smile or taking the time to simply listen can carry more weight than gold!

Happy "Thanks-giving",

Dr Lorri