A community isn’t built or befriended,
it’s connected by offering and accepting.
Community is affinity, identity, and kinship
that make room for ideas, thoughts, and solutions.
Wherever a community gathers, we aspire and inspire each other intentionally . . . And our words shine with authenticity.
Giving or Giving Ourselves Away
They say “givers get,” but some just give and give and get taken advantage of. Some never say “no” or “stop.” How do you tell them apart? How do you know which one you are?
Here’s what Robert said . . .
Iâd have to say the difference is oneâs attitude! One who is giving it all away due to a lack of self-worth would probably have an attitude problem that can be seen a mile away.
Itâs sortof like (warning! methaphor alert!) the difference between a sand castle – and a shining city on a hill (which is how I think of you and âSuccessful-Blogâ).
I think the truly selfless people stand out in such a way that anyone can, and will, find their way there.
A successful and outstanding blogger said that.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
This is truly wonderful!! Thank you for sharing it.
Sandcastles vs a shining city – I will have to remember that one!
Thanks!
~ Diane Clancy
http://www.DianeClancy.com/blog
http://www.DianeClancy.etsy.com
I know, Diane!
That same metaphor stole my attention too. Robert’s wonderful isn’t he? 🙂
I love this! TY, Liz. It’s the idea of being a servant of men. Some of us will celebrate the birth of the greatest servant that ever walked the face of the Earth this week. Jesus said: “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) Merry Christmas to All! and thanks again for sharing this!
Reminds me of this video. It’s great if you aren’t sure which of the two you are, a sandcastle or a shining city.
http://www.daveellisleadership.com/videocasts/videocast.asp
(I think you have to select “give yourself away” in the video section.)
For me, knowing my true motivations has give me what feels like a healthy outlook on giving.
When I give because I truly want to give, it is very healthy for me. If I expect anything in return–even appreciation or thanks–then it’s not true giving. It’s a transaction.
When giving money to a homeless person, I was thinking, “I only want to give money if they won’t use it to buy liquor.” But when did it become my place to be the God of Their Life?
Now, if I am moved to give money to a homeless person out of compassion, I just give it. If I’m moved to stop alcoholism, I donate to or volunteer with the appropriate rehabilitation programs, shelters, etc. But I no longer confuse the two.
That above is great. I’d like to share and inspire you in return. you may already be aware of this quote from Nelson Mandela but…
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are we not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesnât serve the world.
Thereâs nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people wonât feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others.
— Nelson Mandela
Hi Liz – This is brilliant. You never run out of amazing things to share. And what you say is so true. You are a selfless giver and heaps of us manage to find our way here.
Hi Laura!
You’re welcome. That’s one of my favorite quotes.
Ah Melissa,
Leave it you to bring the perfect flick to the party. Now I truly know the difference. 🙂
Hi Stever,
I like the way you have taken yourself out of the equation. That alone is a huge generosity. Great point, either we’re giving unconditionally or we’re not giving.
Hi Walter!
I love those words from Nelson Mandela’s speech too. They fill me up every time I hear them repeated. I get something more from them the more I think about them. Did you they were actually written by Marianne Williamson?
Aw, Cath,
Thank you. The sharing is easy. I so look forward to seeing you when you come over. 🙂
It’s easy to lose the balance in blogging and social media because there is so much giving you can do. My responsibilities offline keep my desire to give in check.
Wow, what a nice surprise after this weekend, Liz! You’re way too kind to this poor old cowboy. (Wait – did I say “old”? I meant “handsome”. Yeah, handsome.)