HeArt of Giving

This world remembers only the Achievers and to be an Achiever we need to do something extraordinary, in some field of work.  We can be the most successful person in our respective fields, to make the huge impact. But, what if we are not able to? Can we still be remembered in this world? Yes, I think we can. We can be remembered, as an “Achiever in Giving.”

 

The immediate question that might come to our mind is, “If I need to give, don't I need to have something.  I am not Warren Buffet or Azim Premji, who after having accumulated phenomenal wealth, have given so much away for charity. What could I give? I feel so inadequate. I need to earn first and give later.” This is a common paradigm. Isn’t it? So, we are all busy in this world running behind money, trying to accumulate more and more, believing that we can only give, if we have more than enough. But the truth is we already have so much to give, other than just money. We are immensely blessed with so much bounty, but we fail to realize it, recognize it and appreciate it. So, let's see, what all we can give other than money.

 

To start with, we can donate our blood. A healthy adult can donate blood for about 6 times a year, but we can volunteer to donate blood at least once a year or when there is a need.

 

We can use our lips, to smile…. to smile at strangers. A casual smile can brighten up the mood of a depressed soul. And there is literally no limit to the number of smiles, we can give for free.

 

We can use our heart, to appreciate…appreciate people whole heartedly, without any expectation in return. Just appreciate the good work they do, big or small and that can motivate them to do a lot more.

 

We can use our mouth, to speak kind, positive and encouraging words… We are surrounded by a world of negativity, filled with doubts and fears. A positive word can be like a rain drop in a parched earth.  Saying positive, words can be an energy booster and a morale booster too. So, always be there willing to cheer and encourage people.

 

We can use our hands for so many good things… One good thing we can do is to plant and nurture a tree. The future generations will thank us for that.

 

We can lend our ears to listen… There are so many people going through a difficult phase of life. They don’t want any financial help. All that they want is someone to listen to their woes, without judging or advising.

 

We can give our time… There are so many old people, sick people and lonely people out there, who have no one to take care of them. All we need to do is spend some time with them and they will be so grateful to us.

 

We can share our knowledge… by teaching, guiding or providing awareness to youngsters…There are so many people, who can benefit by our expertise and experience.

 

And lastly when we die… we can donate our eyes or be a full body donor. Why burn or bury our corpse, when they can be used to light up someone’s life.

 

And all that we need to do this is just the thought and the heart to give. All that we have is useless, unless we use it for a good purpose. When we die, there is nothing we can take to the grave, but a few drops of tears, that we would get from the people whose lives, we have touched positively. People will not remember us for what we had, but will remember us for what we gave. This is the true reward of living a worthy life.

 

We are all mortals and we have no idea when our death bell rings. Let us not wait, to give, when we can give today.  When we live so, we can say with pride, “This world is a much richer place, because of me, but I didn't give away a single rupee.”

 

Give, Give, Give. Give all that you can, with all your heart. 

And be rest assured you will forever live in a thousand hearts.

 D. Senthil Kannan,

  Managing Trustee, PALMS, Tuticorin.

  Author of "Transformational Thoughts" - A Journey of learning 

  Email: senthilkannand@gmail.com