Becoming Grateful Day 17: Give for No Reason

GIFT GIVING

We give gifts for birthdays, Christmas, graduations, promotions, boss' day, secretaries' day, when someone is sick, when someone has passed away, birth of a child, and pretty much any other occasion Hallmark can think of that would require a greeting card. And that's OK by me. But have you ever thought about giving a gift, just because? Do we always need an official event or reason to give? 

gift  (gift)

n.

1. Something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation.

2. The act, right, or power of giving.

3. A talent, endowment, aptitude, or inclination.

tr.v. gift·ed, gift·ing, gifts

1. To present something as a gift to.

2. To endow with.

I found one definition of "gift" described it as the power of giving. I had never thought of giving as a power, but think about it. There is power in giving something to someone else, especially when we do it out of the kindness of our hearts without seeking anything in return. Have you ever received a gift for no reason? Doesn't it make you feel wonderful knowing someone saw something they thought you just needed to have? 

I keep a "gift box" at my house; its filled with random things. Homemade scented candles in teacups, fancy birthday pencils, chocolate bunnies, an over sized Kit Kat Bar from the duty-free shop in the Vancouver airport. Any time I see something unique, or find such a good sale I need to buy the item in multiples, I add them to my "gift box." This makes it pretty convenient for when I need a last minute gift or something fun to top off another gift I'm already giving. But it's also nice to have something to give just when I'm thinking of someone or think they need a little something. 

"Reach out and help or give to other people. Giving to people who may not have been as lucky as you when it comes to financial stability or other aspects in life will make you better value what you’ve been blessed with, and at the same time allow you to make a difference in the lives of those who need your help most ." -from That Diary

Giving doesn't always need to be about "things." Giving can be the gift of listening, of laughter, or service. Try this coming week to give something to someone just because you want to, not because you have to. You'll find that when you do, gratitude will enter your life in more ways than one. You'll be grateful you gave the gift, more grateful for the ability or means to offer something to another person, grateful for the effect it will have on those you've shared with, and grateful for the happiness it brings you. About gratitude, I once read that "It pushes us to look past our lack and losses to see gifts and gains." Help someone else see the gifts and gains and spread your gratitude to them. 

-Rachael