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Celebrate the Joy of Giving in Your Life

Table of Contents Joy of GivingHow to Help OthersDonate MoneyGive TimeContribute ResourcesShare LovePledge organsHelp animalsSave the environmentOver to…
A person experiencing the joy of giving by donating
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Let’s celebrate the joy of giving! Believe me or not, giving is all about getting or in other words, the more you give, the more you receive.

Yes, it’s a secret barter where you give something that you have and receive happiness without asking for it. However, when you give something, you should not expect anything in return.

You give with all your heart, and forget about it. The funny thing is that you’re most happy when your act of giving has no selfish motives.

I looked up the dictionary and there it glorifies giving as “disposing of property by voluntary transfer without receiving value in return.”

Isn’t this a wonderful and humane concept? This is what I believe in, and giving has been in fact the reason why I started Aha!NOW.

Giving and helping people is what everyone should do. I take pleasure in saying that the Aha!NOW blog community is so generous in sharing their thoughts, views, and experiences with others, and I humbly thank them for doing that.

Generosity is nothing but the habit of giving. Blessed are those people who are generous and believe in the joy of giving.

It’s definitely an act of philanthropy that spreads happiness and peace, and lets goodness prevail in the world!

“For it is in giving that we receive.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi

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Joy of Giving

What prompted me to write this post is the Joy of Giving Week in India that runs through Oct 2nd to Oct 8th.

There couldn’t be a better day to start than Oct 2nd, which is also the International Day of Non-Violence as it’s the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who’s known to have used non-violent sacrifice and selfless giving so that others could have freedom and peace.

Joy of giving week logo smiley

This special week is an effort to revive the human values and an opportunity to remind us that our spirit rules over matter.

Joy of Giving is an event that celebrates humanity. I hope all Indians would volunteer in any capacity to be a part of this noble cause.

But why only Indians, all citizens of the world celebrate humanity because giving is a human trait and behavior that everyone can practice – isn’t it?

There are people and organizations around the world that promote the spirit of giving, and have even assigned different days for this purpose.

Do you know there is an index that ranks nations based on the most giving – by its citizens in terms of money, time, and helping strangers?

Though these statistics cannot be taken as a benchmark of humanity, but it’s an effort to motivate nations and people to create more caring and sharing societies.

Not only nations, but all religions of the world believe in giving and being generous, and emphasize on selfless service.

All human beings should adopt charitable behavior as part of their integral personality.

Giving to charity is one aspect of caring and sharing. Nevertheless, you can do that individually too in various ways while you celebrate the joy of giving.

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ~ Mother Teresa

How to Help Others

If you want to help others, then I’d say it’s a very noble thought and you can execute that in ways depending on your choice, interest, and capacity.

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Here’s a list of things you can do, and I’m sure you’d have more ideas that I’d like you to mention in the comments so that everyone can benefit from them.

Giving money to needy gives happiness

This tops the list as it’s not only one of the most convenient and easiest ways to help others, but also a very effective way.

You can donate money to charities, NGOs, not-for-profit organizations, religious organizations, places of worship, schools, hospitals, orphanages, individuals, and the list can go on.

It is popularly known that money can’t buy happiness, but by giving it can help spread happiness and you receive happiness along with satisfaction, which is almost like a reward.

No wonder why many billionaires world over believe in giving away chunks of their wealth. Donating money makes you experience the joy of giving.

DON’T MISS: 6 Practical Ways To Change The World For The Better

Give Time

Not everyone has money to spare, and that’s understood. You need to first take care of yourself and your family.

But if you can afford to, then give your time to volunteer for charities and organizations that run programs to help and care for the needy and people with disabilities, or even help fundraising for them.

You can give time for community or public service activities like cleaning the park, caring for the elderly in old age homes, or even babysitting for the working parents.

Your time is worth it because as people say, time is money! Remember, you don’t only give your time but even your own self, which is truly a selfless service, and you should be happy about it.

MUST READ: Time Spent Helping Others Is Never Wasted Time

Contribute Resources

In your busy life and hectic schedule, it’s not easy to take out time for social activities. Though you should always try to do that, one thing you can do instead is to share your resources.

These resources are your knowledge and skills.

You can volunteer to help create free homes for the homeless if you’re a construction worker, or teach the illiterate people if you’re a teacher.

You can empower the poor kids to learn and develop applications if you’re a computer geek, or you can spread awareness about giving and helping if you’re a blogger or an Internet marketer.

These are just a few examples, though there are numerous other ways you can help depending on your capacity and skills.

If not your knowledge or skill, then you can donate your material resources like clothes, toys, sports equipment, books, stationery, utensils, or any other personal belongings to celebrate the joy of giving.

Charity always begins from home, that’s what my Mom used to say – and she was a huge selfless ‘giver’. 🙂

giving balloons

Share Love

Love is a great healing positive energy and it is the basis of humanity. Everybody is capable of loving and everyone should spread love through his or her thoughts, words, and actions.

You should become love teachers and have love for others, and then only you can do genuine selfless service to help strangers.

You can give your love to others at any place you are, and the easiest way is simply smiling at strangers, giving compliments and greeting them while walking on the road!

I have even heard of some people who distribute “free hugs” to unknown people, send flowers to people in distress to make their day, and celebrate for others to make them happy.

You can even prepare food and distribute it among the homeless, or share your “social love” on the posts that you read in the blogosphere to enjoy the joy of giving. 🙂

Pledge organs

Did you know that your entire body can help save the life of as many as 50 people!

Some of your body organs can be transplanted to the needy while you’re alive and the rest after your death. All you need to do is to register yourself at the concerned health centers and organizations.

You not only save the life of people whom you donate your organs to, but you even give help and support to their families with your selfless act.

Can there be anything greater than giving or saving a life?

There’s no joy of giving greater than making others happy, and the happiness that you see on the faces of the people you help is your biggest prize!

Help animals

Human beings are supposed to be the most intelligent species on this planet, and the most capable ones to help the other species.

Humanity is not only being concerned about the humans. Instead, the religion of humanity also encompasses the other animals, as they too need care and help.

It’s good if you keep a pet, and it’s great if you help the needy, stray, or wild animals by supplying them food, providing medication and shelter, protecting them from poachers, or in any other possible ways.

You can experience the joy of giving by joining the animal aid centers or your local community campaigns to help animals.

For example, there are incidents when sea animals are brought ashore by the waves and they aren’t able to go back into the waters – it’s your time to act and help them!

Or when you see a stray and injured animal, the least you can do is call the animal helpline so that they are taken care of and given timely treatment.

Save the environment

The world has given us everything, and we know how unique and special our Earth is. The future of the Earth depends on us, and we give back to the world or Earth by being its caretakers.

You can save the Earth by changing your lifestyle and by taking proactive measures to save the planet that includes the flora, fauna, physical composition of the Earth, and the atmosphere.

Live in a way that does not impact the environment negatively, and help create awareness about it amongst the ignorant people.

Some of the things that you can do is use less paper and save trees, drive less and save oil, eat moderately and save food, and use less harmful gases and save the ozone!

You can even plant more trees, help create clean water reservoirs, and try to make your area pollution free and see what beautiful changes your giving brings to your environment.

DON’T MISS: Are You Living An Ideal Lifestyle

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ~ Winston Churchill

You can make a difference, and you can be a philanthropist in the capacity you’re in. You too can experience the joy of giving and help create a change in the world.

There are more things you can do to contribute your share of peace and happiness to the world.

This can be your way of expressing gratitude towards life and the planet, your way of saying thank you by giving back.

Though the Joy of Giving Week is taking place in India, you can experience happiness by helping others in any corner of the world.

I think such days are great reminders for us to reach out and help others, aren’t they? However, you can celebrate the joy of giving anytime YOU want, without waiting for any specific day or week!

Make giving a part of your life and your family tradition so that your children learn the spirit of giving and it passes on to the future generations.

Here’s a video that may touch your heart and make you see the importance of giving. Yes, it’s slightly long, but worth watching 🙂

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Diuv3XZQXyc&w=620&h=360]

Peter Singer ~ The Why and How of Effective Altruism ~ YouTube Video

“I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.” ~ Kahlil Gibran

Different people make different choices – but as far as you are giving and it’s helping other people directly or indirectly, your choice is good! So which way of helping others have you chosen?

DO READ: It Only Takes One Person To Make A Difference

May everyday be the joy of giving day, and may God bless you for spreading goodness, happiness, and peace in the world. 🙂

Over to You –

How and when do you celebrate the joy of giving? Which act of giving or helping others gives you happiness and satisfaction? Share your views about giving in the comments below.

Photo Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos

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  1. Gratitude is the best way to give your love towards the things you want in your life. Its like Newton’s law that every action has got an equal and opposite reaction. The more gratitude you give, the more will you receive.

  2. Giving something to someone may help them that in some situations. Its can be anything to give to others as long as it valuable to them in that time and situation.

  3. Hello Ma’am,
    I totally agree with the thought “the more you give, the more you receive”. Giving and sharing are medicines to get peace of mind. The happiness you see on others face after helping others is very precious, in this selfish world the joy of giving is amazing. and yeah the video is worth watching and heart touching. Inspiring video..

  4. Great tips. You show how easy it really is to help out. It doesn’t have to be about giving money. There are so many different ways to help. Deliver a meal to a senior citizen who is house-bound. Rake leaves for someone who is too ill to get out. Make craft kits for the local kid’s hospitals. Volunteer at a local shelter. So many ways!

    Thanks for reminding me to do my part.

  5. Harleena! Real solid, practical ways to give. I hope I engage in them all and keep it up. I know I always get far more than I give at any given moment! It is a great way to feel good about yourself.

    I didn’t know about Joy of Giving Week. I think every country needs one of those!

  6. Hi Harleena,

    What a wonderful week of celebration you have in India and what a wonderful way to celebrate it here at your blog! You’re right, there are so many ways you can give besides money. Often money isn’t what is needed but other things are such as volunteers who are able to show up and lend a hand.

    In general the people who give tend to really benefit more than the people who receive. The feeling of giving and knowing you made a difference in someone’s life is incomparable.

  7. Hello Harleena Singh,

    Yes… giving something to others make me so happy that I can’t tell. It’s an awesome feeling to give others a gift. Helping someone is also gives mental satisfaction. I think there is no happiness to enjoy alone, if you share to others you’ll get real happiness.

    I love your title. It matched well with the full content 🙂

  8. Hi

    This is a wonderful blog. Here in the USA giving is mainly down around the holiday’s which is sad.

    But people all so forget the mail person and the trash men. During the summer we offer them a cold drink in the winter we offer them a hot drink.

    Last Christmas we offered the Salvation Army person collecting donation a cup of coffee. It was a real cold day out windy and snowing he said that would be nice so our son and I went to the gas station brought a large cup of coffee and a part tart to eat. He was so thankful.

    I could go on and on about giving but the last things it doesn’t have to be money to do some thing for others you can give some one a hand shake,smile a simple hello or hold a door open. So many thing thing can brightening a person day.

  9. Hi Harleena,

    I didn’t know about the Joy of Giving week in India – what a great idea for a festival. The video is very moving, though that first story about the little girl being run over was depressing to watch.

    I feel I’m basically a very selfish person, but I try to give in a number of ways – I’m a volunteer for our local First Responders, we give regularly to two charities, and we recycle as much as we can and try to consider the environment in the way we live – for example, only using the car when we really need to. We’re lucky to have a lovely garden, and we’re trying to make it a haven for wildlife in the way we manage it. We spend a small fortune feeding the birds! My husband and I have also both registered as organ donors in the event of our deaths.

    One of my gifts is that I’m a pretty good listener, and I think that’s a way of giving, on an emotional level. My nursing work involved a lot of listening and caring and I tried to offer compassion and understanding to staff, as well as the patients I cared for. As a blogger, I try to give something of myself in the posts I write and in the way I interact with other bloggers through comments and social media – I guess I just do my best to be helpful.

    I still feel I do very little compared to many other altruistic individuals, and it’s something I need to keep working on.

    Thanks for another very inspirational post, Harleena – I hope you’re having a well deserved rest this weekend 🙂

  10. You have beautifully pointed out on The Joy of Giving. Sometimes, comforting words, love and tendering hands have the power if we lack financial or other resources to give:)
    Cheerz, Harleena

  11. Harleena, nice to know about this week in India, I like how you make the world a much smaller place by introducing us to this one and how we can all do some giving. Sometimes in giving we wonder if we have the time and then after we do give of our time we feel so enriched by the experience. If more people would realize that and just DO it – the world would be a better place. Giving doesn’t have to be big it can also be the small things, they do add up don’t they? Have a great weekend ahead Harleena.

  12. Harleena,

    The joy of giving quite outweighs the seemingly benefits of receiving…yet, very few in today’s world understand this. Thanks for reminding all of us – the human brain is wont to forget!

    – Terungwa

  13. Hi Harleena !

    This is an awesome post and am sure many eyes would have opened by this time.I’m surprised to see India ranked 134th in the giving index. There are lot of rich and middle class people in the country who share their part of the monthly income with charities or old age homes.I’ve stayed in 2 metropolitan cities and have seen a lot of people from my society engaged in charity or helping the needy people.Thanks for sharing the information.

    -Pramod

  14. Wow Harleena, what a wonderful occasion to celebration this week. We need to have that here in the US, boy that would be wonderful.

    This reminded me of the blog post I wrote about finding your purpose in life. What I had said was that “since the Universe is wired so that we’d only find meaning if we gave our lives away then that means that your life is greater than your own personal fulfillment. If we only focus on ourselves then we’ll never reveal our life’s purpose.”

    The joy of giving should be what life is about. Helping others, supporting them, just doing it because you care. I can’t imagine someone not getting joy from that one thing myself.

    I think you already know the kind of person I am Harleena so although I probably still have some areas I could improve upon for the most part I just find pure enjoyment in helping others. I guess this rubbed off on me from my parents. They are/were some of the most generous people I’ve ever known.

    Love this topic Harleena and I hope that everyone has a fabulous week there in your country celebrating this awesome occasion. Thank you for sharing this with us.

    ~Adrienne

  15. Hi harleena,

    I must say there is a great joy in giving and i always feel fulfilled knowing that i have actually helped some one. Giving time is very important because some people just want you to be there for them even if you don not give any other thing your time is well appreciated. Giving resources is also a very good way to help others and who knows maybe wipe away tears from someone’s eye for ever. Sharing love is the most important of all because love is the greatest commandment God ever made. Also saving the environment too is important because as a result of steady deplenishing of the ozone layer, the heat of the sun is becoming hotter so it is very good to plant tree and stay away from deforestation.

    Tnx for sharing this, remain blessed

    1. Hi Bob,

      You’re right; giving gives us joy! Helping feels good because you’re doing good to someone other than your own self.

      I totally agree about spending of time – I’ve experienced that with the elderly in my family; they love company and somebody to talk or just listen to them!

      Giving and caring really helps to make the world better, isn’t it? Whether you do it by caring for the environment, or sharing love and resources, or in any other way.

      If we all start giving in whatever ways that we can, we’d have happiness everywhere with all happy people around.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your wonderful thoughts. Have a great Sunday! 🙂

  16. Hi Harleena,

    Joy of Giving is one of most important human perspective needed by the current state of our society. I am glad that the concept has started in schools too as the school authorities promote the students to practice this art of getting joy out of nothing.

    I remember, my small kid who doesn’t wants to share much of her things with anyone enjoys this week. She came to learn about it in her school, was a bit apprehensive in the beginning but we tried to counsel her and now she enjoys.

    I believe that we need to inculcate such simple and important habits right from the childhood of our children so that by the time they are grown up, we can at least have sensible people living in this world.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the topic and hope that we all are going to make this week special not only for ourselves but also for all those who need a helping hand from us.

    1. Hi Ashutosh,

      You shared some really good news. Efforts to bring changes at the grass root levels are welcome and commendable.

      Joy of giving is indeed important and it’s so good to know that your daughter now learned to enjoy giving.

      Yes, giving should be an integral part of our personality and it should be inculcated right from childhood. It would really make a difference in the world.

      Thanks for sharing views and experiences with giving. I appreciate it. Have a happy giving Sunday! 🙂

  17. I do love the concept of giving, but always keep our survival in mind (Don’t engage in self destructive behavior :D).

    Anyways, I personally think there is too little giving, and too much of getting (Selfishness) in our world.

    And, isn’t it time that we solve some of our major problems (such as poverty?). I believe many of these issues, if we just worked together (plus taking long period of time to decide undermines the value of small actions. Is small actions good enough for issues such as poverty? I believe that some problems have become too big for small actions to make much difference. Sure, it will make a difference, but is that enough of a difference?).

    I know I am going a bit off topic, sorry about that 😉

    On a side note: even if we are looking for happiness in return (for giving), isn’t that a bit selfish? 😀

    I hope that someday people decide to work together and solve many of world’s problems (I don’t think democracy is good enough to solve any problems. Sure, people need to make their own decisions. But, too many people today are conforming to the ideals of society. They just go with the flow. Sometimes, I feel that we are better off with one person having all the power. Then again, we can’t expect monarchy or dictatorship to solve any problems either. Humans are greedy, and most people who have power are corrupted by the power itself. It is hard for the world to change).

    Anyways, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the joy of giving, Harleena 🙂

    1. Hi Jeevan,

      Yes, of course, it’s wise to give within what your capabilities and limits are and not let the giving harm yourself or your family. However, history documents many cases where the giver doesn’t care the least about personal loss or survival and gives everything for the survival of others.

      You’re right – most of us are selfish and concerned about ourselves and our families. But then there are people who give, and many of them don’t make it obvious.

      You’ve a good question here, and poverty is a major issue that needs to be addressed and helped in micro and macro ways. However, first you need to define and understand poverty? I guess people will have different views about it.

      Dictionary states that poverty is having little money or material possessions. So, should we only concentrate on material poverty, or also consider academic poverty, emotional poverty, intellectual poverty, service poverty, or spiritual poverty too?

      Whatever people take poverty as, I think our combined small actions and efforts do make a difference – may be not enough, but still at least there’s something better than nothing, isn’t it?

      Definitely, even looking for happiness in return when giving makes it an selfish act. But then there are different levels of giving – not everyone is capable of selfless giving initially, and even if the giving is selfish, it is so for the “giver”, but we need to appreciate the fact that the “receiver” does gain from any kind of giving.

      Yes, people should do that – work together towards resolving world’s problems, and many are doing that. Altruism doesn’t always have to depend on the government. Whereas democracy is concerned, I think it’s been the most successful forms of government, but it goes without saying that democracy needs improvisation.

      People will be people, but if you wish to make a difference, you should be you, and just do your thing. Yes power has the potential of corrupting an individual, but in the end it depends on the personal integrity and qualities of that person, isn’t it?

      You’re right – it’s hard to change the world, but not impossible, and change it will, because it has every been changing!

      Thanks for your thoughtful discussion about giving and its related aspects that make the post interesting. Have a great giving Sunday! 🙂

      1. Yes, that is good. But, that wouldn’t be required if everyone had just given within their capabilities in the first place, right?

        Of course, but there are a lot more people who doesn’t care about giving.

        I was referring to not being able to meet the basic needs – food, clean water, shelter and clothing 😀

        Yes, they do make a difference, but is that enough of a difference? (That’s something I have been asking myself for a while. And the best answer my mind can find is power. Those with power seems to make a lot of difference in this world, not necessarily ‘good’ differences, though – especially, large corporations). And that’s one among the reasons why I aim to take my company to the top – when I start it. In my mind, I already have.

        Indeed 😀

        I personally don’t like democracy. Sure, it is nice to have all the freedom in the world. But, the problem with democracy is that too many people are involved (and people are not very good at getting along). Look at the amount of time it takes for a decision to be made. Bureaucracy 😉

        Can’t say other forms of government at better – monarchy, oligarchy. The problem there is that the person or people in power may not always have the best interest (of the country) in mind. But, it is much easier to make decisions and implement them (Not all kings/monarchs were bad either. People tend to think that kings didn’t care about their subjects).

        Another problem is that even with democracy, those with money can change a lot of things – they have the power to undermine the will of people (Then again, the will of people may not be strong enough since people don’t exactly get along).

        Indeed. But, personal integrity and our morals are given by our society – we didn’t invent them. Our surroundings and our society taught them to us (and that is a problem that needs to be addressed – better moral education in schools?).

        No problem 😀

  18. Makes me feel like catching the next flight to India to be part of the giving festivity Harleena.

    Human life rotates around giving. The only way to have more of what we have is to give out the little we have. That’s what nature teaches us. To have 200 grains of gnut, nature demands you sow about 50.

    The best giving posture is that which you highlight above – giving without expecting any reward in return. Dictionary makes it clear and I love it that giving should be voluntary. That’s what God calls a cheerful giving and of couse, he expresses his love for such giver.

    Now, this makes me think – I’ll check my schedule to give out something free to my readers 😉

    exceptionally good post Harleena. Thanks for giving your time to research and develope it

    Hope you have a wonderday day

    1. Hi Enstine,

      I’m glad you like the post.

      The world’s got smaller Enstine, you can share the happy sentiments being online, but if you decide to come over, you’re more than welcome! 🙂

      If we closely observe our life, we really do give as a parent, friend, worker, and the various other roles that we play in our life. It’s another thing that we sometimes are more involved and pay attention to receiving that we forget about our giving nature and doing.

      Giving without expecting anything in return is a selfless service or love of the highest order. You can call that a Godly act. It’s difficult but not impossible and many of us really do it in our lives.

      Umm.. freebies for your readers, that’s a great idea of giving!

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts and views on giving that are just fantastic. I wish you have a happy giving weekend! 🙂

  19. Hi Harleena,

    This is such an important post because giving, for me anyway, is the essence of life. There is a joy in giving and we give a lot of our time, talent and treasure.

    Did you ever see the movie ‘happy’? If not, try to watch it. The moral of the story is that we’re happiest when we’re giving of ourselves. If you want to get happy, make someone else happy.

    Hence the saying ‘We get what we give”.

    Nice post Harleena 🙂

    Have a great day.
    Liz

    1. Hi Liz,

      Welcome to my blog!

      I totally agree with you; giving is the essence of life, and if you’re not doing that, you’re missing something important in life.

      No, I haven’t seen the movie “Happy”, but now that you mention and praise it, I’ll have to see it! Sounds like a lovely movie with a beautiful moral, indeed making other happy is a wonderful giving that anybody and everybody can do.

      No doubt about it – we reap what we sow, and we get what we give, that nicely sums it up!

      I’m glad you like the post and thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts to make it more valuable. I hope to see you around and wish you a happy giving weekend! 🙂

  20. Hi Harleena

    Happy Joy of giving week.
    Every giver is a receiver. The truth is everybody has something to offer. If one can ‘t give money, one can give time.

    Everything is encapsulated in Love. Love gives, love doesn’t take. If everyone understands, the whole universe will be giving; which means everyone is receiving.

    1. Hi Abraham,

      Very true – every giver is definitely a receiver, in some way or the other, sooner or later. We do need to clarify that because people do get frustrated when they do not see instant results and then lose faith, isn’t it?

      I believe that when we can receive, we can give, if not anything else, then just give what you received. You’re right in that pure love is always giving.

      You’re talking of utopia, and that is surely a possibility my friend, we just need to believe!

      Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts, they really add value to the post. Have a happy giving weekend! 🙂

  21. Yes giving is a great feel that you are granted with when you give. You bargain a deep satisfaction and bliss within when you soothe someone in trouble or help anyone with time, money or any other source…Lovely post:)

    1. Hi Saima,

      Welcome to my blog! I’m glad that you like this post and that it could bring out the goodness and importance of giving.

      Thanks for stopping by and wish you have a great giving time ahead! 🙂

  22. I can definitely sympathize with giving over the gratitude principle. What better way to show gratitude than giving back! Whether to the world in general, or to people who have helped you get where you are.

    1. Hi Ragnar,

      Welcome to my blog!

      Yes, giving is gratitude towards all and everything, and gratitude should be expressed by giving!

      Having an attitude of gratitude fills your life with love and happiness. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views. I appreciate that and hope to see you around. Have a great week ahead! 🙂

  23. Hi Harleena

    Never heard of a “joy of giving” day. Sounds like a great idea. It seems like the only time there is a huge push for giving is when there is a disaster, either man made or nature made.

    We see this older man on our walks sometimes. We stop and let him chat, as it means so much to him, that human connection we all so desperately need. He usually talks about nothing we are interested in, but we do try to ask how he is doing. For those that can’t afford to give much, just the giving of your time to someone can make their day. You never know how far a little kindness can go and multiply. Never underestimate the power of a smile and a kind word.

    Lots of great information and I never knew there was an index chart for giving.

    Mary

    1. Hi Mary,

      It’s Joy of Giving Week and it’s celebrated in India, and it is indeed a wonderful event.

      I agree that most of us aren’t as helping and giving as in times of disasters, but the fact that we help out in times of need signifies that goodness prevails within us, which otherwise is shrouded by our other priorities and desires.

      Oh yes, it’s a noble gesture to give time and attention to the elderly, and you really do a wonderful thing. I remember my grandparents and how happy they would feel whenever I sat near them to hear them out. And it’s really good if you can do this with a stranger.

      I do believe that even a smile and kind word can make a whole lot of difference, and even such small givings can mean a lot to the person at the receiving end.

      The index chart for giving is there for the countries of the world, however, I doubt if we can even view it as a reliable guide.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your personal experiences and great ideas. I appreciate you spending your time. Have a great rest of the week! 🙂

  24. Hi Harleena,

    It’s a joy for me to have discovered you through the BCG.
    What a wonderful post!! I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it, like taking in a fine meal, digesting some, then having more delectable thoughts to feast on.

    I really resonate with all these altruistic ways of being humane, especially “Share Love.” My life motto, and name of my manifesto is
    BE LOVE TO OTHERS.

    Again, thank you for an incredible post. I will be sharing it!!

    Kind Regards,
    Bill

    1. Hi William,

      Welcome to my blog!

      I’m glad that this post could be worthy as food for your soul and mind. 🙂

      I like your life motto, and indeed if you be love to others, you overcome all differences and negativeness, and then can help others better.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, I appreciate it. Wish you have a fabulous rest of the week and hope to see you around! 🙂

  25. Excellent post on the joy of giving. Unfortunately, we aren’t doing that a lot these days. Either we are very busy with our own lives and have little time to think about others let alone give something. Or because we don’t want to.

    But giving to others is important not only for our own spiritual upliftment but to offer a way of life to our own children.
    I liked the different ways you can do this.

    1. Hi Shalu,

      You’re right in your assessment and those are the actual reasons. Many of us have lost faith in charities, and we think there are plenty of more prosperous people who should be giving in terms of money. And, most of us are busy too, and it’s not that we can’t take out time, but that takes extra efforts, and honestly, we try to avoid that.

      The world survives on the goodness of few good people, who put others before themselves and people’s priorities in place of their personal priorities.

      It’s true that we need to be the role models for our children and the future generations.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing some important pointers. Have a great giving week ahead! 🙂

  26. A great post, Harleena.

    We should all realize that we have enough to share with others – and an obligation to help those with less. You never know when you could come up short, either. (Like a whole bunch of federal employees who just lost their paychecks…)

    There’s more food for thought on that subject (how our brain reacts to giving) on my blog – search for charity and it’s the first entry.

    1. Hi Roy,

      Nice to see you after a long time. I’m glad you like the post.

      Yes, I agree that we always have enough to share, and its our moral duty to do that. Oh, yes, anything can happen at any time and we should always be prepared for that…yes, even the shutdown!

      I’ll surely take a look at your blog and thanks for the heads up. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a wonderful rest of the week. 🙂

  27. Love the video Harleena. You are right in that giving from the heart and not expecting anything in return make you feel wonderful.

    Here in Colorado there has been a lot of giving going around with the flood that we had in September. It is amazing what we can give and sometimes we overlook the simplest things. Money is always good, you just have to check things out so you know it is going to the people that need help.

    One thing that I always add to my list is when the seasons change and I want some new clothes, I go through my closet and give my clothes to Goodwill that I haven’t worn in sometime. If you can’t share some of your better clothes, don’t expect to earn new ones, is what I always say to myself.
    Thank you for spreading your giving week in October. Great idea
    Debbie

    1. Hi Debbie,

      I’m glad you like the idea of a giving week and the video, though both of these aren’t mine, I hope that you also like the post. 🙂

      Giving is pure helping, with no intention or desire of receiving. Yes, that makes you feel good; you don’t even ask for that feeling, but I guess that’s just a byproduct of the entire process.

      You really find all kinds of people helping and giving at times of natural catastrophes, and that’s an indication that goodness prevails. Oh yes, you can give anything and there always something to give, though generally we don’t realize that.

      I agree with you that though donating money is good and an easy option, you do need to check out and make sure the money is going into the right hands and work.

      That’s really a good thought and a good idea that you share about giving good clothes because the real test of giving is to give the things near and dear to you, where you need to overcome the bondage of attachment.

      Thank you for stopping by and sharing your wise and wonderful thoughts, and I wish you have a happy giving week ahead! 🙂

  28. What a fabulous post Harleena! I had no idea about the Joy of Giving week. I’ll need to look into that more.

    Your giving ideas are good. It’s funny how when you do them on a regular basis, you don’t actually think of them as “giving” anymore. They really do become habit…and what a great habit to have!

    Giving is all part of the act of gratitude. You cannot be generous until you realize that you are truly blessed with what God has given you.

    1. Hi Michelle,

      Well, the Joy of Giving week is celebrated only in India presently, but I’m sure your place too has a day assigned for giving. But then as you so rightly point out that if you make “giving” a habit because you do them on a regular basis, then you do not need or wait for any assigned day and every day is a day of giving, isn’t it?

      Yes, giving is a part of gratitude, and whether we realize it or not, but we’re all blessed, in some way or the other, and we need to be grateful for that.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your wonderful thoughts. Have a great giving week ahead! 🙂

  29. A lovely post and intent, Harleena.

    My calling is that of healer, and as such, I give service to those in need of healing. While healing is also my intended career, which involves charging payment for services, I also give freely of my services, frequently. In addition, I support charities monetarily when I’m able to.

    I am so glad you addressed the expectation side of giving. While money people give, they do so with the expectation of something in return. Even if that something is “just” an expression of gratitude from the receiver, it is still an expectation that mars the pureness of the act.

    Have a beautiful day.

    1. Hi Ellen,

      I’m glad you like the post.

      It’s good to know what you do, and you really do a great service. Healing is a noble career, and it becomes nobler when you do it for free as and when possible. It’s nice of you to be able to support charities as well.

      Giving of any sort and in anyway is good as far as it’s helping. But, yes, if there’s even a drop of expectation, the giving doesn’t remain selfless. Pure giving is like you give with one hand without letting the other hand know about it. If you depend on expectations then you’ll not receive the pure and full joy from giving, right?

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and experiences, and adding value to the post. Have a happy giving week! 🙂

  30. Harleena, let me start by saying “Happy JOY Of GIVING WEEK” to you and to everyone reading this blog. It’s been some weeks I have not visited your blog due to some tight schedules. However, since this subject involves giving, I have to give at least my time to show love to this community.

    Giving is the greatest fuel that keeps the engine of the world steaming. Learning to give (no matter how little) would help to keep the world going, and reduce the senseless competitions, cheating and corruption the world is currently enmeshed in.

    I had always looked at giving myopically, believing that the major things to give to others are just money, love and time. But to talk of organs, whoa! I never saw it to that point. There is really nothing that cannot be given out so long it is done out of love.

    If we give without love being the motivating factor, we become hypocritical and that is not good for us. Like you rightly observed, almost all religions of the world talk about giving. God started the example by giving his precious son as a gift to the world.

    We have received much; we need to give out too in order to balance the equation. Releasing what we have to bless others brings unquantifiable joy to our hearts – Saving human lives, saving the environment, saving animals, sharing love, giving resources, etc are just few ways to demonstrate how much we care.

    If we all think of the next person before ourselves, the world would definitely be a better place for us all to live in. Killings, maiming, destruction, wars, ritual killings, grudges, etc would all be a thing of the past if we embrace the art of selfless giving.

    Harleena, thanks for this timely post. I am really blessed by it. God bless you. Have a lovely, fruitful weekend ahead.

    1. Hi Joseph,

      May you have a giving day everyday, so you be happy and joyous daily! 🙂

      It’s good to have you back and read your insightful thoughts – they’re really a delight to read. I know you’ve been quite busy in your projects, and I’m happy that you decided to give some time to my blog community. 🙂

      I totally agree with you that giving is definitely one act, behavior, and virtue that can make the world a better place to live – it’s the fuel that the world needs badly.

      To be giving you need to be loving, peaceful, understanding, compassionate, helpful, and have feelings of empathy for the others. If everybody is giving, then you certainly would’ve a paradise in your hands! However, even if most of us are giving at the same time or at some time or the other, there will be marked reduction in violence, brutality, and all the bad acts that you’ve mentioned.

      Yes, there are myriad ways of giving and people can pick their choice as per their interests and liking. But, as you rightly mention, it has to be out of love, and better if its an act of selfless love.

      One needs to practice giving in order to taste the joy it brings. And then, you’ll like to do it more often. You’ve really made me think how a marginal shift in our thinking can bring drastic and extreme change in our world – we just have to think of the next person before ourselves. Is it that difficult?

      Thank you for stopping by and sharing your wonderful views and blessing us all with your wisdom. I really appreciate your time and effort. Have a great giving week ahead! 🙂

  31. Hi, Harleena Mam,

    Indeed very interesting and Human helping post. 🙂

    Selfless giving, in some way, reminds us, we are human and we have been gifted by the best feeling or emotion named humanity. With no humanity, our life is no better than a wild animal. We are social and differ from those wild as we possess humanity.

    Yes, I am agreeing with the point, giving is receiving. We donate something to someone, we discover happiness. Giving or donating does not mean giving a lot. We can do it in small parts or steps. And, really, it returns the same happiness.

    There is many ways of giving. We can donate money to someone needy. We give our time to some. We can share our knowledge or skills. Yes, we also can donate our organ. Donating organs does not hurt us; however, it can save many lives.

    Also, we can donate our blood and may save our lives too. I know blood can come under organ donation, however, I mentioned here as, we are use to see many blood donation camp around our locality, however, we didn’t give our blood. Sad but true.

    I feel time and organ donation is the best thing what we can share or donate to someone. 🙂

    Thank you for sharing a beautiful article on humanity in way. 🙂
    Have a great week.

    1. Hi Kumar,

      Ah..yes, selfless giving is a mark of humanity. However, did you know that scientists have found that altruism also exists in animals! Though it may vary in kind and type. Some of the cases of selflessness in animals are just mind-boggling and unthinkable.

      But what we observe is that when it comes to selfishness, no other living being can be as selfish as human beings. So, we require to be reminded again and again to revert to our core characteristic of selflessness, else we may become worse than the animals.

      Giving and selflessly loving is a practice that rekindles altruism in us, and makes us worthy of being called the most advanced of all species on Earth. We’re capable of using our emotions and thoughts to do good for self and for others, but we’re incomplete if we just keep limited to ourselves and our kin.

      Of course we all possess humanity, which is what that makes us great, but you need to make efforts and practice ways like giving to develop it. And, if we don’t do that, then as you say, our life is no better than a wild animal.

      Giving doesn’t have to be in material form, and you can always give your love and knowledge in any quantity as they’re limitless, isn’t it? Yes, blood donation can be counted as organ donation and it doesn’t cost or hurt us at all.

      It’s good to know your preferred ways of giving, and any which way you give, you receive joy. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your wonderful thoughts. Have a happy giving week ahead! 🙂

      1. Once again very true indeed. 🙂

        In this material world, all things are come with practice and hardship. Neither happiness nor selfless giving are separate from all.

        I had shared a story of Apple seed one guest post by Mayura on your blog which was on giving and receiving. One Apple seed sacrifice to become an Apple tree and finally what it received, profound Apple and its seed. 🙂
        This story is very very true for every aspect of the life.
        Thank You very much for your wonderful thoughts.
        Have great day!! 🙂

        1. You’re absolutely right, Kumar – nothing comes easy, you need to make efforts even to have happiness and peace in your life.

          Yes, I read the example you gave on Mayura’s guest post that the seed indulges in selfless giving. We all should be like seeds and give away fruits selflessly after we grow up.

          Thanks for adding more value to the post. Have a great week ahead! 🙂

  32. Hello Harleena
    I am so glad to learn something every day. I did not realize that the Joy of Giving is celebrated in your country.

    What a wonderful post to inspire people to give. And of course those that give, that they may continue to give.

    You pointed out in this post the various ways we can give. They are all important.
    Time is a gift we have and we should share it with others.

    H.O.P.E. Training and Development is a non profit organization that is currently donating goods to a primary school in our community. We give from our own resources in order for the children to have their needs met. I am the Founder of this organization, and I can say it is awesome to GIVE.

    One area that I have learned to give is in loving people. So many need a hug, a smile or just to let them know someone cares.

    True giving is a reward in it self. Giving without expecting anything in return is so satisfying.

    Thank you for letting us know about this special day.

    Gladys

    1. Hi Gladys,

      I’m glad my post did a bit of creating awareness about giving in India. And, I feel happy that you consider this post as inspiring.

      It’s so good to know that you’re also the founder of a non-profit organization that does the work of giving to the needy in your area and community. That’s really great work that you do, and thank you for providing the children with resources. That’s awesome!

      I agree that loving is the best giving and it really makes a difference to the receiver of your love. It’s like a magic potion that gives the person extra strength and good reason to keep living and keep making efforts for betterment of life.

      You agree that satisfaction through selfless service gives more happiness than material and recreational pleasures, don’t you? While everything has its importance, selfless service and loving is gives happiness of the highest order.

      Thank you for coming here and sharing your wonderful thoughts and experiences and for letting us know the good work you do, I really appreciate it! 🙂

  33. Hi Harleena,

    Very good reminder of all the ways that we can give. The only thing I do not like about donation associations is they they have built a negative enough reputation that you never know if you can trust them.

    That’s why I be way more willing to give to local associations that are more trustworthy and don’t put some of that money into their own pockets.

    That video wants to make you go into the brain of those people and really see what’s wrong there! Gosh there’s gotta bit something wrong with them.

    Sadly, China is known to have little respect for life in general, anyway, but especially for girls. They so don’t make themselves likable as a nation. Of course that has nothing to do with individuals of that country. I know some Chinese people who are so loving. That’s what makes it even more sad.

    Thanks you for sharing all this and giving it to us 🙂

    1. Hi Sylviane,

      I agree with your idea of giving to local associations as they can be more trustworthy because you might’ve people there who are familiar and you can keep a watch on their activities too, and check on where the money goes.

      I do also agree that some charities and donation associations have negative reputation and some of them might really have shady activities or backgrounds, but I’m also pretty sure that there are good ones around too that can be trusted. One thing the donor should do is to research carefully and then choose the donation agency, as told in the video in its later parts.

      It’s amazing and surprising how people become grow to become and act like they did in the first part of the video. Yes, the human rights aspect and girl child’s safety can really be questioned in China, but I can say that goes for India too and many other developing and third world countries. Every country has all types of people, but the more giving they be, they’re likely to be more loving and caring, or vice-versa.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and views. Have a great giving week ahead! 🙂

  34. Hello Harleena,

    Wow! I didn’t know that we also have a “Joy Of Giving” week in India. And therefore, THANK YOU for sharing this. I would have (perhaps) never known about it.

    Joy of giving is a tremendous joy and although very hard thing to do, forgiving someone when he/she doesn’t really deserve it, is the most joyful act of giving. John Maxwell once said, “It is almost a God like characteristic.”

    Although I find joy in all forms of giving you mentioned, helping others achieve their dreams and goals through my selfless efforts, investment of my time (and money in some cases) gives me an incredible sense of satisfaction. I think that is something I really cherish!

    Thank you for this awesome post!
    Regards,
    Kumar

    1. Hi Kumar,

      I’m glad you like the post.

      India does have many great billionaire philanthropists, but this event that was started a few years ago by a group of visionaries have given an opportunity to every common person to be a philanthropist.

      Joy of Giving Week is indeed like a festival, as it’s not just one day that you can forget or ignore. I understand that many other countries have their own giving days and programs, and the more the merrier! 🙂

      You’re absolutely right and this quote says it all – to err is human; to forgive divine! It’s not easy, but then you feel so good, easy, relieved, happy, and peaceful by doing this act of greatness – forgivng.

      Thanks for adding one more way of giving – helping others achieve their dreams and goals. I can understand how satisfying it must be and this is truly a selfless service. I’m glad you do that.

      Thank you for stopping by and sharing your wonderful thoughts, views, and your ways of giving. Have a great giving week ahead! 🙂

  35. Hello Harleena,

    First let me say, happy Joy of Giving Week to you and secondly, today is my country’s birthday :).

    Indeed, you know there is joy in giving and I’ll say that I am a testimony to that. I always give time, share love, contribute resource(s) and donate money where it’s necessary, but what i have never done is – giving part of my body for help :).

    Helping shows how kind you’re and how free minded one is. Helping some one (free minded) will definitely help you as well in so many ways (both spiritually and physically) that you can’t imagine. In fact, we as bloggers, our duty is to help people :).

    Thanks for this post and showing us ways to help. Once again happy Joy of Giving Week and do have a great celebration 🙂

    1. Hi Babanature,

      First of all, let me wish your country a very happy birthday! 🙂

      I very much like the idea of Joy of Giving Week – it’s just not one day of goodness, but seven days! Even if you miss out on one day, you don’t have to feel guilty as you’ve another day to do your bit, isn’t it?

      It’s good to know that you’re a genuine “giver” and the world needs people like you. Well, have you donated blood till date? I think we can count that as giving part of body for help!

      Yes, helping shows your priorities and how open and broadminded you are. You’ve rightly mentioned that giving helps you physically as well as spiritually. And, you can help just anybody, even those who you think wouldn’t give you anything in return or won’t understand your efforts.

      I do believe that bloggers are great givers and very helpful. Most of them wouldn’t be much restless after reading this post because they know that they already do their bit.

      Thanks for sharing you thoughts and views, I really appreciate that. Have a great week ahead and yes, happy giving too! 🙂

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