When was the last time you gave someone a gift or something?

How did it make you feel?

But why do we give in the first place? Most often we give someone a gift or a present as what the westerners call it basically because we want that someone to have it or simply because we want to give it.

But for me there’s more than that. I give because I appreciate the person. I give because I want to help. Sometimes I give because I have to.  But you may have tons of reasons why you want to give.  It depends on your perception on what giving is all about. You may or may not give something for someone’s birthday and that’s OK, too.

But there’s a danger when we give something with some “strings” attached to it. Or maybe problems crop up when we give with certain conditions. Sometimes, people would ask what happened to their gifts, or even look for it. “How come I don’t see you wearing the red shirt I gave you last Christmas?  Well, when I give a shirt, I don’t ask or look for it because I’m pretty sure that it will be appreciated and most likely be worn always, haha. Kidding aside, I don’t need to look for it but honestly I’ll be happy if I see it and that’s appreciation.  But appreciation for me can also be a simple smile, a short “thank you” note, an email, a wink of your left eye (hahaha) or even nothing, it’s not a problem.  When I give you something, I don’t want you to feel that you owe me or you have to give me something in return. It’s a no for me ^^ I give to make people happy and feel being appreciated.

It’s the same thing when we are giving advices, sacrifices or even when sometimes we give up our time or opportunities in favor of our family and friends.  There are times we tend to remind them on what we have done or we always look back for what we have sacrificed for them. We may not know but we’re making them feel differently. And I don’t feel comfortable about it. Yes, I’m a provider.

I’ve been working far away from home not only for me but for my family of course.  But this is my choice to give and to provide for them.

I don’t even tell them because I don’t need to.  As long as I can see fruits of my labor in them (but not a requirement tho haha), as long as I get hugs and big smiles every time I’m with them, I feel being much appreciated. And seeing them happy is enough.  We can always give without thinking of getting something in return, otherwise we’re not giving at all, we’re exchanging.

There are lots of opportunities to give and help others.  Someone may need our love.  Someone may be financially distressed. Someone may simply need a hug.  Someone may want to be heard and given some attention.  Though giving costs us time and money.  It can even push us to move out of our comfort zones sacrificing our own needs.  But the moment we give, we see bright smiles, laughter, tears, joy, gratitude, and appreciation.  Give more, appreciate more – because the rewards of giving are priceless.

Happy Christmas! =)