Take a deep breath.
Here is 1 creation, 1 quote, and 1 question to consider this week.
1 Creation From Me
“Why does generosity feel SO good?” - A short story
I was walking at the Saturday market here in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, and picked up a bag of clementines — three big, nice big clementines.
Taking a shortcut to the other end of the market, there was a man lying on the ground with half a leg, in the middle of the sidewalk. And as I’m walking past, he’s staring at me, and I’m staring at him.
And I realized, the old version of me might’ve just walked by — or maybe even got upset.
But this time, I just looked at him in his eyes and asked if he wanted a clementine.
He lit up.
Then he sat right up, took the fruit, and started peeling it and eating it with the biggest smile on his face.
And I walked away… and pretty much lost it.
This work of being generous isn’t hard.
It doesn’t take a lot.
I know that he needed a Clementine, but he also needed someone to just look at him, give him some respect, pay him some dignity, and treat him like a fellow human being.
It doesn’t take much, and I know it felt good for him.
Clearly, it felt good for me too.
It doesn’t have to be giving something tangible… it could just be a smile, or recognition, or holding the door for someone, or just treating someone with a little more kindness who might look a little different.
So I ask you, how could you be a little more generous in your life? Use it as an experiment — I’m just blown away at how good it feels to be more generous.
I’d love to hear about your own experiences as well.
1 Quote From Another
American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou answers the question about why it feels so good to give:
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
Source: The Sweetness of Charity
1 Question For Your Soul
How can you be more generous today — and how does it make you FEEL?
If this resonated, pass it along to someone who might need it today. Let’s grow this circle!
Until next time, freethinkers…stay present, be pleasant, and have an amazing day!
Mike Messeroff
Founder of The Carpe Diem Company + Personal Freedom Coach + Speaker
Creator of The Self-Hospitality Collective
Author of Dogs Get It: Advice I learned from my best friend
Connect with me (@mikemesseroff) on your favorite social media platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube. For speaking inquiries, collaborations, questions, or anything else, email me.
