We are all born with certain specific personality traits.. and tend to thank or blame our parents for them (depending on what they are)!
Having been a student of Psychology and lived for 62 years it is obvious that character traits like anger can get passed down from parents and children.. but then again so can patience.. a love for food can be hereditary while a love for alcohol is not quite as commonly seen!
We often inherit physical characteristics from our parents like the colour of our eyes.. the shape of our noses and even their body structure.. which can be both.. a good and a not so good thing!
I am personally fascinated by how every human being in the world is a distinctly unique individual.. and that too.. in every way possible - physical mental intellectual social emotional and spiritual..
The diversity in quirks flaws and perceptions is especially very interesting.. I like to believe that we are all "works in progress" and always have the option of working on ourselves to grow learn and evolve into better human beings..
Something interesting happened last week and I would like to share it as it was a major learning for me.. I hosted some friends for a music show and thereafter to dinner at one of my favourite restaurants.. When the bill came to the table.. one friend tried to ask if we could go "Dutch" to which I gave my standard cheesy reply of "We'll go Dutch when we go to Holland"! And that was the end of it.. or so I thought..
Somewhere it bothered me that she felt the need to even ask.. and it made me feel like the friendship became almost but not quite.. transactional.. I had invited them knowing they would love the show and the dinner.. so why did she ask at all.. We spoke about it and cleared it which was great but set me thinking..
My realization was that I have for the longest time had a problem accepting (because I am by default a "giver") be it with presents compliments credit or anything! "Giving" is actually my "love language" and everyone is not like me!
Generosity is a wonderful virtue and especially when it is paired with gratitude.. and no one's keeping score! There doesn't have to be a rupee spent in order to be generous! Generosity can be inviting someone over for a nice home cooked meal.. spending time sitting with a sick friend in hospital.. sending flowers for no particular reason.. visiting an elderly relative just to spend time.. sharing something beautiful you have read with someone who would enjoy it..
Generosity can and should be expressed through kindness and concern.. through food.. hugs.. handwritten notes.. surprise messages and relaxed conversations.. It can be shown in so many ways.. and you can keep finding new and interesting ways to do it!
In today's world we all have enough space in our hearts for a little more understanding.. care.. support.. time to spend with special people.. laughter.. light and most of all.. LOVE!!
Whatever you have to give.. go out there and give it to the people who need it.. want it.. are open to receive it and are truly grateful for it! Give freely and generously and be prepared for the tsunami that will come your way in return!
Thank you so much (as always) for reading and if you choose to write a comment.. please share your name before or after you write it! God bless always!!
