I’ve been thinking today a bit about GIVING…over the past several years I’ve really been blessed because of what I’ve GIVEN to God, to my friends, to my clients and to perfect strangers who’ve found me on the internet through a blog post, picture, etc …it is true that when you GIVE you do RECEIVE.
…Giving also can create vulnerability: Giving opens us up to be hurt, disappointed or feeling like we’ve been taken for granted. I’ve often felt hurt or disappointed and that my giving has been taken for granted many times — BUT!— the Blessings I’ve received from GIVING always outweigh the pain. Staying focused on the positives of giving always makes me want to give more and help more people and love more!! I don’t ever want to get jaded or fearful regarding how my GIVING will be received. Don’t EVER be Afraid to GIVE!! Your blessings will COME!!
I’ve had a couple GREAT days~ Tues night we had another family bonfire and then yesterday Travis “kidnapped” me for a date day~ we had a BLAST together just talking and loving each other! It was wonderful!!! We didn’t workout yesterday, but we did make it there today for a chest workout.
AND GUESS WHAT??!!! we had an amazing workout = some more great bonding time!! LOVE IT!
The rest of my day has been spent on website stuff and cleaning my house. I am also planning on going running after my salmon digests smile
keep on GIVING !!
Love,
Michelle
I’m sorry to hear that…you will find that some people always take givers for granted, but if you focus on those who truly appreciate you- you’ll find you joy in giving again. PLUS, you are NOT GIVING for them, you are giving for yourself and for God 🙂
Glad you got to have a fun date day!
I probably dont give as much as I should anymore after years of being taken advantage of constantly, I think I just got tired of always being there/doing for others.. its probably well past time to get over myself and open my heart back up to a giving spirit!
Hope you had a fantastic run 🙂
Amen!!!
Giving is so important and the blessings that come back in return can be great. The bible states is clearly when it says ‘it is better to give than to receive’. It is so true. I have to focus on giving more, no matter how big or small.
Hey!! This week has been an emotional one with all the storms and the victims so close to us. I am a huge giver, I love to give much more than receive. It makes my heart smile to help others. But, yes, you can be taken advantage of. I read a book called Boundaries when I lived in Atlanta and owned my own business. Michelle, it is a Christian book and it changed my way of thinking! I am actually heading to Joplin in an hour to help today. Please keep praying people…..God is going to do great things through these tragedies. Love you girls. Gotta run!
It IS Better!! God Bless you!
We are in the western most part of KY and Joplin, although a few hours away was just too close to home. My mother’s job is stationed out of Joplin and it took some time to reach her but thankfully she’s ok. With all the tornadoes and flooding (we live directly on the converge of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers) people are really needing the help from GIVERS. I have some family that lost there homes completely in the floods this year. I have a lot of friends also heading to Joplin to help. I have three children, two of which are still very young so I do what I can from home. Last night was a pretty bad situation, we almost had a large devestating tornado in near by Paducah KY.
A much needed post today, Michelle! As I too am working to find balance between joyously giving where it’s needed and setting boundaries with people who are capable of doing for themselves but have decided that’s it’s easier to have me do everything for them. It is difficult because I find it’s easy to begin to close off around the subject of giving. So just recently I’ve been very focused on finding ways to donate both money and time to worthwhile causes. Now I just have to get better about setting boundaries – would love to hear how others do that with extended family members who take advantage. Thanks for the inspiration, Michelle! 🙂
I strive to be better at giving. It does make a person feel good on both ends of the spectrum. Something I am going to work on.
Currently feeling a little selfish though as I have a competition this weekend and am in serious depletion mode. ugh!
I relate to Kelli C. But, even tho I have been taken advantage of many times I have such a big, giving heart so I just keep giving and giving others the benefit of a doubt.
Amen! Giving, whatever it may be, takes the focus off self and on to others. It also reminds us to be thankful of what we have been given; without which we would not be able to give in the first place!
I have been taken advantage of so many times for my warm, giving heart. An incident happened in December that left me a wreck – but it caused me to look at myself (the true me) and begin this journey of self knowledge that I have been on for a while, but was accelerated via this incident. I can tell you now I am stronger, know me so well, know what my priorities are, and know that the true me is loving and kind. Yes people will take advantage of me at times, but they are the ones with issues. This week I stood up to a bully and wow they were shell shocked. I am strong, and I step into my power with grace, kindess and lovingness for me and my family.
Again, you made a very timely post. I was kind of talking about this to a friend this morning. I try to give as much as I can, whether it’s advice, just an ear to listen, hand-me-downs, friendship, whatever. Like you, I don’t want a “payback.” I do it because it feels good to be nice to others and because I want that to be part of my legacy. One of the wonderful women at my gym’s daycare is moving to another gym and today is her last day. We’ll miss her terribly, so I had my two-year-old daughter choose a flowering potted plant to take her to show her our appreciation and how much we’ll miss her. It was a simple gesture, but one that meant as much to me as it did to her and I think it’s teaching my children to give, too.
Sorry I haven’t been posting or commenting much, I’ve been really busy and since the weather broke here, the kids want to be outside every waking second! I love it, but my house is a mess and my work isn’t getting done. Yikes!
Congrats on the PB! That’s awesome! It’s really cool to see a seasoned pro like you reach new highs. It gives me hope. Again, congrats. You’re such an inspiration!
Again, you made a very timely post. I was kind of talking about this to a friend this morning. I try to give as much as I can, whether it’s advice, just an ear to listen, hand-me-downs, friendship, whatever. Like you, I don’t want a “payback.” I do it because it feels good to be nice to others and because I want that to be part of my legacy. One of the wonderful women at my gym’s daycare is moving to another gym and today is her last day. We’ll miss her terribly, so I had my two-year-old daughter choose a flowering potted plant to take her to show her our appreciation and how much we’ll miss her. It was a simple gesture, but one that meant as much to me as it did to her and I think it’s teaching my children to give, too.
Sorry I haven’t been posting or commenting much, I’ve been really busy and since the weather broke here, the kids want to be outside every waking second! I love it, but my house is a mess and my work isn’t getting done. Yikes!
Congrats on the PB! That’s awesome! It’s really cool to see a seasoned pro like you reach new highs. It gives me hope. Again, congrats. You’re such an inspiration! You’re the one who gives me hope that I’ll finally get my tummy back, better than it was before kids and without surgery! Thank you for all you do.
Great article!! You are a great person, and the harvest is coming!!
Great article. Of course, if we think about our Lord and Saviour, He was the ultimate GIVER! He tells us to follow HIS example. How can I do that if I am not a giver? Thank you Lord for teaching us to focus on living like you. GIVE, GIVE, GIVE.
Thanks for the blog.
I love to give 🙂 I feel like i am recieving just by giving. I love to see the smile that comes with the giving. Making others happy is such a great feeling. (BTW – Love that photos with the wildflowers!)
I have taken a short hiatus from the blog but not the workouts – thanks again for the inspiring articles and comments from all! I recently weighed myself at the pediatrician’s office – yes, I sneaked in a weight check at my daughter’s well child check (heh, heh) – 137 lbs with goal of 135 but more importantly working to define the thighs and reduce belly fat – boy – that latter one is getting tougher as I age! But the positive peer pressure and community challenge is fun and motivating! Thanks again all BuffMothers (in mind and body)! Alma
Loved the blog post today. Giving for me is the best when the person isn’t expecting a thing….like making homemade cookies and taking it to the neighbors. It’s fun to see their happiness from something unexpected. Have a blessed day:)
Great inspiring post. Thanks for always keeping it real!
U R always inspiring!!!!!!
I love giving secretly … just little notes to cheer up someone or a gift, no matter how small, left in their mailbox. Really does boost others’ spirits in great ways! And that makes me happy :).
I LOVE to give! I gave a girl from our church who just lost her mother… a beautiful statue from hallmark of a mother with angel wings holding her daughter in her arms… with the saying”I am her for you…Always”… I don’t know the girl very well, but when I seen this I knew I had to send it to her. I mailed it anonomously… and it brought me SO MUCH JOY!!!!
Awww thanks Tania!! you are always so kind and thoughtful!! <3
you are like a spy!!
Christy, you just gave me goose bumps!! that was so awesome of you!!
This is one that I need to work on, giving. Thanks for the great article!
I’m sure you’ll will be successful in that goal!!
I think people who dont give end up feeling pretty empty and alone. It is hard to find joy in only caring for your own agenda. It is always better when you can share yourself your experience with others. Gives you more purpose and fulfillment. Thanks for the reminder.
Once again you are spot on with your message about giving. I love to be able to give and do for other and it was hard for me at times to have others give and do for me without me returning it. Then a wise friend from church said that by others giving God will bless them and if I don’t receive I could be robbing them of their blessing. So really even when others give to us we are helping them and that is giving too, lol. Have a great day.
GREAT testimony Dawn!! I love it!!
great point and a reminder to accept love from others!!
It is true that when you give your get back in 10-fold. I’ve seen it happen many times. Since I quit working 6-years ago, my husband and me became foster-parents and by doing that we have been given two wonderful boys. One by adoption and one by surprise (our added bonus who was suppose to be impossible to make). We do not have much $$ now with me staying home, but I know when we give $$ we see it returned almost immediately in some way. It’s fun to watch happen…