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The Power of Giving

By on February 15, 2018
Giving

By Sara Fabian

“The heart that gives, gathers”, wrote Tao Te Ching.

In fact, giving is a form of receiving. Sometimes the act of giving comes out as a way of being, deeply connected to a sense of true meaning and purpose. I get to know that every single time I meet with a client. My work is my way of giving love to the world and making it a better place. Seeing other women celebrating their growth and achievements – it makes my heart sing.

One of the things I find amazing with many people is their ability and willingness to serve. Some donate money to charity organizations. Some offer their time to help – and what a precious gift that is, as time means life, and never coming back! Some offer their skills and talents pro-bono to people in need of their services. One thing such compassionate people have in common is their big heart, and they all say giving is a great source of fulfillment.

Practicing connection and service to others can involve formal volunteering but it doesn’t have to. It can mean only looking for opportunities to help and cultivating an open-hearted attitude towards other people. Just think of a smile that can brighten someone’s day. A good word you’ve heard in times you were sad. Feel the freedom of being with someone who takes you exactly the way you are. No judging, no labeling, and no expectations.

Being kind doesn’t cost anything. It’s free and it brings us closer to our true nature: unconditional love. Besides that, it is very good for our health. Research has shown that a simple act of kindness directed towards another improves the functioning of the immune system and stimulates the production of serotonin in both the recipient of kindness and the person extending it.

Life taught me that kindness starts with ourselves. Yes, there was a time in my life when I wasn’t treating myself with love and compassion. Saying yes to things I didn’t really want to do, to make others happy. Putting other people’s needs first, not daring to speak my truth, set healthy boundaries and say no. Telling myself things I would have never told a good friend: “you’re not good enough,” “this is too much or too expensive for you,” “you’re not worth it.”

One day, I found myself empty; I simply didn’t have anything more to give.

Taking care of our needs and desires in the same way you take care of others is not selfish, but fair. You are also a person. If anything in here sounds familiar, make sure to fill your tank first.

I am inviting you to reflect on these two questions:

What is one precious gift you commit to offering yourself in 2018?

It doesn’t necessarily have to be money related. It could be more time for yourself and some extra self-care, learning a new skill, practicing a new hobby or pursuing an old dream. Magic is something you make!

How can you serve the world, in your own way? What brings you genuine joy and fulfillment? What makes you feel alive?

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive.” – Harold Whitman

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my pictureSara Fabian is a Women’s Career and Empowerment Coach, trainer and inspirational speaker, on a mission to help professional women to discover their unique gifts and talents, boost their confidence, find their calling and live a meaningful life of purpose. In addition to her life coaching practice, Sara helps female leaders find their authentic voice, build on their strengths, and become the inspiring leaders everyone would want to follow. Her work appeared on Tiny Buddha, Positively Positive, Success Magazine, Goalcast, Thrive, and more.

For weekly inspiration, subscribe to her free newsletter at sarafabiancoaching.com or follow her on Facebook.

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