Day 15 - Generosity

It’s a humble, quiet spirit that perseveres patiently. As a 20th century monk, Thomas Merton explains: “...it bears with everything gladly without complaint because it no longer stops to reflect that there is anything to bear.” 

Leading with a generous spirit means more than giving of yourself. It’s about leading with freedom. It’s taking that little scorecard we all keep in our pockets—the calculating one that keeps tabs on who owes what and when—and ripping it into oblivion—letting it gently fly away on a breeze, never giving it a second thought. It goes beyond forgiving someone’s wrongs; it’s believing in someone’s future, and with a full heart, helping them grasp it. ...read full reflection here.

Action Step:

Where in your life are you currently giving, but your giving is tainted by guilt or fear of disappointment? Think about how you can transform this relationship so that you can experience a greater level of freely given generosity.

Generosity Tips:

- Give the gift of your interest throughout the day in small ways. Make eye contact with the people you transact with throughout the day (servers, cashiers etc) and take a genuine interest in them as a person.

- Give the gift of your presence. Fight to be totally focused on the person in front of you throughout the day, giving them your undivided attention.

- Everyday, do one act that you know is valuable to someone else, just to build the habit of serving. Bonus points if they won’t know it was you, or if it’s something you don’t naturally like doing.

- Think of someone you need to forgive. Everyday take five minutes to think about what their life is like and the difficulties they face. At the end of the month journal about your experience.

- Give up gossiping for one month. Take it one step forward and don’t say anything negative about someone or something unless it’s truly necessary. Try to give people the benefit of the doubt; voice this benefit of the doubt, and change the subject if a conversation is intent on detracting from the person.