Photo Credit: Aphrodite/Creative Commons
I’m a giver.
It’s not something I intentionally set out to do. I think it’s just part of my DNA. Giving is something that challenges me to be a better person. It blesses others, and in turn, blesses me.
I don’t know that I always feel like giving. Although inherent for some, I believe it’s a trait we must hone. (And note: I do think we should set healthy boundaries, which is another post entirely.)
I was raised by givers. My daddy’s a retired minister, and he and my momma worked for decades in other helping professions. They toiled long hours and ministered on and off the church field, modeling selflessness in our home, as well as in the community they served. In their secular vocations especially, my parents rallied to the battle cries of the wounded.
Though going beyond wasn’t in their job description, my parents often did. It was their mindset. The very heartbeat of who they were and are.
I’m thankful for my parents’ influence. Being brought up with a “helping” mentality kept me grounded and groomed me for those times where “easy” wasn’t an option.
Giving wasn’t forced. It was our family’s way of life.
Because of Daddy and Momma’s example and my own life philosophy, I notice other givers. I’m aware of those special folks who go the distance for others despite the sacrifice involved.
And since I never want to take expended effort for granted, I think it’s only fitting we pause now and then and thank our encouragers. Whether they’re aware or not, they brighten our day and bolster our spirit.
Writing is such a solitary life, and for many writers, one day can easily meld into the next.
Even with our fictional characters and computer screens for company, sometimes the doldrums set in. We may lose ourselves in our story worlds, but stories don’t take the place of real life.
Writers need real words.
Praise.
Support.
Motivation.
We need friends who will remind us why we write.
It may sound self-serving, but writers thrive on encouragement. A blog comment, a phone call, a retweet, or a “like” might be the very thing to light our creative fire. Those seemingly tiny efforts are like nuggets of gold to our weary writer soul, and it’s those little things that make a huge impact.
That’s why I wanted to say a very heartfelt thank you today to my “givers.”
Friends, I appreciate you!
You make the journey sweeter.
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What have you learned about giving?
What are some things that perk you up?
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How the act of giving improves our mindset: (Click to Tweet)
Photo Credit: Aphrodite/Creative Commons
Here’s to a great weekend!
Blessings Always,
Comments 3
Great post – and very brave, in going into a writer’s soul.
The people that raised me were takers, and I learned about giving from an early loathing of their behaviour. Odd – one might expect a child to follow in footsteps, but it was the opposite here.
I’m beginning to suspect that encouragement for others is the most important thing we can provide, and that it’s our highest calling. (After all, the Holy Ghost is called an ‘encourager’ when translated correctly.)
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Andrew, so thankful you’ve been able to break free from the chains of your past–your courage is inspiring! I think the folks who go through the toughest seasons are some of the greatest encouragers I know.
You’re a blessing!
Always better to give then to receive.