spirit musings: “what’s in it for me?”
As if you didn’t know this already. Most people’s modus operandi is based on one operative word: me.
…at the end of the day we all want to know what’s in it for me. How many of us are only willing to roll up our sleeves only if it involves a check? How many of us give with “phantom strings” attached? How many of us want “the ultimate hookup” of something for nothing?” How many of us comment on blogs only because we want a link back to our own? How many of us want want want without ever thinking twice about sharing? I’m not talking about you. I’m talking about your neighbor.
We’ve all heard about the joy of giving and how rewarding it is. But only a few of us sincerely believe that unconditional giving is a force of nature that truly works in our divine favor. Most of us lean towards giving with conditions and or strings attached. It’s a frame of heart and mind that causes us to chase our own tail and makes us wonder why the good things don’t happen for us quick enough. Then we really get pissed.
There are only two emotions: love and fear. When we we give based on strings it is a subtle form of manipulation. Manipulation is fear. When we give through a tiny yet powerful act called love we understand that what we give to others we give to ourselves whether its reciprocated or not. When we give from love the good things overflow in abundance.
49 Second Solution: We all slip up when it comes to the “what’s in it for me?’ syndrome. Recognize when you are giving from a place of love and a when you are giving from place of fear. Give selflessly and expect nothing in return. Yup. It’s that simple. But only practice makes perfect.
Posted by gt on January 28, 2009
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Harlem Chic — January 28, 2009 @ 12:33 pm
As always…the truth is really real. I like what you said about a subtle form of manipulation…*dang*… guilty as charged…but like you said…we all slip…
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Harlem Chic — January 28, 2009 @ 12:33 pm
I like that picture you used with the post…nice!
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Modern Mommy — January 28, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
Great Post! And I like what you said about practice making perfect…Love and Fear…thanks for giving me something to think about…
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Sadia — January 28, 2009 @ 1:11 pm
Wow.
This is great.
Love that GT addresses the spirit– which we sometimes forget is such an integral part of building a healthy, happy home– both aesthetically and energetically.
Cheers!
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First L8dy — January 28, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
Whew. I thought you had been watching me! LOL. Give selflessly and expect nothing in return, BUT, while also not letting that be an open invitation for us to be taken advantage of. So many people know my heart is good so I find more often than not that they try use that against me.
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gt — January 28, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
First Lady. I agree. Having boundaries are of the utmost importance. But fear not; when you give without conditions it always comes back.
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ChocolateOrchid — January 28, 2009 @ 1:53 pm
ITA! Beautiful post! Especially, the part about the “two emotions”.
This is a great reminder to keep our hearts and minds in the right place!! Thanks so much! I needed this!
Loves it!
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TJ — January 28, 2009 @ 4:12 pm
I’m going to do that
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Ramona — January 28, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
Thanks.
~Ramona
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Simone — January 28, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
Great post as always GT.
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Cheryl — April 2, 2009 @ 11:06 am
Awesome post! We all need to be reminded of this more often.
There is a special thrill in helping others…in getting past ME.
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Kwana — April 7, 2009 @ 8:36 am
Wonderful post. Thanks.
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Justice Jonesie — April 13, 2009 @ 11:40 pm
So true! Will have to remember this more often.
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