Sincere Generosity

The word Generosity can be intimidating. I always end up with visuals of giving until it hurts.

Literally.

Hurts.

I struggle with fears of not having enough. The word Generosity triggers these feelings of lack for me. This is something that is shameful. It goes against my very nature of lovingkindness and giving.

So, how do I combat this?

I reframe how I think of generosity. Being generous means not only generous in a material way, but in spirit, word and deed.

Spiritually generous is a beautiful mindset. For me, that means being accepting of others, regardless of where they are at, loving them just as they are, with no agenda, with no motive to try to change their mind or "save" them. Even when we vehemently disagree on spiritual issues and ideals, I can have love for you. I can send you love and kindness and prayers for your happiness.

Generous in word is speaking kindly to all. Being able to offer a kind word when you see someone is hurting or struggling. The willingness to say "I care for you". Or being able to pump your fist in celebration of someone elses' triumph, even if you are a teeny tiny bit jealous or envious. That is true generosity.

Generous in deed, holding the door for someone, a genuine smile for a stranger, pick up that piecce of trash on the ground, a hug or a touch, all of these are generous acts. They can make all the difference for someone else.

Some of these are things we do everyday and we do not acknowledge them for the acts of Sincere Generosity that they are. Pay attention to these things that we do and that others do for us, acknowledge them for kindness, and do them more. When we are aware of our own generous spirit, we recoginize generosity in others and it grows.

When I think of generosity in these terms, it becomes less intimidating and more attainable.

This weeks challenge, Where can you be more sincerely generous in your life? Where can you acknowledge someone else's generosity?

Generous in spirit mind and deed,

Gabbi

Don't Be a Muggle

One of the things I have been thinking a lot about lately is re-framing my thoughts. Instead of thinking about all of the things I don't like or don't want, I am trying to think about the things, situations and feelings that I do want.

My theory is this, have you noticed when you buy a new car or someone you know buys a new car, you start seeing that car EVERYWHERE?

This is due NOT to the fact that people have suddenly all started buying that car, but because it is what is on our mind. We are aware of it, it is on our radar.

So, if I can put the good things in life that I want "on my radar", that is what I am going to be aware of.

Instead of thinking "I am sad" and then seeing all of the challenges in life that support that thought, I can think "I am so happy" and then I will see all of the wonderful things in life that support that thought.

Which statement do you want to find proof of being true? Happy or sad? Either one that you choose, your mind will find ways to let you know, YOU ARE RIGHT!

They talk about this in The Secret as The Law of Attraction. How your thoughts 'attract" things to you. By thinking them you draw them into your life.

I didn't like that. It didn't feel TRUE to me. It felt too good to be true. I cannot say "I am going to win the lottery" to myself 500 times a day and then have a reasonable expectation that I will win the lottery.

I can say "I am a happy person" to myself 500 times a day and have a reasonable expectation that I WILL be a happy person.

I have an issue with The Law of Attraction. It should be "The Law of Being Aware".

Once you put good things on your radar, you start seeing them. Now, your thought did not make the good things "magically" appear, but, it put those good things on your radar, so that you NOTICED they were there all along.

We choose to see what we want to see. If we start choosing to see the good, we feel and experience the good. Makes me think of how in Harry Potter, the wizards rarely worried about what the Muggles would see, because if it does not fit in with what they "expect" to see, then they don't see it. Their minds automatically dismiss it. We are much the same way, we have to re-frame our thoughts to EXPECT to see the good.

I have an exercise that I do that is kind of silly, but, I struggle with my self esteem at times. So, what I do, is whenever I walk around or look in the mirror I think in my head "Wow, she is so pretty." And I say it over and over. Everytime.

Now, this in itself does not make me pretty, but I do feel pretty. Feeling pretty allows me to walk with my head held high, a smile on my face for all I see, and a swish in my step that would not be there if I thought to myself "Man, I feel gross today."

What thought can you re-frame for yourself to be more positive? Pick one good thing that you will tell yourself over and over.

Here are some ideas:

I am so dang smart.

Gosh, I am funny.

I have the best hair.

I have fabulous taste.

My checkbook practically balances itself.

I am so important.

Let's all do a little Stuart Smalley, look in the mirror, and say how wonderful we are.

Gosh darn it; people like me,

Gabbi

Just for Today

Just for today: I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle all my problems at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today: I will be happy. This assume to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, *Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.*

Just for today: I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will Take my *luck* as it comes, and fit myself into it

Just for today:I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort. Thought and concentration.

Just for today: I will exercise my soul in three ways: it will do somebody a good turn and not get found out; if anybody know of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don't want to do-- just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt: they may be hurt but today I will not show it.

Just for today: I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, keep my voice low,be courteous,criticize not one bit. I won't find fault with anything, nor try to improve or regulate anybody else but myself.

Just for today: I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: Hurry and Indecision.

Just for today: I will have a quiet half hour all by myself, and relax. During this half hour, sometime I will try to get a better perspective of my life.

Just for today: I will be un-afraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful,and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give back to me.

I first heard this in an "Anonymous" meeting. I read it regularly, parts of it upon first reading were impossible to accept and even more impossible to live. But it is only impossible when I allow my ego, my desire to be right and my desire to be in control to dominate my character.

When I allow my naturally gracious nature to work it's magic, I can let go of my ego and my desire to be right and my desire to control and I can allow life to happen. The struggle disappears and I can just be who I am, truly and naturally.

Just for Today,

Gabbi