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Yesterday I had the awesome opportunity of speaking in front of the wonderful people at Lakeshore Technical College. It was such a kick to get in front of a large group of people and talk about how we can all tap into our true inner greatness and realize our authentic selves. It was so much fun!
I shared a laugh with the group yesterday as I laid out my “antidote” to mental mediocrity, because one of the ingredients was to “silently leave everyone a gift.” I explained that my wife, Shelly, had chuckled when she read that line because she thought that I meant to leave a “silent, but deadly gift,” as in walking into a room and releasing noxious bodily fumes. 🙂 No, that’s not what I meant, Shelly!
When we give, we receive. Giving is like receiving, and receiving is like giving. The only difference is within the direction that they run. To withhold something is to stagnate the laws of the universe. If we choke off our giving, and we hold on to that which we fear losing, the stagnation is not normal, and we also choke off our receiving.
As I had explained to the audience, one of the easiest ways to ensure that we are continually giving is to silently leave everyone a gift. If you are in the store, and you are at the cash register, you can silently wish the cashier happiness, health, and prosperity. If you walk into a large room, even if people don’t know you are there or even if you don’t exist, you can wish them happiness, health, and prosperity. If you are meditating and your thoughts fall upon your family or community or state or the entire human population, you can wish mankind happiness, health, and prosperity. You can even wish that mankind be free of suffering.
It’s a simple way to be a “giver.” When we give, we receive. The more we give, the more we will receive in return. It’s the way the universe operates.
This also is so helpful when trying to de-escalate any negative emotion that may be arising within you. The way I look at it, it’s hard to be angry or upset or resentful toward someone if you are wishing them well. As a matter of fact, I would think it’s virtually impossible to be angry at someone while genuinely hoping that they are happy, healthy, and prosperous. To wish someone well calms the emotional brain, deflates the ego, and returns us to a point of pure potentiality and greatness.
It’s that simple gift — a gift made in silence, that can bring true happiness, health, and prosperity in our direction, simply because we were so willing to give in the first place.
Give it a try — wish unto others much happiness, health, and prosperity, and see what happens. I’ll bet you’ll feel better right away, because, after all, it feels good to be generous and give something to others!
I do sincerely with you much happiness, health, and prosperity! May you bless others with your gift — your gift made in silence. May your positivity and goodwill be a shining example for those around you, and may you be blessed with great things in return!
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Victor, you did an outstanding job presenting yesterday! All who know you, know that you “walk the talk”, you are a respected leader with insights to spark the best in people. Thank you for being you!!
Vicki,
Those are very kind words, and I appreciate them very much! Thank you for reading and thanks for your continued support! I am so grateful!
Take care!
Fabulous Victor, what a great gift you gave the folks at Lakeshore Technical College. You planted a wonderful seed, which if nurtured will bloom and make their world a better place…and ours too. As you say giving and receiving are opposite sides of the same coin. We are all nourished and blessed by it.
Elle
xoxo
Elle,
You are absolutely right — we are nourished and blessed by giving and receiving. Well put! Thank you! 🙂
Victor,
This is so powerful when taken literally.
Sunday it was 112 and H-O-T in AZ. Our doorbell rang and standing in front of me was a man in his very late 80’s. Maybe even early 90’s. He a hat on that said he was a vet. He asked for a donation and told me the name of the rescue mission he was from and that he was collecting to get homeless men off the streets. Sweat pouring from his brow as he spoke. He was also on foot. Probably someone dropped him off at the start of the block.
My gut said it was a lie but I couldn’t say no. I gave him $25. Even thought part of me wondered who are you “really” and how did you get to my doorstep.
When he left I wondered if I did the right thing. Some would call me stupid. I went and googled the name of the mission and sure enough it didn’t exist.
“If we choke off our giving, and we hold on to that which we fear losing, the stagnation is not normal, and we also choke off our receiving.”
So why did I give anyway knowing that his story wasn’t true? I don’t have any fear of “losing.” I have more than enough to share. I put myself in his shoes. Maybe it was his age and my dad was a vet.
It’s just the way I live and it’s worked for me. I don’t know.
We moved to AZ five years ago. We have (had) a cottage in northern Michigan that we rent in the summers. We couldn’t sell it when we left. In April we put it up for sale again. Monday (no kidding) Monday morning we got an offer. We counter offered yesterday. I do believe it’s sold. We’ll find out for sure today.
Could my generous act on Sunday (or stupid as some would say) have tipped the scale in my favor?
I think your suggestion of giving is a very powerful way to give. I love to do it in the car especially when someone is driving crazy and I get mad. I catch myself, remember the times I’ve done the same and wish the person well.
“The more you give, the more you will receive, because you will keep the abundance of the universe circulating in your life.” ~Deepak Chopra
Thoughts?
Tess,
What a neat story (and congratulations on receiving the offer)! I am wondering if your generosity did pay off. Sure sounds like it could be the case! Either way, I am sure it felt good to give to that man, and it feels good to receive the offer, right? 🙂
I hear you there with driving. The other week someone didn’t like my maneuvering on the road, and gave me the one-finger salute. I just wished them well in my mind. I feel better knowing I was a giver and wishing someone well, rather than going for an eye for an eye, if you know what I mean.
I appreciate your stopping by and sharing your wonderful story. I hope all is well. Take care, and I am sure we’ll talk soon!
-Victor
Hi Victor,
Cottage sold!
AWESOME! Congratulations!!! 🙂
Hi Victor,
I do believe in Karma and as we send out those positive messages, the goodness returns to us in unexpected ways. Everyone at the start of their life was a positive person filled with positivity. Though life experiences, have some been scarred, hardened and negative. If we can send our gifts to them, possibly it will lighten their load for even just a moment. If we receive something back, that’s a bonus. Thanks for sharing an important post.
Cathy,
You’re right — if we give without the expectation of receiving something back, it’s a great way to operate. If we do get something back, like you said, it is a bonus.
Thanks for coming by! I appreciate it! 🙂
“The more you give, the more you will receive, because you will keep the abundance of the universe circulating in your life.” ~Deepak Chopra (via Victor Schueller).
Thats very sure keep up gdy.
I love this. My favorite part… it’s hard to be angry or upset or resentful toward someone if you are wishing them well. As a matter of fact, I would think it’s virtually impossible to be angry at someone while genuinely hoping that they are happy, healthy, and prosperous.
Thanks Victor
David,
I am so glad you stopped by, and I appreciate the comment and feedback! I look forward to speaking with you on Monday! Take care!
I so loved reading this post on giving and receiving. Your idea of silent giving is wonderful! What a great way to bless people and all the better that you are doing it purely from a sense of love rather than wanting something in return. Lovely!
Thank you Carolyn! I am glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading! 🙂
A beautiful post, Victor. Giving is a gift. I love this quote: “The more you give, the more you will receive, because you will keep the abundance of the universe circulating in your life.” Thank you !
Thank you Vidya! I appreciate your kind words and supportive feedback! 🙂