“In every encounter we either give life or we drain it; there is no neutral exchange.” – Brennan Manning
Of all the gifts that we could ever give to another person, none holds more potential than giving life itself. And I love the idea that every interaction I have with another human being offers me that grand opportunity.
It doesn’t matter if my next encounter is a short conversation, an email, a meal, or a 4-hour business meeting, it always offers me the same opportunity… to brighten another’s existence by breathing life into theirs.
Once correctly understood and applied, this simple, profound thought calls us to be more intentional, more thoughtful, and more persistent. It calls us to…
- Smile more.
- Hug more.
- Give more compliments.
- Write more love notes.
- Offer more forgiveness.
- Ask more follow-up questions.
- Show more interest.
- Have more compassion.
- Talk to more children.
- Remember more names.
- Leave bigger tips.
- Use kinder words.
- Laugh at more jokes.
- Make more eye contact.
- Treat others to more coffee.
- Listen more intently.
- Give more time.
- Stop to catch-up longer.
- Promote others more often.
- Be more optimistic.
- Be more sympathetic.
- Be more patient.
- Celebrate more successes.
- Ask to pray more often.
- Dream bigger dreams for others.
- Cook more meals.
- Ask elders for more advice.
- Spend more time reminiscing with old friends.
- Donate more to charity.
- Remember more details.
- Sing more songs.
- Display more affection.
- Give more apologies.
- Focus less on differences.
- Invite more to come along.
- Read more books to your child.
- Offer to help more often.
- Trust more.
- Give more responsibility.
- Say more thank-you’s.
Give more life. Because there, you’ll find more for yourself as well.
Thank you for this article. I will try to implement some of the points therein. Would you help me know what exactly point no. 34 means/ entails?
Thank you!
I think, while simple -some overly simple- these are great.
It’s a great start to give to those around you who you love: a smile, a hug, a listening ear or two and time.
I believe Rob is correct that a couple of these could lead to dangerous encounters – angry parents for example and trust me, not everyone will like nor understand why you’re being nice, smiling or even talking to them, wasting their time, “looking like a loser”, etc…but these starting points are indeed fantastic!
The world needs more people to go a little slower, take more time to look, listen, learn and understand and take action/give. Most of these simple starting points will help or inspire others to take action, give or help. A smile can be contagious.
Do look up “Bucket Fillers”!!!! And keep up the good work.
Peace
Medal of honor weapons
Bilety lotnicze do Londynu