The more you give, the more you receive.
When we give stuff away, we make the world a better place.
Generous people feel better about themselves. They report a greater sense of life satisfaction and happiness. They build stronger relationships with others. Studies have even linked generosity to improved physical health.
Giving also benefits the receiver. We improve their lives. We fight to overturn injustice. We offer an example to the world of a better way to live. And spur others to do the same.
But maybe the greatest benefit of generosity is the realization that we already have enough.
Our society is held hostage by the pursuit of more. No matter how much we have, we always seem to need more—more stuff and more money.
We choose our careers for the sake of securing more. We spend the best hours of our day trying to obtain more. We get jealous when “less-deserving” people seem to have more. And we constantly worry about having enough.
But this constant desire for more is having damaging effects on our society. 71% of us report feeling stress about money. There are some who experience this anxiety because of legitimate financial need, but for most of us, this stress is misplaced. In a world where 6 billion people live on less than $13,000/year, most of our financial-related stress occurs because of artificially-manufactured need.
Generosity changes these thoughts and helps to remove this pursuit. It reveals to us how blessed we already are. It reminds us we already own more than we need. It shows us how much we have to give and how much good we can accomplish. It helps us see the needs of those we live alongside. And it offers a better alternative for our money than spending it on ourselves.
Generosity counters materialism and consumerism in our lives. It reminds us that we already have enough. It wars against greed and selfish pursuits. It aligns our life with higher purposes. And offers a better way to live.
Give more things away. Your life will feel lighter. Your heart will feel warmer. And the world will be better. (tweet that)
Make a financial donation to a charity you support. Donate clothing you don’t wear, sporting equipment you don’t use, books you have read, or furniture taking up space. Be generous with your time by volunteering at your local school, homeless shelter, or nonprofit of your choice.
Just give something away this week. And be reminded that you already have more than you need.
Your view on generosity is good, but it’s superficial. Yes, to give when you have a lot is necessary and good for your soul, makes you feel better about yourself and you get to help others. But TRUE generosity is giving when you don’t have anything, giving when you lack, giving when you know that is the last financial resource for your family and your support. Generosity is understanding that nothing that you have is yours, so you give it away because you know that the ONE who gave you all that stuff, will always provide for you. Jesus never talked about those people that gave away of the “extra” that they had, but he praised a widow that gave all she had… True Generosity opens the gates of heaven!
Hear what you r saying. However, everything is a step in right direction.
People are still kind if they give away their stuff even though they have enough. Alot of people do.not think of others, and throw their things away like trash. If you donate you are a good soul. Even though you are not poor.
I do not find generousity in giving away what you need. That is just stupid! People that give instead of throw away are still kind even though they have enough.
I don’t think you are familiar with Joshua Becker or his work. If you were, you’d know that your opening statement is out of line.
Really, *really* appreciate this. We never, ever have garage or moving sales – we regularly pass on or donate our excess. We try very hard to have at least two charities on a monthly donation rotation, plus make lump donations to others a few times a year. Yet I still “worry” about money like any other average person. We have no debt to speak of, so I’m not sure where it comes from. I think the more you share, the less you worry, so I need to make it a priority in my life!
So many things are leaving my house. Boxes are filling up kitchen on way to car to charity. Cleaned three closets. More to be packed up later today.
I’m new to following your blog so perhaps you have already written about the Buy Nothing Project (http://buynothingproject.org/about/mission-and-principles/). It very much aligns with your thoughts on this article, in that it facilitates giving and receiving, sharing and building community at a “hyper-local” level. Buy Nothing groups form within communities and people give away (no selling allowed) items they no longer need to people who are seeking those items. It is truly heartwarming to see the generous giving, deep gratitude and community of friends that has come up through this group.
There is truly no substitution for the “high” that you feel when you do something that is for the benefit of someone else. Try it, then try to replicate the feeling with ANYTHING…I mean ANYTHING. It cannot be done. Joy takes all forms, but to arrive in the joy of generosity…….there is only one path.
We retired when I was 53 and husband was 55. We were offered 40% of our pay as a pension. Since we had finished putting our children through college, they helped with scholarships, work study, etc. we took the deal. We each took part time jobs for about 10 years and now we are completely retired. You don’t need much money if you live simply and plan. We don’t have or need many clothes, take public transportation, and use the library and volunteer a lot. Since we had never lived on all our income and about 1/2 went to either savings or college expenses we’re still putting money away. We never made $100,000 even combined. Don’t be afraid to retire. Minimalism makes a lot of things easier.
I know this is an old post, but I just read it. Thank you so much for this story – you are living the plan we have made for ourselves, still a few years away for us. I’m so glad to hear how well it works! Just how we imagine it to be.
Hi Tina,
It’s the day after Thanksgiving and also the day of mindless buying for the holidays. For me, it’s a day of contemplation. I saved the link to Becoming Minimalist and read that you retired early with less than half of your pay and seem not to miss much. I will retire with less than half of my pay and it’s scary. I wish I have your courage.