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Becoming
Matthew
February 7, 2025
"No need to pay, of course you can stay".
These simple words brought me to the verge of tears. For a moment, the noise of uncertainty faded. I felt free to breathe as the weight lifted from my shoulders and a feeling of weightlessness overcame me.
At that moment, I was given a great gift, no expectations, no transactions. Just generosity from a friend. A gift that meant more than words can express.
In a world that often feels transactional, a moment of pure generosity can fill your heart with joy. That is the power of giving.
On that day, I was tired and wary as I edged closer to the end of my travels. It was time to face the reality of starting life again and a sea of uncertainty lay ahead. For just a moment the burden was lifted from my shoulders. I was reminded of the impact real generosity has in a world that is full of transactional interactions. A world where we hesitate to ask for help in case there are strings attached or we incur a debt to repay.
True generosity, giving freely without expectation, reveals a glimpse of humanity's beauty. You have no doubt experienced someone's kindness yourself. These actions are not always grand in nature. But something as small as a smile, buying a coffee for a friend, or taking a moment to really listen, can leave a lasting impression.
I am reminded that there is so much power in generosity. A subtle power that we all have the ability to bring more of into this world.
Generosity means something different to each of us, so I turned to the internet for clarity. Unimpressed with the definitions I found, I decided to seek guidance from a higher power, ChatGPT.
ChatGPT: "Generosity is the act of giving freely and selflessly, without expecting anything in return. It extends beyond material wealth—generosity can be expressed through time, kindness, attention, and compassion. True generosity comes from a place of abundance, not necessarily in resources but in spirit and mindset."
When we think of generosity we often fixate on money. We are cynical of those only donating a fraction of their fortune. That it is a drop in the ocean for them and they should give more.
While I believe those with the means to give should, we cannot control their choices. But we can control our own. We decide if we see the abundance in our lives. Whether we show kindness and compassion. We choose to give.
I urge you to question your own generosity before judging others.
I was lucky enough to grow up with a father who had an abundant mentality. His incredible faith fueled his conviction to always give, even when faced with financial stress. He understood that there are always people there that need help. That by giving what he could, there was potential to help them live better lives.
After my dad's passing, I was reminded of his generosity. Clearing out his office there was letter after letter, each an insight into the organisations he had supported. Handwritten letters of gratitude from children enjoying the necessities of life and being given the opportunity of education. He did not give earth shattering sums, but they may as well have been.
I have immense pride and respect for my father's willingness to give. I have a long way to go to honor his legacy. His generosity encourages me reflect on my own ability to give, not just financially, but in all other areas of life.
It is easy to forget that the power of giving isn't limited to wealth. We can all give generously in our own ways.
Generosity doesn't have to be a grand display of sacrifice.
We underestimate the impact of small acts of kindness. Simple acts like smiling at a stranger, referring to a shop assistant by name, or showing genuine interest in someone. These basic acts only cost you a little effort but can leave a lasting impact on someone's day.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in our own lives that we forget we are all humans that want to feel seen and appreciated. By sacrificing but a moment of our busy lives, we can help to satisfy the basic needs of another person.
We all have different things that we value and believe in. I am not going to tell you one cause is more worthy than another. It is not my place. Giving people access to the necessities of life, repopulating the rain forest, or helping people live fulfilling lives are all worthy causes.
Generosity may not be quite as selfless as ChatGPT suggests. The power of giving is not just about helping others, it also brings meaning and purpose to the giver. Those who give beyond their means often seem to be the most fulfilled in life, perhaps that's no coincidence.
We relish the opportunity to serve a bigger purpose than ourselves. Think back to the last time you gave without expectations. Can you remember the pride or joy you felt in making a difference?
In a world full of highlight reels and feelings of inadequacy, I desire to share the story of an average guy on the journey to becoming the best version of himself. To offer insights into lessons learned in the hope others may learn from my experiences. That we may all find greater fulfillment in our lives.
In the spirit of moving closer to that goal, I would greatly appreciate your insight.
I'd love to know what has resonated with you? What topics should we explore together? I don't proclaim to have all the answers, but I will do my best to find them and share my own experience.
Flick me a message on Instagram. I look forward to hearing from you!