Monetary generosity is one of the most commonly recognized and used forms of giving, but what can you give if you don’t have money? There are many other ways to be generous that don’t have a price tag attached to them. So, if you can’t bless someone monetarily, that’s okay, because there are more meaningful ways to give.
Giving your undivided attention
Giving someone your undivided attention is the most valuable, “hot” commodity you can offer to someone in today’s society because most people are distracted and consumed by the many things that this world and life throw at them. Attention is scarce because there are so many things fighting for it, so when you make a conscious decision to give your attention to someone, you are showing them that you care, that they matter, and that they’re worth your precious time. Putting their needs above your own, selflessly giving a listening ear, and offering advice when needed can make a person feel seen, heard, and loved. In saying all that, giving someone your time and attention is kindness and love wrapped in a bow of sincerity that extends further than any dollar amount ever could.
Giving a compliment
Giving someone a genuine compliment that goes beyond their appearance is another way to be generous to others. Acknowledging someone’s hard work, dedication, attitude, motivation, and overall character are great ways to uplift others, boost their confidence, and encourage them to keep going because their work has not gone unnoticed. And don’t assume people know that they’re doing a great job or that their character is admirable, so be humble and generous enough to tell them these things, because many times they don’t know. And today is a great day to start giving well-deserved compliments.
Giving a smile
How many of you feel good when someone smiles at you? Most people do right? Smiling at someone is so simple and small, but it’s more beautiful and powerful than you know. It’s a warm, welcoming gesture that tells others that you’re friendly and kind, and that you see them. A smile is also a way to invite someone to momentarily join in with the joy and happiness that you’re exuding. Smiling is contagious, but rare nowadays because many of us can’t take our eyes off our phones to even make eye contact with others to give them a smile of kindness. What a shame! And although offering a smile to strangers may seem like it’s a dying art, don’t let that stop you from being generous with yours, because there are still other kind people in this world who will reciprocate the smile that you’re giving.
We could talk about giving all day because there are many forms of generosity and ways to show our love, kindness, and appreciation for others. However, the ways mentioned in this post have a profound delicacy that adds value to your giving because they require you to PAY attention, and that's a type of generosity that money cannot buy.
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.”
~Simone Weil