The Power of Generosity

"Relationships are all there is. Everything in the universe only exists because it is in relationship to everything else. Nothing exists in isolation. We have to stop pretending we are individuals that can go it alone." -- Margaret Wheatley

When you were in school (or even now at work), did you ever work on a project all by yourself because you felt it was better that way? It's not necessarily that you had to, you were just portraying some good ol' fashioned John Wayne individualism and keeping to yourself.

I mean it's ok if you like to work that way. I like it too sometimes. But lately, I've come to find deeper meaning in Margaret's words. Why? Because collective knowledge is better! And what you will realize is that when you help others, they naturally tend to help you in return (isn't that great?). Such is the power of generosity! Relationships aren't nice to have just for the fun times. Relationships matter for the hard times as well.

So let's try something new this week. Let's reach out to someone we know or someone we've only just met... Let's offer our help; whether it's words of encouragement or a 'helping hand' on a project.

I don't know about you but I'm going to feel better knowing that I've helped someone if even just in a small way. Let me know how you do...

Comments

[sveedish]

What a wonderful thought! I'll let you know how it goes on my end. Recent events led me to reach out for help to my family and friends, and they totally came through for me. I try to do the same whenever I am able. And also, thanks for visiting my little corner of the Internet!

[BloggerNewbie]

Kind of like the "law of attraction". I've been putting "the secret" theory into practice for only a few days now and it is amazing how wonderful it feels doing some nice little nothing for someone. It's contagious!

[Chris Hebert]

Very nice post. Words to live by. Isolation makes for a very lonely funeral!

Chris from Webdazzling.com

[Robin]

Hi there Ricardo - when my partner Frank and I are working with musicians, we are helping them and helping ourselves in the process (or the other way around). We find it very satisfying!

[Rachel]

In school I always wanted to avoid working in teams, because it meant one person (me) would do most of the work. I didn't realize until much later what an important skill working with people would turn out to be.

[Leanne Magraith]

Nice idea Ricardo
A truly generous person will give a helping hand without ever expecting anything in return. So with that in mind, I am going to take on board your suggestion and reach out and offer help to someone this week.

[Dube]

Great idea. I remember when I first started my business, I spent way too much time working on solitary projects at home, by myself. After doing that for awhile, I learned how valuable relationships are in work too!

[mousewords]

Wow, is this timely! I'm working on a website & marketing project with my local writers' group. Since I have the most experience with web design, I've been setting up the websites. I've spent lots of hours working on it. In a way, I kept hearing a thought that asked, "What's in it for you? Wouldn't you be better served to work on just your own stuff?" The idea totally shocked me, because it had never occurred to me *not* to help.

So what's in it for me? Plenty:

An invaluable experience of teamwork; the gratification of helping others succeed; the mutual success that we'll all share when the team does well; the amazing support and friendship I've received from my group. Plus, the help they've given me with my writing.

"Give and it shall be given to you," it comes back to you.

[Barbara Swafford]

Hi Ricardo,

Generosity is a great thing, and also being generous is a wonderful trait to have. Soon we find out it's not about us, but "we". Life is so much better when we help others. What a great idea for a post.

[meleah rebeccah]

I love team work and group efforts.

My son, on the other hand, is more of a solo guy. In fact he does not work well with others. Last year, for all if his school projects he chooses to go at it alone, which makes me wonder sometimes.

Same with sports, he doesn't like TEAM sports. Only tennis, and golf. Which are more one on one or personal. I am concerned with this behavior as he will be entering JR HS this September and I dont want him to end up in the 'loner' clique yanno?

[Debateur]

I've always had difficulties working in teams but as I grow older I realize how important of a skill it is. Great topic for a blog.

[Ricardo Bueno]

@sveedish: but of course! It was a fun visit :-P Besides, any friend of Meleah's, is a friend of mine.

@BloggerNewbie: it's contagious and frankly, I find it a little motivating to, to know that I've helped someone (in whatever way and to whatever extent).

@Chris H.: it's just a good quality to have I think..you know...to be there for people. Of course I don't mean that in the kind of way that makes you a push-over or anything like that!

[Urban Panther]

I used to hate working in teams in school because of course there was a grade involved, and there was always the slacker in the group. However, as an adult you generally working as a group because you've come together with a common goal in the first place. I hope I always reach out in small ways to help someone, but this week I will pay particular attention. Nice sentiments in your post.

[Al at 7P]

Agreed - it's great to always be open to new experiences and new relationships.

[Davina]

Beautifully put! I reached out to a new friend minutes before I read this post. Great reinforcement Ricardo.

[natural]

i just reached out yesterday and the day before and the day before. this is not a big thing with me ...i'M A natural giver (on most days ;) ) and am always generous to people.

[Fabio Rodriguez]

I’m at a point right now with a our company´s new podcast, where I’m sort of realizing the benefits of those things that I spent time doing for other people before. It is what some people call Karma: you do something for someone, and you have a belief that it will somehow relate to something that happens to you in the future, even though you may not be able to directly attribute it or measure it. It definitely works that way, whether we realize of it or not.

[Kelly@SHE-POWER]

Ricardo

I always taught to be generous and helpful to people and it's something I usually find pretty effortless and oh so important. Relationships really do define how happy and fulfilled we will be in life.

While it's true others can't "make" you happy, giving to others and allowing them to give to you will fill your life and your heart with a sense of connection that can't be gained in any other way.

That said, I have been very busy lately and reading this it strikes me that when I become overwhelmed with my own life the generosity slows and even stops. I'm going to take this as a little reminder today and it's just further proof that a chaotic life really does no one any good.

:) Kelly@SHE-POWER

[Ricardo Bueno]

Hey Gang! How are ya? I'm sorry that I took so long to get here! :-/ I had a presentation to give on Friday and I'm happy to say it went fairly well :-P

Anyway, I hope you're having a good weekend so far!

[Ricardo Bueno]

@Robin: I'm sure it's a learning experience both ways :-) My younger brother plays the guitar. I sat in on one of his sessions ones and it always seems to be a brain-storming experience for both him & his teacher :-P

BTW, it would be very cool to get together if I ever make it out to the OC! I've meet a few bloggers out there before :-)

@Rachel: I know EXACTLY what you mean! I think we've all experienced that to some extent...you know, working in a group and feeling like you are the one doing all the work! It sure is an unfortunate experience but I still gotta say, it is always better to work in a group; collective knowledge is always best!

@Leanne: like you, I'm a naturally giving person. I always give a helping hand when and where I can. It's motivating for me to know that I've helped someone out if even at least in a little way :-)

@Dube: it makes it easier to know that you have some form of support around doesn't it?! There are certain projects that I like working on alone but ultimately, it's always good to know that I have a support system around.

@mousewords: I have the biggest smile on my face because of EVERYTHING you said! People ask me sometimes "what's in it for you?" and the thought creeps in. But the answer is reminds me of how motivating and gratifying it is to have helped someone. And the truth of it all is, the friendships and support you develop out of having done something like that is a big thing to get in return!

@Barbara: I think it's a wonderful trait to have! In business and in life. Blogging...life...is all about "we." For get about community and what do you have? Not much of anything if you ask me.

[Success Professor]

Thanks for being an encouragement with your comments on my blog. I've only just started to pursue growth in my blog and you have been an encouragement!

[Ricardo Bueno]

@Success Professor: my pleasure! It's been great meeting you.