aacting on the impulse to give

[Laura Parker]

Today I noticed that I often have the impulse to give, but then I talk myself out of it. For example, I was going to send someone a copy of a book that I found inspiring and then I told myself, "What if they don't like it, or what if they already have it, or what if they think it's stupid?" So, I din't send the gift.
Then, there are the times when I am reading the discussions on this site and I am inspired by a giving opportunity, but I tell myself, "No, I want to give in a more personal way, not over the internet."
Or, I have the impulse to give my boyfriend a massage, and I tell myself, "He's probably in the middle of something."
The main thing I am noticing is that I talk myself out of givng - a lot. I have ideas and rules about how it should be and since it's not that way, I don't do it. Or, I feel vulnerable - will the other person respond in the way I want or need them to? I use all of these reasons not to give.
That said, today, I had the impulse to offer a particular client a free session. At first I retreated from this impulse and then I acted on it. I did make the offer. We will see if it is accepted and what comes of it.
I also bought flowers for our neighbor.
It feels good to be acting on the impulse to give.

[Cami Walker -- 29Gifts Founder]

Laura, thanks for sharing so honestly about your instinct to hold back from giving. I feel the same type of discomfort sometimes. But I find that when I take action and offer the gift, I'm usually amazed by the reception I get. Even the few times the gift has been refused, it still felt good to offer it.

[Laura Parker]

Thank you for the breath of fresh air into my stale head.

[Amber]

'and then I told myself, "What if they don't like it, or what if they already have it, or what if they think it's stupid?"'

So what? If they don't like it, oh well, it isn't going to hurt them & who knows, they just may read something that really strikes them & maybe they pass it along to someone else. Try not to be so worried about the persons reaction, most people don't mind receiving something, & if they're not interested, I doubt they will flat out tell you that. They'll most likely accept with a smile.

'Or, I have the impulse to give my boyfriend a massage, and I tell myself, "He's probably in the middle of something."'

LOL If your bf is anything like my husband, he'd be more than happy to drop what he's doing for a massage. No one said it had to last hours & hours, sometimes just a quick massage does wonders! :o)

I hope you stop thinking so much about the reactions you're going to get & just do it :o)