I like the definition of the verb “give”: Freely transfer the possession of something to someone. As illogical as it might sound, not everybody is able to really give. Give what? Anything, not necessarily material things, such as money or presents. You can give out your knowledge, for example, i.e. what you personally “know.” Let’s see.
If you are a lawyer, you give your clients legal advice, you are available to help them if they have a problem and need to go to court, you help them become aware of their rights and duties in relation to others. If you are a mason you build people’s houses. You are knowledgeable in technical drawings, in blueprints, in the quality of the materials you use. Your expertise provides your customers with the dwellings they wish for. What you have studied for and practiced at length provides a useful service to the community.
This is the way each of us contributes to the general welfare, according to the job we have chosen or have been given. Yes, our working activity depends either on choice or chance. Some can decide what they want to do, while others must accept what they are able to find. But your type of work should always be relevant to your natural disposition because, if you engage yourself in an activity that you don’t like or which you are not good at, you will probably fail. Not only, you might also cause great damage to others.
I remember hearing a girl telling a fellow-student — with reference to a certain teacher (whom I knew!), “I hate her and the subject she teaches.” How sad. That girl will carry the dislike of … what is chemistry? Throughout her following years because the person in charge of “teaching” was not able to “give” the knowledge she had. She was transmitting notions (or trying to), but she was certainly not a teacher.
Therefore, even if we are talking of “jobs,” where a remuneration is involved, attitude is of paramount importance. In whatever includes a relationship with others, not only the actual action but also the way it is performed has its weight.
But there is another kind of contribution, a “gift” that each of us can give others. It does not have to be something heroic, like leaving everything behind to become a volunteer worker in a remote part of the world. It’s enough for you to examine yourself and discover what is the hidden treasure, your specific skill you can gift your fellows human beings with. Anything can be useful, as long as it is a “service” given from your heart and for free.
Some examples? Easy. I know two ladies who, beside their regular jobs, have specific skills they are happy to share with any friend who asks for advice. One is a real expert in nutrition. It is not her job, she simply loves it, so she unceasingly studies this subject, researches new findings, applies whatever she learns in her own and her family’s life. Therefore, whatever doubt you may have about the value of a certain food, or you need to know the best diet for wheat intolerance or how to cure a sore throat with herbs, she can tell you in an instant.
The other one is on a totally different line of interest, not less interesting and even useful, depending on your needs. She virtually knows everything about hair care and makeup. Do you need to know the best technique for straightening your hair? You are not too sure about how to use an eyeliner? Choosing the best shade of lip gloss for your completion? Ask her. She knows, and will be happy to share her expertise with you.
What is your major interest? What do you know a lot about that might be useful to you friends, colleagues or neighbors? Be willing to share it with open hands. You will be happy with the response. You will be appreciated and, most of all, you will feel fulfilled. Giving to others only with the desire of helping them, of being of service, yields the greatest satisfaction a human being can be granted in his/her life.
— Elsa Franco Al Ghaslan, a Saudi English instructor and published author (in Italy), is a long-time scholar of positive thinking.
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