‘Give and Take’ works. ‘Give and Get’ works even better. I keep getting reminded of this simple truth, in so many ways, on so many days. Giving is such a powerful way to find fulfilment in life. What can I give? Well, for starters, I can give my time. Give my skill. Give my attention. I am starting to realise how valuable these can be. The list goes on, here are a few more gifts that one can give, and in the bargain get so much.
Give Gratitude. “Thank you for …. Nikhil” walking down the hallway of the beautiful Imperial hotel after a day-long planning meeting, I was given the gift of a simple and yet all-powerful “Thank you”. Gratitude goes a long way indeed. It gets me energised and committed to delivering on the plans that we so carefully crafted that day.
Give friendship “Are you guys at home?” a message on my WhatsApp from a friend. “Yes, we are…why do you ask?” I reply. “Am sending over those yummy Choux Pastries that I told you about…. You will love them.” And love them we did.
No occasion, no reason, just because we are friends. Friends we love dearly. The kind that sticks with you in good times and in bad. I tell myself to be a better friend to my friends. Give more of myself to my friends and give with trust and joy. I know how much joy those lovely little Choux Pastries brought me.
Give knowledge. As I spend my Sunday studying for the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) exam I am also reminded of the wonderful coach Anushly Sithamparam who has been hosting sessions every Wednesday and Saturday, for others like me who are preparing for the exam. No strings attached, just show up and share in the knowledge session. She is based in Srilanka and like many people there, navigating a lot of difficult situations. Her difficulties do not come in the way of her giving. The goodwill and gratitude that she receives in exchange for sharing her time and knowledge are immeasurable. Thank you for doing what you do and touching so many lives in so many ways.
Be good. Do good. And give whatever it is that you can. The world is listening. It’s as simple as that you get as good as you give. Live and let live. Give and Get. I wish I had experienced the power of this simple truth earlier on in life. Reading about it and hearing about it does not unlock its power. Experiencing the joy of giving and all that it gets me has been the biggest gift. I hope to pass that forward.
What are you waiting for? Get on with it!
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
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