How to Be Generous

Generosity can seem like a lost art in our society. With such a fast pace of living, people often are too self-absorbed to take note of being gracious and generous. Approached as an individual act, generosity can be a simple gesture that has enormous, lasting results.

Instructions

1. Mother Teresa once said, "We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love." For us to improve our social graces, the significance must be understood. In almost any setting where we are not alone, there will be opportunity for us to reach out in a small but significant way. If we can understand the significance, we are certain to grow in our awareness.

2. Never underestimate the small acts of kindness. While holding the door for someone may not seem to mean much to you, it can mean a great deal to someone who is elderly or disabled. It can also mean more than you can know to the person who is not accustomed to being treated with generosity. A simple, thoughtful act can remind someone that there is still good in the world.

3. To be generous is to give of yourself to someone who can benefit from such an act. Generosity can be acts of charity, such as donations, or it can be mowing your neighbor's grass because he has been ill. While monetary generosity is essential in our society in helping those who are most in need, the generosity of time is just as important. How much does it mean to an elderly person living alone to have someone spend an hour just talking with them? The worth is immeasurable.

4. Teach your children generosity. They will grow to be observing adults with a generous nature. It is a tremendous quality to pass down to the next generation. There will always be those who just need one generous act to make all the difference in their lives.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish