Give to survive

To give is a dynamic verb that describes an action and covers a set of meanings such as: provide, donate, deliver, offer, gift, tell, inform, and advise. It remains unchallengeable because of the variety of meanings and dimensions it provides, seemingly impossible to contain and control. Indeed, the action of giving goes from the giver to the taker. It happens within specific states of need, sympathy, collaboration, and a duty to fulfill a noble mission.There is some magic combination among the dynamic and stative, the material and immaterial, and the intentional and unintentional.

The act of giving sounds humane but undoubtedly exhausting and consuming. One makes a huge effort to comfort others, do them a favor, help them solve a problem, or overcome a hurdle. This, implicitly, means getting involved in their troubles, which brings distress and tiredness, and eventually receiving only ingratitude as a reward. The worst part is that some people treat the giver as naive—someone who does not understand life, lacks experience, and fails to adapt to changing circumstances.

So, why does one have to get lost in such a labyrinth while one can stay away and save one’s inner peace and tranquility? Why does one have to pay an expensive price for a favour one can dismiss from the beginning and simply and promptly say no? Isn’t it better to be realistic, rational, and selfish to protect one’s security zone and invest in one’s self-respect, self-esteem, and self-love? Isn’t any successful achievement based on individual initiative? Isn’t everyone invited to strive to reach their own potential? Certainly, these questions are valid, but they are still open to debate.

Being a taker allows one to save time and effort and focus on one’s own interests instead of getting distracted and consumed by others. In such an approach, extreme individualism takes over, which might lead to opportunism and self-isolation, depriving a person of the many gifts they can draw from others. Moreover, it strips human relationships of their core and reason for existence: love, coexistence, and serving one another. In other words, how can we perceive the presence of family and friends in a context where individualism and self-interest prevail and eliminate all other humane values?

No one can deny the high cost of giving, nor the physical and emotional energy it takes. However, giving brings about a flood of blessings when it comes from pure sincerity. How?

One gives and expects no reward, even the phrase “thank you” isn’t anticipated. One gives for the sake of giving; intentionally or unintentionally, the giver is aware of the ocean of blessings one is diving into. In truth, through the act of giving, the donor feels happy and content because of the feeling of usefulness and the ability to do something valuable that improves and awakens one’s self-esteem. Besides, lending a hand to someone leads to winning self-respect and self-pride. One is well aware of the good being performed, the inner evil being defeated, and basic instincts—such as selfishness, individualism, and greed—being challenged.

Finally, by giving, a person grows more independent and relies more on themselves. This provides the giver with self-confidence, courage, strength of character, and inner peace. Therefore, the act of giving acts as a form of therapy that supports emotional health, cleans the spirit, and protects the core of who we are.

We usually focus on the material manifestation of giving and neglect its spiritual repertoire, the values the act of giving spreads, and the culture it builds. When we remain calm, use our minds, and reflect deeply, we are surprised by the immense value of giving and the distinguished touch it leaves. “Give” should be manifested as a creed and a way of life, because the giver ultimately receives all beautiful things in the journey of giving. For everything good you do, there is a price to pay, but there are countless blessings to collect. Everyone is free to choose their way of living: to be a giver, a taker, or a matcher.