True generosity means accepting ingratitude. Coco Chanel
Don’t feel bad if people remember you only when they need you. Feel privileged that you are like a candle that comes to their mind when there is darkness. Right to Learn*
A couple of days ago, I stumbled upon this couple of quotes that pretty much sum up how I feel about being there for other people, whether they appreciate it or not.
I wish I could say I’ve always been the type of person to always be there for others when needed, but I’ve made mistakes in the past in that department, and unfortunately I’m sure there is more than one person out there who can claim I wasn’t at some point or another. I also have been in the position to have had people turn their back on me when I needed them the most. So, all of that has added up to me trying really hard not to make those same mistakes again, so I think I can safely affirm that I have gotten much, much better at lending a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, a few comforting words, or even a good kick in the butt if that’s what someone is needing at any particular time. Of course, it’s much easier to offer up all those things to people that makes us feel appreciated, or to people that can reciprocate the effort; and even easier to stop offering any support to people who seem ungrateful, even unaware of anything we might do for them. However, I think our ability to continue to be there for the latter is what really speaks about our character and generosity. I don’t suggest we allow people to take advantage of us, to give more than we are capable of, or to give from ourselves until we feel depleted and bitter about it. I do suggest though that we truly practice what the quotes above mention, and that we begin measuring our satisfaction in terms of how much we give and not based on how much we receive. The funny thing is, when we truly start doing that, the abundance, both within us and coming at us, starts becoming limitless. Even when I have felt like I am running out of patience, love and support to give to anyone, just reminding myself of all of this, seems to automatically fill me up again with all the patience, love and support, both the person requiring it and I need!
*Right to Learn is an account I found on facebook and they provide Advice, Enrichment Classes, Workshops, Educational Toys & Learning Resources to parents, preschools & learning facilities in Singapore and the world. You can find them on http://www.facebook.com/enRighten and http://www.enRighten.com
