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From the day I was born, I learned about the importance of mindful giving. Giving without thought to the recipient and the potential effects it could have, I came to understand, is a misuse of giving. Instead it should be done naturally, with thought to the impact it may have and to the beneficiary.
Growing up, my family and I would often lend our resources and time to friends, neighbors, and family. We helped those in need of a meal or shelter, often offering to put them up in our basement or garage. We also donated food to local food banks and volunteered in soup kitchens on weekends.
As I got older, and my family and I moved to different cities, I noticed that the way of giving changed depending on the location. In some cities, it was more common to give out of obligation or duty. In other places, it seemed like giving was done with more thought and intention.
At college, I noticed that many of my peers engaged in various forms of giving. Some would volunteer their time and money to local charities, while others provided resources to support student projects. In addition, I noticed that many of my peers were more giving to each other. Rather than just giving a helping hand when necessary, they were often offering to provide support and guidance when needed.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that giving didn’t always have to be in the form of material goods; it could be a gesture, an intention, or a kind word. It could also be an act of service, such as helping someone in need or giving someone your time and attention.
In my own life, I have tried to focus on intentional and mindful giving. I make sure to take time to think about who I’m giving to and why, and to consider the potential impact of my giving. As I have grown and matured, I have come to understand the importance of taking time to think and reflect on the act of giving. It has become a part of my life and I strive to share my resources, time and energy with those who need it most.