Portia, the most charming and intelligent of Shakespeare’s heroines, said while expounding the virtues of mercy,⭑It is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.⭑ Same can be said of a ‘gift’. It gives joy to both the giver and the receiver. Who gets greater happiness is difficult to tell. Psychologists (Dunn, Aknin, & Norton) say that greater happiness is for the giver.
💬Has it ever happened with you that you gifted something to someone and they thank you wryly, add that they didn’t like your gift or that they really don’t need any gifts from anyone or actually they don’t very much like the whole idea? How does it feel?
💬Now contrast it with this. A neighbour, whose kid was my kid’s age, had magnetic letters on the refrigerator which my kid fancied. On one occasion she gifted similar letters to my kid who was overjoyed to receive it. When my child showed me the gift, I examined the quality of gift and decided it was inferior to the one my neighbour had. You know how adults sometimes think. Of course, I kept my petty thoughts to myself.
💬My moment of realization came when the next day my kid was happily showing off her gift to all her 4-5 year old friends, who were truly impressed and started arranging those magnets into their names. Then I heard my daughter say ‘Do you like these? You go to that auntie she has given me.’ This was a humbling experience for me. I realised how a small gift has given so much joy, excitement to all the kids. And me! Instead of appreciated the sweet gesture of my neighbour friend, here I’m assessing the value of a gift! Seeing so many happy faces in front of me I knew the gift was invaluable. There are so many things that children can teach us! See, children too shape us.
🫶The joy of receiving amlifies the joy of giving. A gift that is given cheerfully and should be received cheerfully and gratefully. Gifts strengthen bonds of love and failing to accept gifts hurts the emotions of the giver and creates a negative experience.
🔆From the positive psychology perspective, the very acts of giving and receiving create positive emotions, positive relations, the two contributing factors for wellbeing according to PERMA model proposed by Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology. Renowned positive psychologist Roy F. Baumeister and colleagues in a recent study, took on the challenge of determining what makes a good life, and they found some interesting findings that you can apply to your own life. ⋆“Givers” experience more meaning, while “takers” experience more happiness.’ That means, if you are looking for more meaning in life, try giving, and if you are in search of happiness, accept others’ generosity with gratitude.
One mindful moment at a time – see you soon! ✨
🗪 Over to you. Leave your thoughts in the comment box.
🌸Let‘s connect on
Roots n Wings 
Leave a comment