Real life = being a giver without expecting payback!

One of the most important decisions you will make in life is whether you are a giver or a taker? What’s even more important is whether you’re someone who gives expecting something back in return or can become someone that is willing to help without having any expectation of payback. The difficulty is that many have been raised to believe that the world, government or someone, i.e. mom, dad or grandparents owe them something!

As we approach thanksgiving my hope is that more of us, myself included, would be willing to give more, complain less and actually be thankful for what we take for granted everyday.  It’s so easy for some reason to believe that I should be the person to get the breaks in life or find that $20 bill on the sidewalk. Yet, the reality is that it’s so much easier to be the complainer or moaner groaner type. I get it that customer service should be at the forefront of my Starbucks that at I frequent daily. Yet, life gets messy at times, people screw-up and customers can be real jerks at times and make a big thing about nothing.

So how do we acquire an attitude of gratitude? Is that something related to our DNA, personality or what? I truly believe that being thankful is a learned trait that is acquired through the life example of those around us. If you have been raised around a group of the cup is ½ empty types than you will be more apt to have a frown on your face than a smile!

Today make an intentional choice is to be a person that has a thankful attitude, decide to be a giver and more importantly be a helper who doesn’t expect payback!

Make thanksgiving special by giving to another without their sense of having to payback. Yes, please be nice to your barista today and smile as you say thanks even if you have to wait too long for your drink!