Tremendous power comes with the act of giving. Giving is a part of human nature. That's why when we do it, we enjoy the process so much. We enjoy seeing the other person smile; we enjoy helping someone else in some small way.

The power of giving comes from a selfless act—one where you simply give from your heart. You give because you want to share what you have, show your appreciation, and because you truly care.

This act of giving from the heart, the knowledge that G-d gave you plenty and the trust that you will always have more will enable you to give something now.

Too often we get caught up in our wants and needs. We get selfish—only focusing on our own little problems—which when looked at in terms of the bigger picture are really not that severe. Sure there are some of us who have some serious setbacks that we want to overcome—and I'm not trivializing any of your personal concerns.

However, if we don't share how can we help each other and how can we overcome our own setbacks? Start by helping your family, friends and your neighbors—and if everybody will help each other—then things will improve much faster.

Below are some examples of what to give, none of which require money.

Give time - Most of us think we are too busy with our own lives to give our time to others. Being busy is not an acceptable excuse. People need you and love you. They want to see you-spend time with them.

Give support - How many of you really support the people in your life? What I mean by support is encouragement and a reason to try something new. Just because it didn't work for you, doesn't mean it won't work for someone else. And, just because it didn't work for them in the past, doesn't mean that it won't work this time. There's nothing better than telling a person that they can achieve whatever they want in their lives.

Give love - People want to know that they are special in your life and that you care about them. If there are things that are keeping you from loving them such as conversations that you want to have with them, but you're afraid, my advice is to say it. Sometimes you have to take a risk to achieve an open and rewarding relationship. Take the risk and give your love.

Give attention - How many of you really listen to the people in your life? For everyone who just answered, "Of course I do," then why are the people in your life asking you to repeat what they just said? It's because they know that you didn't hear them. Take a few minutes, stop what you are doing, and focus on the people who you love. Aren't they worth it? And who knows, you may even learn something new.

Give ideas - Sometimes people want to move forward in their lives but they don't know how. You may know something that they never thought of. And who knows, your ideas may change somebody's life. So go ahead, don't be afraid to share what you know.

Give forgiveness - Forgiving people for past mistakes and hurts is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. After all, they are only human. Plus, I'm sure that you haven't been the perfect human being either. Keeping hurt and anger in your life is just an excuse not to get close to people for fear that they will hurt you again.

Give acceptance - Give unconditional love and the ability to love someone for who they are and not who you want them to be. This means giving up how you think someone’s life should go, and accepting them for what they are and what they want to do with their lives. This is the greatest gift you can give to your loved ones.

Give patience - How many of you get annoyed with the people you love because they are taking too long to tell a story or are taking longer that "you think" to complete a project? How do you know that there isn't a better way to do something if the people around you always have to do it your way? Having patience with people shows them that they are respected and loved.

Give a smile - There is nothing better than entering a room and seeing someone smile when you walk in. Right then and there you know that your presence makes a difference in their life. A smile is easy and its benefits are enormous.

Give with the belief that you already have so much that you are willing to share and don't expect anything in return. Just trust that G-d will keep providing for you. Thinking this way is very powerful. There's no better time to begin than now. Start being the best person you can be—you'll be rewarded in ways you never thought possible.
_____________
Ben Gurion Matsas