"Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and satisfaction"- The Dalai Lama.
Did you know there have been several studies conducted where researches have determined that being generous has a positive impact on our state of mind and mental well-being? In this episode, both hosts have discussed how generosity can improve our mental health. In episode 6, Generosity is All We Need, Elaina and Tracy discussed generosity from the perspective of the positive impact it has on our mental well-being.
Tracy said that when I think of generosity, the first thing that comes to my mind is volunteer work because it's something that I'm passionate about. I love volunteering. But I also think generosity can be just those small acts that you perform for someone else. It can be something as simple as complimenting someone, holding a door for someone, saying thank you or smiling, and saying, good morning.
Elaina also supported her and share how she even thought about generosity as volunteer work and things of that nature, but also think about like you mentioned some of the small stuff like I cannot let a door close behind me. If I know somebody is walking up, I will stand there and hold it.
They discussed how being generous and not expecting it in return.
"That's what I consider true generosity: You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing." - Simone de Beauvoir
When you're generous to someone else, it does have a positive impact on your mental well-being. We feel happier and do not need anything back in return. We are just happy that we did it. We wanted to do good for someone, and people are going to appreciate it, or they're not.
And yes, you could look at someone and say, well, they should be appreciative, but we don't know their journey. We don't know their story, and we don't know what their mental state is, and so sometimes it may be difficult because there's a lot of pride. Tracy added that she couldn't imagine how much our small act probably meant to others. So that's just how much generosity can mean for someone else, and just the impact it can have.
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