A recent realization which dawned onto me a few days back was: If I was ever feeling low in energies or felt a little dull and gloomy, all I needed to do was take my (debit) card and hit one of the shopping malls. In a very strange way, this would pump my spirits to no bounds and I would get cheerful again in no time.
The best part about this exercise was that I always looked forward to shop for others. I would want to buy a cool electronic gadget for my younger brother. I would like to buy some accessories for my younger sister which will delight her the most. I would look for some good branded clothes for my parents which they have never heard of. I would enjoy buying a dress for my small little niece whenever she comes from Mumbai. I will scan through various books and their reviews which I can give a teenager as a gift from which he will get inspired and treasure it all his life. I would love to pick a Superman t-shirt for a 25 year old friend just because we have nick named him that. The thought of their happiness on receiving some gifts on no occasion enthuses me. I have seen my parents scolding me for buying some expensive gifts, but at the same time a twinkle in their eyes to receive it. Its indeed blissful to watch the expressions of your family and friends when you give them a gift.
If this gift holds some meaning and will be useful, the value increases even more. In short, we should make efforts to know what our closed ones need and give them exactly that.
I would request each one of you to try this once and experience the feeling of content and joy after giving a gift (irrespective of its monetary value).
There is no other feeling as heavenly as the joy of giving and would want each of us to enjoy it too.
Do share your experiences here.
- Swati
Rediscovering the world - Inside and Outside
