Generosity has been defined as something that is a nobility of spirit. The meaning of the word has changed over the centuries from the association of family nobility in England in the 16th Century to nobility of spirit that expresses; strength of character; richness in kindness; gentleness; fairness in actions and thought; courage of man and gallantry. The new meaning where we are generous with our time, talents and treasure dominated thought during the 19th Century and is still present.

When I think of generosity I associate it with God’s teachings as in 1 Corinthians 13:2, ” And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have no charity, I am nothing”.

The following video though religious in its making clarifies the real meaning of generosity and that is why I include it in this blog.

The next video really captures the essence of generosity. It portrays how we as people go above and beyond to help our fellow citizen. Without regards to any recognition or payment. It truly shows how we as humans can give of our self. This trait of generosity is ranked fifth on my list but first in my soul.

Rachael Chong during a TEDX at SMU in 2013 talked of Luck as being a major factor in generosity. What she was saying was that at the basic level we are who we are and what we are because of luck. You say that is not so, but if you think about it you did not pick where you were born, who your parents were, how you were brought up. So when we see truly needy people that have not been blessed like you were, it is your heart that shows generosity. I now make it a point to not judge others because of what F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “Whenever you feel like criticizing some one…just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had”. We truly are a blessed society and our country shows that blessing stronger and with more vigor than all others in the world.

Generous people show it with their actions and attitudes. They are positive and outgoing. Most won’t take no for an answer when someone needs help. People in need generally do not like to ask for help because of their honor. They believe that this is a form of weakness. This is why we must just volunteer our help to give them pride. I love this trait and it has been having a massive change in how I look at the world. I do believe that helping a man learn how to fish is better than giving him a fish, but if he has not eaten then we must feed him first.

How does one become more generous you may ask? I believe that you can learn this trait by understanding how people’s lives are affected by circumstances. Whenever there is a disaster in the world, we are there to help. Obviously it helps that we are the richest nation in the world, but even other prosperous nations do not come to the aid so quickly and generously. What helps our nation to become so generous is the character traits that I have been discussing throughout my blogs in success tips.

My intent in this series is to help you develop your character to become a well rounded individual that will possess all the qualities that make up a successful person. With this you can excel at whatever you are dreaming to become. In turn this will help others because you will take the attributes that these traits have and give them to others.

Were you wondering why I am taking the time to give this information to you? I am now living each day like I won’t be around tomorrow. I went through a time in April that I didn’t think I was going to make it another day. I feel so blessed to take each day and try to give of myself and any talents I may have to others. I hope you enjoy my talks and spread the good news of life.

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Finally a final video on generosity: