Posted on 12/31/2012 5:01:38 PM PST by nickcarraway
My whole life I've been an over-giver. My general operating policy has always been: 'If it belongs to me, don't worry: You can have it!'
As you can imagine, Christmas is a particularly difficult time of year for me. The temptation to over-give when it comes to presents is overwhelming.
Over the years, I have over-given with my money, possessions, opinions, time, body, emotions - you name it, I have given it forth.
You don't have to be rich to be an over-giver, and over- giving is not quite the same thing as generosity.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
'I gave to some charities and good causes, but mostly I gave heaps of money to people I knew and loved'
Sometimes (well, twice), I even bought them houses.
I wonder if she needs one more friend.
Well, isn’t she wonderful.
I didn't give her any money; I just gave her my attention and then went on my way.
It was a simple exchange, but I think it made both of us feel good. I was a little tempted to buy her a house, mind you, but I talked myself out of it - because as much as humanly possible these days, I try not to give so much that it hurts. Instead, I only give until it helps. After that, not a penny more.
She's funny. She sounds like a really nice person. I think she's still got one more gift house in her. I just know it. :)
Go to her web site - there’s a sign-up page.
:) To be her friend or to get a house?
She made the point that her type of overgiving was ensnarled in the wrong motivation before focusing on its effects on others and relationships. A wise and humble article IMO.
I agree, although her analysis of Christianity’s attitude is slightly lopsided. Mother Theresa may have said “give until it hurts” but she was referring to it hurting you (the donor), not the recipient.
.
This is a very thoughtful article. I am, for now, enough better off than some of my friends, but not enough to buy them houses ;-). However, even with the relative affluence, I try not to simply give a person money (because they need it), but something they wouldn’t get for themselves because they give to their families first. People who don’t have as much money have gifts that are worth even more, and hard-learned lessons to share, too.
If it’s a matter of getting food, then people will ask - or they’ll ask at the church, where those who have enough for groceries contribute to a pot for those who don’t.
“Boundaries” by Cloud & Townsend. Read. Pray. Now.
This person is a fool who is soon parted from their money.
This person probably has no idea what Christmas really is about either.
Elizabeth Gilbert is a card carrying, 60’s hippie, Liberal Leftie with a capital L.
I loved the CD/book but now that I know this, will no longer care about a single word that she has to say.
Actually she did rant in her book E, L, P. about the evils of the Right..but I was too enamoured with the content to react at that time.
Yes, I think that’s what she acknowledged in quoting her. But I think this is a worthy point she’s making.
Nonsense. She has said that she does not want to buy anyone any more houses.
How about a Mercedes Benz - one each - for you and I?
I do believe she is channeling Oprah...
A Mercedes!? Do I want a Mercedes? Thinking...
How about a Mercedes for you and a tricked out Motor Home for me?
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