Give Without Expectations of Reciprocation

It's common for us to receive a gift from a friend and get the giddy, "Oh my gosh, I love this, Thank you so much, I love you...etc..." followed immediately by... "Gosh, now do I have to give something to them?"

I fall victim to this guilt trip, especially when it comes to birthday season and Christmas holidays. True, if someone gives me anything-I want to reciprocate the love and appreciation. But when I think about the act of giving, I love the feeling and would never expect someone to feel pressured to return the "favor". Just enjoy the act of love for one another. Ever read "The Giving Tree?" It's one of my favorite stories ever told. Nothing but pure love from the tree to her "little boy" with no expectation of a return.

How lovely the feeling of over-pouring adoration from our hearts only to provide a friend, family member, or (my favorite) a complete stranger with the emotions of love and appreciation. Today, I challenge everyone out there- Call a friends to tell them you love them, shoot them a text to let them know you are thinking of them, write them a poem, pick them a flower (or 2...or 34). Buy a stranger a cup of coffee, or simply smile at the next person who walks by and grant them a wish for a happy day ahead. Give the gift of love and appreciation without expectation of reciprocation. And the feeling you get in return will surely, purely be enough.

(Photos from WEHEARTIT)