Gift
Noun
- 1. a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present
Prize
Noun
- 1. a thing given as a reward to the winner of a competition or race in recognition of another outstanding achievement.
Adjective
- 1. (esp. of something entered in a competition) having been or likely to be awarded a prize.
Ahemmm; pardon me while I step up on my soapbox for a minute……
Lately I’m feeling frustrated with the act of “receiving”. It is said that it’s better to give than to receive. I wholeheartedly agree with that! Knowing that you have freely and selflessly given with no expectation, demands or strings attached are a joy unlike any other. In fact, making an anonymous gift where the recipient doesn’t even know your identity is one of the greatest feelings I know.
Don’t misunderstand me though, being on the receiving end is very sweet. Gifts bring a smile to my face every time. I love presents! When I receive a gift, I willingly shout praises upon the giver for all to hear. My mother taught me to give thanks and be thankful. I believe that recognition and appreciation should always be given. However, the giver should never dictate it.
Unfortunately, not all gifts are truly gifts. Some people like to place conditions or demands on their gifts. In which case the gift is not really a gift at all. It is a trade. My advice to anyone who wishes to make a trade with me, approach me honestly with a pure heart and I will most likely do whatever I can to help you if I believe in your cause. I have done so many times and I’m sure I will continue to do so in the future. Your honesty will carry a lot of weight with me and I will appreciate your straightforward approach. I just ask that you be upfront about what you expect from me and don’t continue to add to it after a deal is made.
If demands of publicity, media attention, and tapping into my network of connections are made upon receipt of a gift, it doesn’t feel like a gift. It’s more like a set up and I feel used. Especially when repeated demands are made. How many times must one repay a “gift”? I hate that I’ve become so jaded and suspicious that when someone wants to do something for me my first instinct is to ask, “How much will it cost and what do you want from me?” It’s sad that boundaries must be set when it comes to accepting a gift but it is occasionally best to decline such gifts and prizes when they are accompanied by a list of instructions on how to publicly acknowledge said gift.
We are all here to help each other and share our blessings. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today if many people in my path hadn’t freely given of their time and talents to help me on my journey. Many people have blessed me and it is my hope to be able to bless even more people in return. It’s the true gift that has a lasting impact and will be the most memorable. Not the ones that carry with it a never-ending debt.
If you are in the spirit of giving, ask yourself what you REALLY expect in return. If the answer is nothing, then you are on the right track. If you feel compelled to send a list of instructions to the recipient concerning how they are to promote you, then maybe you should re-evaluate your motives and re-read the meaning of a gift.
Ok, that’s all! I’ll step down now.
Very well said, Kathryn!!
Thank you Renee!