This week we are going in a different direction toward our blog and we are taking this opportunity to talk about the art of giving. The art of giving is simply defined as giving from the heart without any expectation of something in return.

True giving and happiness are deeply connected and they both come from a place deep within our souls. A gift, no matter how small or large, is something that is enjoyed twice. First by the giver and then also enjoyed by the person who receives the gift.

The act of giving doesn’t have to be limited to holidays or special occasions. You can treat every person you meet as someone who you can give something special to. Let’s not think also that a gift is always something we purchase with our money. A very special form of giving can be personal acts of kindness. More so than we think, it’s not money or material things that people need, it's the things that can't be seen, like a good advice, a kind word, an appreciation, the sharing of some special knowledge, a compliment, a helping hand, some support during a difficult time or even a smile.

We all have something to give. We all have something of value for another person. With most things in this world, there is only a limited amount of what you can give away. Thankfully, generosity and kindness are not associated with these same material limitations and this makes the art of giving something wonderful.

One of life’s most basic laws is "every single act of love, kindness and generosity will multiply and return to you many times over". When you give without any desire of getting something back, your returns will be limitless. To give something from the heart is an action which will fill your life with joy.

The intention behind your giving is the most essential thing. The intention should always be to create happiness for both the giver and the receiver and when the intentions are the right ones it creates a pattern of happiness, joy, trust and love in your life beyond what you could ever expect.

Lao Tsu wrote a long time ago that "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in Giving Creates Love.” and that my friends is the art of giving.