Most gifts are given out of guilt or obligation. We toss them back and forth for holidays or birthdays, like a grass stained softball thats waiting to be caught by a person who feels its rightfully theirs. Even charitable gifts can become more of a duty than an act of love. When I was growing up, my church dictated that ten percent of the familys income should be donated to the church. When donations were low, they were quick to remind us by devoting an entire sermon to the subject. And so, people gave out of guilt and out of fear of being denied at the gates of heaven!

Not all gifts need to come with attachments. In any given day, you can read about plenty of generous people giving to others or their community. Some celebrities, who often have a lot to give, use their wealth and influence to create a better world for all of us. Many times, it is personal experience that leads them to a particular cause. Elizabeth Taylors tiresome support for an AIDS cure was heightened as a result of loosing many fellow actors and friends to the disease. Audrey Hepburns malnutrition as a child during the Nazi occupation of Holland in WWII and subsequent medical and nutritional help from UNICEF was a catalyst for her role later in life as a special ambassador to UNICEF, helping to improve conditions for hungry children in Africa and Latin America. A tour of an emergency shelter for abused children led actress Sela Ward to partner with Kentucky Fried Chickens Colonels Kids Program to buy and refurbish a 25-acre childrens home for abused and neglected children.

You dont have to be rich to give. Any gesture of generosity, not matter how small, makes difference. True giving comes from the heart and can take many formsmoney, gifts, love, compassion, physical assistance, time, food, services, advice, or even an open ear. When you give unconditionally, its like releasing thousands of molecules of love and compassion into the universe that attach themselves to people, places and events.

Remember, whatever you put out in this world comes back to you tenfold. It may not come back in the same form you sent it, but the universe will surely reciprocate, in some shape or form, in this lifetime or the next.

My friend Nanette is the queen of gift-giving, and it all comes from her heart. There isnt a holiday, occasion, event or birthday that goes by without her making those moments special with her love, generosity and presence. When I receive a gift from her, I can feel the love that surrounds it. It makes me happy and thankful. I feel that same love whenever I give a gift to someone, because that persons happiness and gratitude is my gift. Giving is receiving, and receiving is giving. They are one and the same.

In the words of Audrey Hepburn, Giving is like living. If you stop wanting to give...theres nothing more to live for. So, Goddess...give freely and you will live happily.

5 Ways to Give To Others:

Give someone a gift, just because.

Give anonymously when appropriate.

Never expect anything in return for your generosity.

If you think someone could use some help, offer before they ask.

Each morning, ask yourself how you can serve humanitythen do so.