Kindness: To Give or Not Give

"You can never do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late."

~~~~~~~~~~

This morning I posted the above quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, on my Facebook timeline, and was promptly reminded by guidance of my universal training. A long time ago, I was taught about when we should give help to another and when we shouldn't. Numerous situations over the past week, along with my "reminder" today, prompted me to blog about this subject. 

Many people attach conditions to their kindness ... even unconsciously. Allowing kindness for another should be done with the heart (it feels right) and no expectation of anything returned ... unless there is a prior agreement.

For instance, I'll watch your child today if you can watch mine Saturday. However, even with agreements there can be upsets. Saturday can roll around and someone could be ill, so it's best not to get yourself into that situation if at all possible.

Situations like this can lead to one feeling as if they have been used or someone taking advantage of their kindness, especially if it happens repeatedly. One can only give what they have logically to give and only they know where to draw the line of it feeling "being giving or being taken" in any situation.

No one likes to feel used, but always remember that when you start feeling this way: you still allowed it. Yes ... you did. You can play the blame game but what you're really blaming is yourself because you decided to attach strings to your kindness.

Furthermore, I learned that our ego, of doing kindness for someone, may be inappropriate or dangerous. We may not be ready or prepared to do what is asked of us. We should never be made to feel guilty, either, when denying a request because, by backing away, it could ultimately lead the requester into finding the help that is more appropriate. By standing in that path, and blocking this help from another, we can be caught up in a energy-depleting scenario for everyone concerned, because they may quit looking for that proper help elsewhere ... thinking you are their savior when you're not. This may drag all parties involved into a negative situation because someone got in the way; instead of truly being prepared to do what's right for another. Everyone may lose.

When you feel doubt about doing kindness for another, that could be your inner awareness/guidance talking. Listen to it and don't let your ego stand in the way of more proper or available help being given elsewhere by another or others. The life you save could be your own ... because you weren't strong enough, financially sound enough, overwhelmed in other areas you are helping, or educated enough to do what's asked of you.

If you feel confusion, meditate on it. Give it a few hours to deliberate before deciding. Just to make sure it's your feelings and not another's feelings being subjected to you to do their bidding. Logically, we should all know what we're capable of doing or giving, however in an age where many feel "entitled" to another's kindness, it can be overwhelming. 

Listen to your intuition ... your inner guidance ... it shouldn't feel negative if you're doing the right thing for all concerned. 

The Universe knows the truth.