Helping and Sharing while not expecting anything in return is something my dad and mom taught me at an early age. My parents where always watching out for us in regards to what we received from people.
Every time we would receive an offer for a gift we had to clear it through mom and dad. Once they approved we could accept it. Of course there where exceptions like very close family members who bypassed the process but overall it was a very healthy process. Now as an adult I can see that my parents where safeguarding me from many things.
As an adult I still apply the same philosophy and approval process with a higher level of analysis. Every time I am offered something I try to gauge the person’s intention with the offer. Just as when I was a kid there are people that I trust which are exceptions and I can clearly say yes without even putting much thought into the process. With others I really have to think about accepting anything that might sound like it is free. If I get the feeling that something might be to good to be true I fall into analysis mode and try to figure how the other person benefits from what they are offering.
I am very transparent and sometimes I think everyone else around me is the same but over the years I have seen it is a different story with other people.
Raúlito Don’t Expect Anything in Return
My parents established one of the golden rules “Don’t Expect Anything in Return”. My parents and close family members made sure I was always very grateful for what I received. They also instilled in me the fact that if I gave something to not expect the other person to do the same for you.
One of the reasons I get along with a few individuals in social media like @chrisbrogan is that they do random acts of kindness and don’t expect anything in return. I have been able to align myself with individuals who are just like me in not expecting anything but respect.
As a new dad, I have to make sure I teach Daniela that she needs to appreciate everything that she receives and when doing something for someone to do it out of her heart and not expect anything from other people.
How where you taught these lessons? How would you recommend teaching them to our kids?
photo credit by vmiramontes