You've probably seen one of the Free Hugs videos. I saw one from Mexico last week, and once again found myself richer for a language lesson. The Spanish phrase for Free Hug is Abrazo de regalo. De regalo. It means as a gift. There is no reference to cost or no-cost. It is a gift.It set me thinking, in this season marked by giving--this season often turned into buying in order to give--how so often our lives fall into patterns of sales. Sell and succeed. Buy and own. If we buy enough services and "stuff" from each other, we will all be successful, so the current culture says, acts, advises.
But what if? What if we just gave? Let's say I need shoes and you need a coat. What if I give you a coat that I have that I don't need and you give me a pair of shoes? What if I need an understanding ear, and you need someone to pick up soup for you at the store because you have a cold and shouldn't be out in the weather? What if you listen to me and my dilemma for an hour, giving me a sounding board and an outlet, and what if I go to the store for you, helping you to protect your health?
Couldn't we accomplish the very same results by giving to each other as we often do by selling to each other?
Do you realize how special a regalo it is to give someone words of encouragement? To compliment rather than complain? To accept rather than judge? Or, give the most valuable gift of all--give your time to and for friends and family and persons in need. Just that. Just time, the stuff of life.
Giving has nothing to do with our budgets and everything to do with how we choose to live our lives. It may be the one infallible key to a successful and satisfying life, along with the other key, that of being humble and grateful upon receiving a gift from someone else.
Not at all a new idea. But still revolutionary, enlightened. And possible.
My best wishes for you and yours this holiday season. May many good things and experiences come your way in the new year de regalo.
Text copyright 2007 Ysabel de la Rosa
Image copyright Amanda Rhodes, from istock.com
Image is not digitally altered.
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