What does gifting have to do with your self-development? Plenty. We are all a part of this abundant universe that revolves around giving. Abundance is truly all around us. At times you may not feel like it, but if you take a moment to see what you have all around you every single day, you will agree that you are abundant in many ways. Just take a look at nature and the way God has designed it. nnWhen you need something, you must give back first. That is one of the principal laws of our universe. You see, when you give back, you detach from materialistic objects or feelings that hold you back from having more. And when one is too attached to something, it creates a negative energy. You must trust in the universe to provide for you and do all in your power to make unselfish acts every day.nnGifting is sharing, loving, letting go, becoming free from oppression, and becoming one with yourself as well as with the universe.nnEverybody and anybody can gift at any time. We all have something to give and share. Sometimes we may not recognize the fortunes we all have that we can give nor see how we can make any difference at all to anybody else. Becoming aware of all your abilities and all the gifts you were born with is vital for personal success, wealth, and health.nnGifting can come in many different forms. You can gift with your self (with your spirit), with your mind, or with your actions.nnGift Your Self (Spirit)nnSmile, laugh, listen, speak kind words, take care of yourself, and present a good example. This is a form of gifting that you can practice with anyone that you come into contact with. You are giving and projecting positivity to those close to you as well as to strangers. Imagine your loved ones feeling more and more drawn to you or being able to make someone’s day a brighter place just by your presence. I think the world can do with a lot more people practicing giving by their spirit.nnWe can all easily do this in every moment of our lives. Become conscious of this, and make it a good habit to do so in every moment that you have. For example, if you are waiting for something during your day, you can practice this by smiling and projecting good vibes. You do not have to be in the presence of others for the effect to take place.n nEven sales meetings or negotiations should be spent in giving to each other and not in battle. For example, listen to what the other party has to say—he or she will be grateful for your attentiveness, and your company will benefit from a winning deal.nnAlways make it a habit to take good care of yourself. You will be pleasant to others and uplift all those around you. Do so by taking time out to look after yourself, by maintaining a healthy diet, and by exercising regularly.n nDon’t be fooled into thinking that you shouldn’t care what others see or think. What the outside projects is often a result of what we first project.nnGift Your Mindn nTeach, and share your knowledge, experiences, and wisdom. Don’t be afraid to share ideas and what you know—you will always have more to gain from teaching others. This can be anyone at all. Be aware that we are all individuals with different experiences and that anyone we come into contact with can gain some knowledge from us.nnWhen you teach, you confirm your knowledge, and you might just be able to teach yourself a thing or two in the process. Teach when you have the opportunity, but be careful to not force it on someone. Become aware of all the situations in your life now that you can possibly use to share your knowledge. Share your story today.nnGift Your ActionsnnYour deliberate and conscious acts of gifting are evident during the holiday seasons. This is when you have the opportunity to give something to someone in the form of a present or gift. What a great time to show your love and affection! Think of these times as a bonus in your life, and don’t let these opportunities go to waste. Meet each holiday or occasion as if it will be the last, and maximize your acts of love toward someone else.nnThis is not to say that you must spend more and try to outdo yourself each year. You should be thoughtful in the process and only give something deep from your heart. Always think of the recipient’s interests and favorite things and how you can surprise him or her. We live in a very materialistic world, but gesture will always outdo any price tag.nnHere are some critical things to remember when gifting.nn1.Do not pick and choose giftees. When you have the opportunity to share with someone, you should take full advantage of it and give freely. Do not judge and choose your giftees based on the past or on negative emotions. It is just as important to give to those you love as to anyone else. Try to cut the negativity in gifting by thinking of others outside of your immediate circle. n2.Never expect anything back. Gifting is from the heart and not from the head. You should never gift only because you know you will get something in return. Gift because you care. Gift because you love. Gift because you are just being you. You will be given something back in different wondrous ways if you practice this. Gift unconditionally, every time.n3.Gifting is not deliberate. Do not gift only because it’s the holiday season and you feel obliged to do so. Gift at all times and on any occasion possible (or on no occasion at all).n4.Do not gift for self-interest only. This is similar to expecting something in return. Be careful not to gift only because you feel that you are doing yourself justice. Do not gift because it makes you feel superior, creative, or because you are doing a kind justice to the world.n nTake a good moment alone to think about all the ways that you can gift today. Start gifting from anywhere and at any time. Do not let physical boundaries stop you. Send a card, phone someone, e-mail a photo of your smiling face, send a thank you note, make and send a gift “just because,” or even just send a quick, happy e-mail to someone. n nTrue gifts don’t die—they will last a lifetime. Your gestures remain effective even if repeated every day and all the time. It’s the act itself that counts. And the people around you will always appreciate and remember it, even if they don’t show it. Just keep gifting, no matter what. Start giving today. Start giving right now. Start by a thought. Then by an act. Practice good positive gifting, and you will be a better person for others as well as for yourself.nn** This article is one of 101 great articles that were published in 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life. To get complete details on “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life”, visit
http://www.selfgrowth.com/greatways2.html.