My mother always drilled this adage into me – “If you give, you get!” I must tell you I wasn’t always convinced. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that it’s true. You would think that Mom’s wisdom was based on the Bible, but no, much of what she spouted was based on her observations. But the the Bible, in sharing these words of Jesus, does confirm what she said: Give, and it will be given to you; full measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” ~ Luke 6:38
Full Measure Pressed Down
The other day, José and I were talking about people who are reluctant to share recipes. They cook really well – but won’t give you the recipe. Even worse, I know of people who will give you the recipe but leave out an ingredient that makes all the difference to the dish!
Then there are people in the training business (like I used to be) who will guard their handouts with their lives for fear that someone will take their handouts and use them to train. In the world of blogging too, I notice that at times people are afraid to link to other blogs for fear of ‘losing’ their readers!
Why do people behave this way? They suffer from what is often referred to as scarcity mentality. They are afraid to give of their knowledge, their experience for fear that it will no longer be ‘theirs’.
They see life as having only so much, as though there were only one pie out there. And if someone were to get a big piece of the pie, it would mean less for everybody else.
Stephen Covey
Then, thankfully, I come across people who are so generous with their knowledge and experience. They believe that there’s an endless supply of knowledge and experience in the world and by sharing they’re opening themselves up to receive more. And you see that all over the internet – people willing to share their ideas, their experience, their recipes even (I’ve abandoned recipe books for food blogs!). Abundance mentality in evidence.
Today, I remind myself that I need to check my abundance meter.
Loved reading your post Corinne. You are right when you say these people think that its only a single Pie and they will get less share if they give away.
Oh I know both of those kind of people. Fortunately the blogging world is full of generous kind-hearted people who share knowledge willingly and for that I shall always be grateful. Your mom gave you a great life-lesson.
Yes, I have come across both categories of people. Thankfully I have come across so many people be it in the blogging world or outside who are ready to share their wisdom, their tips. I remind myself often that I need to share what I know.
It is sad but yes, I’m nodding along, because I know the kind of people you’re talking about! It takes so little to be able to give and yet, people are so hesitant to give, to share as they lack that “abundance mentality”! They are the real poor. It isn’t the lack of money that makes one poor, it is the lack of the ability to give!
Are there really such bloggers who do not link up to other blogs for the fear of losing their readership? How strange is this? I am so thankfull I know more than a handful of bloggers who are giving and are always ready to lend a patient ear and advice. Believing in abundance as a mantra can stop so much of struggle going on in the world, as well.
Lovely post Corinne. I have come across both kind of people too! We all need to check our abundance meter. Love
Oh Yes, I have across both kind of people. But as they say to each their own.
Those are wise words by your mom. I try to live by them as well. The concept of abundance meter is cool. Will keep a check on it regularly 😉