Stop Depleting Yourself & Your 🏦Bank Account

December 10, 2023

Are you depleting yourself and your bank account in an effort to be generous?

Are you tempted to spend that extra $$$ in a guilt gift to make up for time lost, avoid the apology, or skip over the act of true forgiveness?

Every year I say, “I am NOT going to fall into the trap of consumerism this holiday season.” However, my inbox is a constant reminder of all the things I should/could be buying for all the people I love. 

This year I have really been exploring the true act of generosity in my relationships and my life, and I am inviting you into the exploration along with me.

What does it really mean to be generous?

“Generosity is voluntary, unselfish giving of time, money, attention, or other resources.”

Maybe…. just maybe…. we can explore other ways to cultivate the spirit of generosity from within. 

After all, true generosity extends far beyond material gifts; it emanates from the heart, expressed through words, attention, intention, love, and forgiveness.

Now, if you are like me, you will likely still want to give a gift or two to those you love, and of course that is perfect. However, today I am inviting you to expand beyond the cultural norm we have been indoctrinated into and perhaps remember the rule of “BOTH…. AND.”  

We can give both “things” and give generously of ourselves with our time, energy, kindness, compassion, patience, or maybe forgiveness, if that is what is being called in.

A few weeks ago I shared here what it meant for me to be generous with my daughter when she was inconveniently in an overwhelm rant.

So, what does it look like to be generous in your relationships?

Perhaps the real gift you can offer this year comes in the form of your time, patience, acceptance, energy, forgiveness, or love.

Pause and tap into the true spirit of generosity this holiday season.

I invite you to carve out a few minutes and make a list of those you love, look into your heart, and ask what they really need from you.

Consider ways you can be generous from within.

• • • Is there someone who would like more of your time and focused attention?
    • Is there someone who requires more of your patience?
    • Is there someone who needs your compassion?
    • Is there someone who needs you to truly listen deeply

Lastly and maybe most importantly, check in and see how willing you are to offer them what they need. If you notice some big resistance, I get it. Let that be ok and be generous with yourself.

It can take time to open your heart.

Honoring yourself and what you are truly available for is a powerful act of generosity. After all, you cannot give to others what you cannot give to yourself.

With grace and gratitude,

Annmarie Chereso
Author, Speaker, Coach, & Meditation Teacher