Why Reciprocate? The world is a mirror and when you give without expecting anything in return, you will attract goodness to be returned to you.
“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
—Marianne Williamson
The Law of Reciprocity
The “Law of Reciprocity” demonstrates that when we give something from or of ourselves, the receiving party feels an inclination to give back. And in turn, when someone does something nice for you, you naturally want to return the favor. Reciprocity begins a momentum for mutual caring and sweet rewards.
Four Truths of Reciprocity
1. The Law of Cause and Effect
“For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
Reciprocity explains how what you give is what you get. The world will mirror back, and reciprocate, whatever you’re putting out there—so . . . if you don’t like what you’re getting, you’ve got to change what you’re giving. Some call it “karma,” which promises that the seeds you plant today will determine your harvests tomorrow. The Bible makes many references to this principle.
2. Like Produces Like—Kind Produces Kind.
“A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, nor can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”
If you were to plant a grapevine you would get grapes, not oranges. You will harvest according to the seeds you plant. By the same token, the thoughts you think, the things you say, and the actions you take will determine the outcomes you harvest in life. You would be delusional to expect great results from bad actions. Sow your seeds for peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control and your harvest will undoubtedly be bountiful and rewarding.
3. You Reap More Than You Sow.
If you plant one tree, it will produce many fruits. One simple action can create a ripple effect with unanticipated impact. Good begets good and has a multiplier effect to spread more good. Bad begets bad, leaving collateral damage and destruction in its wake. Choose wisely, for the seeds you sow will grow and multiply.
4. Be Patient.
It takes time to reap what you have sown to enjoy the rewards of your plantings. You would not expect a seed to produce fruit the next day. Yes, patience . . . always a challenge. While you might not see immediate results, try to rest patiently in knowing that you have been putting out your best and doing your best, and the rest will follow.
Reciprocation is more than a flow of giving shared between two people. Instead of holding on tightly to something, your hand is wide open. The universe operates through dynamic exchange and the magic happens when the giver gives without expecting back.
8 Easy Ways to Reciprocate
- A kind word
- A generous deed
- An act of service
- Respect for differences
- Healthy communication
- Emotional safety
- A favor without attachments
- Love and affection
On Becoming a Giver
“Take time to appreciate employees and they will reciprocate in a thousand ways.”
—Bob Nelson
“It is better to give than to receive,” is a lifetime philosophy for the givers who have the generosity of spirit to give without expecting anything in return. Through acts and deeds of generosity, we can create happy, fulfilled, and deeply meaningful lives, as we contribute to the well-being of another life.
This is an excerpt from her new book, Release the Power of Re3 . . . Review, Redo & Renew for Positive Change & Transformation. To lrn more, please visit www.SusanCYoung.com or www.amazon.com/author/susancyoung.
