November Reflections: The Truth about Giving by Lisa H. Thomas
As the year winds down and we prepare to step into the final chapter, I've found myself in deep reflection about what it means to be a giver. Giving has always been a natural part of who I am—it’s not something I’ve ever questioned or second-guessed. It’s brought me immense joy and fulfillment, and I’ve never felt unhappy in being someone who gives freely. But what I’ve come to realize this year is that giving—when done without reflection—can sometimes lead to an emptiness, a realization I didn’t recognize.
It wasn’t that I felt taken advantage of or betrayed, and it wasn’t even about feeling lonely. It was more about this subtle realization that I’d poured out so much of who I am—naturally, joyfully, instinctively—that I hadn’t noticed my own reserves running low.
The biggest AHA moment for me was understanding that the emptiness I occasionally felt wasn’t about what I was giving, but about who I was leaving out of the equation—myself. I’ve always been someone who thinks two or three steps ahead to ensure others are cared for, but I didn’t realize that in doing so, I’d put my own needs on pause.
I’m now learning to give from a place of fullness, where joy is abundant and choice is at my fingertips. I can give freely, but I also choose to honor me. And that shift has brought a deeper, more aligned sense of joy into my life.
This year, I’ve awakened to a new truth: That two truths can exist at the same time - that giving to others and giving to myself can coexist beautifully and that the secret to that lies in aligning both truths. It’s not about stopping the giving—it’s about being mindful and intentional.
As we move into December, I hope you’ll join me in this reflection: listen to yourself, honor your needs, and let your giving flow from a place of wholeness. Because when you do, bliss becomes available for everyone—including you. 💫
P.S. The last photo is me realizing how most of my adult life I've loved cooking, but I haven't been doing much of it lately! Well time to get back at it more consistently. It's my happy place!
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