What Have You Done For Me Lately?

So this week I'm finally back in NYC after a full week of Hawaiian adventures.  This was probably one of the most active trips I've taken.  There was barely any time to relax, just so much stuff to do!  We hiked up to the top of a mountain (in record time, because we had to rush back for a sunset Luau), trekked to see two waterfalls (one of which was on a very wet day, so mud was everywhere), found a secret mermaid cave, went turtle watching on the North Shore, snorkeling in the ocean, and explored the Waikiki shopping area.  On top of all the during the day stuff, we went out every single night (mostly to try and prove to ourselves that we weren't dried up old ladies who can't hang).  It was a really amazing trip.  Sometimes I just have to sit back and appreciate the fact that I'm able to even experience all of this stuff.  Who knew that my friend would become a flight attendant and whisk me away to all these awesome places?  When I met her, she was in a totally different line of work.  Also, the lady we met in Hawaii through another friend literally HOOKED. US. UP.  She worked at a hotel near the beach that we ended up staying in and definitely made our entire trip what it was with all of her hospitality.  I know she wasn't being generous for something in return, but I still felt as though I didn't even do enough to repay or sufficiently thank her!  

As I sat to think about all of my many blessings, I tried to find something that I contribute in a world where I've been fortunate enough to meet so many who are giving.  What do I even do for others?  Every once in a while I will think about this.  I try not to dwell too hard because again, I know that people who are giving aren't generally giving because they want or even expect something in return, but ya know sometimes I feel like I'm just here doing a bunch of nothing yet getting a bunch of everything.  What do I even have to offer?  What is it that anyone has to offer?  If a person doesn't really have money, or a position at a certain job, or any talents... what do we have to give?  I suppose it really does come down to those 3 categories huh... money, job, or talent.  Or perhaps if you're just an overall awesome or nice person, you can sort of "give" good energy.  But sometimes I don't even think I'm really all that nice.  

It's very interesting to think about what it is we offer the world.  I'm sure we all justify things differently in our heads.  I use to think that my personality was so awesome and amazing that others being so generous to me was justified.  Don't get me wrong, I still think my personality is awesome and amazing, but should I really just rely on that as the sole factor of my own generosity towards others?  How lazy!  There's so much more I could be giving.  There is a great Bible quote ( Y'all know I love me a Bible quote), "to whom much is given, much is required".  If you have an excess of money, put it to good use.  If you happen to have a certain job title where you could easily help others with minimal to no effort on your part, why not do so?  If you have an amazing talent that you know would bring joy to the world, it's up to you to cultivate that talent, perfect it, and figure out a way to spread it to the masses.  If all you think you have is a great personality, use that to spread joy and love to all you come across.  Sometimes that's what people REALLY need more than anything.  

In saying all of this, I am still a firm believer in "you don't owe anybody anything but the truth".  When I say or think of this, I'm more so speaking in terms of those GET givers who DO expect things in return for their upfront generosity.  Stay far far away from these types of people.  It sort of reminds me of when a rich guy is trying to impress a cute girl.  I've actually been in scenarios before where someone will buy me lots of gifts, take me to expensive dinners, treat me very lavishly, and then EXPECT some sort of physical contact afterward.  I don't think so buddy.  I've heard stories of other girls in similar situations like this, and some even feel they owe sexual favors at that point.  I'm here to tell you that no, you don't!  If you feel uncomfortable or uncertain, it's best to just not accept anything in the first place, however tempting it may be.  True generosity doesn't come with a price tag.  

All in all, sometimes yes, I do wish I had more to offer or could do more for those who have been so kind and giving, but it's important to remember that we all give in different ways, and we shouldn't compare the things we have to the things others have.  Comparison will always be a thief of joy.  Its very easy to feel like we aren't doing enough or simply, we AREN'T enough, trust me, I know the feeling all too well.  I'm working on trying to overcome this feeling by appreciating the things I DO have to offer the world and working to make those things as great as they can possibly be.  Maybe one day I'll even get a job where I can give people discounts and free stuff.  Maybe one day I'll have Bill Gates money and be able to give 90% of it away.  Just try and give what you can even if you don't have much in the beginning.  They do say "it's the thought that counts"!  

P.s.  Sheesh, how many quotes can I fit in this post?  

P.s.s.  Welp, here's one more!  I happen to love the saying "character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you".  Sometimes when I'm in a networking type of setting (or even just a regular setting), people will casually ask "Oh so what do you do?"  and I frankly hate that question.  I feel as though most of the time, people use that to determine whether or not they will have a further conversation with you.  It seems as though we are on a constant quest for those who have the most to offer us.    

P.p.p.s.  I have however been seriously considering working for another hotel again.  If Ashleigh has the flight benefits, and I had hotel benefits, we could literally go anywhere in the world for pennies!  PENNIES!  All we'd need then is another friend who worked at a car rental place!