Immobilized with a freak ankle injury sustained last week, in a dusty, mystery-holed service lane of Vasant Kunj, I have been counting my blessings. Surrounded by friends (in-need, indeed!), we thanked the stars (not the ones I saw upon the fall!) – Had it been a hairline? What if the head had hit the pavement? Thank God, there was no car passing by… The value of a well-kept nail is realized when it in-grows! But why wait to value health, wealth and life till you are very near to being robbed of it? Rejoice every breath, every moment, every day, everyday. This brings me to the purpose of this post.
I want to share with you a times-tested recipe of living joyfully: GIVE.
This morning, while sipping adrak chai and enjoying thekua made by a family friend, my mind felt restless. I kept dwelling on a missed chance to send gifts on time to children at a local NGO, due to a botched delivery by a major e-commerce marketplace. Although this can be fixed, receiving a surprise gift during the festive season has a special charm—for children and adults alike.
Plus, for the giver, giving and gifting are the best and most sustainable lifters of mood, spirit and soul.
They have distinct health and well-being benefits. Across psychology, medicine, and neuroscience, giving and gifting are consistently linked with:
- Lower stress and depression
- Increased happiness and life satisfaction
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Longer lifespan
- Healthier neuro-chemical and hormonal responses
- Stronger social and immune functioning
Do we need more convincing?
It does not matter to which person, cause or agency you give, JUST GIVE. (Surprise someone with a thoughtful gift, or check out giving platforms like milaap and donatekart; or NGOs like Goonj, Help For Children in Need, and Grameen Foundation for Social Impact)
Giving is a celebration of your well-being, an unexpectant-of-return kind of pay-it-forward, a humble acceptance of your accidental ability and prosperity, and a shower of heartful humanity.
It is said that true saving is when it pinches. Similarly, it is true Giving when it stops being a joy – Give till the far edge of joy. Rest assured, it will land you in a beautiful place.
Charity is the best friend of a person about to die, replied Yudhisthira to a Yaksha prashna. But it is also a grounding accompanier through life. So, as I wish you all a healthy and happy start to the New Year 2026, I urge you to give, GIVE TODAY and be free!
(My friends, who are concerned about my health, open your heart and Give. It will act like a Reiki session, for which I thank you in advance!).
Shubhachintan 