“The more that I give, the more I am successful”, is a saying that I have lived by all of my life. Whilst I was born into a middle-class German family, I never felt to have anything abundant given to me in terms of things that I wanted.  For example, when it comes to gaming with my friends, I have never experienced being Player One (the one owning a console).  Many of the things that I was able to possess were bought by myself, with money that I earned.  My parents were rightfully frugal, but I didn’t understand that until much later in life.  As I got older, if I had something to share, I would share it with people that I believe may need it more.  

This got the better of me at one point in my life when I started looking not just at work, but also at my personal life, as if it had an hourly rate, wherein I could spend free time doing something better.  Of course, burn out ensued along with the burning of bridges.  I was obsessed with providing my loved ones happiness, from a financial point of view with all bills paid, groceries purchased, frequent food deliveries, and somewhat latest tech for everyone within my immediate family… until the point that I realized that I wasn’t able to give to them one aspect that they desired most – my time. 

My parents never lacked quality time with me, but I certainly did with a number of important people in life.  The most painful part to acknowledge is that time is something that I cannot get back – no matter how much money I make. 

You can be generous in so many more ways than just one. The financial aspect is just the tip of the iceberg.  The best currency, or value, that you can provide to someone is your time.  Time to teach them how to fish.  Time to show them how much you value them in your life.  Quality time to spend with the right people, because time is something you can give, but can’t get back.