“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Powerful words spoken by Winston Churchill and it’s the first quote you will see on page 588 of Tony Robbin’s newest book Money: Master the Game. When I first learned about Tony Robbins one of the things that jumped out at me about this incredible human being, besides his passion and grateful heart, was how much of a giver he was. It made me incredibly happy to know how one person was using the blessings that he had been given to make the lives of others better.

He named the last chapter of his book The Final Secret. Sharing with us that the ultimate goal for attaining financial freedom is really to have the opportunity to give. As the book states, research shows that the more you give to others, the happier you are. Giving actually makes us both happier and healthier! How amazing is that!

I’ve always been a very empathetic person. Ever since I can remember, not sure why, but I would be able to feel someone else’s pain and happiness as if it was happening to me. I remember just a few months ago, a customer walked into the bridal boutique I work at. As she started sharing with me her excitement for her wedding I felt emotionally connected with her. She continued on to say how she was a breast cancer survivor and that she thought she would never find love again and how grateful she was to be alive. I tried sooo hard not to burst into tears! Seriously, my eyes got watery (I hope she didn’t notice!) and I felt so unbelievably touched by her story. Words have that power over me. As a result, I have always felt the need to comfort others and to give a helping hand to those in need. Have you heard about the four personality types? The Urchin, Shark, Whale, and the Dolphin. If you haven’t, check out this fun article which helps explain the traits of each one. 4 Personality Types. Well, I am a whale. Giving has always been built-in me but it wasn’t till recently when I started learning just how important it was to be a giver when it comes to your overall fulfillment and happiness in life.

I really do believe that when you are feeling down, maybe you know someone who is suffering from depression, the best advice you can give them is for them to help someone less fortunate than themselves. When you put your focus on something other than yourself, sadness, anger, depression, etc. cannot exist within you! Tony shares something interesting that was told to him by Sir John Templeton, the world’s greatest investor, he said he’s never known anyone who tithed meaning who gave 8% or 10% of what he earned to a religious or charitable organization over a ten-year period who didn’t massively grow his financial wealth. I don’t believe it’s a mere coincidence that the biggest givers are given the biggest blessings. As Tony puts it, I believe giving is a secret to wealth and an abundant life.

Become a giver. Give whatever you can. Whether it may be your time or monetary donations, there is always something you can do to help someone in need. Remember, as Tony states in his book, “The person you will be giving the most to might very well be yourself.”

Wishing you love, success, and a lifetime of bliss!