To Live is to Give.

 We are often told that there is joy in giving. All the major religious philosophies emphasize on the noble deed of helping one another. And I believe that each one of us needs one another, the very nature of life on earth centres around 'interdependency'. This interdependency and people being there for one another was visible during the Covid Pandemic when people were coming forward to donate money, medicines, food etc.

The act of giving may provide a sense of purpose to live to some of us. To know that you are in a position to give to someone, something that they need, and your act of kindness impacts the lives of others in a good way. And, to know that there are others in world who will reach out to you in the times of need is also reassuring. One can possibly not live a life where one doesn't need help of others, however small it might be. So it is imperative that we get better at the simple acts of giving and receiving. 

Now, what is it that one can give which is not monetary? It can be time, we can give time to people who need company - destitute, orphans, elders abandoned by their family. We can share our stories, make a connection and most importantly, 'listen' to them. Sometimes all one needs is to be heard. 

One can also be lucky enough to be able to donate blood, hair and organs like eyes. I remember the time when my pet kitten, Millie, needed blood when she was severely anaemic. That is when I realised how important blood banks are, not just for humans but also for animals. From then on, I have a new-found respect for people who are able to donate their blood. Hopefully, I will also be able to do so.

Eye donation is an act of kindness which gives the ultimate gift of sight to the blind. This one cause is close to my heart, as I have been myopic from a young age. And I am proud to say that my grandmother donated her eyes and gifted two people the gift of vision. There are many such heroes in our world who silently make lives of others better in their own way.

Recently, I had the opportunity to donate my hair for the cause of cancer patients. I've been waiting this for a long time and having seen someone in my circle do it, made me more determined to go ahead with the idea of hair donation. This was a unique experience for me as I didn't want myself to attach my identity with my long hair. I felt that I was the one who was being helped in this act. 

I hope I always remember this basic mantra in life - To live is to give.

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