Send it Out and You'll Get it Back

Years ago, somebody made the observation that if you see someone without a smile, you should give him or her yours. Others have said that a smile is a little curve that sets a lot of things straight. You undoubtedly have noticed that when you smile at someone, in most cases -- particularly if it involves a non-threatening situation (man smiling broadly at a woman holding a baby) -- the smile is virtually always returned.

It's true: When you do something for someone who is in no position to return the favor, you are energized and able to do more things for yourself. Research validates the fact that those people who get involved in helping others, whether it's building homes with Habitat for Humanity, serving through the Salvation Army or Red Cross, or participating in the service clubs, traditionally do better in their own businesses and personal lives.

Life really is like a bouncing ball. What you send out is what you get back. And, according to Dr. J. Allan Petersen, the finest gift we can give another human being is the gift of an excellent expectation. He says that "expecting the best provides realistic affirmation of a person's uniqueness, individuality and strengths, and it multiplies itself. It encourages a reciprocal action from other people. The Biblical principle, "Give and it shall be given unto you," applies to expressing appreciation."