“The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give.” ~ Oprah
At 40, Franz Kafka (1883-1924), who never married and had no children, was walking through a park in Berlin when he noticed a little girl who was crying because she had lost her favorite doll. Kafka suggested that they look for the doll together, but they were unsuccessful.
The next day, Kafka and the girl met at the park to continue looking for the doll. After searching for a while and not finding the doll, Kafka gave the little girl a letter written by the doll saying, “Please don’t cry. I took a trip to see the world. I will write to you about my adventures.”
Thus began a story which continued until the end of Kafka’s life.
During their meetings, Kafka read the letters written by the doll, with adventures and conversations that the little girl found comforting. Then one day, Kafka brought the doll back and told the little girl that the doll had returned from its adventures. (He bought a new doll.)
“It doesn’t look like my doll at all,” said the girl.
Kafka handed her another letter in which the doll wrote: “My travels have changed me.” The young girl hugged the changed doll and happily brought her home.
A year later, Kafka died.
After many years, the girl, now an adult, found a letter inside the doll. The letter said; “Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way.” It was signed by Kafka.
Kafka’s life was enriched by gifting that young girl the wisdom of acceptance and change. She didn’t realize how impactful the exchange with Kafka was on her life until she read that last note. And little did she realize the gifts she gave to Kafka.
Giving is receiving…Giving is more than an exchange of physical gifts and time. It’s a shift in your consciousness that affects not just the receiver, but you as the giver fostering a greater sense of inner peace and heartfelt joy.
Make kindness a habit.
To Your Success,
Peak Performance Coach