The giving tree.

Many of you may be familiar with the children’s book, The Giving Tree that was written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. It was first published in 1964; I discovered it two years ago. At the time I stumbled upon it because I had too much time on my hand. After I read it, I became emotional. I was shock, because the lesson was so out of the blue and unexpected… It’s about a tree that gladly give without condition, all it ever wanted in return is to spend time with the selfish boy who took. Even in the end when there is nothing else to give, he still gave. Two extremes at opposite end. That’s no way to live. How many of us give without condition, or give again and again knowing we won’t get anything in return? Honestly, the only people I think I would give such a privilege, are my parents and my daughter. Be honest with yourself, are you the selfish taker or the giver? We’re all work in progress. Everytime we think we got it, there will always be something else to learn and change. Self awareness is everything. Once we are aware, we should work on changing, even if it takes years of trying.

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