It’s true Russ – when we’re under stress or pressure, it certainly liv ens things up inside our bodies, causing us to react in different ways. I think the secret is to develop and overall calm demeanor – one where nothing rankles you. Kind of like how Obama has consistently displayed under fire while campaigning as well as during press conferences.

One of my biggest goals is to achieve extraordinary inner peace that I am unaffected by outer circumstances and can respond in a calm, reassuring manner. You’re right – if that lady had not been screaming and crying, I might have reacted differently but as I remember it, the situation was so startling that I developed fear and wanted to flee the scene.

Thank you – especially coming from a Spanish blogger! How cool.

There you are, Elizabeth! Nice to know your name. Giving from the heart without any expectation of return is a form of freedom, in my opinion. Thanks for your input.

Thanks for your comment but I’d like to ask what your name is? I’d prefer to see you comment from a personal point of view, not from a promotional point of view (by putting the name of your business up there). My view is if people are interested in following you to your site, they’ll click on your name, which will be linked to your site. So, let me know who you are and the comment stays up here. If not, I’ll take it down because it’s too “promotional.”

Having said that, I want to thank you for sharing your insights – I haven’t seen many homeless people on the streets since the financial crisis began but I can only imagine how that might be more visible in large cities, particularly New York City.

As for hoping that by giving, someone else will return the favor if you were in the same position, I’d say that’s a given. “What goes around, comes around” is something I believe in strongly.

But I’d also like to say that when we give, if we do, it’s important we give without expectation of a return. I believe we ought to give from the heart, not because we want something in return. There’s a difference between giving to get and just plain ole giving.

If she did take it then I think she would be taking advantage.

well written post by the way. I like your style.

I can certainly understand the feeling when you give and give over and over without any reciprocation, there’s the tendency to feel “taken advantage of” but my rule of thumb is to give without any expectation. And if I ever reach that tipping point where I feel that way, I back off and find another recipient who might be more grateful.

Glad you enjoyed this one.