In our culture there are many sayings that express this idea:

• What goes around comes around
• As you sow, so shall you reap
• One good turn deserves another
• Instant Karma's gonna get you!

You get the idea, of course. I got to thinking that people may take this literally enough to get discouraged when they don't see the results they were hoping for. Sometimes, in fact, we do something nice for someone and they seem ungrateful. Perhaps they don't do something in kind. They may even cheat us or take advantage.

What if we think of this whole karmic law idea in a broader circle? I look at it this way. When I keep doing kindnesses, going the extra mile, being thoughtful and so forth... positive things are happening on many levels.

I feel great when I know I have been of service and those good feelings infuse my day with positive energy. I continue to feel positive as I expect the best from others, not caring who or keeping score. I just see the best in folks and attract more of that into my day. I make it my business to look at all of what I am grateful for and my heart begins to sing as I notice all the things that continue to work well for me today. When something goes wrong, I allow myself to notice and feel what it is that I don't like, and then I lift myself up with joyful thoughts about what I do like and thoughts about what I want to bring in next.

Recently, I asked my networking group to share some things others in the group had done for them that might get overlooked as we focus on business. Some of the things they shared were:

• Loaning a book that seemed like it would be interesting
• Introductions to a colleague they might enjoy meeting
• Free advice on a technical problem
• Donating money to a cherished cause

Making connections is about relationship. Each of these gifts, freely given, added to the good feelings between the individuals involved. It also added to the general air of good feelings, of there being abundant opportunities to give and to share. This lifts up everyone involved and gathers its own momentum of giving. That is how I see "giver's gain" working in my life every day.

Quote For Today:
" I would like to believe when I die that I have given myself away like a tree that sows seed every spring and never counts the loss, because it is not loss, it is adding to future life. It is the tree's way of being. Strongly rooted perhaps, but spilling out its treasure on the wind. "
May Sarton

Kingsolver and her family committed to a year of eating locally raised, sustainably grown, food and then collaborated on a book describing their experience. She is one of my favorite novelists and a brilliant essayist as well. Her book of essays after 9/11 was full of insight and quite thought provoking. Though I didn't agree with her every sentiment, I was always awestruck by her brilliance.

This new book was also inspiring and enlightening. If family discussions 'round the table would liven up your mealtime, consider sharing this entertaining story. Kingsolver, her husband, and her college age daughter, all contributed to this narrative of their year on their Virginia farm, growing their own vegetables, raising poultry, shopping at the farmer's market and baking their own bread. They offer interesting points of view on such diverse subjects as shopping locally, energy conservation, genetic engineering, vegetarianism, raising and eating your own poultry, getting to know your neighbors, and hosting a great party. They do all this without seeming the least bit judgmental or "holier than thou".

Kingsolver writes so well that her book reads like an adventure. Her characters include her young entrepreneurial daughter, Lily, college age daughter and budding author, Camille, and scientist/college professor, Steven. Each contributes a unique flavor to the tale. My favorite is Ms. Kingsolver herself! She manages to be both brilliant and funny, sweeping the reader up in her adventures. She kept me on the edge of my seat on subjects such as breeding turkeys, finding something to eat in the winter, and creating new uses for zucchini.

This book is in hardcover and audio format. The author reads the audio book herself. Have fun listening or reading it yourself, read it aloud to your kids, and send a copy to a friend! You will find you have plenty to chew on!