the cost of generosity

Wikipedia (the most non-reference reference) defines “generosity” as the habit of giving freely without expecting anything in return

Although the majority of that definition is true, the part i disagree with is the “expecting anything in return”. Regardless of the giver’s intentions they will receive something in return: gratitude or grief. Perhaps this is not true in all individuals, but for me….this is the story of my life.

I have been blessed in my life to the point where the giving of myself, my time, or my efforts have become a second nature to me. I give with no intention in mind other than the fact that nothing i have is my own and as I need others, so they need me. HOWEVER, and that is a big however, I feel as if appreciation is far and few between.

So my question is, when did generosity of a kind heart become so costly? Is there any logic in continually giving if one continues to get taken advantage of? Does the unappreciative nature of others cause genuinely generous people to question the good they are doing?

Hi, my name is Kimly. Pleased to meet you :)

All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king.

- J.R.R. Tolkein