My definition--thought about at the beginning of the article when you ask us to first think of our definition of 'sharing' before reading further--was "Sharing is being in the same emotional space as another person, whether for an instant or a longer period. The 'I feel seen' or 'She gets me' feeling."
Which wasn't on the Oxford Dictionary list, so I don't know where that leaves me.
Thank you for sharing and for subscribing! I feel like your “connected” type of sharing is something between sharing space and sharing a value if I’m understanding it correctly. And I agree that it’s not really in the bulleted list!
I love this post so much. I also loved the prompt to think about what sharing means to me.
Two things jumped to my mind.
Giving something away: As the oldest of 5 who grew up in a household with limited resources (and THREE brothers), things like food, binder paper, and time with our parents would disappear quickly among the littles. I did a lot of resource-sharing as a kid, because I was (am!) a fair big sister. So I have always adored having my own {whatever}: I can take my time enjoying it until the last bite, slowly, without worrying that I'm going to have to give that anticipated last bite away to someone who needs it.
Sharing experiences: this is my favorite kind of sharing. I grouped it under #2, and connection. When I have free time, I often gravitate toward finding someone to share an activity, instead of doing that activity on my own. I just LOVE sharing experiences/space/moments. I will go to great lengths to share an experience with someone.
While I'm sometimes stingy about sharing chocolate, I've been known to share time, goodwill, and trust in extraordinary amounts, which you'd think would be a strong indicator of being a good thing-sharer! I suspect these are expanders, and belong in your ideas category :)
Finally: it's fascinating and encouraging that sharing resources tells your brain that you have enough. I can't wait to practice that.
also want to validate (though you don’t need it) your generosity with time. Maybe we can get some alignment on the idea that one should not be judged on their willingness to share chocolate alone… ;)
Thank you so much for sharing Shaya! Among the gifts you’ve given me is a reminder about how BINDER PAPER used to feel like a precious resource. That took me right back. I can hear and feel the vibrations of the three ring binder clicking open! I can smell the pages of possibility. Thank you for thinking and feeling with me!
I loved this! I've always taken flack from my family because of my excessive gift giving. It gives me such pleasure to give people things. Now I'm thinking it may just be my way of sharing....hmmmmm...
You like making other people happy. So do I :) I still have the awesome card you gave us on display on my bookshelf. Much love to you and yours this season and always!!!
I loved this Chantel! When you asked about sharing I thought of numbers one and two - sharing things and sharing space. But I never thought about the connection part. Something to ponder over the Christmas period. ❤️
I like the quote of George Bernard Shaw so much that I restacked it (or something like that: I'm new to Substack). It reminds me of the saying (I can't quote it because I can't remember it exactly, but it goes like this): The only thing that doubles if you share it is Happiness.
I think the same goes for laughter, fun and joy in life. Sharing doesn't have to mean 'getting less'.
That's why I like the idea of sharing ideas so much: you double your ideas!
Thank you for sharing this! I’m an eternal sharer, as is my husband. While he was the oldest and I the youngest, we’re both nurturers. It has been tough over the years often feeling like the only ones we know willing to share so freely and not feeling that openness in return. It’s so helpful to read this broader perspective on it to help me feel less, perhaps jaded. Food for thought as always! Happy holidays!
My definition--thought about at the beginning of the article when you ask us to first think of our definition of 'sharing' before reading further--was "Sharing is being in the same emotional space as another person, whether for an instant or a longer period. The 'I feel seen' or 'She gets me' feeling."
Which wasn't on the Oxford Dictionary list, so I don't know where that leaves me.
I liked the post. I subscribed.
Thank you for sharing and for subscribing! I feel like your “connected” type of sharing is something between sharing space and sharing a value if I’m understanding it correctly. And I agree that it’s not really in the bulleted list!
I love this post so much. I also loved the prompt to think about what sharing means to me.
Two things jumped to my mind.
Giving something away: As the oldest of 5 who grew up in a household with limited resources (and THREE brothers), things like food, binder paper, and time with our parents would disappear quickly among the littles. I did a lot of resource-sharing as a kid, because I was (am!) a fair big sister. So I have always adored having my own {whatever}: I can take my time enjoying it until the last bite, slowly, without worrying that I'm going to have to give that anticipated last bite away to someone who needs it.
Sharing experiences: this is my favorite kind of sharing. I grouped it under #2, and connection. When I have free time, I often gravitate toward finding someone to share an activity, instead of doing that activity on my own. I just LOVE sharing experiences/space/moments. I will go to great lengths to share an experience with someone.
While I'm sometimes stingy about sharing chocolate, I've been known to share time, goodwill, and trust in extraordinary amounts, which you'd think would be a strong indicator of being a good thing-sharer! I suspect these are expanders, and belong in your ideas category :)
Finally: it's fascinating and encouraging that sharing resources tells your brain that you have enough. I can't wait to practice that.
❤️
also want to validate (though you don’t need it) your generosity with time. Maybe we can get some alignment on the idea that one should not be judged on their willingness to share chocolate alone… ;)
Thank you so much for sharing Shaya! Among the gifts you’ve given me is a reminder about how BINDER PAPER used to feel like a precious resource. That took me right back. I can hear and feel the vibrations of the three ring binder clicking open! I can smell the pages of possibility. Thank you for thinking and feeling with me!
I loved this! I've always taken flack from my family because of my excessive gift giving. It gives me such pleasure to give people things. Now I'm thinking it may just be my way of sharing....hmmmmm...
You like making other people happy. So do I :) I still have the awesome card you gave us on display on my bookshelf. Much love to you and yours this season and always!!!
I loved this Chantel! When you asked about sharing I thought of numbers one and two - sharing things and sharing space. But I never thought about the connection part. Something to ponder over the Christmas period. ❤️
Thank you for sharing Kerry :) I think we both benefit from the magic of sharing views and a love of horses with a phenomenal group of humans!
I like the quote of George Bernard Shaw so much that I restacked it (or something like that: I'm new to Substack). It reminds me of the saying (I can't quote it because I can't remember it exactly, but it goes like this): The only thing that doubles if you share it is Happiness.
I think the same goes for laughter, fun and joy in life. Sharing doesn't have to mean 'getting less'.
That's why I like the idea of sharing ideas so much: you double your ideas!
Thanks for writing this Substack.
Sandra
Thank you for sharing this! I’m an eternal sharer, as is my husband. While he was the oldest and I the youngest, we’re both nurturers. It has been tough over the years often feeling like the only ones we know willing to share so freely and not feeling that openness in return. It’s so helpful to read this broader perspective on it to help me feel less, perhaps jaded. Food for thought as always! Happy holidays!