True that most tend to give to get. I think the exception is when the giving itself is a joy, a reward. When I'm in a good mood - it feels natural to be kind & loving and generous. Yet, my reality, as a wife & mother is that I need to give even when I'm not in the best mood to give. Sometimes, when I do that... I push myself to give even when it's not natural, my son will come up & hug me out of the blue. It's almost like he senses that I was sacrificing for him or others. But there's a balance, as we've been discussing. If you give & give & give... even way past when it hurts, then it's like emotional debt, which will have to be paid eventually. I love the idea of loving others as ourselves... in harmony & balance. It is ironic with such materialistic affluence that so many are obviously emotionally bankrupt, lookin' desperately for love in all the wrong places. Been there, done that, & still do sometimes. Feeling that love & sense of fulfillment so craved, can be as simple as closing your eyes, imagining something inspiring & taking a deep breath & appreciating all that is. Hey there Motivated. Your words distilled the subject very clearly. Appriciate the power of having clear thoughts and reasons for doing the right things. It really gives a sort of confidence and conviction to carry on. The nurtering role is