I’ve already heard a few grumbles from some foreigners about what they will spend in the Philippines this holiday season. With that attitude, they may as well not spend anything. My wife has a large family but I am not expected to buy 1,000 gifts or feed 1,000 people. However, I enjoy giving and I always have. I don’t give because I have to or because I am expected to. I only give because I want to. I also give within my means, as not to take away from my wife and our son.
With the trend of the currency exchange rates, you can do so much here in the islands with just a little. I didn’t say to give everything you have away.
Being Realistic
I have heard about some wives expecting their foreign husband to hand out a certain amount of money to her family every month and it has created problems. One problem is, once you start it, trouble will arise if you stop, so it is best to not get into that long term commitment. Just my opinion. During the 11 years of our marriage, my wife never asked or expected me to hand out allowances to anyone in her family. If a true emergency arises, we help as we can, but so do other members in the family. There is never a heavy burden upon our shoulders. Never!
I’ve met people during my lifetime who would not lift a finger to help anyone unless there was something in it for them. However, these same people expect others to bail them out when misfortune visits their door. And it always will at some point in life. You can count on it.
To Give Or Not To Give
I am not soliciting money from anyone for any cause. However, I learned a long time ago that what goes around, comes around. Karma is alive and kicking!
Since we are in the Philippines, I will relate to the Philippines. There are a number of wealthy Filipinos, both men and women, who give millions of pesos away every year and every year, they keep getting richer. Imagine that! They know how life works. What they happily give away returns to them many fold. Without failure.Why? Because they give to others cheerfully and they don’t sit around moping about what they have given.
I know some foreigners are here in the Philippines on a tight budget and may not be able to spare giving to anyone. At least on paper. As I said, only a little can do much for many.
We have visited Filipino family members and friends, who do not have much to give. Yet, they give their best to their visitors. They would never dream of not putting something to eat and drink in the hands of their visitors. Their gift of hospitality and sacrifice is always returned to them, somewhere down the road.
I am not rich by Western standards, based upon the amount of money I have in the bank or in my pocket. However, I am a rich man in many ways. I am successful because I learned years ago how life works.
Every Christmas and holiday season, my wife and I enjoy spreading around our many blessings to others. We also have the same attitude all year round. This is one big reason why we are successful in the Philippines. We know how life really works.
I wish all of you the very best in life.