The Law Of Tenfold Return

I believe that most people do for others with purely unselfish motivation. We give, share, offer, and support because we want to help someone else rather than because of some ulterior motive. And it is because of that motivation, that we experience the law of tenfold return. It is nature’s way, or the universes way, of reinforcing to us that it is better to give than to receive. Because when you give for the right reasons, and with a pure heart, you are also going to receive much more than you gave. Good simply grows exponentially. As we are all at home and in many cases longing for contact and a connection with those whom we care about, this is the perfect time to see this law of nature in action.

Last week, we were planning a trip to the post office to drop off a package. And it occurred to me that this was the perfect opportunity to tap into my packrat supply of cards and postcards that live on my desk. I gather them when we travel or just because thinking that someday I will need a card or have a reason to send one. And this moment seemed perfect. Just a way to let a few special people know I was thinking about them and hopefully make them smile. So a handful of cards when with the box and into the mail. And I felt a little closer to those folks who had been on my mind. That made me smile, so I already considered it a win!

Fast forward to yesterday. I had forgotten about the cards, and when they were expected to arrive at homes across the country. But I was reminded by a text from my favorite cousin who said her card made her laugh out loud. It made my day knowing that she laughed and that she took the time to share that with me. Life is busy, and we just don’t keep in touch as much as we should. But today, we just shared a smile and a laugh at a safe social distance of roughly 2000 miles.

In the afternoon, I received an email from a dear friend thanking me for her card. I was filled with warmth from her virtual hug. And again, it was a very safe distance of about 2000 miles. But it warmed my heart none the less. She told me about her postcard collection that has been a lifelong project and spanned the globe. And that made me look over my shoulder to the wall of my office. There I keep a treasured possession.

It is a postcard from my father from 1972. He was in McGregor Bay, Ontario, on a fishing trip, and the picture is the camp where he was staying. I know that I missed him while he was gone. I think it was my first memory of him traveling. But that postcard reminded me that he loved me, he was safe and happy, and that he would be home soon. All important things to a small child. And all extraordinary memories to recall thanks to my dear friend.

And out of the blue, I received a card from another friend that I have not spoken to in quite a while. It was just a note from her saying that she was thinking of me and missed me. Again, we all get busy, and we slip further and further apart. But her note reminded me that we need to make that effort to remain connected and in touch.

Currently, we are all struggling with feeling connected and think that it is out of our control. We are forced to stay home. But this is really a reminder to not be so casual about staying in contact with those we care about. When we had the freedom to go and socialize and keep in touch, many of us failed to do so. Maybe now we will realize and appreciate our ability to call, text, email, and very soon visit in person. Something that we never should take for granted again.

For the time that it took to drop a few postcards in the mail, I have been blessed with happy thoughts and memories of dear friends and family. I have thought of those that I love and that I know love me. And my day feels a little more normal and much more enjoyable. So thank you to all of the friends and loved ones who make me smile each day with a quick note, an email, text, or call. Thank you for being in my life, and thank you for your love, inspiration, and all that you add to my journey. You have all given me far more than my tenfold!