I am a giver by nature. I am a giver who does it through love because this world is about what we leave when we are gone.

But there are a few things we do not see behind the scenes.

I still have not made my advance back on my book. When I give out my book in a yoga challenge or to people, I have to buy it because I only got enough free copies for me and my family.

I am that person who writes messages to many never to have a response, simply because I care. But I won’t lie: my heart does hang heavily when so many do not respond. I give away many of the fitness and yoga programs that I spend hours producing, creating, and studying for free.

I send gifts to people because people bring me joy and I am grateful that their time is precious. However, I cannot tell you how many people get suspicious of gift-givers.

I wonder what is the world coming to when kindness is not accepted or celebrated or even appreciated anymore?

People often ask me why I give so much—why I keep trying, and personally, I can see why so many stop.

If you are in the world to give in order to receive back, it will not be rewarding. So why give? Great question!

Personally, because I know what it is like to wish someone was there to help you and yet to have nobody.

I know what it is like for people to ignore you.

I know what it is like to tell your story and be shamed.

I know what it is like to not have enough money to pay the bills.

I know what it is like to not know where to start or have the skills to start and need a helping hand.

I know what it is like to feel lost and unworthy.

I also know what it is like to receive a random act of kindness, to be reminded of my worth, to be helped, and to receive.

I know what it is like to be on both sides, and I want to be on the side that leaves footprints in the sand for a better tomorrow, even if I never see the magic it creates.

We all are the change in this world, and this is my way of trying to be that change. With every pain, challenge, and injustice I receive or see, I want to return it with kindness and love. Folding my ego and making origami cranes so that we can all learn to soar again with love.

I want to let love with no reservations fill me and others up inside so that it can not  help but blossom into everything we do and experience here on earth.