"The universe has this amazing way of giving back to those who serve first."

I have something really near and dear to my heart that I want to share, that comes from the core of who I am and what I hope to create. It was expressed perfectly in a line in the book Superfans by Pat Flynn. It's a quote that changed my life, and it goes ”The universe has this amazing way of giving back to those who serve first.”

How interesting is that? Those who give are more likely to receive. But not only give, to serve. To dedicate themselves to others without expecting anything in return. It’s  coming from a place of knowing that you can add value, and you choose to, because investing in the betterment of human kind is the right thing to do.

However, this quote articulates what naturally happens next. Your investment and the value you offered returns to you in unexpected and multiplied ways. By raising the tide for someone else, you end up raising the tide for yourself. It's a natural response where goodness is returned to those who serve first. There’s an order to it. When you come from a position of unattached and authentic service, others feel inspired to reciprocate and support you! It's a law of the universe, the powers that be, that we are all susceptible to. And the most beautiful part is - that's not even why you do it.

This idea plays nicely with another idea I am really passionate about - How humility involves a willingness to both give and receive. I gave a TedX talk about the receiving side of it, surrendering to the universe and the path it has laid out for you. But this quote addresses the giving side and our contributions to the ecosystem. Giving and receiving facilitates the flow of value, touching everything around you, and amplifying your capabilities through shared resources and energy.

The thesis is: Give first and give often. “The universe has this amazing way of giving back to those who serve first.”