The heart that gives, gathers. - Tao Te Ching

These are wise words. 

While many people believe that taking is was actually brings the value, I'm of a completely different opinion.

Here's my secret on how you may become the richest person on Earth 💰

The key to life is not accumulation, it's contribution

I was 6 years old when I was given the very first letter of reference in the primary school.

My mom told me later that she won't ever forget that moment when the class teacher handed the paper over to her. She said:

"It's weird. Once she's finished her task, she walks over to the other students in order to help them getting done theirs. Nobody told her to do so, but to her it's kind of self-evident. She finds pleasure in seeing the others succeeding.

I was always wondering if that behavior was a result of a completely fulfilled childhood.

Are kids who have an especially happy childhood able to develop a better "sense of community"? Are they even more social?

What I'm a 100% convinced about is the fact that giving is a result of gratitude.

Caring about others is definitely my way of saying: thank you, life!

I've always been a lucky person, no doubt about that. I can't remember one single day in my life I wasn't content about my general situation.

Yes, I made mistakes like we all do. But there was nothing I really completely regret. All our decisions are based on the information given at a specific point of time. It's a natural thing that we grow up, learn, get smarter and wiser.

Tallulah Bankhead, an American actress, said once:

If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes. Only sooner.

We were born to be real, not to be perfect.

So here is my reality: give.

Probably the secret lies in the word "random".

Most of the people don't expect you to be kind without asking for something in return.

That's actually the best part of it.

Surprise them! Look them into the eyes when you do it. And you get paid for a lifetime.

That's why I started the new project @steemaniacs.

@steemaniacs helps new users on steeemit to get a smooth boost in their beginnings.

The account was created yesterday, and today I started to analyze and comment the very first articles that were sent to me.

The feedback has been overwhelming so far. What a feeling!

In moments like these I remember that class teacher from primary school I mentioned above and who was surprised to see me caring about the others' success. The little Marly has become an adult now, but the spirit is still the same.

So open your hearts, steemians.

Think out of the box, think beyond your own nose.

Soon you will realize that:

No-one has ever become poor by giving - Anne Frank

Have a great day!

Big hugs,
Marly -

I will leave you with one of my favorite videos. It's only 2 min. long but probably one of the most beautiful clips that have ever been published on the internet:

Quotes found on brainquote.com andpinterest.com