If you know me, you know I find myself getting mixed up in all kinds of "acts of service". Most of these are useful to the world and give back to me as I give. However, there are some acts of service I find myself doing out of obligation or out of fear that if I don't do it no one will. 

When I look at the energetic imprint of both types of service, I can clearly see that the times when I do things out of an authentic desire to be of service, are the times when both the receiver of my service and myself truly get the gift I am intending to give. On the flip side, when I act in service out of obligation, I am blocking both myself and the receiver from everything but the feeling of obligation.   

Your “Why” Matters

Where you give from within yourself matters. How you show up at the time of giving matters to the receiver. You will only be successful in giving of yourself and your time when you can do it from the space of service for the sake of giving. When you are able to access this space of clear giving, you are able to feel and see the benefits of your actions. It helps instill a sense of purpose in life, a sense of connection, and a sense of hope.  

For example, as a CASA, I am only good at volunteering when I show up without any expectations of outcomes. I am only able to enjoy the work, when I show up to see the humanity in everyone, including the mistakes most would consider hard to see and accept.

I am only able to be the change agent in my role when all I ask of myself is to be of service to humanity. Then, I can truly see the human behind the acts that seem unforgivable. When I accept what is happening, support the people around the situation as equally valuable people, and stay in my empowering mindset, I am able to show up more cleanly for all of us.

The Power of Authentic Service

When we serve others out of a genuine desire to help but not fix, we create a powerful energetic exchange. Both the giver and the receiver benefit from this selfless act. It's a win-win situation that fosters connection, purpose, and hope.

Authentic Service Can Look Like:

• All people involved feel expanded and more together.

• You just feel like doing it and don’t have any expectations of outcome.

• You have the energy to give what you are giving. If you don’t have the time, money, or energy to give it, it isn’t yours to give.

• It leaves you feeling well received.

• The community you love gets respected and expanded.

The Pitfalls of Obligation

On the other hand, service performed out of obligation or fear can feel draining and even resentful. It blocks the flow of energy and prevents us from truly connecting with others.

Obligatory Service Can Look Like:

• You feel angry or resentful after giving the service.

• You have expectations of outcomes and will feel wronged if you give and don’t receive that outcome.

• You are expected to be of service.

• You are giving because you feel sorry for someone or have pity for them.

• The community you love gets drained or taken advantage of.

 The Importance of Intention

The key to fulfilling service lies in our intentions. Are we serving others because we genuinely want to make a difference, or are we doing it out of a sense of duty or obligation? When we approach service with a positive and open heart, we can experience the transformative power of giving. If you are doing it out of obligation, check in with where that is coming from and see if you can either say “no” or find your authentic why.

The next time you're considering performing an act of service, take a moment to reflect on your motivations. Are you doing it out of love and compassion, or are there underlying expectations or judgments? If you can release yourself from these limiting factors, you'll be able to experience the true joy and fulfillment that comes from giving.

Be of Service

The real message is to be of authentic service somehow. You need that energy and the world needs your energy. Service is a powerful way to connect with others and make a positive impact on the world. By focusing on authentic service and cultivating a positive mindset, we can find joy, purpose, and a deeper sense of connection. The universe loves when you do this and aligns to bring you more of these opportunities.

So the next time you feel good showing up in authentic service and it is well received, say “Yes, thank you, more please!”