In this episode, host Jodi Rose Gonzales explores the art of authentic giving: not the obligatory, transactional kind that depletes us during the holiday season, but the giving that comes from knowing your particular gift and choosing to share it intentionally. Drawing on neuroscience research about generosity, wisdom drawn from Jodi’s Girl in the Woods body of artwork, and the community HOPE installation taking shape in her studio, this episode invites you to name your gift and discover how sharing it fills you up rather than draining you. This is part one of a two-part series on giving and receiving.

Key Takeaways:

1. You Were Born with a Gift—and It May Not Be What You Think
2. Authentic Giving Fills You Up; Obligatory Giving Depletes You
3. Your Generosity Creates Ripples You'll Never See

Art Journal Prompt:

First, settle and ask yourself: What is my gift? Not what I think I should give, but what naturally flows from me when I'm most myself? Then, create a visual representation of your gift—the thing you're here to offer the world.

Journal prompts:

• This gift wants to be shared by...
• When I give this gift freely, I feel...
• One way I can offer this gift more intentionally this week is...

References:

• Neuroscience research on generosity and the mesolimbic reward pathway
• Girl in the Woods Parables, Parable 1: The Songbird's teaching on gifts
• Research on the ripple effects of prosocial behavior