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Go-Giving

This post was most recently updated on March 26th, 2014

Go Giving donnamerrilltribe.comI’m sure you have heard the term “Go-Giving” many times in the internet marketing world. 

It is usually referred to as taking the first step to engaging others.  But this is not about how to go-give in business, nor is it a lesson on marketing.  Rather, I would like to point out Go-Giving as a life style.

Here is a real life situation that happened to me just this week.

I live in what is referred to as a “small city”.  Ha Ha.  I’ll say it’s “small”…  to me it is a sleepy little town, but hey, I’m a NYC gal.  As long as I have a pretty neighborhood and sidewalks so I can wear my heels and be a few blocks from the nearest coffee shop, I can survive happily.

I live in a quiet neighborhood with tree lined streets and a mix of Victorian and mid-century homes. Everyone plants awesome flowers and shrubs and on a summer day, it is so enjoyable to take a walk and look at the gardens.   I love my own gardens that I have planted over the years, and enjoy sitting outside having my coffee as soon as Spring arrives.  

Meanwhile, I have a great neighbor with the most horrid fence facing my property.  

This fence is a total eye-sore!  It is made of woven redwood that must be 40 years old.  Over the past ten years I have tried to fix the slats, and have just generally struggled with trying to do anything I could to get eyeballs off this fence.   I like looking outside but the fence always catches my attention and no matter what I do, that five foot wonder just makes everything drab.

A few days ago, we had wind.  I mean wicked wind.  In the end, my friend mother nature knocked two six foot sections of this fence down.  Although I was happy, I hurriedly ran out to save my tulips struggling from beneath the upended wreck.  My neighbor came out and just shook his head.  So here I was doing a happy dance in my head that he will FINALLY get a new fence.   WRONG!

As we were fighting the wind and securing the fence with nylon cord, he took an old treadmill off his back porch to support it. Hmmm.

I know he is a frugal guy, so I just blurted out “Hey, why don’t we put up a new fence?  I’ll pay half the cost.  He jumped at that and agreed. FINALLY…the day has come, after ten years of that eye sore.  Yippie,  a brand new fence and more landscaping for me!

BUT THAT’S NOT THE STORY………

As I talked to my friends to share my joy, each one of them reacted by saying “Why are you paying for half his fence?”   

I was puzzled.  

Hey, why the heck not?  

It is something I wanted for a long time, and I knew my frugal friend would only patch things up.  So to me it was a win win situation.  Many friends I talked to told me that I give too much.  

Now, I don’t think this was giving too much at all.  My neighbor is happy to save some money, and I didn’t care what it cost.  It enhanced my property and my enjoyment of the yard.

As I thought about it, I concluded that this is only a part of Go-Giving!  When you become a go-giver, it effects every part of your life, not just your business.  You see the outcome of a good situation for everyone involved, and just GIVE to make it happen!  No thinking involved!  It is purely intuitive.  

So boys and girls, that is my lesson for today.  It’s a great feeling when Go-Giving becomes part of your lifestyle.  It’s a great business posture to take, but it’s even more important to assume it as part of your personality.  It will never fail you because in the end, making others happy will greatly improve your own life and well-being.

So now it is your turn.  Am I giving too much?  Or…  Does this all make sense to you?  I would really like to know!

Blessings,

Donna

 

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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48 Responses to Go-Giving

  1. Lynn Jones June 21, 2013 at 11:38 pm #

    Donna, Loved it! A very controversial topic. Can we give too much? No, I don’t think so. What we give out ends up coming back to us. So in that sense..No, we can’t give too much because we want that “too much” to return. No, that is not the motive for giving, I might add. However, there are those times when maybe we shouldn’t give too much. When? I am not sure. I think we will know when that is. In the mean time… Give and it share be given to you…what goes around, comes around….bless others and you will be blessed by doing so.
    I appreciate your generous thoughts. Are you enjoying the new fence?
    Have a wonderful day,
    Lynn

    • Donna.Merrill June 23, 2013 at 8:58 pm #

      Hi Lynn,

      The fence is done and looks great! So much so, that our yard and our neighbors’ look so much bigger!

      Go giving is great. “Give and you shall receive” is my motto, but with discretion.

      Thanks for stopping by,

      Donna

  2. Willena Flewelling
    Twitter:
    May 5, 2013 at 4:07 am #

    I think you made the right decision, Donna. And it’s not like you aren’t benefiting from it. 🙂

    We had problems for years, out here in the middle of the Alberta countryside, with a neighbour whose sheep and goats would find the smallest weakness in the fence and come to visit our garden. I don’t know how many times I looked out the window to see three dozen critters demolishing my rosebushes, trampling the potatoes and eating the blossoms off the pea plants! My husband and sons would herd them all to the gate at the foot of their lane so they could go home. There’s a lot of fence between our place and theirs, and we were not able to help with the mending. But believe me, if we could have, we would have!

    Willena

    • Donna.Merrill May 6, 2013 at 12:09 am #

      Great story Willena!

      I just couldn’t imagine that..me being a city gal lol. But the problem was there. The fence!

      I’m sure you would have helped with the mending if you could have.

      Thanks for the great share!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Is Your Spouse Supportive Of Online Business?My Profile

  3. Yorinda May 1, 2013 at 5:24 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    you are painting a great picture with your story.

    To me it makes perfect sense that you offered to pay half the fence, since it gives you joy to have a nice view in your garden, and hopefully your tulips will be safe in the next big wind.

    Giving sends out a message to the universe as well as creates a vacuum for the Universe to fill.
    Giving and receiving are the same. When we give with the ‘right’ attitude we receive. And when we receive we are not blocking the good someone wants to share with us.

    Love and Light
    Yorinda
    Yorinda recently posted..How coconut oil may benefit your healthMy Profile

  4. Tonya Stephens April 30, 2013 at 1:08 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    That story makes perfect sense to me. The only difference is I may have paid for the whole fence sooner just to improve my view…ha.
    You know you are absolutely right to make that offer and it definitely was a win win for you.
    I had someone contact me yesterday because they have an absent sponsor in their internet marketing group. They are lost and confused and wanted to know if I would answer a few questions. We got on a Google Hangout and with his wife who also works on the biz we talked for about and hour and a half.
    I agreed to help them with some software they don’t know how to use and they are so appreciative.
    Why wait for someone else to fix something you can fix.
    These acts of generosity will come back 10 fold. Congratulations on making your world a little more beautiful!
    Tonya
    Tonya Stephens recently posted..MLM Prospecting Online | 3 Mistakes You May Not Know You’re Making & How To Avoid ThemMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 30, 2013 at 10:46 pm #

      Thanks Tonya,

      Well I made my yard a little bit better lol!

      Doing what you did is awesome. People remember that and see you as an authority or leader.

      Once you help someone like that, they do not forget you girl! Plus if you are in that business, It is great to be the go-to gal! Now capitalize it and make a Facebook Group or a G+ community for those in that company.

      I am sure they will appreciate it.

      Just a thought!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Do You Own Your Business or Does It Own You?My Profile

  5. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    April 29, 2013 at 9:45 pm #

    Hi Donna. I totally agree with you. I don’t think you’re giving too much especially if this is something you’ve always wanted. It enhances your life by now being the beautiful fence you would want. I would have done the same thing – Go-giving is a beautiful thing when you also enhance some one else’s life! Good for you! I applaud you for your doing! God Bless,
    Barbara
    Barbara Charles recently posted..What is Triberr and Questions? What Do You Do First?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 30, 2013 at 10:43 pm #

      Thanks Barbara!

      It is a win win situation! I was taken aback when I was sharing my excitement with some friends and family. “why should you pay when it’s his fence?” Well that kind of reaction doesn’t even warrant an answer!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Do You Own Your Business or Does It Own You?My Profile

  6. sherman smith April 29, 2013 at 8:20 pm #

    I’ve seen the term Go-Giving before but never really knew what it mean up until now. It’s funny how this works though. Although it may appear that you’re being “too nice” to others, but in reality, this is a win-win. I see it as a current. Why break the current for being selfish when you can help keep it going and let it benefit everyone as well as yourself. Great post Donna!

    • Donna.Merrill April 30, 2013 at 10:42 pm #

      Thank you Sherman!

      When we go-give we are benefiting others. That leads to the wonderful world of Attraction Marketing. It starts on our blogs and then goes to our mailing lists.

      People appreciate a good idea and help in their business. Plus it positions yourself as a leader.

      You catch more with honey!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Do You Own Your Business or Does It Own You?My Profile

  7. Lori Gosselin April 29, 2013 at 12:47 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    I love this story and I don’t think you gave too much. It makes perfect sense to me! Now you’ll be happy and you probably made him happy too!
    They do say that good fences good neighbors make 😉
    Lori
    Lori Gosselin recently posted..What Life Rule Would You Make?My Profile

  8. Mayura
    Twitter:
    April 28, 2013 at 10:00 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Giving too much? I’d say NO at once 😉

    I don’t know how others think about Money or giving, but I always follow my intuition in such incidents. I’ve been through few too and I felt so good at that times Donna. I just need happiness with me 🙂

    I also feel the same way about that for getting it done rather than being irritated everyday. Givers are takers 😉 Unless you took that opportunity that time, you might be telling us a different story here mentioning “Oh my friends, I should have paid even the total cost.” 😀 lol… How about that?

    Someone might say how stupid you are, but they don’t know how irritating it was 🙂 Well, different people think in different ways and sometimes they just don’t know how it feels. If you ask the same question from my father, he would save money instead and say it’s just mind playing with you 😀 But you are the only one know how it bothers you everyday.

    I know you are a giver and follow the right thing Donna 😉 People? They can say anything and everything as long as they come across a similar situation 🙂 Isn’t it true?

    Now just do the happy dance Donna 😉 Need a toast? I’m ready 😉

    Cheers…
    Mayura recently posted..How to Enable Google+ Comments in BloggerMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 28, 2013 at 10:16 pm #

      Hey Mayura!

      The people that cannot understand this inspired me to write this post. Running with so many positive people, I do forget how some people think sometimes.

      Not that I care what people think of me, but it just puzzled me how some people wouldn’t want to take action and do something about what they want.
      They would rather leave it up to the other person and complain about it.

      I distance myself from people with that mindset because it just gets me down.

      Yes, I’m doing my happy dance and say Cheers to you!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  9. nick catricala April 28, 2013 at 8:55 pm #

    Hey NYC girl,
    you done great!!!! What a wonderful Gp-Giver 🙂

    You know Donna, as I was reading your nice true story… it reminded me of many moons a go in my early years here in Canada when next door to my mother home had a similar fence (well, MUCH worse) and the owner was not keeping it up on purpose, so one day I would get fed up and say let’s take it down so he could use the space to drive his big pickup truck on the back yard…

    Well, I am Calabrese, so (as your self) waited till the proper momenta and asked to put a new fence and I pay half… he was happy and I was happy.

    The lesson was much bigger… as I was reading your story, I noticed something that I did not pay attention earlier with my experience… When I asked to put a new fence and he agree to pay half… actually HE WAS THE ONE WHO PAY MORE… because I wanted a new fence all along and if I wanted to put it up my self I had to pay 100% of it, instead I only pay for half.

    Is this what you did as well and you did not thing of it? I am suer this is the case, so now go back to your friends who say you pay to much and tell this part… you both will laugh about haha 🙂

    Nice to revive old stories Donna… Thanks.
    nickc
    nick catricala recently posted..doctors do care for their patients as humanly possible.My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 28, 2013 at 9:09 pm #

      AHA Nick

      You are right! If I got fed up enough, I would probably pay 100% if he didn’t fix it at all.

      I read this to David and we are both laughing. Thanks for your awesome comment.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  10. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    April 27, 2013 at 7:44 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    When I joined you guys conversation the other day I know you were talking about a fence, but I didn’t understand the whole story. Now I do.

    Well, the reason why some people may react saying “why are you paying half his fence?” is first, because we are conditioned that things in this life should be done a certain way, but that BS. It really doesn’t. It’s YOUR choice and there’s nothing wrong with that what so ever.

    Second, they may not know that according the law of attraction the more you give away the more is given back to you. The law of the Universe hates a vaccum. When you give you’ll also receive.

    And last but not least, you are the one looking at that ugly fence and YOU will feel much better with a new one.

    Thanks for sharing this, and have a great week end!
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..How To Get To The Source Of Your issues – Another Real Life Case StudyMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 28, 2013 at 11:27 am #

      Hi Sylviane,

      You are absolutely correct! I believe in the Law of Attraction. Which is really giving without expectations. Living that way brings peace and happiness.

      I am so happy that wind knocked down that fence. Oh good old Mother Nature!

      Pay for half just made sense to me because I know my neighbor wouldn’t fix it up to my standards. he he. I needed to see something pretty by my flower beds. So why not pay half and have what I want?

      People are conditioned: What mine is mine and what is yours is yours. Hey…we are talking about neighbors! We are talking about what we like, so it makes perfect sense to me to go half on a beautiful fence.

      Thanks for your awesome input.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  11. Steve Borgman April 27, 2013 at 4:48 pm #

    When the Bible says that it is more blessed to give than to receive, it’s stating a truth that’s as certain as gravity. Yet why do we sometimes struggle to be generous? Or, more specifically, why do I struggle to be generous many times? Your post has encouraged me to think about this as a lifestyle instead of a certain transaction here and there. Thank you so much!
    Steve Borgman recently posted..Stress Free Decision Making for Aspergers RelationshipsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 28, 2013 at 11:23 am #

      Hi Steve,

      I live by those words! It is more blessed to give than to receive. I have noticed that giving, with no agenda, just feels “right.”

      Then, a little bit down the road, an opportunity may come my way, a random act of kindness, or being in the right place at the right time.

      It does come back 10 fold..ONLY if you give from your heart without expectations.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  12. RobG April 27, 2013 at 10:33 am #

    Hello Donna, great tips for sure. Giving is the best way to build up any business because in return you will get much more.

    You’ve heard the saying you have to give a little in order to receive and that the truth.

    Thank you for sharing your article very helpful. Have a wonderful day..
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    • Donna.Merrill April 27, 2013 at 3:48 pm #

      Hey Rob!

      You are right on the money when you said “You have to give a little in order to receive.” That’s how energy works.

      Ever notice people that are afraid of giving? OMG they never seem to be happy.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  13. Adam Connell April 26, 2013 at 2:25 pm #

    Donna,

    I agree with you on this one, I do see why others wouldn’t agree because it’s his fence, his responsibility.

    But what’s important is whether it’s made you feel better about things, I bet you feel a lot better every time you look outside now right?

    There’s also a karma element to this too, I wonder when the last time that someone offered to do something so nice for your neighbour .. a long time, or maybe never.

    We live in a world where the majority of people won’t do a thing to help the people around them.

    There’s nothing wrong with good will, it’s how most people get ahead in life.

    I hope people follow your example 🙂
    Adam Connell recently posted..Building Reader Engagement Is Difficult, Or Is It? [25+ Tactics, Tools and Examples]My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 27, 2013 at 3:45 pm #

      Hi Adam!

      I knew my blogging friends would understand my situation because they are bloggers. We follow the 80/20 Rule! We blog about information more than a sales pitch. That is how business ticks in our climate.

      However, it was a bit of a shock to me when people said “It’s his fence. Why are you such a schmuck?”

      No way. I did not offer out of pity or hopeful good karma, but out of pure reason. It is reasonable for me to pay half of what I would like to see.

      Plus, It’s the old “Love Thy Neighbor” mindset. He is a sickly man, so why not?

      It is just one example that I wanted to shout out because giving brings your more happiness than you will ever get than receiving.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  14. Dee Ann Rice
    Twitter:
    April 26, 2013 at 1:42 pm #

    Donna,

    I think it is a great solution to your problem. I am one to give to others and I think a win win situation makes the giving even better.

    I agree with you about being a Go-Giver. We need to be a Go-Giver both in our business and in our personal life. We only succeed through helping others succeed and that goes for all aspects of our life.

    I love your story. I really like personal posts as it helps me get to know people better.

    Dee Ann
    Dee Ann Rice recently posted..Attraction Marketing and Social MediaMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 27, 2013 at 3:36 pm #

      Hi Dee Ann!

      I like to throw in a personal story once in a while. I learn from stories, so do others.

      We need to be go-givers in our business….that old 80/20 rule: 80 percent giving information and 20 percent pitching our business opportunity. Or in my case I like the 90/20 rule.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  15. Michael Shook April 26, 2013 at 1:11 pm #

    Be the change you want to see in the world. A beautiful message, and an inspiring story, Donna.

    If we want something different lives, the best way to get more of that is to give it away. Not in a way that keeps us on a never-ending treadmill of keeping score of how much we gave and how much we get back, but in the way of allowing our real spiritual nature to shine through unimpeded.

    A wonderful way to live. 🙂
    Michael Shook recently posted..Boston Marathon BombingMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 27, 2013 at 3:34 pm #

      You said it all Michael!

      I am that way by nature. If one of the kids admires something I’m wearing, I’ll take the shirt off my back literally. There is that whispering among my kids “Don’t tell Donna what you like, she will only give it to you!”

      Heck, why not. I can get something else lol. But I am a firm believer of up-cycling. I give my clothes to a local Charity that keeps it in the community for FREE!

      My community is very green and we up-cycle EVERYTHING. So if I had a chair or something I didn’t want anymore, I post it on Craigslist FREE and put it on the curb.

      It is a great mindset our community has. It is all about giving.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  16. Carol Lynn April 26, 2013 at 10:43 am #

    Donna, that’s the best story I heard all week. I laughed at the beginning because I have had neighbors like that where something is such an eyesore that you can’t wait for a strong wind to blow it over. And I laughed even more just imagining your reaction when he stuck a treadmill to support it!

    I think your solution is fantastic. I know the “why should you pay” camp but the bottom line is that if its something you can afford (call it a gift) and he can’t afford, then you can share and you both benefit. You have a very generous attitude and the world would be a better place if everyone thought like that. We could give what we have to help each other and in the end we would all benefit. There’s no point to being stubborn or to taking the position that “it’s not mine so I don’t have to fix it.” We all share space on this planet. And you’re making it a better place to be!
    Carol Lynn recently posted..The Mobile Wave: How Mobile Intelligence Will Transform Everything: Book in a NutshellMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 27, 2013 at 3:31 pm #

      Aww Carol Lynn,

      What sweet words and I thank you. Yes, you could only imagine how wide my eyes opened when he put that treadmill against the fence. That was his solution to the problem.

      He is a man that lives quite comfortably financially. It is just that he is a frugal sort of guy. Also, he has been sick for a while and now gave me permission to plant flowers in his garden too!

      Ahh…everything is uniformed! I just love looking out and seeing my holly bushes that are green all year round with dashes of pretty color annuals.
      I cannot wait to get my hands on this garden!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  17. David Merrill 101
    Twitter:
    April 25, 2013 at 9:09 pm #

    You would certainly know about go-giving, Donna.

    You’re one of the best in the business!
    David Merrill 101 recently posted..Lead Magnet Creation | Audio DownloadsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 27, 2013 at 3:27 pm #

      HA HA David!

      Is that why you married me 22 years ago? You see my dear readers, David is my husband, if you don’t know me. He is also a go-giver.

      Put the two of us together and we do have a lot to offer for humanity. David is the center of my life. I have NEVER been treated as well from anyone since I met him.

      Talk about healing……….

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

      • Mayura
        Twitter:
        April 28, 2013 at 3:58 pm #

        Hey Donna,

        Love how you both do it well 🙂 It shows off when you both do videos together.

        Knowing that David is your dearest hubby, I get smile when I read his comments on your place 😀 lol…

        You both are setting as an example and inspiration for everyone 🙂 Being successful in business and personal life.

        Cheers…
        Mayura recently posted..How to Enable Google+ Comments in BloggerMy Profile

        • Donna.Merrill April 28, 2013 at 9:10 pm #

          Thank you Mayura,

          We usually don’t comment on each-other’s blogs. But when we do, it is always funny.

          Thanks for your kind words my friend,

          Donna
          Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  18. Gregory Bowen
    Twitter:
    April 25, 2013 at 7:21 pm #

    Hey Donna ….Makes perfect sense to me…..There are two sides to that fence……If your friends still have a hard time with your solution, just tell them you offered to pay for your side of the fence….and your tulips wont be crushed anymore…..lol….I love your solution!…..Thanks for sharing your wisdom…Smokey

    • Donna.Merrill April 27, 2013 at 3:25 pm #

      Hey Smokey!

      There are two sides of the fence as there are two sides of the story! One can be in a negative place, or one can be in the positive. I am happy with what I attained, and even more delighted because my frugal neighbor is a sickly man.

      Not that he doesn’t have money…he does. But maybe he just doesn’t have the energy anymore. Helping him do this project has been fun and we built a closer connection.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  19. Gladys
    Twitter:
    April 25, 2013 at 6:12 pm #

    Hello Ms. Donna

    Wow! a post on giving. I’ve never heard of the term “go-giver”, but I love it.
    What I love about giving without reservation is the inward feeling we experience from giving without looking for a return. But we know that it always comes back in a different way and probably from a different individual.

    I love this post…

    Gladys recently posted…Empower Yourself As An Authentic Person
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    • Donna.Merrill April 27, 2013 at 3:19 pm #

      Hi Gladys,

      Giving without reservation is true giving! When that is a part of us, the world is a little lighter, more happier and yes, it is a great feeling.

      Surprised you haven’t heard the term go-giver because its used a lot in the industry. Maybe the term “pay it forward?” lol

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  20. Corina Ramos April 25, 2013 at 4:12 pm #

    It makes perfect sense Donna and I know there are more folks like you out there. You’re just making it a better place here on earth for us all when you send positive energy like that.

    And how cool to get a little help from Heaven to make it happen 🙂

    I’m the same way in that giving is a joy for me. I love helping others. It’s what we’re called to do and you’re right, when we do that amazing things happen for us, especially when we least expect it :).

    So I’m with you. It’s a win-win situation and everyone is happy in the end. Great story!
    Corina Ramos recently posted..The Cook Giveaway EventMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 25, 2013 at 9:56 pm #

      Hi Corina,

      I just knew my blogging friends would feel the same way as I.

      When I told some distant family members and some friends, they thought I was nuts.

      This is why I love being on line. I find more like minded people and go givers here than anywhere!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  21. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    April 25, 2013 at 3:37 pm #

    Well you go girl! I actually did the same thing earlier this year.

    As you know I live in a condo and we have fences separating our backyards. I’ve lived here for 22 years and that fence has never been replaced. So with Mom moving next door I wanted to tear down the fence in between our units so I can just walk over to her home any time. But, the fence between her unit and her other neighbor was torn down a number of years ago.

    I contacted both owners of the units on either side of us and told them I would like the fence replaced. If they didn’t mind me replacing those I would cover the costs. Both of them were so sweet and refused for me to pay for the whole thing so we split the cost with them both.

    Like you, that fence was horrible but I was willing to pay to have them both replaced. I really didn’t mind doing that so I think that says a lot about us both girl because it is a reflection of who we are as people and that will follow us over into our business.

    I bet that’s going to be one fine looking fence! 😉

    ~Adrienne
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    • Donna.Merrill April 25, 2013 at 9:30 pm #

      Hey Adrienne,

      We do have fence stories! There is a proverb: “Good fences make good neighbors” From that comes the saying “mending fences.”

      I searched “fences sayings” after the fact and found a lot of wisdom from the experience.

      It is just like on line we go-give, and when things go a little haywire, we pull together to mend fences.

      Thanks for sharing your story.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  22. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    April 24, 2013 at 11:53 pm #

    Hi Donna! Go Giving is not a term I have herd before and you have explained it quite well.. Giving to much, s far as I am concerned we can never give to much. If this is something you want then why wouldn’t you be willing to help out. It beats the alternative, patching up the old fence. Right? Yes it makes very good sense to me Donna.. Thanks for sharing your story as well as the meaning of Go Giving.. Chery 🙂

    • Donna.Merrill April 25, 2013 at 9:19 pm #

      Hi Chery,

      In the Internet Marketing Go-Giving is a common term. Glad you heard it from me he he. I agree, better to have a lovely fence than a patch job.

      Plus, it is a great feeling to work with your neighbor!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  23. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    April 24, 2013 at 11:36 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    You are absolutely right in your decision I would say 🙂

    When you give, you only receive more – this is what my mom used to say, and I’ve always seen her always give selflessly. I think when we do that, you are doing yourself a favor, and we never become small by giving too, nor do we lose anything much other than a little money – but it’s all worth it I would say as you have earned a good neighbor for life.

    Also, I think in your case, the old fence was already kind of bugging you if I can say that, and each time you saw it, you did wish it wasn’t there or that it was replaced by a new one. So, when the opportunity came and you were ready to pay half the cost – it does make perfect sense to me! Anything for getting peace of mind and happiness I would say 🙂

    Thanks for sharing this with us, and am sure your tulips must be looking prettier now with the new fence up too. 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..How to Get Kids to Listen to YouMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 24, 2013 at 11:48 pm #

      Thank you Harleena!

      Your mom’s words are true! To me that windy day was a blessing. A great chance to cease the moment! Now my yard looks wonderful and I am planting more flower beds along the rest of that fence.

      Paying for half of it was well worth it to me. Peace and happiness is priceless.

      Thanks for your encouragement,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

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