During one of my seminars, I came across a question that troubles many: “Hannah, you often talk about giving and how it benefits our emotional and physical health — but why is it that even though I give wholeheartedly, I end up feeling worse?” This question, asked by two women, made me want to pause and offer a deeper answer. Giving is indeed a powerful healing force. It has the ability to enrich both our emotional and physical well-being. I teach giving as one of the most essential healing tools we possess and emphasize its ability to positively influence every aspect of our lives. But what happens when we give but feel weaker afterward? That’s when I realized I needed to explain an important concept I call “The Winning Trio.” When there is balance between the three parts of the Winning Trio — the mind, the heart, and the body — giving becomes a fulfilling and uplifting experience. It offers us a sense of meaning, strengthens our social connections, and can deepen our happiness and satisfaction. Balanced giving can awaken compassion, empathy, and inner peace, helping us feel more at ease with ourselves. It may even reduce stress and improve our physical health. When we give from a centered place, we feel deeply connected — to ourselves and to others — and we discover new aspects of ourselves. But when the balance between these three elements is lost, an inner conflict begins — one that harms both us and those around us. Imagine someone who gives wholeheartedly, joyfully, with a sense of abundance. They feel satisfaction and optimism afterward — this is the ideal state, when all three parts of the trio work in harmony. In contrast, another person might give from anger or frustration. For example, a partner preparing a meal with love, but quietly feeling unappreciated, may end up cooking out of resentment rather than joy. Or a parent helping a child with homework but growing irritated by the child’s pace — expressing frustration even as they try to help. In both cases, the act looks generous, yet negative emotions take root, leaving both sides weary instead of strengthened. And then there are those who give more than their body can handle — they weaken, and sometimes even experience physical pain. A vivid example is mothers who try to help everyone around them. Their minds and hearts are full of kindness, but when the body can’t sustain the pace, fatigue and illness often follow. It’s like trying to run a marathon without the energy to finish — injury becomes inevitable. So what can we do? The answer lies in conscious giving. It means knowing to whom we give, when we give, and how much to give. The more connected a person is to their mind, heart, and body, the better they can recognize their real capacities and limits. For many, especially mothers who wish to give their all, this awareness can feel challenging. But remember: both the body and the soul need our care and attention. Those who live in harmony with the Winning Trio can sense when there’s a mismatch between inner intention and emotional or physical ability. They can choose to shift the way they give — perhaps by transforming inner dialogue from “I’m tired” or “Why me?” into “I choose how to give now,” or by turning frustration into compassion. Sometimes, it’s as simple as allowing yourself to say “no” when your heart or body quietly says there’s no more to give. I wish for each of you to live on the giving side — to give generously, from your mind, your heart, and your body. When you bring these three into harmony, giving becomes a powerful source of healing and empowerment, enriching your life with love and meaning. With love,
Hannah ❤️