When we open the door, give a compliment or literally gift an item, it’s a gift if it’s sent with no expectation.
But the moment it’s loaded with any expectation it stops being a gift. It starts to feel more like an unsolicited emotional transaction.
As difficult as it is, not expecting anything – not even a “thank you” from the other – transforms your gesture into a blessing. The great irony is that people feel more obliged to reciprocate a gift than a transaction. But most importantly, we’re less disappointed when it isn’t.
Seeing publishing as gifting galvanises us from any crippling disappointment that stalls us from creating our next project.
The best gifts come without strings.