Gratuitous

Gratuitous, an adjective, is Latin in origin from the year 1650.  It means to give voluntarily, unjustifiably without expectation of anything in return.  To give freely without benefit or to receive something without obligation.

To me the word gratuitous represents pure acts of kindness. To give without expectation and to receive without obligation does not seem to come natural to most of us.  Did you receive an unexpected gift during the holidays and felt obligated to buy and give a gift in return? Or did you give a gift with expectation that you would receive something in return?  We live our lives filled with responsibility and obligation and may at times miss the beautiful spirit of gratuitous giving.

Pinterest has a page called Gratuitous cuteness.  A free gift we can all enjoy! 

http://pinterest.com/charming1/gratuitous-cuteness/

“To want friendship is a great fault. Friendship ought to be a gratuitous joy, like the joys afforded by art or life”  Simone Well

Happy New Year!