Mitzi’s powerful words, “you get what you give,” remind us that true fulfillment comes through giving to others. Her journey from struggling with addiction to finding stability through Davis Community Meals and Housing (DCMH) demonstrates how this principle creates positive transformation—both for those who give and those who receive.
Understanding “You Get What You Give”
At its core, this philosophy means that benefits come from benefiting others at DCMH. When we extend kindness, support, and service to those around us, we create a cycle of positive impact that eventually returns to enrich our own lives. As Mitzi discovered, this principle has profound implications for personal recovery, community building, and sustainable change.
Three Pillars of Giving that Lead to Receiving
1. Making a Positive Commitment to Self
Before we can truly serve others, we must first commit to our own well-being and growth. For Mitzi, this meant:
- Acknowledging her need for help with addiction
- Choosing recovery even when it was difficult
- Learning to love and forgive herself
- Setting goals for a better future
This self-commitment isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. By investing in her own recovery, Mitzi created the foundation that eventually allowed her to give back to others.
2. Extending Generosity
Once we’ve begun our own healing journey, we gain the capacity to extend that healing to others through service:
- Mitzi now works for the organization that helped her, cleaning facilities for others in need
- She supports other community members going through similar struggles
- She shares her story to inspire hope in others facing addiction and family separation
- She maintains a positive attitude that uplifts those around her
Through these acts of service, Mitzi doesn’t diminish her own resources—she multiplies them. Each connection strengthens her recovery network, deepens her sense of purpose, and benefits others in need.
3. Maintaining Personal Accountability
The final pillar involves taking responsibility for our actions and commitments:
- Mitzi recognizes that staying clean requires ongoing effort and community support
- She acknowledges that her choices affect her children and her community
- She remains accountable to the people who have invested in her recovery
- She continues working toward goals like potential further education
This accountability creates trust, which, in turn, opens doors to new opportunities and relationships.
Mitzi’s Example: Forgiving Her Past, Embracing Her Present, Preparing for the Future
Mitzi’s journey embodies all three pillars:
- By forgiving her past mistakes and trauma, she freed herself from shame and blame
- By embracing her present circumstances and support system, she created stability
- By preparing for her future through saving money and gaining employment, she builds sustainability
This holistic approach transforms “getting what you give” from a nice saying into a lived reality.
The DCMH Approach: Extending Generosity as Our Foundation
At Davis Community Meals and Housing, extending generosity forms the foundation of everything we do. Our staff and volunteers give their service every day—providing not just physical resources, but dignity, community, and hope.
We see the principle of “you get what you give” manifested daily:
- When volunteers serve meals, they receive the gift of meaningful connection
- When donors contribute resources, they gain the satisfaction of tangible impact
- When staff members advocate for clients, they witness the power of systemic change
Like Mitzi, we’ve discovered that when we give freely, we receive abundantly.
How You Can Practice This Principle
Consider how you might incorporate “you get what you give” into your own life:
- Make a positive commitment to your well-being so you have the capacity to serve
- Look for opportunities to share your unique gifts and resources with others
- Hold yourself accountable to your commitments and values
- Remember that small acts of service create ripple effects beyond what we can see
By following Mitzi’s example, we can all contribute to a community where everyone has the opportunity to both give and receive.