Instagram/@jennifermorrison
Morrison retweeted an instructive Winston Churchill quote directed toward her Instagram followers and asked what they might be giving to the world. Renting the space to this one small graphic with minuteness was just among her ways to punctuate that brief and almost blatantly existential caption. Soon after, a very touching discourse unfolded with her audience, touching giving, time, and love.
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Inscribed there were very large letters with a very powerful quote, superimposed on a plain dullish-yellow backdrop saying, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” With a handwritten-style font, the poster was very intimate. Morrison’s caption was just as short and straightforward: “Churchill knew what’s up. What are you giving today?”
Many of her followers promptly reflected on giving and kindness as answers to the question. One wrote, “Give all the love I have to everyone I love,” a simple and moving answer that crystallized the essence of Morrison’s post—or, better yet, the essence of the quote—giving love is the highest form of giving.
Another perspective said: “Giving by writing and loving my family.” Here’s a vantage point for putting the quote into perspective with real-life action and personal commitment rather than grand gestures.
Perhaps the most thoughtful response was: “Today I’d say I’ve given my time. I think that’s one of the most precious things we can give. And thank you for sharing this today.” Giving time was valuing care, and the comment added thanks for Morrison bringing this reflective moment to the fore.
Not all were serious: “Giving today, just resting from a cold after my California trip,” one fan confessed. A truthful statement: sometimes giving to oneself is just as important as giving to others.
Among the warm responses came a well-deserved fan shout-out for Morrison: “Jennifer, because you’re wonderful, talented and unique, what you bring to us is a true gift.” This was a very welcome reversal, suggesting that Morrison herself exemplifies giving through what she does and how she is.
The post banger many fans right in the heart. “This touched me deeply. Thank you for sharing. I absolutely adore this quote.” From that sharing of truly powerful words came several emotionally charged trails.
Jennifer Morrison, well-known for bringing Emma Swan to life on the banger series ‘Once Upon A Time’, has often used her platform for inspirational messages and musings about life. By posting this Churchill quote, Morrison affirmed herself as an entity who meets her fans on matters far beyond entertainment alone; it offers space for honest discussion into how we conduct ourselves as human beings and how we relate as one on this plane.
The contrasting responses bear testament to how much can be unpacked about a person’s benefit system under the heft of such a direct question. From love to time, talent to rest, Morrison’s disparate crowd showed all the ways giving can take shape. It soberly reminded that a gift, be it little or large, is the life that has been given to us and our love.
Such an interaction with the public puts on pause a moment from the stereotypical. One quote and one question, and Jennifer Morrison created a digital space for reflection on generosity, intent, and how we choose to show up in the world everyday.
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In her recent post, Morrison also shared insights on self-sabotage that resonate with her messages about giving.
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