Giving has always been a part of my world – it’s as much part of my DNA as Entrepreneurship. I think giving can and should be integrated into everyone’s lives.
I’ve explored many avenues to this including: delivering meals to seniors; working at fundraising events; traveling to Tibet and India to spend time at orphanages; serving on boards for Rotaract, Rotary International and the Himalayan Orphanage Project; hosting my own fundraising event (Evening for Entrepreneurs); and starting a not-for-profit organization, Leadership as Rx’d, with a team of friends.
This is what giving looks like for me but it can look whichever way you choose. Recently, while I was away on a trip, a stranger anonymously bought me breakfast at a restaurant. It brightened up my day and reminded me that giving really can be that simple.
The key is in the integration.
Giving triggers an act of creating positive feelings – joy, love, peace, beauty – within ourselves. Too often we give, and give, and give and don’t replenish our tanks. Mother Theresa once said, “give until it hurts.” As one of my mentors recently pointed out to me, that doesn’t mean until you’re hands are bleeding, it just means until it doesn’t feel good anymore. Giving is about feeling good. Make sure your receptors are in good shape too.
“Give with ease and grace and be receptive to allow flow – where giving and receiving are one.”
~ loosely quoted from the Moses Code.~
This is the message that I’m spreading through my event Evening for Entrepreneurs II – coming to Calgary in Fall 2011. I would love to see you there!