I know all of you either well, barely or somewhere in the space between. For my clients, I give you a presentation, a training or coaching time and you give me money or the opportunity to speak to lots of people…who might, down the line, hire me and give me money as well. For my friends, I give you my friendship and you give me yours. We might even exchange gifts during the holidays and our birthdays, those 3 of us. :-) For those of you I barely know, perhaps I only give you today’s essay. And maybe at some future date you might give me an email letting me know you enjoyed reading it…or not.
What I am thinking about, though, at this time, and what I wish to convey, is this behavior of giving that we all take part in. Though it’s trendy to quote him, Abraham Lincoln was noted for saying, “when I do good, I feel good.” I think that holds true for me. Not too difficult to think about: simple, rational, linear and with a cool payoff. Great! Just gotta’ take the initiative. Here’s some initiatives I’ve seen from others recently…
• The other day (late June), I woman in a HUGE Hummer (well they’re all huge, aren’t they) stopped at the corner of 7 mile and I-94, here in Detroit, rolled down her window, and gave a sandwich to a man standing on the corner with a sign that read: “Hungry, please help.” I sped up to her once we entered the freeway, looked over, waved and smiled. She knew what I was doing and she smiled back. I guess I just wanted to “tell” her that her actions were appreciated, even from a bystander’s perspective.
• The man who stands out in front of the Guardian Building on Griswold Street in downtown Detroit with the red suit and top hat and greets people as they enter this building. I’ve seen him there for years now. Never once have I asked him his name. Nor have I engaged him in anything relevant beyond the weather. Mostly it’s a simple “hello” when I walk in and “take care” when walk out. But this man is unforgettable. He’s a tall, handsome, black man with a smile that lights up your day. He’s always joyous (at least in his appearance) and exudes a warmth and assuredness of himself that inspires me up whenever I see him…I’m waiting for him to adopt me. He’s that cool.
• A former training participant of mine who made me a tie and my wife a scarf (beautiful stuff Kim!) because she so enjoyed the session I facilitated and wanted to give me something in return.
I’ve heard it said that the only thing we get to do with our lives is give them away. There is such a transient nature to much of our living, is there not? Careers, families, health, possessions, love, friendships, all of these things have the potential to come and go, and most of them do. But the one thing that is always at our disposal is our ability to give, right up ‘til the end. I know what it feels like to truly help someone who needs help. It is a remarkable feeling. And I know that you know that feeling as well, because you do it too – in your own special way.
So I’ll leave you with this: I firmly believe that when we give of ourselves, we create the possibility of living a life of abundance and prosperity. If you’re looking for success, help others be successful. The key is just not to expect, anticipate or need it in return…a sometimes tricky reconciliation.
Please share your stories – if you might – of how you’ve been impacted by other’s giving nature. For there’s awesome power in stories.
By,
Jerry Nehr
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