Giving Back

If you are anything like me, you've wondered what you would do if you suddenly (or gradually) acquired a fortune. It doesn't matter much how the money gets to you as long as it's legal. Perhaps a lottery ticket will do it, or a slot machine or a very distant relative who has decided to bless you with an enormous bank roll. Most of us would quickly pay off our bills, determine the advisability of eliminating the mortgage and make certain that we have provided generously for our offspring.

After that, I always think about what I could do to give back. By no means would I establish a charitable foundation with my name and mug shot on it. From my perspective, that would negate the point, needing or gaining accolades for my benevolence. But I've developed hopes for anonymous donations to my favorite charities, to conduct medical research, develop cures, serve the under served and advance education in any and every way I can.

Regrettably, most of us have minute chances of realizing these fantasies. I'm a little old to try and take over from Oprah, I have no capacity to create a brilliant invention and the closest I may get will be to publish a series of books, something distinctly in my scope. The question becomes, what do we need to do to give back?

I spent some time in a doctor's office this week and again realized the enormous potential we all have to deposit good into the universe, without it involving six or seven figures. For instance, I had the presence to congratulate the nurse who ran my IV, for being a champ. She did the needle stick, ran the IV, monitored its progress and removed it with a nanosecond of pain inflicted. How very fortunate for me that I took the time to let her know.

And so I've dedicated myself this week to identify ways that we can make small contributions that make a big difference. If I'm fortunate, I'll get better and better and identifying these opportunities.

Standing at the fax machine and identifying a received document that someone is probably anticipating motivated me to deliver it to her without a word. This same person was also the recipient of a recipe that is a favorite of mine because I thought of her when I prepared it. Am I a hero or a humanitarian of the year? Certainly not. But I challenge you to see how it feels on the delivery end to do something large or small that benefits someone else.

The next time that you hear someone coughing, ask if they need some water or other drink. You'll be surprised at the response that you'll get. When someone has been out as a result of illness, take the time to ask if they have improved and the gratitude will please you. For adults, none of this should come as a shock. Consider the power of it as an illustration to kids.

It's easy to buy presents for children, for any occasion or for no reason at all. What will impact even more, however, regardless of age, is to let a child that you thought of him or her when you saw something or another in your day. Ask what they would have done or said if they had been with you? My experience suggests that the tiniest of people will be enhanced and flattered to know that they have been on your mind.

For fear of the appearance of marketing myself as a combination of Mary Poppins and the Singing Nun, I am truly not aspiring toward Nobel Prize distinctions. It seems a small event, however, to give back what I can from a life that is comfortable, gratifying and without hardship.

Just as my gift to you, hold the door open for someone and let a driver get ahead of you in traffic. Place a candy dish on your desk and invite others to share. I promise that you'll notice your interactions are more pleasant, your mood is improved and you can't help but notice how many people you can touch in a positive way. And it doesn't cost a penny or more than a moment of your time.