Charitable Living (part 1)

May 10, 2010 in Uncategorized | No comments

My Mom is incredible. She has a series of articles being published in the Toledo Free Press on behalf of 5/3 Bank. They will run over the next 6 weeks and are really good. The common thread in all of them will be the idea of living charitably and I think she really captures this well.

Also, I was very impressed with the way she was able to cut right to the chase in a few different ways throughout the series. I think she is able to communicate very important truth about money in a very clear way. What can I say, I’m proud of her.

With that, here is week 1…

Significance

When Mr. Richard Anderson accepted his award as the 2009 Outstanding Philanthropist, he commented that “Givers are the happiest people I know.” You might argue that givers are happy because they have more then enough for themselves. That may be the case, but how much is enough? That is the question we must find the courage to answer.

The media is full of warm and fuzzy programs telling tales of great heroism and self sacrifice that leave us feeling quite optimistic that people are truly generous and everything will be ok. These are stories of changed lives and passions ignited. Generosity is a universal value, born within us all. But, our lives are complicated and challenged on all fronts with immediate pressures. Two-thirds of all people who intend to begin a charitable program do not accomplish it.

Even in today’s tough economic times, the majority of us go to bed with full stomachs and clean sheets. We have worked hard to be independent, to provide shelter for our families, educate our children and retire without relying on others. Is this success? As elusive as it sometimes seems, success should include a feeling of significance.

You feel a sense of accomplishment, after years of studying or working long hours, when you hold the diploma or the keys to your first home in your hand. And then, there is the promotion and the bigger home. A realistic definition of “need” is a critical first step in achieving financial well being. Structuring your lifestyle and budget as a reflection of your true values will allow you to experience greater levels of joy, fulfillment and contentment. The connection between success and significance happens when the seed of generosity is allowed to grow and thrive.

Givers are the happiest people. They recognize the abundance of resources in their lives. A desire to see a new world, to give hope, to find a cure or alter a situation is the heart of philanthropy. This is accomplished one individual, one action, and one step at a time.

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