GIVE.

As a native and resident of Chicago, I tend to cross paths with plenty of beggars.  Whether they are quietly sitting on a concrete step with a sign, or shouting at the top of their lungs at a street light intersection, while carrying an empty plastic cup, I’m typically not compelled to give to their cause.

During the few exceptions when I have given a beggar money, it has been an unusual and memorable circumstance.

Now don’t get me wrong…I do believe in giving.
In fact, I believe that by GIVING we open doors and create pathways that enhance our ability to GET.
This belief goes back to a childhood lesson I learned from my mom about selfishness.  To teach this lesson, my mom used an analogy for giving, that I will never forget.  The lesson was this:

“You may protect what little you have in your hands with a closed fist, but remember while no one can get anything OUT of that fist, they also can’t put anything IN.”

This lesson had a profound affect on me, and every since, I’ve always made it a point to give some of what I get to either my family and friends, or an organization with a cause in which I believe.

Now it’s important to note that when I say give…I’m not just talking about money.  I’m also talking about your thoughts, words, time and talents.

With the recent tragedies that have taken place on the Northeast side of the United States, I have felt compelled to give to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  This week, I hope my words will inspire you to do the same…
…because when we’re giving, we often find our greatest inspirations.

If you can’t donate money, that’s fine…
Then give the victims your thoughts and prayers.
Send a note, send a text…give a kind word to someone you know on the East Coast who has come face to face with this calamity.
Write a poem or a ballad, use your talent.
Find something to give and someone to give it too!

If you do this, one thing I can guarantee…
You WILL get your inspirational perspective for the week!

“You can have everything you want in life, if you just help enough people get what they want in life.” ~ Zig Ziglar

GIVE.

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