Charitable Giving

At the beginning of the year I committed to setting aside $10,000.00 to invest in the name of charity.  Any money I make by investing that money during this calendar year will be donated to charity as soon as possible in 2012, if not before.  I know that is a little like counting your chickens before they hatch, but I am confident I can come up with some amount of profits between now and then. 

If you have ever seen, or read The Secret, you will know they recommend visualising the amount of money you want to give, and make it seem like it is right now in the present, as if you are already in possession of that amount.  I can attest to the power of visualising.   In my own case I was able to consistently improve my shot making ability in curling by several percentage points, just through the act of visualisation.  There are any number of other sports examples.  If you do not believe you can simply attract money, then it won't work for you.  However, if you do, why not set yourself an aggressive goal and make it happen!

I believe we are being too selfish when we look at the many blessings present in our lives and regard them as being for our own benefit.  Our destiny is not written on some hidden scroll waiting for us to spend a life time of effort trying to discover it.  Rather, I believe our destiny is the result of choices we make every day.  I'm not talking about life and death decisions, either.  We choose our own consequences by the actions we choose.  Choosing to see our blessings as gifts with which we are able to help others who are less fortunate, frees us from the limitations of scarcity. 

Hoarders believe in scarcity.  I do not.  If I am in the process of helping  others why would I believe I should end up with less, and not more?  Circumstances favour those who help.  We want to reciprocate - it is in our nature.  It is a much used example, but the way to more loving relationships is by giving love freely.  Don't even consider meeting someone half way. Be the example and go all out.  Yes, it may be scary, and not worthwhile every time, but in the end I can promise you that more will come back to you than you would ever have imagined.

Too many people struggle because their focus is inward instead of outward.  Don't be one of them.  Concern yourself with the well-being of others and I guarantee you will be in a better place.  The people you help will be sure to see to it.

I haven't necessarily decided on a charity to give to.  If you have a preference, or have your own story, then please share it.  Be inspiring.  Inspire us all.  I have all of 2011 to make a decision.  Individually, we can only do so much.  Together, we have the power to accomplish anything.  Yes, anything.