Truly Live by Giving …

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.  ~Winston Churchill

 I thought I would share this blog with you again ( been a few years) and it was brought to mind as I was just elected to the Board of Directors for Capital Repertory Theater (www.capitalrep.org) – and I am truly honored. Giving back is what Vikki (my wife and publisher of Capital region Living Magazine (www.crlmag.com) believe it; it is part of our life and commitment to community.

 In career, on the job and in life, too often the emphasis is what one gets. How one is rewarded; how one prospers. It is, to a degree, selfish and self-centered, but the norm of life, which is so unfortunate. As Churchill says, what we get supplies our living.

 But it is what we give to others is truly our how we make a life. How one helps another in need – be it advice, a listening ear, help in some manner defines who one is as a person. The glow that results –on both one the one you help -- cannot be counted in numbers, dollars and cents or any other acceptable method of “counting”. It is that feeling of good, being helpful, giving back that fuels your existence for some period of time.

 Finding a way to give back, to help a person or entity or be part of a positive change is rewarding and redefines your career, work or life. You won’t be just living – you will be in life doing more, and you will smile and those around you will smile too. Look for opportunities to:

 • Help someone struggling with a decision achieve clarity in their deliberations
• Support a person going through a difficult time – it is sometimes just a phone call; sometimes just a smile
• Reach out to an organization – a not for profit, community service or other type of team doing good for others and volunteer – truly volunteer, and in not name only. Take an active role – assume a leadership position. Drive a program, and event or a campaign.
• Mentor a new employee – be their “buddy” as they adjust to a new company and work environment. Help them acclimate and then achieve; they will not forget you.
• Return that phone call from someone who is seeking a new job or opportunity and they seek your advice and perhaps help. Nothing is more discouraging as a job seeker to be shunned by those they thought were “friends”. Put yourself in their shoes.

 Take life to a higher level. Be more that you think you could be. Be there for others, and they will be there for you. You’ll think better about yourself, and others will too.

 Dan Moran
President & Founder
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