WHEN YOU GIVE, YOU LIVE

Cheers to Labor Day, my fellow laborers. I am enjoying my day of rest, which started this morning by taking some yoga, followed by a long walk on the waterfront in Dumbo (my new favorite place), and now I’m enjoying the beach here at Coney Island as I finish up today’s blog. I didn't intend this post to coincide with the holiday, but it's funny how it worked out that way – a coinkydink, I think not. For me, this is a day of rest and not a day off, because I am blessed to serve others on a daily basis as my "job." I truly believe if you love what you do, then you don't have to go to work a day in your life. 

On this day of rest, I've also been thinking about all that’s been happening around the world, and here in the U.S., but especially Hurricane Harvey.  It's horrible to see the suffering; the loss of lives, homes, and pets, but it's also inspiring to see people in Texas and other states coming together to help, to serve, to give. If only we did this every day and not just because of a tragedy, but because this is how we are – kind and compassionate and mindful of how important it is to give. I always say, in life, you only get what you give.

My life is far from perfect, and I have had my struggles, but regardless of what's going on with me, I try to remember to help others – friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Because, I know that when I step outside myself and think about someone else, my troubles go away. Any pain I am feeling about poor me, or why things are not going my way, suddenly goes away. And, even when I'm not feeling troubled, helping others brings joy to my life.

Last Thursday, I was sitting outside Whole Foods eating a salmon avocado roll.  Although the roll was good, I said to myself, "man these freaking New York avocados are so bad compared to the ones in California." Right then and there, a homeless man stops in front of me and looks at my salmon roll, and without hesitation, I handed him the roll. Immediately, it made me see things in perspective, and it became the highlight of my day, seeing this man "enjoy" what I complained about just moments before.

First time to the beach all summer! 

And today, I'm feeling a bit under the weather, but I decided to head out to the beach, and on the way there, I helped a woman down the subway stairs with her stroller and toddler. Again, this was the highlight of my day, and it made me feel good that I was able to help someone even for just a moment. I could have jumped on the subway and ignored her need for help, but I know that the more I think about others around me and how doing just one little act of kindness can make a difference in someone's life, and at the same time brighten my day.

I often think about the people on the other side of giving. What if that's the only act of kindness they will get that day?  Maybe things are not going well at home – a fight with a loved one, getting fired from a job, or not enough money to last the week? Will Smith says, “never underestimate the pain of a person, because, in all honesty, everyone is struggling. Some people are better at hiding it than others.” So, let's say we all started doing random acts of kindness just because? Wouldn't it be wonderful if this were our new normal? What a great world this would be. It doesn't have to be huge like paying for dinner (although, you can pick-up my tab any day), it can be as simple as a smile, a wave, or a kind word. Never forget that your simple act of kindness can change someone’s day.

I treated myself today, and I bought a young mom and her daughter behind me some ice cream too. #treatyouselfandothers

And, Tony Robbins says, “by shifting the focus from yourself to someone else, you’ll learn how to gradually let go of your pain and move on. This is the power of contribution.” But you don’t have to be in pain to help someone. I believe we are all connected, as you can see by what’s happening in North Korea, Texas, or Idaho. We cannot possibly find peace and happiness within ourselves if the world is hurting, or in pain.

Back in San Jose where I’m from, I can listen to the Sunday  services from the Center for Spiritual Living. Yesterday, the service was about “giving,” with a mention of the book, “All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten,” by Robert Fulghum. At the top of the list is, “share everything.” In kindergarten, I frequently got in trouble for many things, but the one lesson I learned well was to “share everything,” which has shaped me into who I am today. I’ll take the lesson of sharing over learning how to color inside the lines any day. We can all share this week, let’s do it. Share, give, or contribute. If you haven't already taken time to donate to Hurricane Harvey, or another cause, now's the time. Here's a link to the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), one of many organizations that needs your generosity. Let’s make this our new normal.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi