Giving Back

Giving Back

I’ve donated more money in the last month than I have in the past 10 years.

This is not to boast. This is embarrassing. I’ve been making enough money to easily support myself for the past 9-10 years. Why has it taken me so long to learn the value of giving back?

It’s absolutely embarrassing. I’m glad I learned this lesson now and not next year or worse 5 years down the road.

Too often you hear, “I’ll donate when I’m rich”. That doesn’t happen. It’s similar to saying, “I’ll workout starting next week”. You won’t. You have to start now with the resources you have.

What I’ve learned

I’ve always struggled making purchases. I’d put something in the cart, walk around the store (apartment when shopping online) and put it back. Do another lap and pick it back up. I’d repeat this two or three times before I’d have to pee or decide to wait.

Donating is nothing like that. I’ve found making donations easy. Donating money has been simple. A thought, processed and easily executed.

Going forward

I want to triple / quadruple what I’ve given this month every month next year. Double would be too easy. Maybe reachable without growing my income. I need to create a challenge.

The only way to triple or quadruple my giving is to increase my income.

This post is to motivate you to start giving today. Don’t wait like I did.

Don’t know where to give

Here’s a short list of places to start with.

  • Pencils of Promise – Building schools in impoverished areas.
  • Backcountry Hunters and Anglers – Support and keep public land public.
  • American Red Cross – Disaster relief. When something bad happens they are among the first to reach out and help. You never know if you’ll need them in the future.
  • Room to Read – Teaching children to read. Reading is the gateway to improving your life and thinking for yourself. Too many of us take reading for granted.
  • Watsi – Supplying impoverished countries with medical treatment (e.g., cleft palate).
  • United Way Worldwide – Support local charities and non-profits. United Way supplies smaller, lesser known non-profits in your area with your donations.