As an avid ALDI customer, I’ve grown accustomed to the ALDI ways. ALDI shopping is a unique experience, you’ll see people scavenging the aisles for empty boxes to load up their groceries, even at times emptying the contents of said boxes onto shelves in order to acquire them. Entering the store you’ll see shopping carts tethered in a string by chains that can only be released by feeding the shopping cart a quarter. One day I had a great idea to pay it forward. I would unleash one of the carts, use it to shop and then gift that cart away to an unsuspecting shopper as I exit the store. This small gesture is met with many warm responses, smiles, and the occasional cool glance and head nod. What I learned by doing this small thing is that generosity and kindness is one of the things that bonds human fabric together.
Personally, I have always been very charitable, often giving money, although at times I technically had no money to give. I encourage you to give to things you love, especially to the amazing nonprofit organizations that do such transformative work. As I continue to advance my career I give more and more each year. I believe there is something powerful that happens when you give with your heart and stretch what is comfortable. As the Executive Director of a homeless shelter I often get the question, “Should I give directly to the homeless?” My response is usually, “do you feel like giving to them?” If the answer is yes, then by all means, give to them. However, this is often followed by some short exchange of questions regarding purchasing booze or cigarettes and the multitude of other “things” where the money may be spent. I usually then advise if they are questioning the gift then maybe they need to find another way to give. The intent while giving is very important. When you give with no strings attached, no ill thoughts, no expectations, and no judgments it makes the experience truly powerful. I would say this happens when you give from your heart and not from your head. I understand that this logic defies all principles taught by financial advisors, but what you lose with your advisor you will gain with the universe.
If you are wondering what giving from your heart looks like you can check out this charitable act by a 9-year-old in Iowa. As an Iowa Hawkeye fan, I thought it was incredibly touching and highlights the impact of giving. The following post was put on the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
“We’re moved by a touching gesture from 9-year-old Riley Lafrenz of Indianola, Iowa. His mom, Missie, shares that Riley “was inspired by “the wave” to the children’s hospital during the Iowa football games. His “life savings” was supposed to be for a pack of NFL cards…but he decided this was more important.” Riley – thank you for your kindness and generosity! You are an inspiration”
We should all be more like Riley, we can learn a lot about charitable intent from our 9-year-old friend. Needless to say, Riley is going to receive quite a few packs of NFL cards from caring adults who came across this post. Additionally, Riley’s donation was matched by a number of adults who were inspired by his kindness.
We are in the midst of the holiday season and I advise you all to find a way to give. This can be in the $0.25 variety at ALDI, or the life-altering contribution to a charity or nonprofit you support. Booker T. Washington is quoted as saying, “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” How are you going to find your happy this holiday season? How can you incorporate a giving routine into your New Year’s Resolution? I am certain that by doing so you will get more in return.
If you’re questioning Riley’s logic or even my logic, check out this powerful Tony Robbins story where he talks about gifting his last $21 or $22. Tony states that this act was the most powerful experience of his life.
For as long as I can recall I have wanted to help people. I have vivid memories of this fact, and throughout my life, this has been realized in various ways. I remember as a child when I received a Batman mask, cape, and gun. I couldn’t wait to get that package opened. I quickly threw on the costume, and let my mullet drape down the back of that cape. I posed for this picture so fast I couldn’t even get both eyes inside the mask. I remember having a very similar response when I received a Ghostbusters outfit as a child, there was something magical about sliding that ghost trap across the floor. I consider myself very lucky in a lot of ways. However, it must be said that pursuing my passion to help people throughout my life is the thing that has benefitted m
e the most. It’s not easy to stick to the long game of that inner childhood passion, but I know how important passion is to live a fulfilled life.
When I went off to college I was certain that I would leave four years later and become a police officer. This was in spite of a few negative encounters with police officers throughout my youth. Although I took a detour from my original goal to become a police officer. I followed the advice of a college professor and pursued a path working with juveniles at the Iowa State Training School. I went on to become the Executive Director of a financial education and mentoring nonprofit, worked in child welfare, and now I’m Executive Director of a homeless shelter. You see, I didn’t grow up to be Batman, but the desires that existed within that blond mullet still exist today.
I’m not sure what your dreams or passions were as a child. Maybe you wanted to be Batman, a firefighter, a police officer, the president, or an astronaut. The things that we are drawn to before life fills us full of fear and self-doubt are related to our innate dreams and passions. I advise you to find a way to get back to being your own version of Batman. If you can’t do it formally through your career you have to find another avenue. There is tremendous value in incorporating your passions into your life. This can be done through hobbies, volunteerism, or coaching our youth. Take time and think about that childhood dream and try to determine what was driving the dream, then act. You will find yourself happier and more fulfilled. “It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.”-Batman