| I was reading another chapter in one of my | | | | to another's ease or happiness in a matter of |
| favorite books, The Art Of Possibility. This | | | | minutes. We don't always know the big or |
| is one of the best books I've ever read on | | | | small ways we touch the lives of others. |
| transforming your personal and professional | | | | |
| life. On page 55, the authors introduce the | | | | In Keith Ferrazzi's best-selling book, Never |
| practice of, "being in contribution." | | | | Eat Alone, he says, "I'll sum up the key to |
| | | | success in one word: generosity." |
| One of my clients says contribution is | | | | |
| essential to being who she is. She says, | | | | One of my dearest friends is a great |
| "Helping others is part of my life purpose. I | | | | inspiration. Each week she takes time out of |
| need to help at least one person in some way, | | | | her busy schedule to help someone. It might |
| every day." For many, being in contribution | | | | be just to listen, give some advice, be a |
| to others is a core value. Many have defined | | | | mentor/guide, offer a mini training - it |
| the value of contribution as meaning, "being | | | | varies according to the need. Helping others |
| in service to others" because they want to | | | | is one of her themes for the year. Generously |
| make a difference in the world. | | | | offering her time, expertise, and wisdom is |
| | | | the way she shares her heart with others and |
| The intention of being in contribution can be | | | | allows her to fulfill one of her life |
| expressed by saying, "How can I help you? or | | | | purposes. |
| "Is there anything I can do for you?" The | | | | |
| practice of being in contribution means | | | | In the last two weeks, I needed her |
| generously offering your time, energy, | | | | professional expertise to prepare for two |
| knowledge, contacts…. to help someone | | | | important speaking presentations. She has |
| simply for the joy of it, without any agenda | | | | repeatedly offered to help me hone my |
| or attachment to an outcome. Have you ever | | | | speaking skills and I finally decided to |
| felt that joy? It's a wonderful feeling, | | | | accept. Being the person people often come to |
| isn't it? | | | | for help, I don't always ask for help when I |
| | | | need it. She really came through for me. As a |
| Let me expand on this for a minute. | | | | result of her guidance and coaching, both |
| | | | presentations went terrific. |
| Have you ever done or said something that | | | | |
| generated a spark of energy, ignited a | | | | To fully give you must also be able to |
| passion or provided a needed kick in the | | | | receive the love and support from others. Be |
| pants for someone? Perhaps you helped to lift | | | | sure to allow others the opportunity to be in |
| their spirit, opened their mind to new ways | | | | contribution to YOU! |
| of thinking, offered hope, inspired them to | | | | |
| action or challenged them to grow? You might | | | | By showing up and being fully present with |
| have helped someone in just a few minutes of | | | | people - to really hear them and respond from |
| conversation. | | | | your heart is one of the most powerfull ways |
| | | | to build relationships and serve people. |
| Are you familiar with the ideas of paying it | | | | Being in service to others attracts abundance |
| forward (someone helps you and you help the | | | | and flow into your life. |
| next person in need) and random acts of | | | | |
| kindness such as opening a door for someone | | | | Being in contribution to others is a |
| or yielding the right of way at on a busy | | | | deliberate decision. |
| street. There are so many ways we contribute | | | | |