OK, So you’re a Go Giver, but, are you being of service?
One of the great things about attraction marketing is that a good majority of people I encounter are Go Givers. People that will freely share ideas, tools and tips for the benefit of bringing another a little further along on their path.
I’ve written about this in an earlier post entitled Are You A Go Giver? And you can review that post to see what I shared. Today though, I want to talk about something a little different. I want to talk about service. The type of service that is outside of you and for many takes a lot more effort to give.
Being of service is increasingly popular in our world, especially among our young and the growing population of older people. People are looking for more ways to give back…to our community…to our world. If you look around it’s not hard to find a growing need or a cause that can use help. They’re everywhere.
Taking advantage of any one of these opportunities to be of service can be extremely rewarding and satisfying. It allows us to feel better about who we are.
If you think about it, being of service is a spiritual practice. It’s a powerful source of love. When we step outside of ourselves and step into this power of love through service the world begins to change…for the better.
By engaging in the act of service to others we are affirming our wholeness. We become the Source of giving. Service gives you the opportunity to gain more energy, more gratitude, more abundance…but that’s not the real reason we do it.
We do it because it is who we are. It is our nature to serve and assist others.
So, where do you find yourself being of service in your life? How are you being of service? It can be as simple as letting others go first in traffic. Giving directions to someone that is lost. Bringing in your neighbors mail while they’re on vacation. Doing a random act of kindness whenever possible.
For me, the above examples can at times be easy to do. However, what really excites me, really moves me is when I get outside of myself and play a bigger game of service.
I serve on the Board of Directors of GIOF. We are currently supporting Genesis Diez, A.C. and working with them to enrich and improve the quality of life of the orphaned, disabled, and indigenous children of Northern Baja California, Mexico. Believe me, the service we do touches and changes lives. Both ours and the children’s.
My good friend and business associate, Mary Jacobs (she did my blog banner and opt in design for me) just got back from Peru. She and a small group of like minded people spent 7 days working at an orphanage there that had 600 children living at it. Talk about a huge need…Wow.
So, here’s the thing. I’m not asking or pitching for donations. What I’m asking for is a story. From you. Leave a comment below. Let me know what you’re up to with service. How are you playing a bigger game and being of service to others?
That would be nice and I’d appreciate it. However, I’ve got a bigger idea. I’m going to start a page on my blog for “Charities & Causes”. If you have something that moves you, moves your heart, allows you and others to play a bigger game then I want to know about it. Send me your cause, your pet project, your thing that really makes your service juices flow with love and gratitude and I’ll look to add it to the page.
Together we can help spread the love. Spread the word and create a bigger awareness in our world. Let’s take a step in making the world just a little bit better together.
If you want to spread the message I’d appreciate it if you share this with your friends and followers on Facebook and Twitter.
Oh yeah, you can send your stories to me here.
Until next time, go out and Live Your Best Life!
I felt so great reading this post Don because I live the same way. Being Catholic, I walk that path of giving. My belief system is that I am here to serve as God’s tool to the world. It is an uplifting experience to give. Thanks for enlightening people with this post.
Donna
Donna Merrill´s last blog ..10 TIPS ON BRANDING YOURSELF
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Don Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Thanks Donna,
I’m glad you have the spirit of a giving heart. It’s amazing what we can do if we get out of our own way and let the spirit of service lead us.
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Great thought-provoking post, as always. Made me think what I’ve been doing lately, and I think it’s spreading the wealth with my coupon deals. I send a regular care box to Burbank to a friend of mine who has been unemployed for more than a year. I heard from another friend that she loves it, and saves her unemployment benefits. The other is by spreading the word on how people can save. I email easy lists to friends (also tight on money) so they can score free or nearly free items to stretch their money further. There’s my story.
Harry Martin´s last blog ..Crap! – I spent 44 cents for $25.47 in merchandise at Rite Aid tonight!
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Don Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Harry,
I’m glad you enjoyed my post. I know you are out there doing a lot of goods things for others and the way you do that and share that often cracks me up
For any one not familiar with your blog I suggest you stop over and check it out. You certainly have the corner on the best ways to save money and get things free form the local grocers. It’s well worth your time.
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Don~
This is wonderful! It’s great to hear of all the good that you’re doing! Keep it up!
~Linda
Linda G. Cox´s last blog ..Anchor text: what is it?
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Don Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Thanks Linda,
BTW, there’s a hidden message in this for you based on our group mastermind call today. Can you see it?
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Hi Don,
The work you do with GIOF sounds very rewarding and very powerful. Serving children has always been a draw for me. That was one of the biggest reasons I went into teaching: to serve young people and help them develop into better people. I see the work I do as a mother, not only to my own kids, but to their friends and the groups they belong to as well, as part of my service to the world at large. I also work with a non-profit organization through my primary company to serve poor children in Mississippi who need high quality nutritional supplements to help them do well in school. I also volunteer every summer at a local farm that hires young people at risk from the community to work the fields and with the animals.
Service is an essential part of life today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic, as well as what you do to make a difference.
Mary Lou
Mary Lou Kayser´s last blog ..An Overlooked (Yet Powerful) Social Media Tool Part 1
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Don Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Mary Lou,
I knew there was a reason I liked hanging out with you online. You have certainly grasped the sprit of this post. Kids are our future. Many have difficult circumstances in their lives today. It’s great that they have a role model to look up to in you.
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Wow Don, beautifully written and powerful post here. You have been getting very spiritually deep and connected lately ~ I feel like I’m seeing a whole new side of you. And I love it!
I have participated in many significant service projects in my life, and it is truly the most gratifying thing to see the work you’re doing not only changing, but in many cases saving, lives. Right now my service projects are via my businesses, but once I have some more bandwidth I will definitely find another cause to invest myself in fully.
Thank you SO much for sharing what you’re up to ~ and creating this page on your site is a brilliant idea. Good on you, my friend!
Beth Allen´s last blog ..The Pain of Discipline or the Pain of Regret …. The Choice is Yours!
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Don Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Thanks Beth,
I’m glad you’re liking the other side of me that is emerging of late. It might have something to do with the fact that I’m 9 weeks in to a 10 week Foundations class with our church
We all have more depth to us that often just takes a little time to see and discover. I know that you have a heap on your plate right now. I also know you have a big vision and part of what you’re learning now will be given freely by you to the benefit of mankind when you have completed your task.
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Hi Don, what a great idea having a page with charities to support on it. Boy I sure need to get it together and get out there and start helping others, all the great things your commenters are doing are leaving me to shame. Can think of plenty of things I want to do in retirement to be of service but why am I waiting. Where do you all get the time to do all these things or is that one of the beauties of being an entrepreneur and working for yourself.
Belinda Cunningham´s last blog ..How Do I Get Started With Affiliate Marketing
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Don Reply:
June 24th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Belinda,
Seriously, I just fit it in. I make the time when I have to because it’s a priority for me. so don’t wait until retirement jump on in!
I’m glad you liked the idea of a blog page for charities. It sounds like you might have to find the other 24 hours in a day to do this
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Hi Don,you have hit the nail on the head physically serving is very rewarding thing. And as you know you, you end up being more blessed than the people you serve! thanks for sharing my friend DR
Douglas Richardson´s last blog ..Resilience and Social Media
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Don Reply:
June 24th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Thanks Doug,
Yes, the giving of service is so much rewarding then might be expected.
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Thanks, Don, for all you are doing to make the world a better place by serving. And thanks, too, for your challenge and invitation to be involved in the “bigger game” of service. Much of my service is in connection with young people with disabilities in our community Our son, Darrin, who is 21 now and who has Down syndrome is active in many organizations including Special Olympics so I have opportunities to assist and serve him and his peers in their activities.
I think your idea for a place on your site to acknowledge the service people are rendering is an awesome one. Kudos, Don.
Val
Val Haderlie´s last blog ..Making Room for Miracles (Part 2 – Limiting Distractions)
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Don Reply:
June 24th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Thanks Val,
The Special Olympics is always such a spiritually moving experience for me whenever I have the chance to see them in person. I’m sure it’s very rewarding for you to see your son participate and live life.
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Don,
Then 11 years as a Boy Scout Leader wearing multiple hats. Talk about Stories! I’m so glad I was able to have those times of giving back.
You’ve hit a cord here with this post. What a great idea. At this moment, my service is sharing through my blog and supporting our online Tribe Community. As my kids were growing up I spent 4 years as a Girl Scout Leader – learning right alongside my girls – especially camping!
Thanks Don,
Val
Val Wilcox´s last blog ..When the Why is Big Enough…
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Don Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Val,
Working with kids through the scouting programs is a wonderful way to give back. Terri did this for years. She used to do girl scout workshops that would help them earn their various badges. I can say, she loved it. I’m sure the two of you could share stories for hours.
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Hi Don, your article is very powerful. I’ve noticed that when I give, I tap into something that is above and beyond me. A feeling, or power that is almost indescribable. Thank you for sharing this with the world.
Regards,
David A Haines
(215) 268-6696 Anytime!
David A Haines´s last blog ..Betty White Is Stopping You From Being Successful! Huh?
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Hi Don
This is a great post. It really made me think what am I doing. I do all the little things like you say – neighbors mail etc. And I give donations to different causes but I get a whole other level here.
Well said
Sue
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Don Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Sue,
I look forward to hearing more about your next level of service. I’m sure it will be exciting.
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Thank you for that wonderful post Don. You reminded me why I have embarked on this journey. A few years ago I traveled in Africa and spent some time in Uganda helping to build a resource center for a school with a group of people. It was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done and the kids at the school were so grateful they put on a show of song and dance for us when we finished the project. Something I will never forget. My dream is to go back there and work on some more projects. Good on you for setting up a ‘Charities and Causes’ page….what a great idea! Might have to steal that one from you
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Don Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Hi Louise,
It sounds like the work you did in Africa was extremely rewarding. So much so that your moved to go back and continue. Every time I go back to Mexico it amazes how much has changed for the better. Yet, there is always more to be done.
I’m glad you liked my idea and go for it, you can use the idea too. Anything to make the world a little better place.
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Hey Don,
Wonderful to see such a special part of your commitment to humanity in this post.
My business philosophy is, we are here to serve and not be served. You have put that so beautifully above.
My mind is now ticking over on how I can better serve/help someone today, as so many people have helped me along the way.
Michaelé Harrington´s last blog ..How To Brand Your Blog With A Favicon
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Excellent post, Don.
It’s really all about service. That’s the greatest gift we receive from all our hard work… the ability to give service, and the passion to do it.
So many of us get down because we’re not getting what we WANT. When I get stuck in that mode, I focus on what I can GIVE and all my wants flow in.
You’ve got the fever, Don! Keep this good stuff rolling in.
David Merrill´s last blog ..How To Get UNSTUCK And Reach Your Internet Marketing Goals
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Don Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Thanks David,
I learned a number of years ago that when I get down on myself that the best way to get out of that “funk” is to go and be of service to another person. Doing that has always left me in a better place.
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Hey Don,
Thanks for this post! You know right now I am not actively volunteering my time as my kids are my #1 priority
at the moment. BUT, my vision for the future includes starting an organization that teaches kids & young adults the importance of using mindset, health, entrepreneurship & technology to create an incredibly rich (on all levels) life!
Take care,
Becca
Becca´s last blog ..Got Goals
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Don Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Becca,
Spending time with kids is one of the most precious things we can do be it our own or those less fortunate. They truly hold the key to the future.
It’s exciting to know that you have a greater vision for yourself in the future. One that sounds like you’ll be leaving a legacy.:-)
Thanks for sharing what’s in your heart.
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