How can I help?

[I]The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest—in other words, your passion![/I]

Perhaps it’s still a virtue
or maybe it’s a curse
I’m often found dispensing aid
as if I was a nurse

You weary? Let me help you
You lost? Then take this road
Confused? Think on this option
You weak? Give me your load

It happens without pretense
No interest in applause
Just feels like it’s the thing to do
no reason, just because

But why are some more giving
while some seem not to care?
What motive lies behind the actions
Selfishness or fear?

Perhaps it’s for approval
Perhaps to gain control
Perhaps because the act of giving
fills the giver’s soul

But people do their best
to get through life while they are here
You’ll notice different ways they cope
Just know their heart’s still there

But keep YOUR heart wide open
and know when you’re in doubt:
The time spent helping others
is what life is all about!

Once, at a social gathering, I had a chance to discuss some interesting topics with several of the guests. During the course of a chat with one individual in particular, I noticed two separate instances in which he showed himself to be particularly adept at noticing the needs of others in the immediate area, and offering his help to make things easier for them. (And he wasn’t the host!) He would notice, for instance, someone looking for the bathroom, and volunteer to give them directions. He might spot the telltale signs of someone wanting to discard their paper cup, and point them to the trash can. That got us into a discussion of the prevalence (and absence) of that unique trait of helpfulness among the general population.

Why are some people more helpful than others? Why will some hold a door open for you while others will not? Why will some go out of their way to offer aid and assistance while it seems others couldn’t care less. There are undoubtedly a million different reasons. Perhaps this caretaker way of being is a coping strategy developed early in life by a child seeking approval and a parent’s love for being Mommy or Daddy’s “little helper.” Perhaps those who aren’t as helpful are avoiding the pain of being hurt or being taken for granted. Perhaps service is considered weakness. Who knows?

Of course, our discussion could have lasted forever, so it was left unresolved with our agreement that because there are, in fact, so many factors that govern an individual’s behavior at any given time, we shouldn’t expect everyone to be on the same page as we are at all times. And don’t get upset at others for not being as giving and as helpful as you’d like the world to be. Most importantly, don’t let their way of behaving jade you to the virtues and benefits of giving.

Here are a few thoughts from around the world.

[I]“There is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving.” —Canadian poet Henry Drummond,

“They who give have all things; they who withhold have nothing.” —Hindu proverb

“The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.” —Chinese, Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu

“One kind word can warm three winter months.” —Japanese proverb

“To give without any reward, or any notice, has a special quality of its own.” —American author Anne Morrow Lindbergh[/I]

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[B] Note:[/B] Fans and followers of [I]Chicken Feathers and Garlic Skin: Diary of a Chinese Garment Factory Girl on Saipan[/I] may now find copies at Bookseller Bookstore in the Joeten Plaza in Susupe or on Amazon.com. Hurry, there’s a limited supply!
[B] Note:[/B] For more tips on overcoming your fears, acting on your ideas, changing the game, and creating a passion-centered lifestyle, visit www.passionprofit.com!

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Until next week, remember, success is a journey, not a destination!

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[I] Walt F.J. Goodridge is author of 12 books including Turn Your Passion Into Profit. Walt offers coaching and workshops to help people pursue and profit from their passions. Originally from the island of Jamaica, Walt has grown several successful businesses in the US, and now makes his home here in Saipan. To learn more about the Saipanpreneur Project and Walt’s philosophy and formula visit www.saipanpreneur.com and www.passionprofit.com.[/I]

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[I]Send article suggestions, entrepreneur nominations and feedback about this article to walt@passionprofit.com.[/I]