Time to bid a not so fond adieu to 2009. I don’t think I’ve spoken to a single person who wants to see more of this year. In my twisted view of the world, the pessimist declares, “It can’t get any worse.” The optimist replies, “sure it can!” Even the most upbeat, positive-minded people I know all seem to agree that 2009 cannot be over soon enough.
I am inclined to think that for me, 2009 could not have been worse, so does it make me an optimist or a pessimist to surmise that 2010 could only be better?
For some, “better” is an utterly subjective notion, maybe even a myth.
Still, you might be able to turn that around for someone else, if not for yourself. How many times have you thought “I wish there was something I could do to help…” but did nothing? Perhaps you know of someone in your own circle of friends, family, or neighborhood who needs financial help, but you have been reluctant to step forward. There may be many reasons for your hesitancy. Maybe you don’t want someone you know to feel indebted to you. Maybe you want to help a friend, but don’t want money issues to come between you. Maybe you feel that you cannot give very much, and you would be too embarrassed to offer what you consider to be a pittance. Or, maybe you feel that giving money is a crass way to offer help but cannot think of any other way to contribute. Your reasons are your own, but here is a way to get over your pathos and do the right thing.
One of my favorite charities is a group that enables you to give anonymously to someone you know (or not), yet still reap the reward of their gratitude. When they receive your gift, they leave a recorded message, a message of thanks, letting you know about how your gift benefited them, without ever knowing who you are. You get the warm fuzzy of hearing their thank you without any of the discomfort. It won’t matter how much you give, in what form, the nature of the relationship, the potential backlash from other people, guilt, embarrassment or any other negative karma.
The organization is called Giving Anon at:
Go there now, and make someone’s 2010 a vast improvement over 2009. if anonymous giving is the greatest form of philanthropy, then talk about getting the most bang for your buck.
If you cannot bring yourself to feel optimistic about the future, give someone else a chance. What have you got to lose? After all, it can’t get any worse.
Happy new year…
LL