It Depends, Serving Larger than Oneself, Sober October and Joe
"Real love opens doors to something larger than oneself."
— Phyllis Theroux (The Journal Keeper: A Memoir)
If you want the best answer to any question, welcome to “it depends.” When asked a question, there are usually multiple factors that can impact the quality of the solution you provide.
Very few questions are yes or no answers. We do not live in a black and white world, instead of navigating through a series of light and dark greys. The world is complex and including “it depends” in your answer and getting further clarification can save you a lot of heartaches.
Hey, good morning, it’s me, the man with the silly morning hair, the coffee drinking, Mr. Sober October. I must confess I went out drinking last night; I went with my Queen and some friends, I had about five club sodas and lime. They enjoyed the libations, they should, they did not let themselves get to the point of “time out,” but I did, and I’m resetting my body and mind without the use of alcohol.
I have another busy day, the clarity I have is a blessing. I’ve got a 3-hour meeting this morning, a meeting with a couple of enlightened folks, a call with one of my teammates, and some cocktails with three beautiful women to finish out the day. Have I told you lately I love my life?
I heard a quote the other day it was “Always serve larger than one’s self.” Think about that statement. If you are here to serve others which you are, think large. What can you do to impact your lover, family, business, or community? What is one thing you can do today to serve others that you did not do yesterday? I challenge you today to follow my lead and give a homeless person a $20.00. You don’t’ need that $20.00, you can make more, but to someone looking for their next meal, that money can mean the difference between a glorious day and a living hell. Give someone a glorious day, join me, impact your world.
If you are not into giving money to the down on their luck for fear they are buying booze or drugs, let me remind you not to judge. You don’t know their life, you don’t know the battles they have fought, and at this point, it is only about trying to exist in our world. They are at their last breaths of life, and your little personal donation might be the difference between them getting on a positive path.
The other day my Queen and I were walking back from our shared workspace. There was a man on the corner with a sign, I didn’t read the sign, and I quietly walked up and gave him $20.00. He said with tears in his eyes “thank you so much, I need to get some food, I’m an alcoholic and I’ve been sober for four days.” I applauded his accomplishment, and since we were at a red light, we had some time to talk.
The man extended his hand and said “my name is Joe,” I said, “Hi Joe, I’m Anson, and this is Jenny.” We talked a few moments; he told us he had found a local AA meeting. He was going and so far so good. Joe needed some dentures, the years of drinking and maybe living on the street had taken a toll on his physical appearance, but he was well spoken, and I’m sure had a story of challenges and a few bad choices.
I don’t miss that $20.00; I can make more money. It’s not money I seek; it is having an impact on my world. That is my job; I work to make money to give to folks like Joe and organizations that help Joe. I’m not Jesus Christ, I’m a simple man that works hard understands that I have been given more than I need and so I give to others in need. I do so in a few ways, but my favorite is to go directly to the person in need.
I do not share this story for an attaboy; I do not share this to show you the kindness in my heart, I share this story to get you to join me. You don’t need to tell anyone; I don’t go around shouting “I gave Joe $20.00” but I will write my story in hopes of encouraging others to follow my lead.
If $20.00 is a little healthy for you, give $10.00, if $10.00 is a heavy load, give $5.00, the key is to provide, and when you give, you will feel a fantastic gift of helping others. It’s a powerful feeling; it’s why you are here. You are here to make our world a better place, and you have opportunities every minute of every day.
My message today is to use the words “It depends” to answer most questions. Always look to serve larger than oneself. Manage your demons, and if you need a vacation, your demons can be put in a closet for a brief time or maybe forever. Find a way to impact your local, national, or international community and get busy. Together we can change the world one “Joe” at a time.
"Real love opens doors to something larger than oneself."