Share Your Love

I know that this is probably a really unpopular, potentially offensive thing to say, and I will say it anyway. I don’t go out of my way to support breast cancer research because, at this point in my life, my time and resources are limited. Since my time and resources are limited, then I have to take a hard look at where I spend both of them. When I take that look, I observe that a lot of people dedicate both their spare time and resources towards breast cancer research and awareness. It’s a topic that is very much in the public eye. So, I can take a step back and look elsewhere.

Like to research into Rett Syndrome. I have a personal connection to Rett Syndrome, so that explains my primary motivation. I also know that it’s not exactly a disorder about which most people are aware. So, I see it as my obligation to lend whatever support I can into research. It’s a personal choice, of course, and I think that the resources I direct towards Rett Syndrome are needed more because there are fewer people contributing. There are all kinds of rational reasons for why I’m misguided, I am sure. Where you focus your energy and resources, though, isn’t exactly a rational, objective science.

Similarly, I find myself leaning towards other organizations and the work that they do because of a personal connection that initially drew my attention. Once the personal connection is made, then I assess the value of my contributions. Does what I do make a difference? Can I find a niche where my unique talents can be leveraged? Will my monetary contributions be used in a manner that aligns with my personal philosophies and convictions? Is there an opportunity to affect the greater good? The answers to all these questions (and others) do not have to be “yes.” I just have to say “yes” to enough of them. Take Acumen Fund, for example. I was moved by a personal appeal. I was persuaded by what I read online. I was sold by the passion and conviction of the people who work for the organization. No science here, just art, feeling. It really comes down to emotions, doesn’t it? Why pretend I am wholly rational when we are, by nature and design, not rational creatures?

I am, by no means, one of the great philanthropists of the world. My life is unfolding in such a way, though, that I recognize that my time, energy, and coffers are needed in ways that I have yet to contribute. This is why I am here. This is why I am writing this. It is not all about dollars and cents and cans of green beans dropped off at the local food bank. All of those are needed. But your time, energy, and, most importantly, love are needed more than anything else. 

Dollars fuel the machine, but love sets the course.

Share your love.