#ericchoi

Giving is... a privilege.

by Eric Choi

“Giving” lends many meanings. Even a slight glance through this campaign confirms its flexibility, and relative/subjective nature. But despite its many interpretations, there’s a simple underlying truth of giving that grants us privilege: when we give, we always receive.

It’s a modest equation. You give ‘x’, and you get ‘y’. And though the variables are vast, the results are consistent. However, as people, we tend to overanalyze and exaggerate simple truths. We lose sight of initially giving, and drown in worry of what we’ll get and expect. We systematically program our lives to go-get, rather than to go-give. We forget that the people we consider successful and rich in character are those who dedicate their lives to giving, sharing, and serving. Take three of the most influential people of the past year in Steve Jobs, Oprah, or Chef Jose Andres. Each stratospherically successful, and each devoted to giving the world something special. Like them, we are also blessed with an opportunity to give, and are privileged to receive when we do.

Giving varies in agendas that are all unpredictable. But let’s have faith in the process and principal. Let’s remember that having the chance to give is unparalleled to anything we can get. Let’s seek out what we individually give best, and do so with consistency and sincerity.