Chapter 18. Be a Giver
I would have given this person the same chance, but I would have taken the time to do a little more homework on his past. And if I didn’t like the deal I would have declined with a smile and a handshake. When this happened, my immediate reaction was that my life was ruined. When I found out the money was gone, I threw my phone on the ground and broke it. I remember saying out loud: “I worked so hard for my money. It’s gone and I got nothing from it.” I wondered how this could happen to me. Have you ever felt that way? I am sure you have. My limitless beliefs where popping out of my head and mouth faster than I could put a lid on them. Combine that with the “poor me syndrome” and I was the textbook case of what not to do when something goes in the wrong direction. Fortunately, those emotions only lasted an hour before I took a different approach. At that point, I was young enough and inexperienced enough that the events could have turned me in either direction. I could have set the belief like my dad had at the time, that trusting and giving meant pain, and that not trusting or giving would keep you safe. I can only imagine how my life may have turned out if I chose the supposed “safe” route. If I had focused on the negative, I never would have had the chance to help so many people. I feel so fortunate that I have come this far and am able to share with you. I know I would not be any- where different than where I was way back then if I didn’t overcome the negativity and continue to give. A year or two later something happened to me that consolidated my thoughts on trust, giving, and looking for the best in people. Let me tell you a quick story that was a big changing point in my life. The person who did it does not even know he affected me in this way. A Kind Word that Will Last a Lifetime I was on my way to New York City with a friend who is a bit older than I am. He is a very successful self-made person in the corporate world. At the time, I had come up with an idea that I
171
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs