In my adult life, I have always contributed time and money to my church and other non-profits of my choosing. I have not considered myself a 'philanthropist;' however if a philanthropist is one who gives money of any amount (as the literature says), I have been a philanthropist. Al significant learning for me is to become a giver of larger contributions. I have an inheritance from my mother and my aunt (Mother's sister who died 5 weeks earlier). The amount is more than I have decided I will need; yet small in the scheme of life. I will share a portion of this bounty with others.
It has required much careful thought to determine just how this year's gift will be allocated. I now have a 'giving mission statement' and a tentative plan. The advice I have received suggests that the giver also be involved in the organization as much as is possible, given time and money constraints. I have learned several things: 1. it is a wonderful feeling to write a 'larger than usual' check. 2. the recognition from the organization is a boost to my ego (undeserved or fleeting as it may be) and must be kept in perspective. 3. finding the most comfortable volunteer niche is difficult. 4. deciding which of the many deserving non-profits fit into my mission statement is not easy either.
So, understanding my Self as a philanthropist is an evolving process. Documenting that is not the sole purpose of this blog, it is a significant part of my becoming after 65.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Finally - Blog One
Over a year ago, I decided to write a blog. I needed to 'practice' first. I didn't write much during this year, but today I decided to take the plunge - whether I have perfected the art of the 'perfect blog' or not. So - here goes.
Last year, two pivotal events happened. I had my 65th birthday and my mother died. So a new phase in my life. - a birth of sorts. I have no siblings. I had an excellent relationship with my mother, I think. She was a positive, generous, affirming Spirit. We lived across the country from each other and she did not 'guilt' me for my choice although she wished we could spend more time together. S
he expressed pride in my work for an organization that we both valued.
She was a role model in her attitudes and behaviors. She made decisions for her life after my Dad died twenty some years earlier. She enjoyed her life and friends greatly. She had a belief in an afterlife, although she did acknowledge it: 'how can we know?" So she too began another phase of life.
This new life for me is a birthing, a becoming. It is not a casting off of oppressive attitudes about family as is true for many other daughters. It is the opportunity for new attitudes and behaviors. This blog will be a record of this becoming. I hope it will be worth reading.
Last year, two pivotal events happened. I had my 65th birthday and my mother died. So a new phase in my life. - a birth of sorts. I have no siblings. I had an excellent relationship with my mother, I think. She was a positive, generous, affirming Spirit. We lived across the country from each other and she did not 'guilt' me for my choice although she wished we could spend more time together. S
he expressed pride in my work for an organization that we both valued. She was a role model in her attitudes and behaviors. She made decisions for her life after my Dad died twenty some years earlier. She enjoyed her life and friends greatly. She had a belief in an afterlife, although she did acknowledge it: 'how can we know?" So she too began another phase of life.
This new life for me is a birthing, a becoming. It is not a casting off of oppressive attitudes about family as is true for many other daughters. It is the opportunity for new attitudes and behaviors. This blog will be a record of this becoming. I hope it will be worth reading.
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