Another Key Detail

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.