Altruism is a “big scary” word! Yet, its meaning is simple. It means contributing to the well-being of others financially or a private favor. This is one of the world’s greatest feel-good emotions. The real key to this kind of “high” is to do it anonymously. Seeking personal praise devalues the effort.

Can you imagine the joy filling the heart of a senior citizen sorely in need of funds for medicine or groceries only to find an anonymous donor has come to the rescue? The donor here is the real winner.

Substance has responsibility. If one is possessed with financial resources, regardless of origin, yes this is an asset. However, with this asset comes responsibility. The responsibility is not to give it all away, but to be mindful of the needs of others and respond.

Assist another “anonymously” and it will feel good in your heart! It will feel so good others will be sought to help in the same manner.

Helping others can become as infectious as the common cold.

Within the pages of Bath Pond, the book, the elderly benefactor tells the central character, a young man, “God promised to feed the birds, but he didn’t promise to put it into their nests.” These words, though simple, remain profound in today’s world. Profound since many who are able rely heavily on others or the government for the necessities. Have we had it too easy?

As depicted in Bath Pond, this simple statement became the spoken motto when the way was rough during the Great Depression. Each recited the words about feeding the birds and moved out to capture the prize.

The truth really speaks to all the opportunities we’ve allowed to slip from our grasp. An opportunity not captured is lost forever.

The lesson is simple. The first step is to begin, then grow from there. To accomplish any goal one must seize the good and reject the undesirable opportunities. Never wait on someone else to feed us. To be fed by others isn’t the answer.

The answer lies in helping others, anonymously. You then will be “fed” in abundance.

Lowell Teal, author of The Bath Pond Series, which includes Bath Pond, Fortunes Crossings and Inherited Journey lives in Windermere, FL and can be reached at LowellTeal@aol.com, or visit web site at http://www.LowellTeal.com