Everyday Philanthropy

There’s a theory I’ve been working on for a long time, since 2020 actually, but it’s only resurfaced with new energy and fresh insight. I’m committed to changing my life, changing the world, and helping others do the same. It gives me so much joy and purpose to be a beacon for others who want to play a bigger game in their life. If, even in the smallest of ways, I can encourage someone to step up as a changemaker - that’s mission accomplished.

When you break down the etymology of the word ‘philanthropy’ it features two Greek words. ‘Philos’ means love, and ‘anthropos’ means people. This means that the truest definition of philanthropy is “a love for people”.

That’s not how most people think about philanthropy. They think that earning the title as a philanthropist is reserved for people who’ve donated large amounts of money to charities and causes. But that’s simply not the case. You are acting as a philanthropist any time you show up with a genuine concern for a person.

With that in mind, there are two ways that philanthropy surfaces in today’s world. The first is in moments. When you choose to be patient toward a spouse, loving toward someone who’s made a mistake, or present with someone that you normally wouldn’t give the time of day - you’re a philanthropist. In fact, in every moment you encounter there’s a way to bring more love, peace, patience, and presence to it. Being a philanthropist is a mindset.

Then you can also be a philanthropist in movements. This is a more formal application of your love that is meant to create a sustaining benefit to humanity. Leading or getting involved in an initiative, fundraising for a cause, and helping to overcome some injustice that exists in the world. There’s no shortage of movements to support. In fact I think we each have one inside us. A mentor of mine Adam Braun finished his book ‘The Promise Of A Pencil’ by saying “Within every single person there lies an extraordinary story waiting to unfold.” That story is your movement.

That’s what I mean when I say I’m committed to changing the world. I want to show up as an everyday philanthropist and leave people and places better than I found them. I want to get involved in projects that have real implications for how they improve others lives and well-being. I want to sacrifice a little of my own comfort to create a lot for others. It’s a movement I’m leading called For Purpose, and we’re just getting started!

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