Last year I ran a successful year-long program called Powered by Hope. The intent of the program is to help you follow your creative dreams by powering your spirit with hope! I am glad the program was so well received. This year, in addition to new posts, I will also be sharing a few of the best posts from the program. From now until the end of 2015, you will receive a minimum of two posts a month focused on hope. I hope you will enjoy them and that they will inspire you to follow your dreams!

GIVE

Want something? They say to get what you really want, you need to give that out. Sounds a bit nuts, I know. But it works. I am surrounded by successful writers, chefs, and business people and you know what is the one common trait that I see in most of them? They are generous with their knowledge, their insights, and their experiences. In spite of having schedules that make them gallop around the world, in spite of being so busy that they can barely answer all their emails and phone calls, in spite of being pulled in seven directions at the same time, their response has always been: “How can I help?” Whether it is the answer to a simple recipe question or a “What am I doing with my life?” question; a “What makes a true brand?” query or a “Can you help me learn Mexican cuisine?” request—my questions are endless and their generosity trumps that endlessness. I think this works well for these folks because all the positive energy they put out, they get back in spades. Goodwill is contagious and I always try to pay it forward.

A word of caution here: Goodwill is to be earned and is not something we are entitled to. I try to be respectful when asking. When people give me something, I try to be gracious, respectful and, above all, grateful.

And with giving? Give like no one is watching and everyone is in the know! A true giver gives without any sense of wanting anything back in return.

I do strongly believe what we put out, comes back to us. Karma rocks!

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