Oprah's Lifeclass/ Deepak Chopra: "What Sort of Contribution Do You Want to Make?"

The fourth question Deepak Chopra asks is "what sort of contribution do you want to make?" 



I would like to make financial contributions, whether I am giving money to a homeless person or donating to a political or humanitarian organization. Already, I give a small monthly donation to the American Red Cross, I send money to UNICEF every once in awhile, and I have given money to the Obama compaign. Eventually, I would like to give more. I would like to give back to Loyola University Chicago. If ever I win the lottery (yeah right!), I would give most to charity. I understand I can give to individuals, institutions, and organizations in ways unrelated to money by giving my time and using my skills to serve. I do hope to do this, too, but I would also like to make a greater financial contribution.

I would like to contribute by inspiring people to care, be better, give more. I think the whole world is bleeding, and I want to help individuals heal themselves so the world can be better. I wish I knew how to cure closed-mindedness and intolerance. People can change, so maybe some day I will figure out how I can contribute in this way.

I want to make a contribution that lasts. A contribution that spreads. I hope as people become better versions of themselves (something of which we are all capable) others are encouraged to do the same until the whole world is changed.

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." - Alice Walker

I listened to a webinar called "Calling in the One," and it forced me to take part responsibility for my unsuccessful relationships. By replaying moments from my past and listening to my fears and the excuses I give for not having found the One, I discovered a pattern.

Where and how did I give up power in these relationships? I constantly make myself too available. I am too often the friend, putting my concerns and feelings second in order to "help" the guy I am dating. I always ask, "am I too much?" "What did I do wrong?" "Why are all the guys I fall for unavailable or not ready?"

Someone once asked me,"What role do you play in the movie of your life?" I answered, "the good friend." Even as the words came out I realized the absurdity of my answer. "Shouldn't you play the leading role in your own life?" he said.