Those of you that know my work history, know that I was first in Real Estate sales and management followed by Real Estate Finance for almost 40 years. I loved the business and felt that I was genuinely helping my clients by not just getting their loan done or a home sold or bought but finding the “why” in what they wanted and needed and then advising them of the best way to accomplish their goals not mine. I cared about the people and what they needed not just them as a paycheck. I knew if they were really happy with the job I did for them I’d succeed too. Not everyone in my industry did business that way and I believe that was one reason I really enjoyed what I did, felt valued and was so successful. Why do I mention this?

 

 

If you really like what you do in life you’ll excel at doing it. You’ll feel fulfilled and happy. So are you doing what makes you happy personally in your work, family life and as a Rotarian?

 

I believe… In Rotary, like life the happier we are about what we do, the better we serve.  It’s giving of one’s self that results in the wanting to do “good” for others. You can’t really teach it if you don’t feel it. You know it when become part of it, like when you “became” a Rotarian. That may not have been when you first “joined” Rotary but may have been when you had your first Rotary moment. Either way I am glad you’re part of our incredible Rotary Family.

 

Did you know that people are more interested in the “why” than the “how?”

 

This applies strongly to Rotary membership. It’s far less interesting how you became a Rotarian than why you became, and why you remain, a Rotarian.

 

I ultimately “became” a Rotarian because of my innate character to give. I am, by nature, altruistic and I believe in doing the right thing because I feel good when I’m helping others. I remain in Rotary because I feel good when I’m helping others and are part of an organization whose mission is helping others.

 

I also remain in Rotary because of the connectedness I feel with my fellow Rotarians through service and fellowship. We are engaged in each other’s lives in and outside of our Rotary meetings. I feel that my fellow Rotarians really care about me and I really care about them. Outside of family, where else does that happen? Rotary has become my extended family and the fact that my family reaches around the world has a huge impact on me!

 

 

I wonder what Rotary will look like in 20 years or 50 years. I wonder about how our journey, together as Rotarians, will take shape. I imagine the powerful and meaningful projects that will happen along the way. I imagine the positive impact we will have on human lives, all over the world. I imagine the lifelong friendships and bonds that will spontaneously occur as a result. It makes me smile to think about it all.

 

Have you noticed the common theme in my words above? It’s happiness. I believe that Rotary makes people happy and it should. If it doesn’t they should join a gym or adopt a dog.

 

The givers and receivers of our Rotary service are or become happy people! And when we are happy, we work, play, and love harder and better. Our performance, energy and creativity increases. In Rotary, the happier we are the harder and better we serve others!

 

Success doesn’t lead to happiness; happiness leads to success. Our goal in Rotary is to serve others and to do good in the world and by working toward and achieving these goals, alongside you, my fellow Rotarians, I am a happy person!

 

Let’s change the world “2gether”, one person at a time.