Please Give Generously of Your Pizza
On April 21, 2013, a 2 year old from Los Angeles named Hazel was diagnosed with a tumor in her abdomen. During her treatments, her Mom would try to pass the time by playing games, taking walks, playing dress up, etc… Anything to pass the time and avoid going ‘stir crazy’.
One day, Hazel’s grandma told them a story about someone who put a funny sign in their hospital room window when she was a girl. Their next project was born. Hazel wanted a sign too.
They decided to put up a sign that said “Send Pizza“. So they constructed the words using masking tape, visible to passers by.
The ‘pizza signal’ was noticed by a gentleman who shared the image on Reddit. He remarked, “Photo taken outside Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Smart Kid.”
Others started to share the image online, and one interweb user remarked, “No need to fear. Pizza will soon be here.”
That afternoon, over 20 pizzas were delivered, paid for by random people in the community.
Hazel invited some of the other kids in the hospital for the biggest pizza party ever.
You’ve probably seen stories like this online, on the book of Faces, etc…
Like the man that used to commute to work for over 20 years by walking 21 miles, then taking two buses. (someone set up a crowdfunding account and raised 350K for him)
Waitresses receiving $1000+ tips.
People paying for others groceries, or the ever-popular pay-it-forward Dunkin Donuts drive in.
I’m talking of course, about generosity. One of Dr. Richard Davidson’s 4 Constituents of Well-Being.
When we give of our time and resource, we feel good. In fact, we feel more than good.
Functional MRI studies routinely show our brains lighting up with neural activity when we give. Psychological studies (countless) prove that giving produces more happiness than receiving. And I think most of us can simply feel the truth of this sentiment.
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill.
I don’t have to convince myself of this fact. It’s something I try to think about daily. But I do find the need to remind myself.
It’s interesting though… generosity can feel counter-intuitive sometimes, as we chase achievement or growth. But that’s the grand paradox.
The more we chase and the more take, the more well-being actually eludes us. And in fact…
The more we give, the more we serve, the more we grow and the more we receive.
I believe there is a balance that can be had between maintaining a servant’s heart, and a red-hot ambition to achieve more and be more.
I believe there is a way to combine accomplishment and generosity…every day of our lives.
And I am determined to find it.
Have a great day friends. And find the ways, obvious and subtle, to serve those around you.
Thanks for sharing your stories Eddie! I’m not a “lurker”…promise…they just always seem to pop up on my Linken In when I need it the most. Thank You for being you… An inspiration!
Best,
Keri