Do you remember when you were a child? Waking up on your birthday or a holiday with anticipation to open presents was an unrivaled thrill. Yet, that excitement faded once the presents were opened.
As we matured, we started to learn that “getting” was a fleeting experience. By contrast, “giving” brings its own anticipation followed by long-lasting fulfillment. The lesson learned? Giving is better than receiving.
This month, I am preparing for a trip to Thailand. After I spend time with some of our top distributor leaders at our annual Discovery Club trip, I’ll head to Chonburi, Thailand with the Operation Smile team. We’ll spend a week working to provide multiple surgeries to children of the farmers who harvest mangosteen fruit for XanGo Juice.
Anyone who knows the XanGo story knows that giving is part of our company DNA. We’ve supported causes for children and families around the world since the day we founded the company. We knew that to achieve true success – lasting success – we needed to be a company that would lead with the heart, giving back to worthy causes.
Yet, today, I’m going to write about what the experience has given me personally. I can tell you that I’ve been inspired and humbled by being part of the work in our global philanthropic program.
And I can tell you, without doubt, that giving can be an amazing part of your comeback…part of your resurgence in life. I was taught as a child that if ever I was feeling unhappy…those feelings would go away if I did something nice for someone else.
Revered writer and poet Kahlil Gibran tells us: “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
It’s one thing for XanGo to write checks to charitable causes. We should give back. Many successful companies do. It’s another thing to block out time on your calendar, roll up your sleeves and get involved. I love how XanGo nation has embraced this very concept…at all levels.
As I prepare for Thailand, I feel excited and reflective and I even feel some pretty big butterflies. This trip will be difficult. We’re heading to a place where we will confront a “need” that is a powerful reminder of how lucky many of us are.
I’ll spend part of my week working at an orphanage where many of the children never had a chance to even be held by their mothers. As I write this post on Mother’s Day, that thought seems especially hard to grasp. I’ll get to work with the doctors of Operation Smile as they perform surgeries in children born with a cleft palate, a painful and debilitating condition. Did you know each year more than 200,000 mothers give birth to a child with the cleft lip or cleft palate?
Every time I make a trip like this, I come home even more grateful for my children and their good health. I’m even more grateful for my wife and my mom. I feel especially humbled to be so blessed. I’m grateful to work with such tremendous souls who make it a core part of their business practice to raise funds for work like this.
And I’m especially grateful for the people I meet…the children, the parents, the doctors and the organizers of these expeditions…people who have come through tremendous challenges to represent strength, goodness and hope against all odds.
For me, giving has been a reminder of where I’ve come from and the road I’ve chosen in life. It’s been an affirmation that reminds me, especially on those days when business is a grind or I’m waging a personal battle, to take a deep breath and put things in perspective.
Giving is a privilege and, yes, it’s a sacrifice.
For many of you who continue to trudge through some monumental life challenges, giving can be a game-changer. You don’t have to go all the way to Thailand to do it. There are needs in your community where your talents, your passions and your drive can serve a significant cause.
There are local causes that need your help. Whether you’re making phone calls, organizing events, delivering care packages or even just talking to those who don’t have someone to talk to…there is something you can do to serve. By doing so you’ll be reminded of all that you have to offer.
While the doctors are performing surgeries in Thailand, I’ll again be sterilizing their tools and serving patient needs. I’ll be a nurse’s aide. And, in that challenging environment, I will again be reminded of how little actions can make a big difference.
I’ll be sharing some of these experiences here on my blog, so check back often. I welcome your thoughts and support in this journey.
And, perhaps you’ll consider the role giving can play in your comeback. Giving gives back in such unexpected ways.
That’s right. Makes all the difference when we engage. It becomes an act of humanity and when experience becomes unique.
Thanks Aaron for sharing your experience!
Regards from Mexico City
Aaron you are a pretty classy guy, winning all of those awards and creating all of those jobs but still keeping your head right and staying humble.
I have long admired xango and the complete generosity that stands as part of the core of this company. From the small acts of kindness to the humble ways this company chooses to recognize its team there is not another company like xango. And yes…the over the top moments of sheer WOW are all a statement the sets this company apart from all others.
Thank you xango founders for all that you do, your constant inspiration and your desire to help others. Giving truly is a gift and you all do it so well.
Aaron, thank you for co-creating this company and leading with the heart. I am grateful for the generousity from the heart that XanGo shares with the world! I always knew one day you would lead one of the greatest companies in the world – making such a positive impact on millions of lives.
Aaron, thank you for leading in this way…. from your heart and according to what truly matters. I read a very scientific article on energy and the surprise ending…. love is the energy that will help heal the planet and you as founders have created a loving force for peace in action. Thank you.
Aaron, I am so impressed with you and this great company Xango. It truly is a pleasure to be part of this. You are an amazing leader, it’s no wonder Xango is where we are today. I love playing my small role in giving back, there is no greater pleasure than helping others and being of service to them no matter how small it may seem. I pray one day I too will be able to go and help in the way you are doing. Thank you for your example and leadership.
Aaron~
We look forward to seeing your additional posts pertaining to your trip! We feel such a belonging and belief with this great company and being a bigger part of charitable contributions & Operations Kids is on the top of our dream board! Our deep gratitude goes out to you and all of the founders for what you stand for!
Aaron~
We look forward to your updated posts on this trip! We feel such a great belonging and belief with XanGo and being a bigger part of charitable contributions & “OK” is on the top of our dream board! Our gratitude goes out to you and all of the founders for what you stand for & what you have created for all of us!
Thank-you…
What a great cause. I love to see what this great company does to change lives.
I am on the way of finding my way to reach premier, and everytime I think of you it makes me want to sing so bad, I can´t wait to be on stage as a premier and sing, I have always wanted to, but I havent. anyhow I am just speaking my mind. Thank you for inspired me.
Aaron, Thank you for bringing to mind that “it is more blessed than to receive”.. Ever since I started sharing with Operation Smiles I have been really blessed.. I continue knowing it brings smiles to everyone.
