Most of us know what compound interest is. We see the effect of it as we open our credit card statements and realize that the five-buck Grande Mocha Frappacino with extra whip really cost us 546 dollars.
The principle of compounded interest is worth mentioning because although we typically see it on our credit card bills (or not), it is also present in other areas of our lives. Have you ever noticed that if your day starts out REALLY badly, it tends to continue being REALLY bad? It takes some MAJOR attitude adjustment therapy and perhaps a few pieces of dark chocolate to turn that big ol’ ship around. We all know at least one person whose entire life seems to be one big downward spiral, but the inverse is also true. Sometimes when you are having a REALLY great day you can to ride on the peak of it.
You start out happy because someone told you that you look nice in the parking lot. So the guy that almost rear-ended you at the light as he was digging for his missing hash browns? He barely fazed you even though you could see the whites of his eyes in your rear-view mirror. You smile at his panicked face. You are happy, and therefore people treat you a little more kindly all day long simply because you are pleasant (still thinking about that compliment, aren’t you?) and you don’t look like you are about to ask them for anything. They grin right backatcha. So now you are even happier than you were before. Then the guy at Subway sprinkles a few extra black olives on your sandwich during your lunch break because you seem like a nice enough person. Walla! Life is good! It is a sequence of good events that builds on more good events. One drop creates a ripple. Compounded interest, my friend.
Now that I have enlightened you as to the very tangible nature of this principle, I think we should think about how it can be harnessed and used intentionally for something good. You look nice by the way. (Yes…that was shameless and empty flattery. I’m using a Jedi-mind trick to put you in a good mood so that you are more receptive to what I’m about to tell you. You will keep reading this blog and you will like it. Have you lost weight?)
Most of you probably know by now that I am a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. I must tell you that the benefits to both Tian (my little sister) and myself are both tangible and measurable. Hands down. I am often in awe of the impact of mentoring. I am also in awe of the effect that she has had on my life. I cannot even begin to explain it, so I won’t. I will tell you however, that compound interest is absolutely in effect in Tian’s life.
Let me explain: Tian is not growing up with a life of privilege. Tian is fortunate to have a really fantastic mother who is her biggest advocate and champion, and she enrolled Tian in KIPP Academy (Knowledge Is Power Program). KIPP Academy takes children from areas without top schools. It takes children who are at risk of being swallowed up by the harshness of life, and gives them a shot of getting out and moving on to really bright futures. They are not messing around with education. It is a serious business of taking these kids and grooming them for Ivy league schools and unearthing the best of who they are.
So Tian’s mother enrolls her in this school where her bright mind can be nurtured in a safe environment. In this program, Tian meets some fantastic teachers that have committed themselves to helping students who have some serious obstacles. She meets a guidance counselor who really believes in her. She has people that are rooting for her. Fortunately, she has a fantastic family (immediate and extended) that cheer her on. She becomes involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters. I take her to meet every successful and meaningful person in my life so that they can broaden her horizons even further. Tian continues to thrive. She earns a scholarship to one of the top high schools in Nashville. Now she meets even more people that can give her a hand up. She is receiving a top education. She is beating all the odds. She didn’t get there on her own. She didn’t even get there because of one person. She got there because MANY people invested in this young lady.
You get the picture. It is compounded interest. It takes a village, as they say. It is a chain of events and a ripple effect of people reaching out to Tian and believing in her. Giving her a chance. Challenging her to do more. It all matters. It all compounds upon itself, whether she, you, or I realize it. Last weekend Tian was given a $10,000 scholarship at the KIPP Academy national convention in Las Vegas. Did you hear me? I mean…seriously! How crazy-amazing is that? (Proud moment of silence.)
Point being: It is really easy to NOT get involved. To NOT think about how to reach outside of your own family unit. To NOT think about how yes, ONE person CAN actually make a difference. It is easy to NOT think about giving a hand up because we cannot always see the lack of what we did not do. I think sometimes we get consumed with measuring success with what we can attribute to our direct impact. But it doesn’t work that way, my friend. That is a selfish and myopic way to look at life. Maybe you plant a seed and someone else waters it. Maybe you do one random act of kindness and never see the impact that it holds for the recipient, but that doesn’t diminish its power. I can tell you from personal experience that there have been times when I have been hopeless, and ONE person has cooked a meal for me or sent me a card, and it restored my soul. RESTORED MY SOUL for crying out loud.
So to that end, let’s not get so focused on all the big stuff. We don’t have to solve all of the world’s problems. I can’t even figure out how to tame my own hair after 30-somethin’ years. Sometimes we become paralyzed at the enormity of a task; so let’s start on a small scale. Let’s be realistic. We all have lives. We all have things to attend to. But certainly there is something that we can ALL do every day. Could you look up and smile at that barista who is so tired of making your Grande Mocha Frappacino with extra whip? (Awl-Right already with your high maintenance coffee! Man up! Take it black!) Maybe it’s giving financially to a charity because you have the means to do so. Maybe it’s giving of your time, the most precious gift of all. It all matters. It does take a village. You may never see the effects of your actions (or inactions), but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
So listen. Pay cash for your coffee if you can. Because that compound interest stuff is a real you-know-what in the wrong context. And that’s the wrong context. I challenge you to find the right context. Allow the best of you and what you have to offer to find its way to someone else. One day you will need that hand up. So BE that hand up. Be that drop of water that creates the ripple….
A few shout-outs today:
(I love this part!)
Jeffery W: Yes. You are a big ol’ drop of water. Hah! Not only did I mean it when I said it, I found a way to incorporate it into my blog.
Max: For opening up your business and your life to Jet Stream Girl. For taking Jeffery’s word on it. For running with it. This will be the party to end all parties. How could it not?
Dana L: Again…all the tireless work. Lord. It’s hard being in my inner circle. This woman can write a press release AND cook for her children AND look amazing and composed while doing so. Takes a village. UmmHmm. And you are easily one third of it.
Dave M: Here’s to…for putting yourself out there for the cause. I warned you. You poor, poor man. Thanks for not bailing. I notice and appreciate every single detail.
Lowell Perry (CEO of MT Big Brothers Big Sisters): Thank you for always clearing your calendar when the “Bat Phone” rings and I am passing through town. You and your staff are amazing, and the work that you do (often without acknowledgment) is so crucial to our communities. Thank you for your help and your support.
Johnny (Crown Jewelers): Oh gosh. Thanks for always being the epitome of southern hospitality and customer service. You are one teddy bear of a man, and how you put up with my silly requests, I’ll never know. But thanks. (Anyone in Tennessee who needs some jewelry needs to go meet this man. He is sumpin’ else.)
Wade Hyatt: Thank you for your kindness and support. For saying that you guys are still a part of my life. Sorry I got a little weepy. I’m a chic. What can I say? Life is weird.
Micah (my nephew): I am so proud of you for going to Haiti to rebuild homes and hope. A young man after my own heart. May the experience change you in ways you can never take back. May it propel you on your journey. To be so young and have that experience….wow. And Gene (my brother-in-law): Good for you too! For being so old and still feeling like you could handle it. Nice. (Heehee)
Mom: Thanks for flying in from across the country to single handedly pack up my entire home in three days so that I could focus on tying up the loose ends of Jet Stream Girl. You have always been great at the hard stuff. But I wouldn’t let to many people know that if I were you. (I DO love you. )
Dave J: It was nice catching up. Hurry up and retire already so we can chat more.
Dan: I promise I won’t send you another press kit to re-format. Just kidding. What are you doing tomorrow morning? Oh whatever. Take the day off. Thanks for everything. Even in the worst of times. And these are the worst of times. So it’s gonna get better.
Akendra: You are one strong and intelligent woman. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of hanging with your equally strong and intelligent daughter.
TIAN! I love you. I believe in you. I am in awe of you. Thanks for showing me how to use You Tube. And Twitter. (Geesh. Who’s mentoring whom?) Thanks for getting my back. I’ve got yours too, chica.
And thanks to the guy in the parking lot that told me in a sincere way that I looked nice. I needed that. One of those weeks. It was a nice start to my day and I didn’t even mind that guy who almost rear-ended me a few moments later.
AND FINALLY: Thanks to those that read all the way to the end of my blog. You must have some extra time on your hands, huh? Must be nice. (Kidding. As far as you know.) Thanks for hanging with me. I always enjoy your company. Now get going….will ya?