The Say Something Poster Project

I have been very privileged in my lifetime to know and work
with some really great individuals. Although they are a particularly diverse group, there are a few qualities that they share; among them are honesty, integrity, and a desire to do good work. The attribute that I most appreciate, however, is their boundless generosity. On occasions when I have needed something—whether it’s guidance, feedback or a reference—these individuals have never hesitated when asked to go out on a limb for me.

In doing my small part to help, I realized that I was sending a big message that these people mattered to me…

Though I have built my career on the kindness of others, it wasn’t until recently that I fully understood their motivations. As my network expands and I have the pleasure of meeting fresh faces, I have recently been placed in a situation where I could help others get closer to their goals. At these junctures, I realized that being able to help the people in my network instilled a feeling of deep satisfaction. I was not able to enact any monumental, life-altering changes for these people, but I was able to do my bit to improve their situations. In doing my small part to help, I realized that I was sending a big message that these people mattered to me, and that I valued them as people. In return, I received a sense of gratitude and the knowledge that I had made a difference for somebody.

The real catch is that taking the high road is rarely easy. It’s easier to take something for yourself that could have been given away or to simply not make the effort when an opportunity comes along that you wouldn’t be a good fit for. In general, people recognize this fact and when you help them, they are more willing to stick their necks out for you.

I propose that karma is far more favorable to those that give freely of what they have…

Of course, I wouldn’t suggest that altruism is in fact a thin veil that hides selfish motives. Instead, I propose that karma is far more favorable to those that give freely of what they have, and I have yet to meet an individual who is both generous and miserable. There is a direct link there, and as I continue down this path, I aspire to help those around me as much as I possibly can.

Ira F. Cummings is a self-employed designer and artist based out of Somerville, Massachusetts. He is passionate about engaging brands, quirky type, and two-wheeled, human-powered transport. You can find more of his work at iracummings.com