Who would be viewed as more successful, Mother Teresa, or Bill Gates? My politically correct answer is to say Mother Teresa, but my decisions can often reflect a belief that the answer is Mr. Microsoft. Have you ever noticed that our lives are driven by our own definition of success? I’ve noticed lately that I can easily spend more time focused on product sales, profit margins, and increasing market share rather than things that really matter. As we continue to grow as a company and strive toward a certain definition of success (that usually includes Kim & Jason Christmas specials and collectible figurines), I catch myself reflecting more often on what it is that I do, and why I do it. Receiving e-mails from people who read and love Kim & Jason surely reminds me that being successful is not reserved for some moment in the future. But a recent experience helped cement the notion that what makes me feel most fulfilled is not just improving the look of the bottom line. Ever since we’ve started donating 3% of our merchandise sales to organizations that help kids, Kim and I both felt a desire to do more. Because the causes taken up by the six charities we support are so near and dear to our heart, we decided to start there. We already sponsor a little boy named Hailemariam from Ethiopia through Compassion International ( http://www.compassion.com ) and I’ve had the privilege of donating some artwork to the National Adoption Center ( http://www.adopt.org ). Then Kim called the local Make-A-Wish chapter ( http://www.wish.org ) and we found out about these cool volunteer jobs called Wish Granters. Basically, you meet with a Wish kid who has already been medically approved and find out what his or her wish is. And teaming with the chapter office, you get to play a major role in seeing that wish come true. Kim and I met with our first wish kid this week, a four-year old boy with leukemia who wants to go to Disney World. He is the sweetest little spark-plug you’d ever want to meet, complete with the shining spirit of life and curiosity that we all need more of. We met with his family (six siblings in all) and spent about three hours getting to know each other and sharing stories. It was very humbling and exciting. When I think of this experience, as well as the joy I get from drawing the comic strip and helping people return to childhood, I feel that I’m right in line with where I’m supposed to be. No matter what the bottom line says, or how many cards we’ve sold this month, I’m successful. I really wish everyone could feel this way… …including myself when I’m in the midst of another financial worrystorm (which is now officially a word.)
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