I saw this headline today at the DailyMail’s website “The greatest charity giveaway in history? 34 billionaires pledge half of their fortunes”…and thought, you know what? Maybe this is the Universe’s way of finally responding with some GOOD and uplifting news!

Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffet, Michael Bloomberg, Barron Hilton and Ted Turner can all easily be located on Forbes’ “The World’s Billionaires” list – have a look, and have fun…

Normally, I’d be looking at that list and wondering “Man, if I even had half that amount of money – I’d make sure to share it with less-privileged people…” and, I promise you, those thoughts are sincere but alas, I’m not a billionaire – yet!

Anyhoo, 34 of the world’s richest people, with net worths that go higher than many of us could even imagine, have taken a pledge to share part or all of their net worths with charities around the world during their lifetime – or after their passing (via wills, and what not – of course).

I think this is amazing; having such powerful people publicly pledging (ha! look at that, see what I did there?) to share their wealth with the world’s charities and unfortunates is bound to draw more attention to the fact that we all need to do our part and SHARE.

This initiative is part of The Giving Pledge – (read more here: www.thegivingpledge.org). The Pledge is all about encouraging America’s wealthiest individuals and families to commit to giving the majority of their wealth to philanthropy.

The Giving Pledge is an effort to invite the wealthiest individuals and families in America to commit to giving the majority of their wealth to the philanthropic causes and charitable organizations of their choice either during their lifetime or after their death.

Each person who chooses to pledge will make this statement publicly, along with a letter explaining their decision to pledge. At an annual event, those who take the pledge will come together to share ideas and learn from each other.

The Pledge is a moral commitment to give, not a legal contract. It does not involve pooling money or supporting a particular set of causes or organizations.

While the Giving Pledge is specifically focused on billionaires, the idea takes its inspiration from efforts in the past and at present that encourage and recognize givers of all financial means and backgrounds. We are inspired by the example set by millions of Americans who give generously (and often at great personal sacrifice) to make the world a better place.

This is easily the most beautiful thought I’ve read all week…

Now, while the majority of us (i.e. everyone else who hasn’t yet had the fortune to be named on any of Forbes’ lists) don’t quite have millions or billions to give to philanthropy or to those less fortunate than we are, there’s still something that can be done!

You’d be amazed at how huge a difference an extra $10 can make to someone’s day, and – if you can’t afford to give monetarily – you can give your time at soup kitchens, shelters for the homeless, daycare centres for orphans, you can give your compassion to someone who’s having a really awful life and you can give your love.

I’m inspired! How ’bout you?