232 sand dollars
2011-11-15
When I was 22, I lived alone on the Oregon Coast for a year, just practicing, recording, dreaming, and going for 10-mile runs in the sand.
I had been coming to this beach since I was a baby, and had spent hundreds of hours walking every bit of it.
As a kid, our rare golden treasure was to find an unbroken sand dollar shell on the beach. It had happened maybe five times in my life.
But that year, one cold spring day, when I had the whole beach to myself, I was out for a run, and I found one! A few minutes later, I found another! 30 seconds later, another, and another. I carried them in my pocket at first, but then had to take off my shirt to use it as a bag.
By the time I got home, I had collected 232 unbroken sand dollar shells.
I put them all out in the sun to dry, amazed at my good luck.
I bragged to my family. This had to put me in our beach-house history book.
I tried to think of all the things I could do with 232 sand dollars.
After two days, the excitement wore off. I realized I wasn't ever going to do anything with them. Now it was just stupid for me to keep all of these sand dollars sitting there doing nothing.
The excitement was in finding them, not keeping them.
That weekend was a big 3-day holiday weekend, and the beach was going to be filled with tourists.
So Saturday morning at 6am, I took all 232 sand dollars, and went for a long 10-mile run on the beach, tossing them one at a time, very spaced out, so all the tourist kids could each find a few.
By the end of my run, as I was heading home, I got the quiet satisfaction of watching two kids scream with excitement at finding one.
Honestly, I had forgotten this story, but my friend Ben told it to my wife last time I saw him, saying he thought it was the one story that summed up who I am.
He made me promise to post it here.
Excellent reminder, Derek.
We don't get enjoyment out of getting, collecting, taking (although those can be fun), but from sharing, helping, and giving.
At least that's true for me, but sometimes I forget.
Sharing is Caring
It's fascinating how what we "think" we want can change once we get it. How many stories are there of rich old men dying alone and bitter because they sacrificed relationships along the way? I love this reminder to ask "why" we work so hard for the things we think we want. And how important it is to take the skills we have at gathering in order to spread joy around to others.
Maybe someone did the same before you but you took them all. Perhaps someone did the same after.
Nice thought! -- Derek
When you're really sincere in helping or driving a good cause forward, you tend to attract similarly positive people to you. You get more by giving.
I just find this mind blowing. We are so lucky to be human. We could have been shells! Thinking about us in this way just makes me pumped! People are really amazing and good. The media tends to paint a bad picture through their scratched glasses. You just have to put your good pair of glasses on.
Well, I'm pumped. Thanks Derek, you're awesome as always.
I'm always struck by the simplicity of your writing style and the simplicity of your message. It's beautiful.
Also, I wrote you an email, and you actually wrote back. Like you said you would. It seems no one does that anymore. But you did. Simple, but rare.
Remember, the 1% don't have Scrooge McDuck style gold-coin filled bank vaults. They are loaning their money out to entrepreneurs, and creating foundations that serve millions of people. Next time you ask for or get VC money, ask yourself where it came from. Next time you visit McDonalds, remember that your purchase helps families of children with mortal illnesses.
The 1% are scattering their sand dollars on the beach for you to find, either to fund your idea, or help you in a time of crisis.
Remember that when your own hard work and innovation gives you 1% of the sand dollars.
a great way to express that sometimes it's the journey not the destination that is important. i also see this is a good example of "pay it forward". i love hearing stories like this.
That's a good friend to have. And that is exactly what it's all about.
This is such a nice story Derek. I remember as I kid i used to build houses and drive ways with my parents cassette tape covers and put matchbox cars in them . Just using imagination as a kid. When I think about some of my most memorable moments in my life, it had nothing to do with money, but about the simple, honest, intention of just exploring, learning, and being creative.
Great story! The pleasure we get from attaining physical things lasts days. The power of a thoughtful gift will last a lifetime.
What a lovely story/allegory. It's fun to discover and find but wise to know when to give.
BTW- Nice photo!
Great story. Thank you for sharing, again !
I love the Oregon coast, was just there a few weeks ago riding those sand bikes. Good times.
How beautiful, Derek! Thanks so much for sharing. Sharing joy is a selfless thing to do, but one that not many think of doing. Your story is such a lovely reminder to share and not keep.
Derek, as I read the sentence about there being a 3-day weekend filled with tourists, I thought we'd learn that you'd set up an impromptu sales table for those sand dollars. You are, after all, an entrepreneur. What we learned, however, is that you're a generous and kind person. That's infinitely more interesting and valuable to the world. Thanks for sharing your story!
Thanks for sharing Derek. We should all be the type of people who strive to enjoy the adventure and then share the wealth.
very touching!
Pay it forward with sand dollars. Goodwill well spent and multiplied.
Nice post Derek made me smile on a gloomy November day in Ottawa.
There is something more to the story too but I'll have to reflect on it and post another comment later.
Thank you for sharing this bit of wisdom Derek. I can see how it describes perfectly who you are...
Peace,
John
Most excellent remembrance. ;)
Wonderful. Your story reminded me that I get more out of someone elses happiness than out of trying to find happiness for myself! This just made my week, Derek!
Fantastic move and an absolute truth, that sometimes the excitement is in finding and not in keeping. At least for the things we can't do anything else with it ;) I often feel that keeping unnecessary things (where 'unnecessary' is a strictly personal concept) even takes energy off me. Having to find them a place, keep them in order, even remind that you have them. It all makes our head (and the universe) a more entropic place.
Wow, Great story Derek! I think most people would probably try to sell them, but you gave them back! Awesome.
Fantastic story! Really inspires the thought - why hang on to anything just to fuel or own greed when we can share things and make others, and as a result ourselves, happy. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing a wonderful story and a reminder. Yes, we all keep things, but we rarely ask why.
Brilliant story.
The feeling you get knowing you have made someone happy is 10 times better than the feeling when somebody makes you happy!
Beautiful post Derek. I like the idea of passing off "conditional pleasures". These are much like books. We enjoy acquiring the knowledge but afterwards, they basically become an ego piece in our homes, that we don't really need. We should pass them on.
The joy of giving is sooooo much greater than the pleasure of collecting
Such a great story and lesson.
Another way I like to view it:
We get enjoyment from EXPERIENCES rather than possessions.
Knowing and remembering that saves a lot of disappointment and leads to a lot of fun
Beautiful story! Giving and receiving are one.
Love the subtle messages in every post of your blog !
On a second thought, why can't we tweet or post this on FB? :( No link to share.
thanks
This is a fucking awesome story...yes...the excitement is in the discovery...and you multiplied that by 232 by letting others discover it too!!! You should tell it at least 232 more times!!!
I have a friend who´s father have the following rule: when you find a quarter on the streets, you just pick it and put a nicke there in return, so there will be TWO persons that will get joy from that instead of one. Truly amazing concept.
Nothing we possess truly belong to us, it's all in passing. When we leave this world, the only things that we can possibly take with us are memories, experiences - that which those who love us can possess too, for all time. You have created something eternal for the kids - a beautiful childhood memory, a moment of joy
Loved the story, reminded of an old Jesuit saying;
"A great deal of good can be done in the world if one is not too careful who gets the credit."
It is so true... our precious gifts become others when we give them away.
I grew up mastering surviving. While traveling after college I was in Miami one winter staying with some friends on their cockroach invested floor. My last night there I wanted to take them to dinner, but I only had enough money for my only food for a week.
In a leap a faith I bought them diner. I remember sweating throughout dinner. Then I woke the next morning to the job I wanted. After dinner that night I began to learn to give away what I was holding on to. I’m still learning.
Could be sand dollars, real dollars, fancy cars, hit records etc. Even a collection of collections loses its charm.
What we desire most, is the feeling that we can actually have the things we fantasize about.
then what?
Derek,
Nice post - and I'm reminded that most entrepreneurs and senior business people I know DO NOT do what they do for the MONEY. it's the joy of the process.
A great lesson in your story for any of us that JUST focus on dollars not doing good work.
Thor.
It's that moment of joy that comes from discovery in life. The beauty is, you've now allowed it to continue.
My grandmother's home was at the beach. She walked the beaches often and would pick up sea glass. Simple shards of broken bottles that had been worn smooth by sand and waves. She put all of it in a flower bed along the side of her garage. From the kitchen window each sunny midday, those bits would shine in green and white and brown, and even the occasional blue. One foot wide and over twenty feet long, that flower bed filled completely with lovely, soft, shining glass. Or were they simply bits of cast off trash?
This post has alot of meaning for me because I remember going to the beach in San Francisco with my wife and my kids when they were small and How excited they got when we found one that was unbroken. My wife was the one who got the excitement and energy of the practice to me, her enthusiasm. We gathered even less than perfect ones and brought them home. Its still a nice memory. I get the implications of you bringing them all back, returning a gift so someone else could have that moment.
Derek
We have all head the saying "keep it simple", - your message, your book says it all! - Congratualtions....
What a joyous story. And what are the odds anyone else on the planet could tell the same one?
Excellent story and a beautiful reminder that the best things in life aren't things.
This would make a great children's book...
99% of people underestimate the joy of sharing - its why I started blogging - lovely story
Beautiful story, Derek. And so true. I know what you're talking about. Thanks!!
A beautiful story that pinpoints the confusion we've probably all had mistaking what brings us joy.
I am still challenged though NOT to keep going from 'discovering' one thing to 'discovering' another, rather than figuring out what to focus on that will make a life with lasting joyful endeavor that also sustains life.
I know one story doesn't have all the answers though and thank you for this illustrative tale of some aspect of life fulfillment.
Sharing made you enjoy your luck twice ! Thanks to Ben and you . Love, Therese
I think it is a well timed story, I just needed it now!!!
... I totally agree that the process of discovery is more exciting and enriching than the process of retaining... perhaps, that's one of the basic truths of life which gets lost in the pursuit of materialism and achieving the secured comforts of life.... 
Your book has inspired to approach starting my company with a new mindset. For I've translated what you wrote to "give your love to the world." Like your sand dollars, I've decided to literally give away hundreds of my product for people to try and enjoy. I'm not asking them to do anything in return, kind of like your tossing your sand dollars out to the world to enjoy.
I continue to find your work very inspiring. Thank you!
-Aldo
Thank you for sharing, Derek! How exciting for you to have experienced these moments and to return the joy. Wishing you continued inspiration..Happiest of holidays to you and your family...I wish you peace, denise
Dear Derek:
Excellent story! One can spend one's life collecting "Sand Dollars" or real dollars" but less one share's those dollars, those thoughts, those feelings....life will be as empty as a broken Sand Dollar on an Oregon ocean beach.
Derek, you're an inspiration to the world. If we had more people with your "common sense" (that's what I would call it, even though it's not so common), what a wonderful world it would be!
Wonderful story Derek.
Makes us realize that often the joy of Discovery can actually be outdone by the joy of enabling others to discover.
Oh, I like this story - esp about keeping the memory and not the sand dollars, which freed you to share with those children. What a rush to hear children's happy voices
. Thanks, Ben, for making Derek share this.
This story illustrates three very important principles (or more, but that were three that immediately jumped out at me).
#1 There is little joy to be had in possession for possession's sake.
#2 There is immense joy to be had in finding simple ways to bring happiness into the lives of others.
#3 This story is like a sand dollar. We each hold hundreds and possibly thousands of stories from our experiences in life. Sharing these stories in writing allows others the excitement of finding a story that speaks to them.
Thank you for the many ways you share, Derek.
It's not the having, it's the getting. And sometimes, it's the moment just before.
Great Story! Good for you!
Derek,
Like this story the creative process is filled with discovery. Sharing ideas, like sand dollars, brings its own joy.
Doran
Could not sum you up any better!
I know exactly what you mean. Thanks for sharing this story
I once read a recounting of a story about a woman living in Hawaii who would take walks on the beach, and on one walk she began to find all these exotic shells, many of which she knew were not native to Hawaii. She picked one up, and a teenaged girl nearby asked her not to pick up the shells. Very soon after, an old lady came walking along with a bag full of the shells, and she exclaimed to the first woman that she was visiting her granddaughter in Hawaii, and that she had pictured the beach full of beautiful shells. She said "It's just like I imagined it!". The granddaughter had purchased a bag of shells at a gift shop and scattered them for the grandmother to find. What kindness and generosity of spirit. Just like yours.
Ben sounds like a keeper.
One more thought - this kind of sharing can be done intangibles too. I have several music videos on YouTube, and I get people sending me messages saying how my music has inspired them to learn, or to keep on playing it..rather than make me feel swelled up and proud, it makes me feel humbled. Knowing that something I did has helped someone else, and that litlle pieces of me will live on through their music as they pass it on...it is a good feeling to share.
Awesome my friend.
When I met my husband (he's from PA, I am from Miami), I was wearing a gold chain with a gold sand dollar charm hanging from it. After a few dates, he asked me why I wore it- I told him it was for good luck. He couldn't imagine why a marijuana leaf could bring me luck (lol)!
How could you forget a story like that! You must do that sort of thing quite regularly. Great to know you Derek!
Good one Derek - I already passed on.
This is a really great allegory for learning and how you gain by sharing what you learn. You're still gaining from that experience. Thanks for sharing with us.
I Love This! I found a sand dollar just a few days after moving to Washington state in the oddest spot. It was on the ledge of the apartment building I had just moved into. I was very excited because I had never seen one in person. Three years later I still have it
Hery Derek
Happy Thanksgiving
Merci ! C'est une très belle histoire!
Everybody loves taking rabbits out of hats. It's exciting! They can show it off to everyone. The problem is, someone has to put the rabbit in the hat in the first place.
That's what this story is about... putting rabbits into hats.
You are our generations "philosopher" Thank you Derek
Thanks Derek
I love this story Derek. I can just picture the childlike wonder in not only finding your haul of sand dollars, but in scattering them out again for others to find.
A very simple reminder to enjoy the simple things in life and, for me, to help others enjoy them as well.
I particularly love that you got so caught up in the past value of these things that you collected 232 of them and told everyone about it before you thought "what am I going to do with them?"
sharing when you have more than you need. Even if it's just sand dollars - thanks for sharing the story Derek
Derek, I loved this story. I grew up across the street from the Atlantic Ocean in Maine, and we had lots of sand dollars, whole ones! I will never forget my Mom admonishing me to not take more than one, as those were God's good luck symbols, and all we needed was one. So each day my Sisters and I would take one, and return the one we took the previous day; that way we had the fun of finding one each day! Life is good! You are a blessing each and every day to all of us who know and love you!
Derek; This touched me and for some unknown reason made me get a lil' wet in the eyes. Giving is so important to me, you know that from our previous short conversations. That's why I started this company you know. Love your giving spirit my friend.
Thanks for sharing this wisdom. Very spiritual!
I just spent 2 weeks in Seaside, Oregon and of course Cannon Beach for my wife and my 31st wedding Anniversary. I didn't find one complete sand dollar. No Derek around. You are unique my friend and so is your friend Ben...Jack
Hello Derek,
What a nice story! Best regards, hope you are both well
That's just cool...what a great story...I think shared experience is what makes us most human...in this case the excitement of finding a sand dollar.
I wish I could remember this quote I read years ago. Thinking it's Thoreau or Emerson. The gist was to leave the things you find in nature where they are, they are beautiful because of the place they are in.
Great reminder Derek. I love Jeff's thought (4). Maybe, someone shared them and you took them all. But even if you did, you reciprocated the act with fun, and even noticing with delight the joy your shared act brought to the hearts of some.
Please, keep up that spirit of sharing, we do not outgrow it in life. The Bible says, it is better to always share than to receive (Act 20v35).
Thanks, Derek, for sharing this story. It reminds me of my childhood on Anna Maria Island, Florida looking for sand dollars and running free.
Derek,
You could have opened up the Oregon Coast Sea Shell and Sand Dollar Store- Home of the perfect sea side treasures(and rare).
Sometimes opportunities only come around once.
"Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country"
hey derek ... great thoughts, bro! reminded me, too, of an album i saw on cd baby by a guy named bob karwin. it's called, "sand dollar millionaire" ... pretty much is the soundtrack to your article! good on ya! ;)>
Great experience. Sounds like it was transformative for you and now it has touched thousands. Thank you.
A beautiful story. Only gonna get what you give away so give love. Thank you.
The beauty and joy is in the moments of unexpected discovery that take our breadth away. How great that you shared that feeling with so many other people! I recently found a quarter, nickel and penny while walking along a sidewalk in the city where I live. The coins were spaced a few steps apart from one another in a straight line. When I saw the third coin I realized this could not have been from change accidentally falling from someone's pocket and landing randomly on the sidewalk, as the coins were too precisely placed. (And yes, I looked for a dime, too, to complete the set, but did not find one.) More importantly, I marveled at and felt grateful for the person who had placed them there for me to find. The little discovery of the coins made my day and made me feel special, uplifting my spirits, even though it was only 31 cents. I plan to place the coins along another path myself for someone else to find. And yes, I'll add the dime, too, to complete the set.
Energized by giving.
One person can make such a difference.
Have an awesome day Derek.. ye and your wife!
Rachel
Great story on giving back. One of the most important things I do every week...
SH
Just think did you ever think, the reason you found so many at once someone else had done that exact same thing.... Great story.... I could add we think we want these things when we get them we find they are of no use....
Cool story. Really like the yin and yang of the story
makes me think of the idea behind freecycle. Once your done with it pass it on to provide a glow to someone else ;p
Again, you have chosen an example so pertinent to me.
-- Derek
I grew up in, and lived until age 18, in a town just south of the Oregon town where you spent those years.
You accumulated 230 more sand dollars than me, however.
What we did have in that gorgeous corner of the world--and as you also may remember--were those glass balls (spheres, actually) from Japan. Those were harder to surrender as gifts to others; those balls seemed more like precious stones.
But without question, the greatest joys are from giving. Getting is hollow by comparison, except that great getting suggests to a person that you have made good decisions and befriended good people--and lucky you.
Yes! You know the glass balls! In a big winter storm on the beach in 1992, I took my usual long walk and found 3 of those one day. So precious. I'll admit: I didn't give those away.
This was a very extremely thoughtful thing to do. Especially if it brings delight to children who may never have that opportunity.
I asked Derek the question: Why do you give away your $22M from your CD baby? (That's 220 pieces Porsches!)
I guess I found the answer here...
Long live 'Paying It Forward'
for the last 15-20 years of my life, its been filled with a series of collecting and giving. I enjoyed it most.
the hardest part of that processes is to let go.
the first moment that I realize what I got wasn't mine to keep until the last moment I manage to share it with others. a little feeling of insecurity/jealousy felt inside. but only during that brief moment. the rest is as you told in the stories above, the satisfaction of sharing is simply awesome.
Wonderful story, Derek. Sometimes in life, we wished for more; more money, more fun, more stuffs, in hopes that these will give us more happiness. But true happiness often comes from having less of something, because we have passed it out to someone else.
Smile of the day. Thanks!
This confirms my belief that it's not reaching your goal that is valuable but the struggle. You found the SEARCH and FIND more satisfying than the HAVE.
It's the "Go-Giver" Philosphy, isn't it!
Pay it forward!
Thanks so much Derek. I wonder whether this character trait is innate or whether it is learnt? We're trying to encourage our son to give away an old toy on his birthday each year. Will keep you posted as to how his giving progresses!
Derek, that's a lovely story, and all the more special because it's true. You should turn it into a children's book. I have a five year old son, and I'm going to tell him this story. Personally, I find that most of my satisfaction in life—and especially the older I get—comes from giving, not from taking. What good is acquiring anything when you don't share?
I guess this is why we are all here Derek. We share similar values.
I love you posts and I want to share them. Perhaps you can consider adding a link to facebook share?
That sound really you and the work you done afterward. I need to learn these lesson. Sharing is always good at least make us feel good.
Love as vast as the ocean and as individual as each grains of sand Each memory...each moment...each sharing...counts. Thank you for sharing another way to spread Love...!
This is adorable.
right, kind of like the fun is in the journey not the destination : )
Reading posts like these are always inspiring but they always make me reflect on myself almost shamefully because it makes me wonder if I'd do something so generous on a whim when no one is watching besides your own conscience. Hopefully I would? haha
Great story =)
Derek, I hope that you took a photo of the 232...
Below is a link received today that your readers might like (top 5 regrets people have on their deathbed). Giving more is not listed but it's definitely part of the solution.
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
Read on...
While I was reading your post, I've been listening to the Sunday night Blues program from our local npr station KJZZ in Phoenix, AZ. There's this cat from Chicago named Bob who grew up getting to see all the Blues greats back in the day and played with a lot of them. He's had a 4 hour Blues show on Sunday nights as long as I can remember. Tonight he was playing some great stuff from Muddy and a lot of newly remixed/remastered Howlin' Wolf as well as a buncha newer and more obscure artists. To me, it's the perfect soundtrack to your story.
Nice,
This is how this story; speaks to Me personally.
I beleive that some of these things happen through providence of God. He's way ahead of Me, He's God. Its good to hear these expereinces. You never know what good things are around the next bend. There's a scripture that says, " If he can trust with little,
more will be entrusted."
I interpret that as, more will be entrusted so we can " Bless others so that they Bless others . . . on & on . . . having said that, I've also heard that God is God & I can't put him in a box or some kind of fomula
Irregardless of what level I reach __that level is cool & I want to keep on getting Hope ... the Hope I get from stories like this !
Thanks Derek
Cool Story
Dude this story is exactly who you are. Believe me you are blessed with a natural intelligence that enhances your outgoing nature positively.
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." -Dalai Lama
It feels to me that you are kind. Sharing this will change the world. Or, change where we stand in this moment.
I have found a that passing forward the little treasures in life makes room for new growth, change and ideas.
Our souls need time without distraction, noise, or external influences to reflect, rebound and heal. Take time to be a better person, slow down the rush and hurry in life and your soul will live again.
Today is the right day for yourself, nothing more selfless than building your soul. You can not help anyone unless you are a whole person by filling these basic human needs: emotional, sexual, soul and worldly (not out of balance each 25%, of who and what you are)
Life seems a rush and we as a populous need to take and make stock in the true nature of life.
Thanks for reading ~ pay it forward
Freedom is boundless, greedy governments and soulless people destroy freedom. Keep up the good fight for the few of us that still value our souls.
Kenfrog
This message is a very important one. I really appreciate these kind of stories. In this day and age, the mentality to take, take, take, will pummel us if we do not keep finding way to give just as much. Thank you so very much for posting this. I support you fully as always!!! Chase
Really loved this story, Derek! Serves as a great reminder of the pleasure you get in sharing.
Great story Derek! Really enjoyed reading it and couldn't agree more on the satisfaction you get from sharing.
Like others, I was pleasantly surprised when you answered my email. My initial thought upon reading this was from the recipient perspective. I spend so much time and energy giving to others, it's difficult to being open to receiving. I need to remember the joy of giving isn't just mine and I should let others give to me sometimes. Thanks Derek!
absolutely positively a wonderful anecdote crowned by the kid's excitement about finding one of the replaced sand dollars. nice one, derek. thank you for sharing that. - mark
This is such a sweet story, & the message is priceless: life gives you the greatest gifts when you give back to life.
We are but custodians of that which we try to keep, everything passes, those prizes, those moments, those memories... What we share, lives on.
: ) Thank you, Derek, for sharing your heart, and the story that helped to unfold it. It's so nice to witness the best bonus of a kind deed - peals of delight, laughter and joy! A magically superb sound if ever there was one! : ) And, thanks as well to Ben!
Sharing is caring...
but we sometimes forget till someone reminds us..
The universe obviously gave you a gift of 232 sand dollars because it knew you would distribute them wisely and generously. You got paid twice in this story....
Great story Derek! Now more than ever we need to make these kind of gestures. Our planet is facing its greatest threat since its inception and global warming could destroy the way of life as we know it for our children. Simple gestures like lowering the temperature setting on our thermostat or switching off the ignition at a traffic light could save massive amounts of energy and thus carbon dioxide emissions to slow down global warming.
Small gestures that no one will see but will still make a difference! “Sustainable development is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
… and that's how capitalism works!
great story and interesting part about sharing.....
Derek, I just tweeted this story! Incredible. Thanks!!!
You're a good guy.
Acts of kindness tip the whole of humanity to the side of merit.
May there be more like you in the world.
Yitzhak
Derek - I've picked up many of your intellectual sand dollars in the past year - Thanks for all of them.
If we focus too much on accumulation we end up with mountains of clutter. When we start questioning how much we really need that clutter can become something really meaningful in the lives of others.
Thanks for sharing. I love this story. We just got back from a vacation to the beach and it made me think how excited my kids were to be there and see and find things
This story have me feeling all soft inside. for now on i will hunt for shells.
After the ahhh moment.... ideally we wont return to our somewhat selfish lives. You lead by example and your words inspire people to seek THEIR story not copy yours.
Great!
Next lesson?
All dollars are sand dollars.
Larry
I went to a party the other night and for a bag I brought the little clip on bag that I generally walk with. It holds the few things I need. When I walk I keep change in a little pocket on the bag. This works, just a little change, just in case. The night of the party though I noticed that since the bag was not on my hip, the change was tending to fall out, a coin or two. At first I had the strong urge to contain the coins, then I remembered how much fun I had finding coins on the paths and sidewalks when I walked. Thinking ahead to the people who might find these dropped coins, and feeling that pleasure, I decided to let what coins fall that may. Like the sand dollars, these coins shared with the universe in this way gave me much more pleasure. Thank you for sharing your story.
Derek:
Your sandollar story is beautiful. It reminds me of the very well-known starfish story http://www.starrbrite.com/starfish.html which was I've never forgotten - it was read by a child at a Christmas concert I went to a few years back.
I heard it said recently that it's important to ask ourselves what it is to give, i.e. what giving means to us. When we don't give, we are misers, and we feel miserable. Look at how the beginnings of those two words have the same letters (miser).
Tying together this post with the one you did on procrastination, it brings to mind something I've been thinking about a lot lately - how so many of us tell ourselves, and each other, how busy we are - it's as if our busy-ness itself has become the topic of conversation.
I think the biggest gift we can give each other our time, and our undivided attention. I read a story recently about someone who ran into a friend he hadn't seen in a while. He said to her, "we should get together for tea some time." And she said, "yes, we should, let's put a date down on the calendar now." As I see it, that in itself was a gift, from her to him, i.e. the promise to give some time and focus on a date set down right then, so it wouldn't be forgotten.
All good things to remember - and practice.
Thanks, Derek. I recently re-read your book (for the third time).
Susan
Ben telling the forgotten good deed reminds me of the sheep Jesus talked about in Matthew 25:34–40. They forgot about their good deeds too but the King (like Ben) did not. Nice surprise. Very cool. John
Derek, each time I read/hear one of your stories I share it with someone. What I'm learning from you is that "simplicity speaks volumes." Great story teller.
Larry's comment #142 is great. "all dollars are sand dollars"!!!
You are a wonderful storyteller, Derek. I remember when.......
Wonderful... gave me my smile for the day.
They say it's the journey,,,,,,not the destination,,,,,,
Life is found in the journey, not in the destination. I've wandered Cannon Beach many times and can appreciate how excited your find made you. That said, your solution was just dynamite. Enjoy the day.
Boy!... could the "haves" in our world use a little of this understanding
Dear Derek,
You kind of summed up what Thanksgiving is about here, and you're right the thrill of finding can be more than when we actually have something sadly. You sound like a kind soul, and those little kids had such joy that day from what you did! What can be more gratifying than that? Happy Thanksgiving, Brother. Clay Wilson
This is a beautiful story. Happiness is in the journey, not the destination.
Hawaiians have an expression I like to share: 'A Ohe Lokomaika'i I Nele I Ke Pana'i
Translated: No Kind deed has ever lacked its reward. Derek...Whatever we Sow, we will reap! You did good! Blessings back on you! Keep sharing the Happy its contagious!! Pay it forward..........may it live long and prosper!
Hey Derek, this is an awesome story! I love it and thanks for sharing. Finding a unbroken sandollar is similar to landing a music placement. it's exciting to have a song used on tv, film or dvd, but once it airs, the product just sits on the shelf. the fun part is finding the placement and watching the first screening!
Beautiful! I totally agree with Jennifer, #49. This story should be published as a children's book with a lot of illustrations with pastel colors.
Derek....That's exactly what I would've done. Aside from the fact I've never been for a 10 mile run in my life.K
Thanks for sharing Derek, literally... The world would be a much better place if more people did that very same thing!
Sincerely, MrNDVERSE
Good story.
That was an excellent story Derek!
It just made a feeling of calmness and peace come over me.
We are all connected. We all feel happiness.
It is contagious.
This reminds me of the 1% er's; bankers, investment firms politicians and the like.... Recently it has been really easy to find "Dollars" along the beach of poverty and unemployed at out our expense... Now that they have all the money where are they going to use it? As the jobs of people disappear who make things, create services and the like? It's better to keep things intact so everyone can enjoy them.....
Oopps!!! Sorry, Derek for getting to philosophical !!!
Derek, you are such a mensch!
You had enough clarity and sincerity to realize the extent of your true needs and plenty of generosity to give away that which you didn't need.
In the end, you weren't being only kind and generous to others, but to yourself by honoring your calling to share and bring happiness to others.
The unfailing beauty of a self-balancing action coming from the heart!
Great story! It is a nice reminder of how we could spend our time better to do things that make us happy and share it to others to make us even happier. Thank you!
Derek - What a great story with tons of wisdom in it ! This is one that I will remember and share. Such a lovely gift for you to share with all of us. Thank you !
Great story of how we should give back when we are blessed with things.
Wow that's a wonderful memory Derek. Sometimes, we are not gratitude with what we have. With this story will help us to learn to appreciate ourselves in any circumstances.
sharing, caring - it all rhymes beautifully.
cheers
Beautiful story! This might just be my favorite post of yours so far.
Cool ...
J'adore cette histoire ...
Et vive les grandes marches au bord de l'eau !
;)
Beautiful story! One of my favorite things is to bring my kids to the beach - I keep some extra room for the bags of "treasures" they find - except for the crab that must have just died - that would have had quite a stink to it! The raccoon at my parents thought it was a great treat, though!
This is what life is all about, my friend. Thanks for the story.
That's a lovely memory Derek. How a simple act of kindness can bring joy to dozens of people. I'll find some sand dollars to spread around New York tomorrow
I love this story Derek. It reminds to have fun with the process, the journey toward the goal is likely to be more fun than the attainment. (Tho I'd like to have the full realization to see that a few times!)
Yeeeees. Great photo too.
I always look forward to your stories. Some stories my be short. But there's always a meaning to it.
Hi, Derek! This was a fabulous story to wake up to this morning~
Thanks for the story, nice thought going in to the holiday.
I really like your articles... Keep going!
In the book "A Course in Miracles" there is a confusing notion that the only way to keep anything is to give it away...this makes a little bit more sense now...thanks!
AWESOMENESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! as usual. I wish that the entire world could operate this way. You're a Blessing!
Great story - thanks for linking me this.
The first sand dollar is exciting, the second less so, the third less, and so on. The same goes with just about any material thing - especially if you drop the "sand." On top of this, the excitement that comes with such material things is fleeting.
So, the way to maximize joy and excitement in the world, is to make sure everyone has a chance to learn through the experience.
It's natural to want it all, and to get it all, before realizing this.
To pass it on completes the learning cycle! Reminds me of Siddhartha.
Eric
Eric
Thank you,Ben. Derek, I knew you were that type of man the first time I read one of your posts. I knew it when you wrote me back the first time I wrote to you. I knew it as the years continued to go by and you still responded to someone you didn't even know. I knew it when you helped me with suggestions to my situations with my Son. You are a very special man Derek Sivers and I treasure your frienship, your knowledge, your kindness, your generosity, and most of all, your Spirit. I agree that we all receive joy with giving... the hard part of that whole concept is that there has to be someone on the receiving end who might not enjoy it quite so much. Thank you, Derek, for being the man that you are and for sharing a part of you with all of us on here.
Thanks for Giving
Hi Derek, this is my first comment to one of your posts since I stumbled on your site. I have a feeling there will be more as I like what I see.
Just wanted to say that I love this story. It's important once in awhile to share with others the type of person you are. This applies to everyone. And what better way than to share a real story instead of just saying you're a good guy. People will decide for themselves either way...so tell them a story.
Cheers!
Great story. It reminds me to remember that the journey in many cases, is just as important as the destination.
Truth makes a distinctive sound when you read it. Your sand dollar story is classic, and your co-op business model is an application of the same principle. Giving multiplies.
Markets are governed by Fear and Greed. That's all. But, Art and Gifts and Sharing flow in the opposite direction and completely confound the graspers. Jesus used that principle and it drove the suits nuts. Giving outweighs taking.
Your timing is perfect. You've just nudged me to find new ways to do that with my work.
Great story. Simple, yet filled with the lessons we often overlook and forget when living of lives with meaning...
Ownership has become such a complex thing that "sharing" isn't the opposite of "collecting", we share our experiences and own them at the same time; we recycle, reuse and remake things so ownership changes and evolves. Analogy: the Elgin Marbles are as much mine as the British Museum's (or the Greeks, as some may prefer) as I've visited them, drawn them and shared space with them. However, I suppose I'll never be allowed to sell them ;)
Simple and insightful as always.. The value of something seems directly proportional to its scarcity! Which means it is just a matter of perception.
If we sawvalue in what is abundant instead, life would become so much more satisfying!
Great story!
Umm... Not to sound like a grinch, but if those sand dollars were say worth 10,000 dollars each, you could invest them, make the dollars work for you, and get more dollars, and then progressively give out more dollars over time? Just Saying But since their not worth anything, that was a very warm-spirited thing to do.
Once you have what you want, you don't want it any longer.
It's about the quest of getting it.
Nothing is worth keeping.
You are an inspiration broker.
Thank you Derek...................I would like to think that this is something I would do.....I think I would most likely leave them in a pile and not make the time to scatter them.
Thank you Dereck,
Generosity is really where it's at.
It's amazing how we tend to forget the usefulness of the things we do, specially if it involves a passion. This is a wonderful story of how passion and being helpful can happily coexist.
This is a beautiful story, thank you for sharing it.
The line that hit me the most:
"The excitement was in finding them, not keeping them."
What you said made me just realize that life isn't happening years from now after I get a job. It's happening right now, when I study, when I eat, when I pull all-nighters.
I also love the link Peter Williams shared. Thank you both!
Thanks for the story, Derek. This reminds me of the value of sharing the experiences we "collect". The real value in having an experience lies not in how it makes us feel, but in sharing what we learned and the perspective we gained. After all, our experiences are unique. No one has EVER or will EVER share the exact same experience. Why wouldn't we share them? Pass them on...it's the gift only you can give to the world.
Hi Derek,
Yes well said! the only thing that can outlive us is something intangible that can never be measured by green or any colour of a dollar - it is leaving your print on "beach" sands of time!
Happy ThanksGIVING everybody! Thank you Derek!
I like it!
As I noted in your procrastination post, the chase is somethimes more fun then the catch. And here it is!
What more do we need to know and practice? Joy, awe, love, gratitude, wisdom...We're at our best when we set these forces into motion.
Great story my brother,
if we all shared everything we had........
the word greed might just dissapear.............
And after giving away the 232 sand dollars, you still retain the memory (if jogged when needed), and even others have remembered and passed along the story. The "wealth" continues to grow and shared even with no sand dollars remaining to give away.
1 year in practice-like retreat sounds awesome. I need to do something similar!
I like that I'm not the only one who thinks this way, and that you bring your own unique point-of-view/experiences. Even though the 1 year practice thing isn't the point of the article, by sharing that part of your personal life, I got a lot more out of it.
Thanks for the sharing!
It seems you did the same type of thing when built and sold your business.
Living in the UK I don't get to Oregon very often, though I have been once , staying in a place looking out on the beach near the Haystacks.
If I am ever fortunate enough to visit again I will be sure to look for one of your sand dollars, possibly passed on by generation after generation.
This is why I take time to stop and read your post. Just love your heart Derek. I think I need an Oregon beach experience
. Thanks for sharing.
Great stuff - thanks for sharing!
Love this story! What a great way to share your wealth, multiplying it 232 times over! I agree with another comment that this would make a great children's story.
Reminded me of when I lived right on the beach in Lincoln City. Road's End. People would gather agates after storms. I wonder where they all went.
Things don't connect us to each other, experiences do. Thanks for sharing this experience. ~Kit
Wow! I've never heard of a sand dollar before, amazing story - thanks for sharing
Derek, You are just the "coolest" guy ever. I look forward to your emails. Thanks.
Great story Derek.
This story opens my heart with joy. It really is fun to simply give, isn't it?
Now 232 children or people can enjoy them. Nice!
I like your story a lot Derek because I can relate to it.
It's a lot like Monopoly; you have real fun while playing. But it loses all the sparks when the game is already over.
A picture, a moment, a brief connection with the value of natural change can prove so transformational.... thanks for sharing. Been there.
Though I've done this on a much smaller scale, the excitement was in the finding of special individuals. Sharing what I knew I could give made it all the more special!
The 232 sand dollars made it possible for 232 people to have one. Each child deserves a sand dollar.
My passion is to give a sand dollar to each child.
It's a wonderful story, Derek. Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm right with you on this concept !
Hey Derek,
What I got from this story is the same thing that I've found from everything that I've read and seen from you before, and it is a nice way to sum up your modus operandi.
You're a good guy with good intentions whose karma and philosophy have permeated his business life.
That's why I look up to you.
As always, well done and good on ya.
Talk to ya soon,
Will
I grew up on that same section of Del-Rey beach from your picture, looking south to Tillamook Head and the lighthouse.
I love the sand dollars as well, but for a different reason. They have wonderful aerodynamic properties, being slightly curved on the top and flat on the bottom, like a wing. Thrown sidearm and with an edge down they go forever. Broken ones will work, but my excitement came with whole ones that had the best flight characteristics.
I always felt they belonged to the sea, so I was giving them back, in my own way.
The thrill is in the chase.
Awesome idea man, i like you already
yes true, I can understand how excited you must have felt after watching those kids pick up your Sand Dollars....excitement and happiness is in giving..
Thanks for the genuine, ongoing Inspirations my Friend...
I love this story. As the mom of a four-year-old who is an avid collector of pretty much everything, I can only hope that my daughter will one day realize that there is as much joy in giving your collection to others as you found in acquiring it.
What i got from your story is it was you behind yourself.....
everyone learns the lesson sooner or latter that success is the journey and not the destination..
I think this is a lovely story. How wonderful to find them and then get pleasure from giving away. It's double fun! Thank you for sharing it Derek; now the pleasure comes from recounting the story!
Hey derek ... this one brought tears
where is the "ilike" button for Facebook?
Hi Derek,
This is a great example of how some times the journey itself is the reward. Collecting the prize at the end is nowhere near as fun.
Thanks for your post.
Derek,
I actually live beside the beach here in Skerries, Dublin, Ireland I have so much fun bringing the kids down to the beach and tring to find sea shells. They get so excited when they find one that's not broken (lots of rocks).
And I (hopefully) get to be the 232 nd poster!
I love your approach to life - find stuff that you enjoy, give it away and get even more enjoyment out of watching other people's happiness. Keep it up Derek.
What an exceptional person Derek is! Every single post here is precious. And what´s interesting, but no surprising - almost everybody who comment here are also intelligent, deep and beautiful minds. Thanks to all!
This is a very good analogy of the way we should all live; finding ways to give back! Thanks Derek
I have a very similar Oregon Coast sand dollar story from when I was a kid, except after bleaching them in the warm sun for a day or two, I put them in a box and stored them.
It took me about a decade to find that chest of potential treasures again and realize that they'd be much more useful to a 3rd grade teacher I knew.
If we only realized how much happier we are giving than hoarding, our lives could contain many more smiles.
I love this story. It's so true that so much in life is about the excitement of attaining things- and then when you have that thing, whatever it is, the excitement fades. But truly "It is more blessed to give than receive" and even proven that when we give to someone it sends off more positive emotions in our brains than when we receive. So cool, and a great lesson to remember!
My wife and I just returned from a 2 month trip in Florida, an escape from the everyday stresses of running your own business.......we felt as a family, we needed this time, even if it hurt the business in the short term....thankfully, it didn't.
Our fondest memory of our family time together was combing the beach every morning with our children, looking for interested shells....and of course, an unbroken sand dollar. While we never found one (we did find other great stuff), the best part was talking about the experience with our children, and returning everything to the ocean at the end of the day, except for one shell each that can take as a memento. Thanks for the article, it brought back a great memory thinking about it. Cheers
232 sand dollars on a beach and you were fortunate to see the results of two of them.
That sounds a lot like what I call "pebbles in a pond" and it's a little exercise I do when I get a crummy parking space far across the parking lot. I take several pennies and as I walk I toss one, making up a scenario for each " The owner of a budding advertising company is suffering block, his clients are coming in next week and they have nothing, the pressure strengthens the block. He is walking across the parking lot, spies the penny and remembers being a kid and finding a penny "find a penny pick it up and all the day you'll have good luck" he smiles and enjoys the memories of his childhood. For a moment the pressure is gone and a brilliant idea pops through, he rushes to his team, they create a brilliant campaign, fifty jobs are saved, fifty families thrive". This little exercise is to remind me to keep doing the good however small because the ripples of the action have implication far beyond what we immediately see. Give it a try next time you have to walk that "mile" across a parking lot, there's no story too outlandish that it can't come true and it reminds you that any good you do goes on and on. You'll soon find yourself parking at the end of empty parking lots.