Having friends greatly improves life. Having close friends who are like family rewards you emotionally even more. This morning, very early, my best friend who lives in my town moved away. We have known each other for about 15 years, but it's only in the last year that we lived right near each other and spent many hours deepening our relationship. We will be life-long friends.
We met while working at the same business. Right away, she and I knew we were kindred spirits.
Over the years we have celebrated our birthdays together, shared many of my family's events, her parties, walks, meals, treasure-hunted here in town, and so much more. Recently we spent every Sunday evening together watching Celebrity Apprentice and having a wonderful time of fellowship just being together to chat and laugh. (I watch very little tv but this program donates to wonderful charities I learn about each week and I glean some business insights. It's entertaining too.)
Yesterday, 2 of the 3 people who were supposed to help my friend move didn't show up. My husband and I took their places and helped load up a truck with bags and boxes. Her apartment is upstairs and has two floors, plus it was cold and snowing, so the five hours we spent really took a toll on all of our bodies. I also made sure to buy her a phone card so she could call me when she gets to her new city so we can keep in touch. It was a lot of unexpected work, and I'm sore today, but I actually wish I could have helped her even more. Already, I feel the loss of her regular presence in my life and am tearful.
Why are close friends so special? They "get" you and what you are all about, they like you in spite of your flaws, they surprise you at various times in unexpected ways, they give of themselves, show you by the way they act that they truly enjoy your company, and are there for you when you need them.
My friend has given me homemade cards which she beautifully decorated, delicious baked goods, homemade chocolate bath mix (ahh!), a sign she made for my office with the affirmation "I control my own pace," and much more. There is something extra-special about gifts made by hand or selected especially for me. What she has given me most though is her time, attention, understanding, support, a listening ear, hugs, and her love.
The way in which friendship works is that to have a friend you must first be a friend. You need to
be friendly to those you meet, and take an interest in them. Find ways to help them when you can. Share things with them that are based on their interest. Be thoughtful. Also be willing to receive their friendship and offerings back. Let them know on a regular basis how much they mean to you and add to your life. Love them.
I hope all my readers have friendships that fill your heart as much as the friend I described has filled mine. If not, please take my suggestions and try to begin a new friendship this week. It will be well worth it. And don't forget- be the friend you want to have!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Your town needs you!
No matter where you are, the place you live needs you. The services, government offices,shops, parks,libraries,sports arenas,
churches,community centers, and whatever other places there are don't run themselves. They all require people to pitch in and help. The people living there all have needs as well.
Take some time this week to look at your own community in a new light. Try to see where things are not going so smoothly, and see if there is a way for you to help out. Everything from showing up at city council meetings and making suggestions, to picking up trash as you take your daily walk, to helping paint a disabled or elderly person's home would all make a difference.
The schools have lots of volunteer opportunities. When my kids were still in school I volunteered to help out on field trips, helped elementary students with their reading, graded papers for a swamped teacher, collated booklets for a project, attended concerts, plays, sports events, etc.
I donated items that the school could use. Most schools have a list. Another thing I did was to collect and then turn in Campbells soup labels for education and the General Mills points that the school could turn in for things they needed. There are so many things you could offer to help your own school district with. What feels right for you?
Last year I volunteered with my town's heritage society. One of the things I did was slice and serve watermelon while at the same time I shared my town's history and what we are doing to preserve our heritage now while still living in the present. In June I am weed-eating,weeding, and helping to plant flowers and landscape our main park. I am also doing the public relations promotions for a major town event we hold in July.
I tell you this not to brag, but to share with you my experiences so you will see that there are numerous ways to make a difference in your own community. My town has less than 500 people.
It is crucial that residents and citizens all pitch in and work together to keep the town going. We depend on tourism in the summer to bring much-needed revenue in, so committee members for all kinds of town organizations are needed. Having only a few people causes burn-out. If there is a committee where you live that you would like to serve on, please do. Your efforts will be most appreciated!
Shop your local merchants before making a trip to the big chain stores whenever possible. I have found that there is often a more charming atmosphere, personalized and better customer service, and more unique offerings in small town shops and restaurants. When you see a store go out of business, sometimes it's because not enough people shopped at their business. Make constructive suggestions to the owners of your town's stores on what items you'd like to see them offer, or what it would take to make you a regular customer instead of spending your money elsewhere.
Help the people where you are as well. Be kind, pleasant to be around,smile and try to uplift those you meet. If there are donations of your time, your skills, materials, or money that you can make to help other human beings where you are, please consider doing so. I promise that it will change your life for the better once you find your special way of making your difference!
churches,community centers, and whatever other places there are don't run themselves. They all require people to pitch in and help. The people living there all have needs as well.
Take some time this week to look at your own community in a new light. Try to see where things are not going so smoothly, and see if there is a way for you to help out. Everything from showing up at city council meetings and making suggestions, to picking up trash as you take your daily walk, to helping paint a disabled or elderly person's home would all make a difference.
The schools have lots of volunteer opportunities. When my kids were still in school I volunteered to help out on field trips, helped elementary students with their reading, graded papers for a swamped teacher, collated booklets for a project, attended concerts, plays, sports events, etc.
I donated items that the school could use. Most schools have a list. Another thing I did was to collect and then turn in Campbells soup labels for education and the General Mills points that the school could turn in for things they needed. There are so many things you could offer to help your own school district with. What feels right for you?
Last year I volunteered with my town's heritage society. One of the things I did was slice and serve watermelon while at the same time I shared my town's history and what we are doing to preserve our heritage now while still living in the present. In June I am weed-eating,weeding, and helping to plant flowers and landscape our main park. I am also doing the public relations promotions for a major town event we hold in July.
I tell you this not to brag, but to share with you my experiences so you will see that there are numerous ways to make a difference in your own community. My town has less than 500 people.
It is crucial that residents and citizens all pitch in and work together to keep the town going. We depend on tourism in the summer to bring much-needed revenue in, so committee members for all kinds of town organizations are needed. Having only a few people causes burn-out. If there is a committee where you live that you would like to serve on, please do. Your efforts will be most appreciated!
Shop your local merchants before making a trip to the big chain stores whenever possible. I have found that there is often a more charming atmosphere, personalized and better customer service, and more unique offerings in small town shops and restaurants. When you see a store go out of business, sometimes it's because not enough people shopped at their business. Make constructive suggestions to the owners of your town's stores on what items you'd like to see them offer, or what it would take to make you a regular customer instead of spending your money elsewhere.
Help the people where you are as well. Be kind, pleasant to be around,smile and try to uplift those you meet. If there are donations of your time, your skills, materials, or money that you can make to help other human beings where you are, please consider doing so. I promise that it will change your life for the better once you find your special way of making your difference!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
I got reviewed, and it was excellent!
Greetings to all my readers!
This morning my husband and I woke up a few hours earlier than normal. I decided to go online and see what was happening, and was absolutely tickled pink to find out that my blog had been reviewed. Since it's only been up a few weeks, with not much more than a dozen posts, I feel fortunate that someone would choose my blog over the oodles of other choices available.
What a nice surprise to start my day!
Tonight's Featured Blogger - Beth Earle - http://tinyurl.com/28eq2yb #blog30 That is part of the tweet I saw on twitter this morning. Terrie Wurzbacher, @ TWurzbacher on twitter, wrote the review. I'm sharing the link with you so you can read it if you would like to see what he has to say. I encourage you to check out the rest of his blog as well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his posts, and signed up myself to receive his posts. By reading his blog I discovered other blogs that I like as well.
When I began this blog, I made a commitment to myself that I would be a resource for those who have that hunger inside to make a difference just like I do, and who are looking for ideas and ways to do that. By sharing accurate information on a topic, links to relevant websites, personal experiences, and inviting others to share their knowledge and experiences as well, I hope to have others join me in whatever way they feel led to do. Terrie did that by sharing my blog with others. I've been blessed in numerous ways every since this blog started. I thank all of you reading this for your part in that. All my readers are appreciated.
Terrie mentioned that I offer lots of tips. I do that because it's important for those just starting out to be able to implement things that are not difficult. Being able to do small things and see that they do make a difference, and feeling the joy that comes in doing so, increases the chances that the person will continue on that path and seek out other ways to help once they find what they are passionate about. Many people, like myself, enjoy helping others in multiple ways. Others focus on only one area. The more topics and tips that I share, the more chance I have of writing on a topic that gets someone fired up to take action.
The more men,women, and children who volunteer, donate to good causes, and who spread this message to others, the better our world will be. It's up to us as individuals to either discover what makes us tick and take regular action, or to just make a choice to start somewhere and take that first small step. In doing so, I'm sure that the individual who takes that leap of faith and begins will find their true calling. It happened for me.
This morning my husband and I woke up a few hours earlier than normal. I decided to go online and see what was happening, and was absolutely tickled pink to find out that my blog had been reviewed. Since it's only been up a few weeks, with not much more than a dozen posts, I feel fortunate that someone would choose my blog over the oodles of other choices available.
What a nice surprise to start my day!
Tonight's Featured Blogger - Beth Earle - http://tinyurl.com/28eq2yb #blog30 That is part of the tweet I saw on twitter this morning. Terrie Wurzbacher, @ TWurzbacher on twitter, wrote the review. I'm sharing the link with you so you can read it if you would like to see what he has to say. I encourage you to check out the rest of his blog as well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his posts, and signed up myself to receive his posts. By reading his blog I discovered other blogs that I like as well.
When I began this blog, I made a commitment to myself that I would be a resource for those who have that hunger inside to make a difference just like I do, and who are looking for ideas and ways to do that. By sharing accurate information on a topic, links to relevant websites, personal experiences, and inviting others to share their knowledge and experiences as well, I hope to have others join me in whatever way they feel led to do. Terrie did that by sharing my blog with others. I've been blessed in numerous ways every since this blog started. I thank all of you reading this for your part in that. All my readers are appreciated.
Terrie mentioned that I offer lots of tips. I do that because it's important for those just starting out to be able to implement things that are not difficult. Being able to do small things and see that they do make a difference, and feeling the joy that comes in doing so, increases the chances that the person will continue on that path and seek out other ways to help once they find what they are passionate about. Many people, like myself, enjoy helping others in multiple ways. Others focus on only one area. The more topics and tips that I share, the more chance I have of writing on a topic that gets someone fired up to take action.
The more men,women, and children who volunteer, donate to good causes, and who spread this message to others, the better our world will be. It's up to us as individuals to either discover what makes us tick and take regular action, or to just make a choice to start somewhere and take that first small step. In doing so, I'm sure that the individual who takes that leap of faith and begins will find their true calling. It happened for me.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Helping troops, even if you don't like the war!
This post may seem controversial to some. I myself believe in love and peace, not in war. Having said that, two of my sons are currently serving in the U.S. Army, my husband served in the Air Force, and I have several other connections to people who are either currently serving or have served as well. While I don't want any wars happening, I do believe in loving and helping people,
no matter what!
This morning I discovered via a new twitter friend, Terrie Wurzbacher, a wonderfully written blog by Mike Sweezy on blogger called Reintegration Program. Helping our troops return home. This blog describes actual experiences.
Through this connection, I also discovered an organization called HeartsAcrosstheMiles .org which supports the troops. Their tag line is Serving Our Deployed Troops: Until they All Come Home. Their goal is to make sure that no Service Member goes to mail call only to feel forgotten. www.heartsacrossthemiles.org/
Since I know so many people who have served, they have shared with me that it is very lonely both when first in training away from home, as well as while being stationed in a foreign land. Organizations and people who personally help in this area make a real difference to morale. Items sent are gratefully appreciated by the men and women who receive them.
The HeartsAcrossheMiles.org website has several donation categories to help in various ways.
Suggestions on giving items for fun, practical and useful items and needs, sending food, sending to men, women, and those military members who are injured are all listed. There is even a category for sending items for Iraqi and Afghani children as well.
Letter, photos, and cards of encouragement are much appreciated by our military members. So are the toys for the children, sunblock, food treats, calling cards, and such simple things as shampoo.
If you would like to get involved, and help others in this way, please do check out the website I mentioned above.
I also discovered a site that lists military aid and assistance organizations that is full of information and resources. It is located at:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/6843832/
We are all human beings living on the same planet no matter what specific country we live in.
I feel strongly that helping others both in our local community as well as those who could use our assistance but who happen to live in a different country, and even those who may be doing or have done things that don't agree with our values and beliefs is the right thing to do.
The Golden Rule is something I try to live my life by. I encourage you to do that too.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
no matter what!
This morning I discovered via a new twitter friend, Terrie Wurzbacher, a wonderfully written blog by Mike Sweezy on blogger called Reintegration Program. Helping our troops return home. This blog describes actual experiences.
Through this connection, I also discovered an organization called HeartsAcrosstheMiles .org which supports the troops. Their tag line is Serving Our Deployed Troops: Until they All Come Home. Their goal is to make sure that no Service Member goes to mail call only to feel forgotten. www.heartsacrossthemiles.org/
Since I know so many people who have served, they have shared with me that it is very lonely both when first in training away from home, as well as while being stationed in a foreign land. Organizations and people who personally help in this area make a real difference to morale. Items sent are gratefully appreciated by the men and women who receive them.
The HeartsAcrossheMiles.org website has several donation categories to help in various ways.
Suggestions on giving items for fun, practical and useful items and needs, sending food, sending to men, women, and those military members who are injured are all listed. There is even a category for sending items for Iraqi and Afghani children as well.
Letter, photos, and cards of encouragement are much appreciated by our military members. So are the toys for the children, sunblock, food treats, calling cards, and such simple things as shampoo.
If you would like to get involved, and help others in this way, please do check out the website I mentioned above.
I also discovered a site that lists military aid and assistance organizations that is full of information and resources. It is located at:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/6843832/
We are all human beings living on the same planet no matter what specific country we live in.
I feel strongly that helping others both in our local community as well as those who could use our assistance but who happen to live in a different country, and even those who may be doing or have done things that don't agree with our values and beliefs is the right thing to do.
The Golden Rule is something I try to live my life by. I encourage you to do that too.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Reduce,Reuse, and Recycle
You've probably noticed that more people are becoming part of the "green" movement. You may have even started participating in some ways small or large. Having better information and resources, as well as encouragement, all help when changing habits created over a lifetime which may not be good for your health or the environment of the planet or even your own home.
Hearing the simple phrase reduce, reuse, and recycle was my first introduction to helping the environment years ago. It was easy for me to remember and simple to implement. Reducing my carbon footprint means doing things like combining errands into one trip to reduce my fuel usage, lowering the thermostat and dressing in layers, turning lights off when not in use as well as using energy-efficient bulbs, and so on.
Reusing things can mean finding other way to use an item . I've seen lamps made from objects that would otherwise been thrown away, mantels and other antique architectural elements used for remodeling homes, and furniture and candleholders made from dead aspen trees. Tires can be re-purposed for playground equipment, garden planters, or building an earthship home. You can probably think of more examples as well as trying to find ways to do this yourself.
Buying used rather than new and passing on items to others so that they don't have to purchase new is another way to reuse. Goodwill stores, thrift shops, and consignment shops are even trendy now! I love purchasing clothes that look new, but are gently worn, at very reasonable prices.
Recycling has gotten far easier in the past couple years. My trash company allows me to put out recycling bags with paper, plastic, glass, and cardboard mixed together. I used to have to separate and sort it all and then drive it to different sites. My husband's company also offers a large shed on company property for the employees to recycle. No presorting is necessary there either. They take the heavier and thicker cardboard, whereas our trash company only takes lighter cardboard. This past weekend the next town over offered an event to recycle larger electronic items. Containers are placed in some businesses where you can drop off your old cell phones, printer ink cartridges, or eyeglasses!
In my kitchen, I have a place for regular trash and a separate container for recycling . Having a compost pile is something I plan to do in the near future so I can turn vegetable peels,coffee grounds, and such into healthier soil- "black gold" for my garden. I have cloth bags which
I can take to the grocery store. I also use them to store snacks and reading materials or puzzle books for trips. I even carry mail from the post office and both books and movies from the local library. They get a lot of use. Many grocery stores now also will take your plastic bags to recycle as well if you prefer using them, don't have enough, or forget to bring your reusable bags.
I'd love to hear how you are reducing,reusing, and recycling. What tips or suggestions can you offer other readers? If your business offers eco-friendly products, please share that below in the comments section as well. In the months to come I will have more articles relating to this important topic. I love planet Earth and want to be part of the solution to help it be healthier.
Hearing the simple phrase reduce, reuse, and recycle was my first introduction to helping the environment years ago. It was easy for me to remember and simple to implement. Reducing my carbon footprint means doing things like combining errands into one trip to reduce my fuel usage, lowering the thermostat and dressing in layers, turning lights off when not in use as well as using energy-efficient bulbs, and so on.
Reusing things can mean finding other way to use an item . I've seen lamps made from objects that would otherwise been thrown away, mantels and other antique architectural elements used for remodeling homes, and furniture and candleholders made from dead aspen trees. Tires can be re-purposed for playground equipment, garden planters, or building an earthship home. You can probably think of more examples as well as trying to find ways to do this yourself.
Buying used rather than new and passing on items to others so that they don't have to purchase new is another way to reuse. Goodwill stores, thrift shops, and consignment shops are even trendy now! I love purchasing clothes that look new, but are gently worn, at very reasonable prices.
Recycling has gotten far easier in the past couple years. My trash company allows me to put out recycling bags with paper, plastic, glass, and cardboard mixed together. I used to have to separate and sort it all and then drive it to different sites. My husband's company also offers a large shed on company property for the employees to recycle. No presorting is necessary there either. They take the heavier and thicker cardboard, whereas our trash company only takes lighter cardboard. This past weekend the next town over offered an event to recycle larger electronic items. Containers are placed in some businesses where you can drop off your old cell phones, printer ink cartridges, or eyeglasses!
In my kitchen, I have a place for regular trash and a separate container for recycling . Having a compost pile is something I plan to do in the near future so I can turn vegetable peels,coffee grounds, and such into healthier soil- "black gold" for my garden. I have cloth bags which
I can take to the grocery store. I also use them to store snacks and reading materials or puzzle books for trips. I even carry mail from the post office and both books and movies from the local library. They get a lot of use. Many grocery stores now also will take your plastic bags to recycle as well if you prefer using them, don't have enough, or forget to bring your reusable bags.
I'd love to hear how you are reducing,reusing, and recycling. What tips or suggestions can you offer other readers? If your business offers eco-friendly products, please share that below in the comments section as well. In the months to come I will have more articles relating to this important topic. I love planet Earth and want to be part of the solution to help it be healthier.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Smile!
"Life is like a mirror; we get the best results when we smile at it."
This morning I decided to write about having a positive attitude and smiling more in order to make a difference in the world. I looked up quotes on smiling, and there were quite a few. One is above.
Then I went on twitter. Lo and behold, a majority of the tweets showing in my tweet-stream from those I follow personally were about attitude, gratitude and having positivity in your life.
Everything in the world is made up of energy. No matter how we are allowing ourselves to feel at the moment, we are creating vibrations that those around us can sense. Think about it- when you feel sorry for yourself, are angry, in despair, frustrated, bitter, or experiencing some other negative emotion, any people in the near vicinity experience the effects of being around you. If you are smiling, sharing uplifting and inspiring words, giving hugs, feeling thankful for the abundance in your life, and loving others, the same thing happens. People respond to your vibrations.
Positive thinking isn't a cure-all. We must take action as well to create better lives for ourselves.
It cannot ever happen though, if all we do is feed ourselves negativity all day long and allow ourselves to dwell in that environment. There are times when I feel it is appropriate to allow ourselves some time to experience sadness, such as to grieve and mourn when we lose a loved one. Ecclesiastes 3 is a Bible chapter that starts out in verse one with "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."
The point I would like to make today is that if we spend more of our time in the positive realm, and less mired in blame,rage, revenge, self-doubt, and other emotions and interactions with both ourselves and others that leave us physically exhausted and even ill, we will become happier,healthier people for it. In doing so it becomes a chain reaction. The people around us pick up on that and react well to our positivity. They in turn pass it on and it continues onward. The same goes for negativity. Which would you prefer?
If you happen to volunteer and help children and adults who are in despair due to their unfortunate life circumstances and desperate need, you provide hope when you are vibrating positively.
Pay attention to those around you and how you feel when around them. If they are too negative, you may have to spend shorter amounts of time with them, try to change things around with your own positivity, or make a decision to not spend time with them.
Notice those you spend time around that make you perk up and feel good about yourself and the world. Your energy raises by being around positive people. For me it increases my motivation and self-confidence. I am more productive, reach goals more easily, and life just goes smoother overall. When I am being positive myself, I can see the results I achieve, and what others perceive and receive by being around me. That's powerful!
In addition to spending time around others who are uplifting, also take time to read things, attend events, or watch media that will help you grow in your personal development. For many years on Sunday mornings I watched the Hour of Power television show with Dr. Robert Schuller to get that inspiration and spiritual spark that helped me start the week off well. I also read his books.
In the non-fiction section of any library or bookstore there are numerous books available for self-help, personal development, spiritual growth, and more. There is a category called mind,body,spirit that also has some books that can change your life. Make sure that you follow your intuition when reading or watching though. If it doesn't "feel" right, quit reading or watching that particular thing. You want to feel truth and inspiration and insights on what can help you in your personal growth.
"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."
Mother Theresa
Go forth and smile!
This morning I decided to write about having a positive attitude and smiling more in order to make a difference in the world. I looked up quotes on smiling, and there were quite a few. One is above.
Then I went on twitter. Lo and behold, a majority of the tweets showing in my tweet-stream from those I follow personally were about attitude, gratitude and having positivity in your life.
Everything in the world is made up of energy. No matter how we are allowing ourselves to feel at the moment, we are creating vibrations that those around us can sense. Think about it- when you feel sorry for yourself, are angry, in despair, frustrated, bitter, or experiencing some other negative emotion, any people in the near vicinity experience the effects of being around you. If you are smiling, sharing uplifting and inspiring words, giving hugs, feeling thankful for the abundance in your life, and loving others, the same thing happens. People respond to your vibrations.
Positive thinking isn't a cure-all. We must take action as well to create better lives for ourselves.
It cannot ever happen though, if all we do is feed ourselves negativity all day long and allow ourselves to dwell in that environment. There are times when I feel it is appropriate to allow ourselves some time to experience sadness, such as to grieve and mourn when we lose a loved one. Ecclesiastes 3 is a Bible chapter that starts out in verse one with "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."
The point I would like to make today is that if we spend more of our time in the positive realm, and less mired in blame,rage, revenge, self-doubt, and other emotions and interactions with both ourselves and others that leave us physically exhausted and even ill, we will become happier,healthier people for it. In doing so it becomes a chain reaction. The people around us pick up on that and react well to our positivity. They in turn pass it on and it continues onward. The same goes for negativity. Which would you prefer?
If you happen to volunteer and help children and adults who are in despair due to their unfortunate life circumstances and desperate need, you provide hope when you are vibrating positively.
Pay attention to those around you and how you feel when around them. If they are too negative, you may have to spend shorter amounts of time with them, try to change things around with your own positivity, or make a decision to not spend time with them.
Notice those you spend time around that make you perk up and feel good about yourself and the world. Your energy raises by being around positive people. For me it increases my motivation and self-confidence. I am more productive, reach goals more easily, and life just goes smoother overall. When I am being positive myself, I can see the results I achieve, and what others perceive and receive by being around me. That's powerful!
In addition to spending time around others who are uplifting, also take time to read things, attend events, or watch media that will help you grow in your personal development. For many years on Sunday mornings I watched the Hour of Power television show with Dr. Robert Schuller to get that inspiration and spiritual spark that helped me start the week off well. I also read his books.
In the non-fiction section of any library or bookstore there are numerous books available for self-help, personal development, spiritual growth, and more. There is a category called mind,body,spirit that also has some books that can change your life. Make sure that you follow your intuition when reading or watching though. If it doesn't "feel" right, quit reading or watching that particular thing. You want to feel truth and inspiration and insights on what can help you in your personal growth.
"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."
Mother Theresa
Go forth and smile!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Share and similar food programs
In at least 34 of the United States there are programs operating to offer food at approximately 1/2 off retail prices to anyone. They are listed under Share, Food Share America, Harvest Sharing Inc., Golden Share Food, and various other names. Other countries may offer similar programs to check into.
These organizations, which are run by volunteers, exist for several reasons.
They enable people to eat better at more affordable prices. They promotes volunteerism. Quite a few of these programs either require 2 hours of volunteer work for each "share"-food package or encourage it. One of the places to volunteer is actually at the food distribution sites, or you can do any other type of volunteer work that you want. Some of the shares are given away free to the needy. Farmers and food manufactures and distributors that Share buys from receive revenue. There are other reasons as well.
Typically, several packages are offered each month. I'm only familiar with Colorado's Share food program as I have been a participant for many years off and on. The program I use has a produce only package for vegans,vegetarians, or those who just want fresh fruits and vegetables.
They offer a standard package which includes the produce,meats, frozen foods, canned goods,pasta,etc. There is a smaller package for seniors.
Several times a year a special package is offered in addition to the regular packages. There might be one for Thanksgiving with a turkey and trimmings, Easter with a ham, bbq meat package, Super Bowl Package,etc. There is a pantry package offered at mine that has canned goods, pasta, peanut butter and jelly, sauces,etc. Often, there is an ala carte menu to customize your order and the ability to buy certain items that are in limited quantities while supplies last. There weren't enough of these to put in all the regular packages, but they are offered due to their value and to add variety. I've even seen major brand name products offered this way.
There is a newspaper put out that lists the packages, suggested menus, what you would need to buy extra above the shares to feed a family for a month, interesting news, stories of volunteers,etc.
These organizations offer websites that you can see details online, order online, find locations of the site nearest you, the distribution date, hours to call and phone #, and any other details. There is a day at each site you can sign up at. I prefer to do it all online and then just show up.
Here's an important tip to remember- you have to pick up your shares ordered on the date and time specified. The site I go to is 45 minutes drive from my house. I sign up when I know I have other errands to run in that direction and know I can get there on the pick-up day. It's located in a Catholic church, and it's always a Saturday morning between 9am and 11am. If you don't show up your share is donated to the needy since they have no way to store the food. You can buy shares for the needy if you want to as well as purchasing your own.
When you arrive at the site, the volunteers will already have begun working hard to get the orders put together by package type and ala carte. You sign in and the orders are put together for you in boxes and they even help you take them to your car. The whole process only takes a short while. The atmosphere is cheery and festive. I think some people sign up for the socialization every month! You will see people from all classes there because it is a program for all who see it's value, and everyone eats. This stretches your food budget further in a fun way. It also is a great reminder to volunteer. Money saved could be donated to a cause of your choosing.
If there is something in your share package you don't care for, feel free to trade with others there who want what you have and have what you would prefer in return. I used to see vegans and vegetarians trade their meat for produce all the time. I have seen people trade other things as well, and I've done it myself. Packages and ala carte items have a wide price range. The main package is usually $30-35 dollars and most others are less. Ala carte items range from 50c and up. Sometimes online there are coupons codes for dollars off also.
You might be wondering what is in the average package? Usually, you get some fruit- a few apples, oranges, grapefruits, or some other type. You receive some fresh veggies- potatoes, carrots, lettuce, spinach, radishes,cucumbers, or other types. You will also receive a few meals worth of meat, canned goods, frozen dinners,pasta, and more-enough for a few breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. My guess is you would need 4 or more packages to feed an entire family for a month. I normally buy for my husband and I one or two packages and some ala carte items and then go shopping at the grocery store a couple more times that month when I have used what I bought from Share up.
Type a search in Google for Share food program, then look for your state in the results. Check out the menus, where the sites are, and information to answer any questions you have. If you like what you see, give it a try. This program helps many, and your participation makes it stronger. Often, the more people participating in an area, the lower the prices or more food in a package since they buy in bulk and can receive price-breaks for larger orders.
These organizations, which are run by volunteers, exist for several reasons.
They enable people to eat better at more affordable prices. They promotes volunteerism. Quite a few of these programs either require 2 hours of volunteer work for each "share"-food package or encourage it. One of the places to volunteer is actually at the food distribution sites, or you can do any other type of volunteer work that you want. Some of the shares are given away free to the needy. Farmers and food manufactures and distributors that Share buys from receive revenue. There are other reasons as well.
Typically, several packages are offered each month. I'm only familiar with Colorado's Share food program as I have been a participant for many years off and on. The program I use has a produce only package for vegans,vegetarians, or those who just want fresh fruits and vegetables.
They offer a standard package which includes the produce,meats, frozen foods, canned goods,pasta,etc. There is a smaller package for seniors.
Several times a year a special package is offered in addition to the regular packages. There might be one for Thanksgiving with a turkey and trimmings, Easter with a ham, bbq meat package, Super Bowl Package,etc. There is a pantry package offered at mine that has canned goods, pasta, peanut butter and jelly, sauces,etc. Often, there is an ala carte menu to customize your order and the ability to buy certain items that are in limited quantities while supplies last. There weren't enough of these to put in all the regular packages, but they are offered due to their value and to add variety. I've even seen major brand name products offered this way.
There is a newspaper put out that lists the packages, suggested menus, what you would need to buy extra above the shares to feed a family for a month, interesting news, stories of volunteers,etc.
These organizations offer websites that you can see details online, order online, find locations of the site nearest you, the distribution date, hours to call and phone #, and any other details. There is a day at each site you can sign up at. I prefer to do it all online and then just show up.
Here's an important tip to remember- you have to pick up your shares ordered on the date and time specified. The site I go to is 45 minutes drive from my house. I sign up when I know I have other errands to run in that direction and know I can get there on the pick-up day. It's located in a Catholic church, and it's always a Saturday morning between 9am and 11am. If you don't show up your share is donated to the needy since they have no way to store the food. You can buy shares for the needy if you want to as well as purchasing your own.
When you arrive at the site, the volunteers will already have begun working hard to get the orders put together by package type and ala carte. You sign in and the orders are put together for you in boxes and they even help you take them to your car. The whole process only takes a short while. The atmosphere is cheery and festive. I think some people sign up for the socialization every month! You will see people from all classes there because it is a program for all who see it's value, and everyone eats. This stretches your food budget further in a fun way. It also is a great reminder to volunteer. Money saved could be donated to a cause of your choosing.
If there is something in your share package you don't care for, feel free to trade with others there who want what you have and have what you would prefer in return. I used to see vegans and vegetarians trade their meat for produce all the time. I have seen people trade other things as well, and I've done it myself. Packages and ala carte items have a wide price range. The main package is usually $30-35 dollars and most others are less. Ala carte items range from 50c and up. Sometimes online there are coupons codes for dollars off also.
You might be wondering what is in the average package? Usually, you get some fruit- a few apples, oranges, grapefruits, or some other type. You receive some fresh veggies- potatoes, carrots, lettuce, spinach, radishes,cucumbers, or other types. You will also receive a few meals worth of meat, canned goods, frozen dinners,pasta, and more-enough for a few breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. My guess is you would need 4 or more packages to feed an entire family for a month. I normally buy for my husband and I one or two packages and some ala carte items and then go shopping at the grocery store a couple more times that month when I have used what I bought from Share up.
Type a search in Google for Share food program, then look for your state in the results. Check out the menus, where the sites are, and information to answer any questions you have. If you like what you see, give it a try. This program helps many, and your participation makes it stronger. Often, the more people participating in an area, the lower the prices or more food in a package since they buy in bulk and can receive price-breaks for larger orders.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Shoebox Savvy
When my children were small we used to save all our shoe boxes and make little rooms out of them to play house by using wallpaper scraps for the floor and walls and small objects as furniture. They sometimes cut holes in the side for windows, used sewing spools as chairs, and whatever else worked. We enjoyed both the creative process and the fun play when the rooms were ready. I also used a few to store photographs or other things I wished to save.
I would put little fun gifts in one that I called my "Caught being good" box. When my children did something without being told or went above and beyond they got to choose something from the box. It might be a pencil, candy, small toy, or whatever else happened to be in it at the moment. I ended up outgrowing the shoe box and having a "Caught being good" drawer.
As the kids got older, they stopped playing with the shoe boxes so I started trying to figure out other uses. Putting gifts inside and taping the box shut and then gift wrapping for birthdays,Christmas, or special occasions was one idea I came up with.
Eventually by accident I found what I like to use shoe boxes for now. As we traveled, I ended up with quite a collection of travel size bottles and tubes of shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, body lotion, hand cream, toothpaste, and other personal care items. I started storing those in an empty shoe box and also added things like hair ties, rain bonnets, shoe shine cloths, and more.
From time to time I would use something out of the shoe box filled with personal care items but as time went on I actually had a couple of them filled and didn't use the items as fast as I added them. Right about then I heard from other people that nursing homes, homeless shelters, and even food pantries could use these types of items to hand out to people who could really use them. So began something fun for me to do and helpful to others as I could give my filled shoe boxes away to people who would gratefully use the contents inside.
I also came up with some other ideas on filling shoe boxes. Little toys such as Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars, stickers, Legos, bottles that have the wand you blow bubbles with, kaleidoscopes, and small bouncing balls all can fill a box to be given to Toys for Tots or another charity. They could even be given out at a Christmas party in your local community.
School supplies, office supplies, cosmetics and skin care items, and art supplies are other ideas to fill shoe boxes that can be given to those who would appreciate them. Baby items is another easy way to fill a box. The military also allows shoe boxes full of things for the soldiers to be sent via certain organizations that specialize in that kind of giving.
Another type of box you can do is food and beverages. Gravy packets,ramen noodles, hot cocoa packets, tea bags, coffee packets, and other smaller food or beverage items can fit a box to give to someone or the local food pantry.
Whichever kind of shoe box you decide to do, just do a search online to find a place in your local area who could use the contents, or ask people in the know about social services and charities in your local community. You can often get items for most of the types of gift shoe boxes that I mentioned at no cost or only a small cost if you watch for sales and use coupons. Most charities do not want used goods unless they specify that so keep that in mind.
I'd love to know if you come up with any ideas to fill shoe boxes that I didn't mention here, any specific charities who could use filled shoe boxes right now, or any personal stories you have relating. Please share in the comments section below.
I would put little fun gifts in one that I called my "Caught being good" box. When my children did something without being told or went above and beyond they got to choose something from the box. It might be a pencil, candy, small toy, or whatever else happened to be in it at the moment. I ended up outgrowing the shoe box and having a "Caught being good" drawer.
As the kids got older, they stopped playing with the shoe boxes so I started trying to figure out other uses. Putting gifts inside and taping the box shut and then gift wrapping for birthdays,Christmas, or special occasions was one idea I came up with.
Eventually by accident I found what I like to use shoe boxes for now. As we traveled, I ended up with quite a collection of travel size bottles and tubes of shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, body lotion, hand cream, toothpaste, and other personal care items. I started storing those in an empty shoe box and also added things like hair ties, rain bonnets, shoe shine cloths, and more.
From time to time I would use something out of the shoe box filled with personal care items but as time went on I actually had a couple of them filled and didn't use the items as fast as I added them. Right about then I heard from other people that nursing homes, homeless shelters, and even food pantries could use these types of items to hand out to people who could really use them. So began something fun for me to do and helpful to others as I could give my filled shoe boxes away to people who would gratefully use the contents inside.
I also came up with some other ideas on filling shoe boxes. Little toys such as Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars, stickers, Legos, bottles that have the wand you blow bubbles with, kaleidoscopes, and small bouncing balls all can fill a box to be given to Toys for Tots or another charity. They could even be given out at a Christmas party in your local community.
School supplies, office supplies, cosmetics and skin care items, and art supplies are other ideas to fill shoe boxes that can be given to those who would appreciate them. Baby items is another easy way to fill a box. The military also allows shoe boxes full of things for the soldiers to be sent via certain organizations that specialize in that kind of giving.
Another type of box you can do is food and beverages. Gravy packets,ramen noodles, hot cocoa packets, tea bags, coffee packets, and other smaller food or beverage items can fit a box to give to someone or the local food pantry.
Whichever kind of shoe box you decide to do, just do a search online to find a place in your local area who could use the contents, or ask people in the know about social services and charities in your local community. You can often get items for most of the types of gift shoe boxes that I mentioned at no cost or only a small cost if you watch for sales and use coupons. Most charities do not want used goods unless they specify that so keep that in mind.
I'd love to know if you come up with any ideas to fill shoe boxes that I didn't mention here, any specific charities who could use filled shoe boxes right now, or any personal stories you have relating. Please share in the comments section below.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Help your neighbor!
In Matthew22:39 Jesus said that the 2nd commandment is "Love thy neighbor as thyself." That is sometimes a very difficult thing to do. Many years ago, families all lived near each other and interacted with each other on a daily basis. As time went on, and technology changed so that transportation made it easy to travel the globe, families started moving far apart.
Nowadays, some people don't ever even know who their next door-neighbor or who lives across from them or down the block. The chances of it being all family members living on the same street or slim or none.
If the neighbors dogs bark all the time, they leave what you perceive as junk all over their front yard, or if they drive a noisy car or motorcycle, or shout at their spouse, it is very difficult to like them, let alone love them.
It helps to try to put yourselves in their place.
First, take a look at how good a neighbor you are.
Are you friendly? Do you take care of your home,yard, and garage so that it's attractive? Try looking at what they see and how you would react if you were them. If there is something that shows up for you when you do this exercise, start taking steps to improve what you don't like.
Next, if you have a grievance with them over something you don't like, try calmly discussing that with them first. The exception to this is when it would be at your or their peril. If your neighbor is assaulting their spouse, definitely call 911. If it's a barking dog, try offering them some solutions. Let them know you would prefer not to call the animal authorities who could come and fine them or take their dog away, and say you will give them a reasonable time frame to comply.
Look for ways to help. If you have neighbors who are shut-ins, you can take food or a small gift over to them and see if they would appreciate visits from you. They could be very lonely. They might like it if you could bring a book along to read to them. You could offer to pick up their prescriptions, take them to their medical appointment, or see if they would appreciate you shoveling snow, raking leaves, doing repairs, or something else that you see needs doing.
Maybe your neighbors have children. If you have clothes, toys, or musical instruments in good condition that their child could use, you could offer them as a gift. Another possibility is watching them for a short while before or after school, tutoring them, or helping them with their homework.
Allowing your neighbors to borrow tools, movies,books, and other things is something else that could be a wonderful gesture. Having a block party, outdoor bbq, pool party, or organizing a neighborhood yard sale could be a lot of fun for all.
Offering to keep a watch on neighbors homes when they are away, watering their plants, or helping take care of their pets is something else that would be appreciated by many.
You could start a neighborhood watch group if your neighborhood doesn't offer one, or become more active in the group if you do have one already.
These are just some possible suggestions of ways in which you could help your neighbor.
I'm not saying you should do all these. It would be impossible most likely. Hopefully, these are a springboard for you to think of what kinds of help you could provide in your own neighborhood.
I believe that when you help others it will always comes back to you in some wonderful way. It could be that when you need help the most, you will have it because you took the time and made the effort to help your neighbor.
Who knows? You could end up having a new best friend, people to share potluck dinners and game nights with, or even increase your property value! Wonderful things can happen when we give freely of ourselves in all areas of our lives. You may fall in love with your neighbors, and they may start being more neighborly. Someone has to take the initiative to start it. I encourage you to let that person be you!
Nowadays, some people don't ever even know who their next door-neighbor or who lives across from them or down the block. The chances of it being all family members living on the same street or slim or none.
If the neighbors dogs bark all the time, they leave what you perceive as junk all over their front yard, or if they drive a noisy car or motorcycle, or shout at their spouse, it is very difficult to like them, let alone love them.
It helps to try to put yourselves in their place.
First, take a look at how good a neighbor you are.
Are you friendly? Do you take care of your home,yard, and garage so that it's attractive? Try looking at what they see and how you would react if you were them. If there is something that shows up for you when you do this exercise, start taking steps to improve what you don't like.
Next, if you have a grievance with them over something you don't like, try calmly discussing that with them first. The exception to this is when it would be at your or their peril. If your neighbor is assaulting their spouse, definitely call 911. If it's a barking dog, try offering them some solutions. Let them know you would prefer not to call the animal authorities who could come and fine them or take their dog away, and say you will give them a reasonable time frame to comply.
Look for ways to help. If you have neighbors who are shut-ins, you can take food or a small gift over to them and see if they would appreciate visits from you. They could be very lonely. They might like it if you could bring a book along to read to them. You could offer to pick up their prescriptions, take them to their medical appointment, or see if they would appreciate you shoveling snow, raking leaves, doing repairs, or something else that you see needs doing.
Maybe your neighbors have children. If you have clothes, toys, or musical instruments in good condition that their child could use, you could offer them as a gift. Another possibility is watching them for a short while before or after school, tutoring them, or helping them with their homework.
Allowing your neighbors to borrow tools, movies,books, and other things is something else that could be a wonderful gesture. Having a block party, outdoor bbq, pool party, or organizing a neighborhood yard sale could be a lot of fun for all.
Offering to keep a watch on neighbors homes when they are away, watering their plants, or helping take care of their pets is something else that would be appreciated by many.
You could start a neighborhood watch group if your neighborhood doesn't offer one, or become more active in the group if you do have one already.
These are just some possible suggestions of ways in which you could help your neighbor.
I'm not saying you should do all these. It would be impossible most likely. Hopefully, these are a springboard for you to think of what kinds of help you could provide in your own neighborhood.
I believe that when you help others it will always comes back to you in some wonderful way. It could be that when you need help the most, you will have it because you took the time and made the effort to help your neighbor.
Who knows? You could end up having a new best friend, people to share potluck dinners and game nights with, or even increase your property value! Wonderful things can happen when we give freely of ourselves in all areas of our lives. You may fall in love with your neighbors, and they may start being more neighborly. Someone has to take the initiative to start it. I encourage you to let that person be you!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Have fun. Help others.
Yesterday I participated in a free spa day held at a friend's home. It was so enjoyable to be with a couple dozen women all being pampered, socializing, eating wonderful food, and having wonderful discussions. It got me thinking that many time helping others is fun also, and that by making it fun more people would do it. So today's post will be on finding what's fun for you personally. My hope is that this will be incentive for more people to make their difference.
Since the facial, foot bath, hand-waxing, good food, and everything else I experienced yesterday is still on my mind I'll start with ideas that sprang up in my mind regarding this. Offering services like these, or other ones such as doing hairstyles, nails, and make up for others. This could be done for neighbors, elderly people you know of, people in nursing homes, shut-ins, your relatives, or whoever else you could think of.
These types of services make people feel special, uplift their spirit, and nourish their soul. So many people are lonely and there are also many who never feel special. Creating special times such as these can perk people up and let them know they are cared about. You will feel good about doing it, and they will express their appreciation in numerous ways. I don't think it's a stretch to say that if you helped some depressed and discouraged people in these kinds of ways, you could actually save someone's life!
If you like sports, you could be an umpire or referee for a team. You could coach. You could just attend a team's games and be a fan in the stands cheering them on or providing water, towels, etc. You could volunteer to be a "big brother" or befriend a young person who doesn't have support in their life and play tennis or basketball or another sport with them, play games, take them on outings to museums or concerts and such.
Maybe you like teaching. If you have talent or knowledge in some field you could tutor someone, teach music lessons, do arts and crafts, or share your love of history by speaking at a public event.
Those of you who love woodwork could create toys for needy children, birdhouses for someone who is home-bound, or even furniture for someone who otherwise couldn't afford it. Making gift baskets of various kinds for those who could really use the contents would be appreciated. Do you love to cook or bake? Volunteer firefighters, soup kitchens, churches, and many other places and people would so benefit from your skills in the kitchen.
Only you know what gets you all excited when you participate in a certain activity. Figure that out, start sharing your love for whatever that is with others, and begin making your difference now. What could be better than doing something you love and helping others at the same time?
Feel free to share some ideas you have regarding having fun and helping others below. Can you recall a special time that you were able to do this? Share with all of us so we can be inspired.
Since the facial, foot bath, hand-waxing, good food, and everything else I experienced yesterday is still on my mind I'll start with ideas that sprang up in my mind regarding this. Offering services like these, or other ones such as doing hairstyles, nails, and make up for others. This could be done for neighbors, elderly people you know of, people in nursing homes, shut-ins, your relatives, or whoever else you could think of.
These types of services make people feel special, uplift their spirit, and nourish their soul. So many people are lonely and there are also many who never feel special. Creating special times such as these can perk people up and let them know they are cared about. You will feel good about doing it, and they will express their appreciation in numerous ways. I don't think it's a stretch to say that if you helped some depressed and discouraged people in these kinds of ways, you could actually save someone's life!
If you like sports, you could be an umpire or referee for a team. You could coach. You could just attend a team's games and be a fan in the stands cheering them on or providing water, towels, etc. You could volunteer to be a "big brother" or befriend a young person who doesn't have support in their life and play tennis or basketball or another sport with them, play games, take them on outings to museums or concerts and such.
Maybe you like teaching. If you have talent or knowledge in some field you could tutor someone, teach music lessons, do arts and crafts, or share your love of history by speaking at a public event.
Those of you who love woodwork could create toys for needy children, birdhouses for someone who is home-bound, or even furniture for someone who otherwise couldn't afford it. Making gift baskets of various kinds for those who could really use the contents would be appreciated. Do you love to cook or bake? Volunteer firefighters, soup kitchens, churches, and many other places and people would so benefit from your skills in the kitchen.
Only you know what gets you all excited when you participate in a certain activity. Figure that out, start sharing your love for whatever that is with others, and begin making your difference now. What could be better than doing something you love and helping others at the same time?
Feel free to share some ideas you have regarding having fun and helping others below. Can you recall a special time that you were able to do this? Share with all of us so we can be inspired.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Events you may be interested in....
Every week I find out about dozens of events. Many are not worth spending the time. This week I discovered two that may be worthwhile if you have interest in the topic.
The first one I'll mention is a telesummit for breast cancer survivors. It's called "from surviving to thriving" and takes place virtually from April 19-23.
On this 5-day virtual journey, a group of 10 amazing women will share their inspirational stories of surviving breast cancer to achieve phenomenal success while creating amazing lives on their terms. They will share how they turned their cancer into a gift and went on to create extraordinary lives.
Details are at:
http://tinyurl.com/thriver-now
This is a free event, although I believe that you can purchase the recording as an option if you wish. Sessions will be held on "Finding your life purpose, Following your passion, Finding your voice, Being unstoppable in the face of adversity, and Turning breast cancer into a gift."
If you know someone who could benefit from these calls, please pass the information on to them.
Next, I heard about an event called " Encore Tele-summit for Women 50+." This is geared to women over 50 who are pondering all the possibilities at this stage in life- whether to retire or start an "encore" career. In this economy many women are choosing to stay working, and they want it to not only produce an income but be satisfying as well.
This event is free, and takes place 4/24 and 4/25, 2010 via telephone. I do think that recordings are available at extra charge just as the other event listed above. This seems to have become the norm for events like this. I am not an affiliate. I just want to provide opportunities to my readers that actually may make a difference in their lives.
The information is available at:
www.encorecareertelesummit.com
If you ever hear of any events that could make a difference in people's lives in some way, please share it with us all in the comments before. If you are the one hosting the event, a sponsor, or affiliate, please note that as well.
I would like this blog to become more inter-active over time to form a sense of community among the blog's readers. The more we share ideas and opportunities that will change the world, the faster it will happen! Thanks for reading and making your difference this week where you are.
The first one I'll mention is a telesummit for breast cancer survivors. It's called "from surviving to thriving" and takes place virtually from April 19-23.
On this 5-day virtual journey, a group of 10 amazing women will share their inspirational stories of surviving breast cancer to achieve phenomenal success while creating amazing lives on their terms. They will share how they turned their cancer into a gift and went on to create extraordinary lives.
Details are at:
http://tinyurl.com/thriver-now
This is a free event, although I believe that you can purchase the recording as an option if you wish. Sessions will be held on "Finding your life purpose, Following your passion, Finding your voice, Being unstoppable in the face of adversity, and Turning breast cancer into a gift."
If you know someone who could benefit from these calls, please pass the information on to them.
Next, I heard about an event called " Encore Tele-summit for Women 50+." This is geared to women over 50 who are pondering all the possibilities at this stage in life- whether to retire or start an "encore" career. In this economy many women are choosing to stay working, and they want it to not only produce an income but be satisfying as well.
This event is free, and takes place 4/24 and 4/25, 2010 via telephone. I do think that recordings are available at extra charge just as the other event listed above. This seems to have become the norm for events like this. I am not an affiliate. I just want to provide opportunities to my readers that actually may make a difference in their lives.
The information is available at:
www.encorecareertelesummit.com
If you ever hear of any events that could make a difference in people's lives in some way, please share it with us all in the comments before. If you are the one hosting the event, a sponsor, or affiliate, please note that as well.
I would like this blog to become more inter-active over time to form a sense of community among the blog's readers. The more we share ideas and opportunities that will change the world, the faster it will happen! Thanks for reading and making your difference this week where you are.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Shop Smart
In my last post I began discussing the sites that comprise the Greater Good network. Every single one of these sites has their own unique goods for sale. The next time you are looking for a gift, some clothing, shoes, home decor, inspirational reading, jewelry, or something else, consider checking out these sites first.
These sites offer quality items for sale at most reasonable prices. All profits from the sale go to the charity whose site you are on. In addition, you will also see that through your purchase you have also donated more this way than from your clicking.
I have made several purchases now from multiple sites in this network, and never been disappointed. The boxes are packed well. Customer service has been wonderful when I had a question before I ordered. The products themselves have been awesome! My gift recipients have all been pleased as well.
Some of the things I have bought are:
Himalayan salt- a beautiful pale coral peachy colored salt that contains all the minerals in the human body.
Himalayan salt candles- known to have special qualities when you burn them which some say can help with health.
Jewelry-natural gemstones and beautifully put together.
Books-inspirational
Walking shoes- in size 10 1/2 US for a woman, which for me is very difficult to find.
"Green" biodegradable, colorful, and scented pet scoop bags to use for my cats. They can be used for walking dogs and scooping as well. I love this product!
Many other things I can't think of right now, and some that I cannot say since my relatives may read this and they are put away as gifts. ;)
Fair trade items, museum gift shop with National Geographic and more, Global Girlfriend, Pink Ribbon items to promote breast cancer awareness, green items, Rainforest items, handcrafted items from several countries where proceeds go to help those who made them support themselves and lift them from a life of poverty, animal items,peace- themed, and so much more are available. Even coffee, food, and plants to grow!
Gifts that Give More (TM) is a way you can help in a very special way. There are all kinds of gifts you can choose from to make a difference. You could contribute to ending world hunger by donating $1 or more, help build a school in Nepal for a $35 donation or more, feed and care for a rescued horse from $14, and so many others- 5 pages of choices!- via these sites. I encourage you to spend the time to look through all of them because even if you only have a small amount of money to give, even $1 will make a difference. It's also tax deductible. You can become a philanthropist today!
Tips:
1.If you sign up for emails from the sites you are most interested in, you will know when there is a special sale, what the daily deal is, when they offer free shipping or a free gift with purchase.
2. Shipping is a reasonable $3.95 per order but about once a month they seem to offer a free shipping day. Every day you can get free shipping if you order a Gift that Gives More of $2 or more.
3. Check for coupon codes. You can find out under current promotions on each site or type in a search engine "greater good network coupon codes" or similar. Today there is one for $5 off a $25 order.
4. Daily deals, special values,clearance, and sale items are all really great prices. Even the regular prices are very reasonable, but if you are on a tight budget it does help so that you can order more easily and be able to help and feel good about buying.
5. Since many items are handmade, often there is a limited quality of some items. If you see something you really want, don't wait a few weeks because chances are it will be gone. These sites offer really unique items. Popular ones sell out very quickly. You will get a feel for this after you have become familiar with the sites and window-shopped several times.
6.There is a search box to type in what you are looking for, but try different wording or adding an s to pluralize is singular doesn't work. If nothing comes up you can try customer service.
If you have any questions at all regarding this, don't hesitate to ask in the comments below. I wholeheartedly recommend these stores because of my personal experience with them. I was able to donate $25 immediately after a natural disaster and know that the entire amount would help right away, because they already had a medical staff to help in place to treat victims. I plan to donate more as my financial situation continues to improve. I'm thrilled that I am now in a place to give, instead of being on the receiving end. If everyone would give at least a little, it would sure add up to a lot quickly.
Shopping this way makes it a whole lot more fun! Try it and see for yourself!
These sites offer quality items for sale at most reasonable prices. All profits from the sale go to the charity whose site you are on. In addition, you will also see that through your purchase you have also donated more this way than from your clicking.
I have made several purchases now from multiple sites in this network, and never been disappointed. The boxes are packed well. Customer service has been wonderful when I had a question before I ordered. The products themselves have been awesome! My gift recipients have all been pleased as well.
Some of the things I have bought are:
Himalayan salt- a beautiful pale coral peachy colored salt that contains all the minerals in the human body.
Himalayan salt candles- known to have special qualities when you burn them which some say can help with health.
Jewelry-natural gemstones and beautifully put together.
Books-inspirational
Walking shoes- in size 10 1/2 US for a woman, which for me is very difficult to find.
"Green" biodegradable, colorful, and scented pet scoop bags to use for my cats. They can be used for walking dogs and scooping as well. I love this product!
Many other things I can't think of right now, and some that I cannot say since my relatives may read this and they are put away as gifts. ;)
Fair trade items, museum gift shop with National Geographic and more, Global Girlfriend, Pink Ribbon items to promote breast cancer awareness, green items, Rainforest items, handcrafted items from several countries where proceeds go to help those who made them support themselves and lift them from a life of poverty, animal items,peace- themed, and so much more are available. Even coffee, food, and plants to grow!
Gifts that Give More (TM) is a way you can help in a very special way. There are all kinds of gifts you can choose from to make a difference. You could contribute to ending world hunger by donating $1 or more, help build a school in Nepal for a $35 donation or more, feed and care for a rescued horse from $14, and so many others- 5 pages of choices!- via these sites. I encourage you to spend the time to look through all of them because even if you only have a small amount of money to give, even $1 will make a difference. It's also tax deductible. You can become a philanthropist today!
Tips:
1.If you sign up for emails from the sites you are most interested in, you will know when there is a special sale, what the daily deal is, when they offer free shipping or a free gift with purchase.
2. Shipping is a reasonable $3.95 per order but about once a month they seem to offer a free shipping day. Every day you can get free shipping if you order a Gift that Gives More of $2 or more.
3. Check for coupon codes. You can find out under current promotions on each site or type in a search engine "greater good network coupon codes" or similar. Today there is one for $5 off a $25 order.
4. Daily deals, special values,clearance, and sale items are all really great prices. Even the regular prices are very reasonable, but if you are on a tight budget it does help so that you can order more easily and be able to help and feel good about buying.
5. Since many items are handmade, often there is a limited quality of some items. If you see something you really want, don't wait a few weeks because chances are it will be gone. These sites offer really unique items. Popular ones sell out very quickly. You will get a feel for this after you have become familiar with the sites and window-shopped several times.
6.There is a search box to type in what you are looking for, but try different wording or adding an s to pluralize is singular doesn't work. If nothing comes up you can try customer service.
If you have any questions at all regarding this, don't hesitate to ask in the comments below. I wholeheartedly recommend these stores because of my personal experience with them. I was able to donate $25 immediately after a natural disaster and know that the entire amount would help right away, because they already had a medical staff to help in place to treat victims. I plan to donate more as my financial situation continues to improve. I'm thrilled that I am now in a place to give, instead of being on the receiving end. If everyone would give at least a little, it would sure add up to a lot quickly.
Shopping this way makes it a whole lot more fun! Try it and see for yourself!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
An interesting way to help- by clicking!
There is a wonderful one-stop website that helps many different causes located at: http://www.greatergood.com/ .
At the top of the site is the sentence stating what they offer-
"Simple online ways to protect the health and well-being of people, animals, and the planet."
There are several websites that make up the Greater Good Network. Each of their individual logos is listed on this page. When you click on a logo, you are then taken to their individual site so you can learn more about them.
One thing that is very helpful to know is that the Hunger, Breast Cancer, Literacy, Child Health, Animal Rescue, and Rainforest sites are all linked together for the clicking purposes that I'll tell you about right now.
If you go to the Hunger Site you will see a yellowish-orange box that says "Click here to give, it's free." Upon clicking it will say "Thank you for clicking. Your click gave the value of 1.1 cups of food to the hungry." Sponsors pay these charities so much for every click. You can see the sponsors listed right on that page. Their ads are the ones listed in the middle of the page. If you ever want to show your appreciation, you can click their ad and shop a sponsors store. They make this possible. 100% goes to charity from people's daily clicks.
Next, if you look at the tabs above, you will see the connected sites listed. The breast cancer site is next, so click on the tab, then click on the click here button and you will be helping fund mammograms at no cost to you.
Continue doing the same process with all the rest of the tabs across the top, and you will be making a difference every single time you click. Each site funds a different cause, so when you click it will let you know what you just helped give by your click. You can also shop on each site, as they all have their own store with related goods as well. The entire profit from each sale will go to that charity. There are many other fascinating things to share about the Greater Good Network but I will save them for another post.
Some tips:
1. Only one click per day per site from one computer counts.
2. It only takes a few seconds and it really makes a difference!
3. The sites offer free e-cards you can send via email to invites others to click.
4. If you are signed up for the daily TQ ezine from the ThinkTQ.com site, they put a link every day to the Hunger Site in the lower right-hand column that you can click from. It is an inspirational ezine that share ways to be more productive in life and business, quotes, and much more. This is how I do my clicks every morning. I get my coffee, go to my inbox, find the ezine and read it, and then click on the Hunger site logo and do all my clicks very quickly. It's a terrific, and very uplifting way to start every day!
5. You will feel great about doing this if you make it a positive daily habit!
Please feel free to ask questions or comment. I hope that I wrote this clear enough for you all to understand, as it is really simple to do. I've been clicking for years, and it's a regular few seconds of every day that I'm on the computer. I shop their stores too, and have been quite pleased with every single purchase. More next time....
At the top of the site is the sentence stating what they offer-
"Simple online ways to protect the health and well-being of people, animals, and the planet."
There are several websites that make up the Greater Good Network. Each of their individual logos is listed on this page. When you click on a logo, you are then taken to their individual site so you can learn more about them.
One thing that is very helpful to know is that the Hunger, Breast Cancer, Literacy, Child Health, Animal Rescue, and Rainforest sites are all linked together for the clicking purposes that I'll tell you about right now.
If you go to the Hunger Site you will see a yellowish-orange box that says "Click here to give, it's free." Upon clicking it will say "Thank you for clicking. Your click gave the value of 1.1 cups of food to the hungry." Sponsors pay these charities so much for every click. You can see the sponsors listed right on that page. Their ads are the ones listed in the middle of the page. If you ever want to show your appreciation, you can click their ad and shop a sponsors store. They make this possible. 100% goes to charity from people's daily clicks.
Next, if you look at the tabs above, you will see the connected sites listed. The breast cancer site is next, so click on the tab, then click on the click here button and you will be helping fund mammograms at no cost to you.
Continue doing the same process with all the rest of the tabs across the top, and you will be making a difference every single time you click. Each site funds a different cause, so when you click it will let you know what you just helped give by your click. You can also shop on each site, as they all have their own store with related goods as well. The entire profit from each sale will go to that charity. There are many other fascinating things to share about the Greater Good Network but I will save them for another post.
Some tips:
1. Only one click per day per site from one computer counts.
2. It only takes a few seconds and it really makes a difference!
3. The sites offer free e-cards you can send via email to invites others to click.
4. If you are signed up for the daily TQ ezine from the ThinkTQ.com site, they put a link every day to the Hunger Site in the lower right-hand column that you can click from. It is an inspirational ezine that share ways to be more productive in life and business, quotes, and much more. This is how I do my clicks every morning. I get my coffee, go to my inbox, find the ezine and read it, and then click on the Hunger site logo and do all my clicks very quickly. It's a terrific, and very uplifting way to start every day!
5. You will feel great about doing this if you make it a positive daily habit!
Please feel free to ask questions or comment. I hope that I wrote this clear enough for you all to understand, as it is really simple to do. I've been clicking for years, and it's a regular few seconds of every day that I'm on the computer. I shop their stores too, and have been quite pleased with every single purchase. More next time....
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Serving Others
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
That was the insightful saying tucked inside the fortune cookie I received while dining out several months ago. I saved this slip of paper. It is a great reminder of both the way I am choosing to live my life now, and how that serving others truly has helped me get to know myself much better and continue to grow as a person.
You can serve your family, your neighbors, your church, your community, in your job or career, and even through your hobbies. It's really up to you to decide who and then how you will best serve others.
Many of the people in my own family tree have been or are currently Salvation Army officers, ministers, or lay people. I am fortunate to have such wonderful ancestors and current relatives.
I'll share with you just a couple of my relatives and who they are serving at the present time.
My sister is a hospice chaplain. She serves people who are at the very end of their life and also their grief-stricken families. Her husband is a prison chaplain, and he serves prisoners- people who are considered outcasts from society in many folks eyes.
Isn't that what Jesus did? He is a perfect example of serving others. He served the sick, the poor, the prostitutes, tax collectors, every day people, widows, the rich, and more. He didn't discriminate, but loved the whole world. "Hate the sin but love the sinner" is a quote that fits the example he set that is now printed in the pages of history.
One thing Christ told his disciples is that he would make them "fishers of men." He spoke their language, using words and parables, which were stories they could understand.
People of that time period and area of the world wore open sandals on their feet. Their feet got very dusty and muddy. Usually, the lowliest servant in the household would wash the feet of the master. It was a much-needed and appreciated service. On the last night of his life Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. He served them in this humble way. His followers considered Him their Master, and he was letting them see that they all needed to serve others, just as he had served them. The account of this is found in John 13; 1-17 in the Bible if you would like to read and reflect on it.
For many years, I was primarily a wife,mother, and homemaker. I served my family. This was through taking care of the house itself, and everyone in it, along with all those who came over to visit . I home schooled my youngest two children for several years as part of that. Now that my children are grown, although I am still serving them when I can, it doesn't take up nearly as much of my time. I have now been able to expand who I serve to include my community and my new life coaching business.
How can you serve? Whom do you feel called to serve? When will you begin serving others?
These are all questions that only you can answer. Search your heart right now. It will change your life when you become a giver more than a taker. It will also tremendously change the lives of all you serve.
That was the insightful saying tucked inside the fortune cookie I received while dining out several months ago. I saved this slip of paper. It is a great reminder of both the way I am choosing to live my life now, and how that serving others truly has helped me get to know myself much better and continue to grow as a person.
You can serve your family, your neighbors, your church, your community, in your job or career, and even through your hobbies. It's really up to you to decide who and then how you will best serve others.
Many of the people in my own family tree have been or are currently Salvation Army officers, ministers, or lay people. I am fortunate to have such wonderful ancestors and current relatives.
I'll share with you just a couple of my relatives and who they are serving at the present time.
My sister is a hospice chaplain. She serves people who are at the very end of their life and also their grief-stricken families. Her husband is a prison chaplain, and he serves prisoners- people who are considered outcasts from society in many folks eyes.
Isn't that what Jesus did? He is a perfect example of serving others. He served the sick, the poor, the prostitutes, tax collectors, every day people, widows, the rich, and more. He didn't discriminate, but loved the whole world. "Hate the sin but love the sinner" is a quote that fits the example he set that is now printed in the pages of history.
One thing Christ told his disciples is that he would make them "fishers of men." He spoke their language, using words and parables, which were stories they could understand.
People of that time period and area of the world wore open sandals on their feet. Their feet got very dusty and muddy. Usually, the lowliest servant in the household would wash the feet of the master. It was a much-needed and appreciated service. On the last night of his life Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. He served them in this humble way. His followers considered Him their Master, and he was letting them see that they all needed to serve others, just as he had served them. The account of this is found in John 13; 1-17 in the Bible if you would like to read and reflect on it.
For many years, I was primarily a wife,mother, and homemaker. I served my family. This was through taking care of the house itself, and everyone in it, along with all those who came over to visit . I home schooled my youngest two children for several years as part of that. Now that my children are grown, although I am still serving them when I can, it doesn't take up nearly as much of my time. I have now been able to expand who I serve to include my community and my new life coaching business.
How can you serve? Whom do you feel called to serve? When will you begin serving others?
These are all questions that only you can answer. Search your heart right now. It will change your life when you become a giver more than a taker. It will also tremendously change the lives of all you serve.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
What will your legacy be?
An uncle of mine died yesterday. He was making a difference for me, his family, and others his entire life. He was quite an inspiration to me. He was deaf and that had a tremendous impact on everything he did. He embraced new technologies that would help him communicate with the world better. He taught classes, wrote an online daily newsletter, and was always sharing funny or interesting emails with those he loved, and there were many. I sure will miss them being in my inbox.
Sometime in their 40's, many people start wondering if "this is all there is" in life. They feel a void inside. I went through this and decided that I need to be doing more with however many years I had in my life. At 50 I started over in ways that needed improvement. I moved to a new home,
worked on getting healthier, started volunteering, became a life coach and started learning how to do an offline and online business, and much more.
Importantly, I did the inner work necessary to be happy with who I am. That meant forgiving myself and accepting myself just as I am, with all my flaws, and realizing that there is a lot more good than bad in this body I call Beth. I love myself now, so practice self-care daily. I watch my negative self-talk and have begun working at turning that into positive support for myself.
Then I began finding kindred spirits via the internet and my local community. Since then, it is amazing how full life has become, and how much better life is. It feels so good to focus on others and who I can serve. It's so rewarding to give of ones time,talents, and assets to others. It does make a difference, and others will also notice.
When I'm gone from this world, I do hope that I leave a strong legacy for future generations.
I hope that people celebrate my life and say what a difference I made, especially after the age of 50, to help the world.
What will your legacy be? Feel free to share it with us all below!
Sometime in their 40's, many people start wondering if "this is all there is" in life. They feel a void inside. I went through this and decided that I need to be doing more with however many years I had in my life. At 50 I started over in ways that needed improvement. I moved to a new home,
worked on getting healthier, started volunteering, became a life coach and started learning how to do an offline and online business, and much more.
Importantly, I did the inner work necessary to be happy with who I am. That meant forgiving myself and accepting myself just as I am, with all my flaws, and realizing that there is a lot more good than bad in this body I call Beth. I love myself now, so practice self-care daily. I watch my negative self-talk and have begun working at turning that into positive support for myself.
Then I began finding kindred spirits via the internet and my local community. Since then, it is amazing how full life has become, and how much better life is. It feels so good to focus on others and who I can serve. It's so rewarding to give of ones time,talents, and assets to others. It does make a difference, and others will also notice.
When I'm gone from this world, I do hope that I leave a strong legacy for future generations.
I hope that people celebrate my life and say what a difference I made, especially after the age of 50, to help the world.
What will your legacy be? Feel free to share it with us all below!
Monday, April 12, 2010
"An Inside Job"
Here is a link to a blogtalk radio show today.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aninsidejob
Saw this elsewhere online and thought someone might be interested. It's a show on working on your inner self and finding your purpose. They are having some guest speakers who are already doing that, and it says the audience will be able to interact and ask questions.
It is very important experience inner growth in order to live a more fulfilled life and accomplish more.
I do not know the people hosting this radio show personally, and am just posting this based on what they wrote about today's show in case it can help someone in their personal development.
Having resources when you start on the journey to living a more giving life is vital.
It is inspiring to see people who are already living their purpose, and many times there are some golden nuggets given in a show like this that can really help us learn some steps to take and keep us pointed in the right direction.
Finding one's purpose is like being given a road map to follow. When we have a decision to make we just see if it aligns with that or not. Whether it does or doesn't we have our answer. Knowing our purpose also brings opportunities to us like a magnet. We become more aware and focused, and so we actually see things we may not have even been aware of before. Things start coming together in a beautiful way.
If you ever hear of any events that pertain to our them on "how to make a difference in the world" in some way, please share them them. I'll be glad to post them on this blog so others may benefit.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aninsidejob
Saw this elsewhere online and thought someone might be interested. It's a show on working on your inner self and finding your purpose. They are having some guest speakers who are already doing that, and it says the audience will be able to interact and ask questions.
It is very important experience inner growth in order to live a more fulfilled life and accomplish more.
I do not know the people hosting this radio show personally, and am just posting this based on what they wrote about today's show in case it can help someone in their personal development.
Having resources when you start on the journey to living a more giving life is vital.
It is inspiring to see people who are already living their purpose, and many times there are some golden nuggets given in a show like this that can really help us learn some steps to take and keep us pointed in the right direction.
Finding one's purpose is like being given a road map to follow. When we have a decision to make we just see if it aligns with that or not. Whether it does or doesn't we have our answer. Knowing our purpose also brings opportunities to us like a magnet. We become more aware and focused, and so we actually see things we may not have even been aware of before. Things start coming together in a beautiful way.
If you ever hear of any events that pertain to our them on "how to make a difference in the world" in some way, please share them them. I'll be glad to post them on this blog so others may benefit.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Little things that add up to a lot!
If you have been busy leading your life and never thought about making a difference before, this can seem overwhelming. There are so many opportunities available that choosing may seem impossible.
Good news! You can start small and just add things as you are ready. Follow your instincts. You know internally what your hot buttons are. You may feel drawn to helping endangered animals, going "green," visiting people in nursing homes who have no regular visitors, or something completely different.
To get started, simply make the decision to do so. Then choose one thing to do first. Here's a possible scenario for someone who feels they would like to help the environment: go online and do a search on carbon footprint, protecting the environment, or term of your choice. You will be able to get an explanation of how you personally impact this world through your use of electricity, fuel for your car, etc. Carbonfootprint.com is one of those sites that has a calculator to use to figure this out and information.
That is your first step- to see where you are to begin with. In doing this you will see areas that you can make a difference personally. This may mean that from now you will decide to buy natural cleaners, or make your own using vinegar,baking soda, etc. instead of buying chemical-laden ones. It might mean you will change over to lightbulbs that are much better for the environment. Recycling your paper,plastic,glass, and other materials is another thing you could begin doing. Next time you go to buy a car you may consider a hybrid. There are many more I could list, but I think that's enough to give you the gist.
You do not have to feel pressured into doing everything at once. Do one thing at a time until you get so comfortable doing it that it becomes natural and becomes a positive habit. That will do far better for you than trying to do numerous things at once and quitting due to burn-out. Start small and add things as you are ready. Little things really do add up to a lot!
Good news! You can start small and just add things as you are ready. Follow your instincts. You know internally what your hot buttons are. You may feel drawn to helping endangered animals, going "green," visiting people in nursing homes who have no regular visitors, or something completely different.
To get started, simply make the decision to do so. Then choose one thing to do first. Here's a possible scenario for someone who feels they would like to help the environment: go online and do a search on carbon footprint, protecting the environment, or term of your choice. You will be able to get an explanation of how you personally impact this world through your use of electricity, fuel for your car, etc. Carbonfootprint.com is one of those sites that has a calculator to use to figure this out and information.
That is your first step- to see where you are to begin with. In doing this you will see areas that you can make a difference personally. This may mean that from now you will decide to buy natural cleaners, or make your own using vinegar,baking soda, etc. instead of buying chemical-laden ones. It might mean you will change over to lightbulbs that are much better for the environment. Recycling your paper,plastic,glass, and other materials is another thing you could begin doing. Next time you go to buy a car you may consider a hybrid. There are many more I could list, but I think that's enough to give you the gist.
You do not have to feel pressured into doing everything at once. Do one thing at a time until you get so comfortable doing it that it becomes natural and becomes a positive habit. That will do far better for you than trying to do numerous things at once and quitting due to burn-out. Start small and add things as you are ready. Little things really do add up to a lot!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Free Rice
www.freerice.com/
Have fun, learn vocabulary words, and at no cost to you, give free grains of rice to feed the hungry! A vocabulary word appears. You are given 4 choices. For every correct answer , 10 grains of rice is donated to feed hungry people. If you miss,they show the correct answer, another word comes up and the game continues as if nothing happened, but you don't get the donation of rice. Shortly after the word will appear again that you missed, to give you another chance.
This is a great site for homeschoolers, junior and senior high students, and anyone else who wants to improve their vocabulary. I try to stay long enough each time to earn 1000 grains. It doesn't take that long, and it really makes a difference. Don't forget to pass the link on to others!
Over the coming months I'll be sharing many sites online where you can make a difference, as well as sharing volunteer opportunities offline as well. I'll be posting videos, inspiring stories of people who have made a difference or are now making one. Ideas for ways to help others, our planet, animals and more will all be included. Stay tuned, and join me in helping to change the world for the better!
Have fun, learn vocabulary words, and at no cost to you, give free grains of rice to feed the hungry! A vocabulary word appears. You are given 4 choices. For every correct answer , 10 grains of rice is donated to feed hungry people. If you miss,they show the correct answer, another word comes up and the game continues as if nothing happened, but you don't get the donation of rice. Shortly after the word will appear again that you missed, to give you another chance.
This is a great site for homeschoolers, junior and senior high students, and anyone else who wants to improve their vocabulary. I try to stay long enough each time to earn 1000 grains. It doesn't take that long, and it really makes a difference. Don't forget to pass the link on to others!
Over the coming months I'll be sharing many sites online where you can make a difference, as well as sharing volunteer opportunities offline as well. I'll be posting videos, inspiring stories of people who have made a difference or are now making one. Ideas for ways to help others, our planet, animals and more will all be included. Stay tuned, and join me in helping to change the world for the better!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Beginning to make your difference
"
"If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito." Anita Roddick
People often don't think that just one person can make a difference. All of us are here on planet Earth for a reason. Every single one of us impacts those they come in contact with. We also have an impact on environment, animals, plants, and everything else that makes up our world. The only question is-do you want to make a positive difference, or a negative one?
Here is a suggestion on how to begin making your difference in the world. First, love yourself. I'm saying this seriously. You will be more effective at helping others when you help yourself first.
Having higher self-esteem gives us confidence in ourselves. It allows us to fully accept ourselves unconditionally. It is love, especially unconditional love, that creates the space for us to fulfill our destiny. It empowers us, and in doing so we magnetically attracts others to us.
Start today by embracing yourself. Give yourself a big,long hug. Forgive yourself for all mistakes you have ever made in your life. Tell yourself that you appreciate yourself as a human being, and that from this moment forward you are going to look for the good in yourself and others.
"If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito." Anita Roddick
People often don't think that just one person can make a difference. All of us are here on planet Earth for a reason. Every single one of us impacts those they come in contact with. We also have an impact on environment, animals, plants, and everything else that makes up our world. The only question is-do you want to make a positive difference, or a negative one?
Here is a suggestion on how to begin making your difference in the world. First, love yourself. I'm saying this seriously. You will be more effective at helping others when you help yourself first.
Having higher self-esteem gives us confidence in ourselves. It allows us to fully accept ourselves unconditionally. It is love, especially unconditional love, that creates the space for us to fulfill our destiny. It empowers us, and in doing so we magnetically attracts others to us.
Start today by embracing yourself. Give yourself a big,long hug. Forgive yourself for all mistakes you have ever made in your life. Tell yourself that you appreciate yourself as a human being, and that from this moment forward you are going to look for the good in yourself and others.
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