Tag Archives | generosity

Get Involved in Your Community

By on January 13, 2012 in Personal Growth, Success

Photo by Dennis Herrara (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Smart Moves

Did getting more involved in your community make your list of goals or resolutions?

Here’s why it should.

Any form of community involvement can be a wonderful thing in itself. The satisfaction you experience by contributing to your community and the people around you is priceless and many times is the most positive thing you do in your day. Although community involvement by its very nature is altruistic, you will often find that you receive more than you give.

But beyond the personal rewards, being active in your community also provides a tremendous opportunity to network with people who live in your area and the professional connections can help you advance your career or bring in more business. It can also present a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and build your personal support network.

Start participating in neighborhood or community meetings, take part in activities relating to your kids’ school or join a volunteer group or cause that interests you. The choices are endless. Find something that appeals to you and fits into your schedule. Don’t view this as another demand on your time, but as a possibility to enhance your career and your life.

Plus you’ll be setting a great example for your children.

I have over the years been a part of the school PTO and joined a local literacy tutoring group. I found both to be enjoyable, rewarding and very beneficial in adding to my pool of connections.

What type of community involvement have you done or are you planning to di in the future?

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Stack of thin flexicover books on reflective table

Books Make the Perfect Holiday Gift – My Picks

By on December 7, 2011 in Good Reads, Sanity Savers
Stack of thin flexicover books on reflective table

Image by Horia Varlan via Flickr

Need a gift for that hard-to-buy-for person? Books make great gifts. Thoughtful, affordable and simple. Here are some of my favorite gift picks:

For the tech lover – Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson or The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood by James Gleick

For the young reader (or the young at heart) – The Hunger Games Trilogy Boxed Set by Suzanne Collins or The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse a new picture book by Eric Carle

For the suspense lover – The Litigators by John Grisham or Zero Day by David Baldacci

For the history buff – Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever by Bill O’Reilly, Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero by Chris Matthews or Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy by Caroline Kennedy

For the cook – Paula Deen’s Southern Cooking Bible: The New Classic Guide to Delicious Dishes with More Than 300 Recipes or my personal favorite Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook

For the fiction lover – 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami or The Marriage Plot: A Novel by Jeffrey Eugenides

Look no further than your local bookstore or get them online at

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English: Glass jar containing spare change

It’s Time to Think About Helping Others

By on December 5, 2011 in Gratitude, Inspiration, Personal Growth
English: Glass jar containing spare change

Image via Wikipedia

Today be grateful for your ability to help others. Remember that there is always someone who is having a harder time than you are. As the holiday season is underway, it’s time to start thinking about charitable giving. Keep in mind some guidelines suggested by Charity Navigator:

Be a 3-D giver: There are three components that a wise donor must consider before selecting a charity.

  1. Check the charity’s financial performance: Financially healthy organizations – those that are both financially efficient and sustainable – have greater flexibility and freedom to pursue their goals. Charity Navigator’s ratings provide this information.
  2. Review the charity’s commitment to accountability and transparency: Generally speaking, charities that follow good governance practices are less likely to engage in unethical or irresponsible activities so, the risk that charities would misuse donations should be lower than for charities that don’t adopt such practices. Donors can view data regarding accountability and transparency for more than 1,000 charities (and growing each month) on the Charity Navigator website.
  3. Assess the charity’s results (whether the charity can show evidence that it makes a meaningful difference for people and communities who receive services): Learn about a charity’s accomplishments, goals and challenges by reviewing its website and/or talking with staff. You should be able to ascertain the quality and depth of the charity’s results as well as its capacity to continue to get these results. In the not-too-distant future, Charity Navigator plans to include results information for each of the charity’s it rates.

Follow up on disaster donations: Millions of Americans reached into their pockets this year already and gave generously in response to the Japanese earthquake and Hurricane Irene victims. If you gave, now is the time to follow-up on that gift. Contact the charity that you supported and find out what the organization has been able to accomplish. As we enter the more expensive and time-consuming reconstruction phase of recovery from these disasters, inquire about the projects the charity is currently tackling. If you find merit in their continued endeavors, make an additional donation.

Find inspiration through social media, but be careful when donating: Social networking tools like Twitter, Facebook and blogs enable charities and their supporters to deliver heartfelt appeals to our computers and phones. While these services can increase awareness of a charity and its cause, you should not give based on emotional appeals of these vehicles. You must take at least a few minutes of your time to investigate the groups behind such pleas for help, to ensure that it comes from a legitimate charity. And if you aren’t 100% sure who and what is behind the appeal, then you should visit either Charity Navigator or the charity’s own website to make your online donation.

Give without strings attached: Funders of all types increasingly give gifts that are targeted to specific programs or services. While it is understandable that givers want to fund projects that have a tangible, heartwarming end result, this hamstrings charities. First, it makes it difficult for a charity to change direction mid-project should it finds a more effective course. Second, charities have to scramble to find the funds to cover their day-to-day costs, such as the electric bill. So, while it isn’t particularly exciting to give towards a charity’s general operating funds, it is crucial if you want your favorite charity to be successful.

Question everything, move forward, enjoy the journey. 

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Christmas tree

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Holiday Season

By on December 2, 2011 in Gratitude, Happiness, Life Balance
Christmas tree

Image via Wikipedia

When we look back on our fondest memories of Christmas past, it is probably not the perfectly trimmed tree and beautifully wrapped gifts that we most remember. It is rather those joyously happy, splendidly unplanned moments that were ripe with laughter (or tears,) family, friends and fun. It is the time spent helping others, connecting with those we love and embracing the good cheer of the festivities.

As the holiday season gets underway it’s so easy to get caught up in the crazed busyness of these coming weeks. Many of us have fallen victim to the pressures and pulls of the holiday chaos all around us, only to find that we have missed the entire meaning and joyousness of this special time. The gifts we cherish most are not the most expensive, but the most meaningful. The memories we hold dear are those filled with laughter and light.

Some suggestions to get the most out of your holiday season:

Create Traditions – Whether it’s caroling or making snowmen, crafting gingerbread houses or baking cookies, volunteering or reading as a family it becomes so much more special if you make it a tradition. It’s often the simple things that are the most fun. Ask your children or family what they enjoy. Some of my children’s favorite traditions: Christmas layer cookies and wassail while we decorate the tree, answering questions from “The Christmas Conversation Piece” book, watching The Polar Express and the Grinch as a family and opening one gift on Christmas Eve.

Schedule Down-Time – Be selective about which social and family invitations you accept. And don’t try to fit in too many family activities. Even well intended choices can become stressful if you don’t leave some time to unwind and just be together. I really cherish those evenings when we sit in front of the Christmas tree in our pajamas playing a game or watching Christmas movies.

Don’t Break the Bank – The biggest stress of the season can be the credit card bills that hit the mailbox in January. Don’t get tripped up by unrealistic spending. Make a budget that you can handle, save ahead of time if you can and don’t make the mistake of thinking more expensive is better.

Forget Martha – I am not Martha Stewart and neither are you. Forget about perfection. Forget about making 12 kinds of cookies, expecting your home to look like a magazine and finding the perfect present for everyone on your list. Reality check. Martha has an entire crew to help her create and those homes in magazines are staged by professionals. Oh and those people on television who are always so elated with their gifts…they’re actors…

Have Fun – Most importantly don’t forget to have fun! Throw snowballs, make a snowman, dance and sing to your holiday favorites or visit Santa. Do whatever brings you joy and makes you feel like a kid again.

Make this the best holiday season ever!

What do you enjoy? Care to share a holiday favorite?

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Coca

Give More This Holiday Season

By on November 18, 2011 in Personal Growth
Coca

It is that time of year when we begin thinking about Holiday Giving, the real meaning those holidays have for us and how we can truly celebrate our spirituality, connectedness and genuine desire to aid our fellow-man. Giving almost always blesses the giver more than the recipient. So with that thought in mind, I have some suggestions to offer:

1. Run or walk a charity race – Many 5k and longer runs benefit a charity. Your entry fee pays for your t-shirt, race coordination, and, in part, contributes to the charity.

2. When you pay cash, save your change and put it in a jar – Save it for a month, and then donate the proceeds. Alternatively keep it in a baggie in your car. I empty my change every single time I walk by a red kettle.

3. EBay – Go through your closet, dress or basement, everybody has something to sell. No doubt there is someone out there who will want it. Donate the money to your favorite charity.

4. Sponsor someone – School walk-a-thon, community car wash, charity event, animal shelter fundraiser, whatever. This way you get to help them reach their goal and contribute to something bigger.

5.Institute a luxury tax – Every time you go out to dinner, to the theater or other entertainment, set aside 20% of the amount you spend and donate it.

6. Buy extra – Every once in a while when you buy staples at the grocery store, buy two of everything and donate to a food pantry, church or shelter.There is always a need.

7. Empty your closet and the kids toy box – If you haven’t worn it or played with it this year, donate it to someone who will.

8. Do your shopping online and support sites that make a difference – You get a nice gift, the people who made it earn a living. Try WorldWomenWork, GreaterGood or WomenforWomen.

9. Give a larger than normal tip to a service worker, salon worker or waitress, especially if you know they have small children!

10. Buy gifts for children or families in need – Many times you can team with a church or organization to help provide a Christmas dinner and gifts for struggling families.

Whatever you choose, you will receive more from the giving than they will. Trust me on this…

Question everything, move forward, enjoy the journey.

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Labor Day – Doing Your Part

By on September 5, 2011 in Gratitude

In honor of Labor Day I wanted to share what one group is doing to support those who make the lives and opportunities we all share possible. Remember that while many of us enjoy a holiday there are thousands of troops who do not get ANY holidays off.

All the branches of service have bands and choirs for musically talented troops. These groups are often viewed as an opportunity to promote the military and showcase talent. Air Force Staff Sgt. Chad Usher met up with one Airman who is taking this opportunity to another level…

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson and Sidewinder perform a cover of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Sidewinder is part of the 571st Air Force Band, 131st Bomb Wing, Air National Guard. They are deployed as the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Band…

Watch them perform “Rolling in the Deep.” Angie has some pipes!

Find out more…

Sidewinder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SidewinderANGband

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Are You Ready for Change?

By on May 11, 2011 in Life Balance, Personal Growth, Success

“It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not.” ―James Gordon

Are you ready to make changes in your life? To move to a  more fulfilling, productive and purposeful type of existence?

Don’t be ashamed to answer no! This may not be the right time in your life. You may not be ready to examine what you have been doing. You may not have a burning desire to accomplish something more than you have so far. You may not feel that it’s important to know where you’re going in life or sort out the meaning and purpose behind your life and work.

That’s OK. Really. Just briefly consider that clinging to your old habits and attitudes may be costing you more than you think. It can be physically and mentally freeing to let it all go and try something different.

Consider a career shift if you don’t feel fulfilled.

Examine your family roles and dynamic.

Analyze your routines and habits – both personal and professional.

Evaluate the health of your relationships.

Assess or re-assess your goals and priorities.

Look at your health patterns.

Move toward a mindset of generosity, kindness, forgiveness and gratitude.

You may find many areas where it’s time for a change. What would you like to do about it? Change is inevitable. Why not make it a considered change rather than a forced one?

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Smiley Face

Choose Your Attitude Wisely

By on February 18, 2011 in Success
Smiley Face
Image via Wikipedia

I discovered I always have choices and sometimes it’s a choice of attitude. – Judith M. Knowlton

What attitude have you chosen today? Did you choose to be optimistic, wondering, generous or patient? Or did you choose to show up complaining, frustrated, resentful, angry, critical or bitter? All are valid choices. The wondrous thing about freedom of choice is that we get to choose how we experience our lives. We may not always be able to choose the circumstances, but we can choose the attitude with which we experience them.

The other fabulous thing about freedom of choice is that we can change our mind at any given moment. If your day didn’t start out so well and you don’t like the way you are feeling right this moment, try a different attitude. In this one aspect of your life you always have the power.

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Helping the homeless

It’s the Simple Acts That Matter

By on December 20, 2010 in Life Balance
Helping the homeless
Image by Ed Yourdon via Flickr

Sometimes we need a reminder to be grateful for the little things, myself included. We remember to stop and say thank you for babies, raises, recovery from illness, new cars, homes, jobs, vacations, gifts and all those flashy aspects of life. Just for a minute, try to think about the tiny, often overlooked objects or occurrences that comprise the vast majority of our days.

I had an eye opening moment this weekend, just a simple gesture that caused a shift for me. An aha moment of the best kind. I was preparing to assemble my Christmas tree with my children; I opened the box and found a note tucked inside. As I reached for the tiny piece of paper, my heart began to melt and I knew even before I opened it that this would be something significant. On it were written just a few simple words, a private message of comfort, but its impact was for me, enormous. My husband, who as you may know is currently serving in Afghanistan, had written me a note an entire year ago and sealed it in the box before he put it away. The significance of this small gesture was not in the note itself or the words it contained, but in the generous and loving act of his having the forethought and consideration so very long ago to try to ease my sadness at our separation. This was way better than flowers or jewelry any day!

It’s not about gifts and grand experiences. It’s about simple acts of kindness that you receive and can give to others in return. What small act can you do today?

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delivery

Say Thank You

By on November 24, 2010 in Personal Growth

deliveryIf the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “thank you,” that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart

Who do you need to say thank you today? Is there a gesture or act that has gone un appreciated?Is there a thank you card that needs to be written – you can send an email if you have to, but I prefer a good old fashioned hand written note! Say thank you to at least 3 people today for their help or kindness.

Today, I am grateful for apple cider, yummy desserts and unexpected time with my children to share and enjoy.

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