Thanksgiving is just around the corner which means one thing for most people. Food. However, there are those that are not as fortunate as others. Some will be grateful to just have something to eat for the day. Luckily, there are always ways to give back and provide food for others.
This afternoon at Albertson's there was this can sitting by the register. Just like it says, spare change could help to feed a family this upcoming holiday season. It is amazing how far a little change can go. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to give back this holiday season! I am sure there are plenty chances out there
The paid parking was acting up at school today. Usually, you can pay card or cash for all day parking. And usually the machine doesn't accept cash, but today it wasn't taking a card. For those trying to pay with a card, they were out of luck. A girl didnt have enough cash or change to pay, so I handed her some quarters. She then had enough change for a parking ticket and really appreciated the gesture!
Today was my first full day in Vegas! It was a great day full of sunshine and friends! As many of you know that have been to Vegas, there are many homeless and hungry people in need. I had some extra change in pocket, so I thought others could use it more than I could. Simply, spare some change!
This afternoon, I watched the inspiring and touching movie "Pay It Forward."It reminded me of how simple a chain reaction can be in creating a movement. If we took just one moment out of our lives to pay it forward, we can create something much bigger than ourselves. If you have never seen the movie, I strongly encourage you do so. It is one of those movies that makes you ponder and even just for a moment realize that there is something that everyone and anyone can do to make a difference. In the movie, Trevor the main character simply explains how he can be a catalyst for change. Watch that particular clip below.
Today, I would like to pay it forward by surfacing my thoughts about a few people who motivate me to be better, do better and do more. They know who they are, but I don't think they realize how much they inspire me. After reading this, I hope, no I DARE you to pay it forward by telling at least 3 people how they have impacted you. Most of the time people change our lives for the better and usually are unaware.
1) This person has taught me that not all things come easy in life and if they don't you work for them. They have taught me not to sweat the small things (most of time) and live in this moment. Too often, I find myself planning. I am a planner, it is what I do. But when they are around, it brings me back to now. Time is a precious commodity and one that should not be taken lightly. They constantly remind me that you work hard to get what you deserve. If you want something, go get it because time will pass no matter if you are working towards your goal or not.
2) This person always makes me believe in my dreams whole-heartedly. Sometimes, I think they believe in me more than I believe in myself. But the thing is it is their drive and passion that motivates me. This particular friend is one of those people that, no matter what, has your back and is not afraid to push you to better yourself. They realize that this world is not all fairytales and butterflies, but they also know that there is still some magic left in the world. That no matter how many people doubt them, they believe what matters is that you believe in yourself and you have something worth fighting for.
3) The last person is one of the most naturally talented human beings I have ever met. Not to say they don't work hard, because they do. When they get a vision in their mind, it is no stopping them. This person and I have actually had several discussions about sports and what drives them. They did what they did for the love of the sport, but what they hadn't realized is they were doing so much more. Sports are a beautiful thing (hence all of the inspirational sports movies) and when you watch someone who is a true athlete you know why. Because athletes have always taught us that impossible is nothing.
Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the End It Movement. Kids, adults and celebrities have all been seen displaying a red X on their hands. Because of all of the commotion, I decided to look into it more. And what I found was shocking. Below are some of the statistics found on their website.
The End it Movement mission is shine a light on the issue of slavery. To let others know that it still exists and let those who are living as slaves know that they are not alone. You can learn more and watch videos at http://enditmovement.com/.
One of my favorite quotes is from Margret Mead who said, "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." This is a movement. It requires others to take part. To keep it moving! So, like many others, I planted a large red X on my hand to share with the world. But a movement is nothing without action. My goal is to not wait until someone asks about the mark, but rather explain to at least 5 people why it is on my hand. This is something that seriously everyone can take part in. So what do you say...are you in it to end it?
Top of the morning to you...or night at least. Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! I hope you all wore your green and avoided the painful pinches. Today was really simple.
Who says that four leaf clovers don't exsist? Because whenever I visit stores around St. Patty's Day, I see the walls of the stores plastered with them!The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) typically sells four leaf clovers near St. Patty's Day to fundraise for their organization. Many different places have them for sale and in my case the grocery store I went to was selling them and accepting change. I dumped my change from my wallet into the bucket after I made my purchase!
MDA raises awareness and money to fight muscle diseases. When I was younger, I would frequently see the four leaf clovers all over walls of businesses and have no idea what they represented, but now I know! Next time you see a wall of clovers, I encourage you to chip in and donate too! For more information on MDA, click here.
This afternoon my family headed back to the Northwest. When we finally arrived at our lovely abode, I got my Sevenly shirt in the mail that supported those effected by Superstorm Sandy (Day 52). In case you missed that post, let me quickly explain. Sevenly chooses one cause to raise money for, for seven days. Seven dollars of your purchase will then be donated to that week's cause.
While I was researching Sevenly a while back, I came across a very cool concept. They were trying to create a reality TV show that is titled "7 Days of Change". Below is the preview!
As we all know, things these days don't come cheap. For Sevenly to actually start their show, they are asking for donations of as little as $1. For $5, you will receive a digital copy of the pilot show. Highly intrigued- and already in love with the company- I decided I couldn't help but donate the $5 to see how incredible this new reality turned out. To learn more about the donations and the campaign, you can click here. I am so excited to see what they will do with this. I think the concept is an incredible idea and seriously needed. It is about time someone shed some positive light on the reality TV world.
Good luck Sevenly in your future campaigns and tackling the TV world!
For today, I decided to share the love and spare a little change. I saw someone else do this and was inspired to do the same! I left the amount for a pop and a little note on the pop machine. This way the next person to come around could enjoy- as Sweet Brown would say- a cold pop!
Now, I dare you to do the same! Scrounge up some change so you can treat a stranger to a soda or even a candy from the snack vending machine.
