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Charity Matters Inspiration

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Because I’m Happy…

 

photo via: rock.rapgenius.com
photo via: rock.rapgenius.com

I have to confess, I adore Pharrell Williams song, “Because I’m happy” and when I saw these 25 insightful thoughts from Gurbaksh Chahal about being happy via Linkedin, I simply had to share them with you. I do not make a habit of sharing other people’s material but this was more than worth sharing.

Happy and Success people…

  1. They forget who they were and focus on who they want to be. If you don’t let go of your past then you won’t find your future.
  2. They are sure of themselves and stick to their guns. Uncertainty is the key component of failure.
  3. They are willing to admit when they are wrong. If you can’t accept that you’re wrong then there’s no room to learn.
  4. They surround themselves with those who are worthy. Your friends make you who you are.
  5. They allow unwarranted and hateful criticism to roll off their shoulders. You will always have haters — learn to ignore those that are just trolling.
  6. They accept constructive criticism. You aren’t always right; others may have a clearer perspective than yourself.
  7. They focus and act on what they believe is right and don’t act simply to please. If you’re constantly pleasing others then you won’t have time to please yourself.
  8. They see challenges as an opportunity to learn and to grow as individuals. If you’re never challenged then you’re never going to see the world from a different perspective.
  9. They are open-minded. There’s always another way to do it — a way that may very well be better.
  10. They are quick to adapt. If evolution has taught us anything, it’s this: those who adapt the fastest and most efficiently are those who survive.
  11. They do the right thing because it’s the right thing. Having moral standards and following them alleviates the chances of feeling guilt.
  12. They don’t complain. If the situation can’t be changed and you can’t avoid doing what you have to do, then there’s no reason to complain; it only weighs on your nerves.
  13. If they start something, they finish it. If you’re not going to finish what you started, then why bother starting in the first place?
  14. They exercise regularly. You are an animal and animals are made to move and to push their limits.
  15. They read regularly. It’s the quickest way to learn how the world works.
  16. They keep a well-balanced, nutritious diet. What you eat affects your body on a chemical level.
  17. They take risks. Fear is acceptable as long as you overcome it.
  18. They have no problem with saying “no.” Often at times, it’s the things and opportunities that you turn down that allow for success to manifest.
  19. They meditate and learn to control their breathing. Breathing is the link between our conscious and subconscious mind.
  20. They focus on the moment. Life can only be lived in the moment.
  21. They question convention. The way things are done isn’t always the best way to do things.
  22. They care for and want to give back to human kind. We are all related and all connected.
  23. They learn from others, their heroes and mentors. Having guidelines makes life easier.
  24. They learn from the mistakes of others before they make the mistakes themselves. History does not need to repeat itself.
  25. They respect others and expect respect in return. We are all equal and should all be treated kindly and respectfully.

Most importantly, they are happy. And, at the end of the day that’s what life is all about. Time. Energy. Moments. Live each breath counting those blessings.

I simply couldn’t have said it better myself!  What makes you happy?

Charity Matters.

 

Boston Marathon, One Year Later

Boston Marathon 1935

Today is the Boston Marathon. Thousands of runners will come from around the world to compete in this legendary sporting event, just as they have since 1897. Year after year, the originally named The American Marathon was always celebrated on Patriots Day. There has been much talk about this years marathon being different but upon deeper reflection, I think the age-old saying will hold true, “The more things change, the more things stay the same.”

Many things will stay the same, the marathon will continue to be hosted by the non-profit Boston Athletic Association and will raise over $12 million dollars supporting over 30 local charities, just as it always has. Over 500,000 spectators will continue to come out to watch the over 27,000 runners. Yet, this year will be different.

This year we will remember and honor the three lives that were lost last year, the lives that were shattered and the tragedy that touched us all. It is often hard to see the beauty that comes from loss and tragedy. Today that beauty will be everywhere…in every runner, every cheerleader and every Boston Strong t-shirt worn.  Today, it is not The Boston Marathon but once again the American Marathon as we come together as a nation, not just a city, to celebrate our unity, pride and compassion.

As Americans, we are reminded that in this patriotic city, on Patriots Day, that our forefathers were feisty, strong, resilient, and had the ability to unite and come together in good times and in bad. While some things may change, many things will remain the same this year in Boston.

Charity Matters.

 

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Believe in Good.

believe in good

I know I keep seeing it, am I the only one? The trend, the kindness, the shift? Good things happen around us every day and yet we somehow pass them by. I believe we collectively are beginning to take notice. If the corporate world is leveraging this “shift in goodness” to sell something, than it must really be happening.

This is one of the most beautiful ads I have ever seen….oxy moron….I don’t think so….simply proof of the shift.

 

And as it says, “In your life what is it that you desire most?” Believe in good.

 

Charity Matters.

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A trash truck, a boy and a moment

Photo via Robin Newberger
Photo via Robin Newberger

One of the first words my oldest son said was, “Twas Twuck.” Every Wednesday we would sit by our big upstairs window and wait for the beloved trash man. He would waive, smile, honk and make our day. This morning I went looking for something to share with you about Autism and the story I came across simply made my day.

What has made this story so impactful, really had nothing to do with autism but rather with a beautiful act of kindness.  Manuel Sanchez, the trash man, gave Daniel the toy garbage truck that he purchased with his own money and had no idea that Daniel had autism. He just knew that Daniel was always waiting for him each week.

In a recent interview Manual said, “That little boy is so special, and he will steal anybody’s heart as soon as you see him,” Manuel told his employer. “I didn’t know what he has but there’s something very special about him.”

Obviously, there is something very special about Manual Sanchez too. His kindness has gone viral and he has inadvertently become the messenger of Autism awareness month by showing the world that the more you give the more you get.

Charity Matters.

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Happy Hearts

 happy_hearts_fund_pic_petra_nemcova

Today, I was part of an upcoming 10 year anniversary photo shoot for The Spiritual Care Guild. Not by coincidence, my sister sent along info on another non-profit that is also celebrating its 10 year anniversary, The Happy Hearts Fund. While, its founder is a Sports Illustrated swim-suit model, who is no stranger to photo shoots….she is someone who took her tragedy and made something so inspirational… that I had to share.

Her name is Petra Nemcova and she was in Thailand when the Indian Ocean Tsunami struck on December 26, 2004. After recovering from her injuries, she returned to Thailand to see how to be of the best help. When she witnessed families without homes, children without parents, and entire communities swept away, she knew she had to act. Petra was most affected by the children who were not getting any help five months after the disaster.

So in 2005 Petra  was determined to restore hope and opportunity to the children affected by the Tsunami with a vision to rebuild schools and children’s’ lives following natural disasters. It was the first time she experienced the “gap period” which occurs after first response and before governments step in after a natural disaster. For this reason Happy Hearts Fund concentrated its mission in the gap period by building “Happy Self Sustaining Schools.”

 

Happy Hearts Fund was structured so all administrative costs would be underwritten, thereby ensuring 100 percent of all donations received would be directed to children’s programming. Since inception, Happy Hearts Fund has worked in a total of 14 countries and is currently active in six countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Haiti. They have built or re-built 85 schools and kindergartens. Since their inception The Happy Hearts Fund has benefited more than 46,000 children and 490,000 community members.

Now, that is something that makes this heart very happy!

Charity Matters.

 

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

The Big Easy

Big Easy

As you all know I recently returned from my first Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Since today is Ash Wednesday and the celebration is winding down on Bourbon Street I thought it only fitting to share a little about a New Orleans non-profit today. The organization is called HandsOn New Orleans.

In the after math of Hurricane Katrina this incredible organization was formed to bring everyone together for the singular purpose of ” engaging, empowering, and transforming the community through volunteer service by connecting every passion with its purpose.” How great is that?

HandsOn New Orleans is a huge master calendar for the city bringing together all of the incredible opportunities and needs in one singular place. What I love is that this unique city and non-profit, hosts visitors from around the world, as well  long time residents in the New Orleans community. Since the hospitality in New Orleans is unlike any place I have ever been, HandsOn New Orleans doesn’t care if you are a party of one or a corporate team, a local or a tourist. Either way they promise to provide you with worthwhile  volunteer options.

While the hurricane has long past, the commitment to rebuild and reshape this amazing city has not gone away. Like most cities that have experienced a tragedy or natural disaster, that bond only makes them stronger. New Orleans is no different.

 

Since March of 2006, HandsOn New Orleans and their 35,000 volunteers have; completed 600,000 hours of service,organized 110 customized corporate projects with twenty Fortune 500 companies,impacted 19,500 underserved youth and trained 230 volunteer leaders that saved the community $13 million through volunteer time.

As many of us begin the season of Lent and the countdown to Easter, perhaps it is fitting to think of New Orleans. A city that shows us in good times and in bad that coming together is really what matters.

Charity Matters.

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Listening

 

Anti-Gang Groups-Bailout

The other day I was invited to attend a “listening session” for an organization that I am involved with, that is going through a transition. For those of you that know me, well….talking is more what I am known for, than listening. The beauty of this event was that it brought together people from a variety of non-profits all over Los Angeles and put us in small groups to discuss the change.

My group consisted of school principals, college professors, non-profit employees and one gentleman from Homeboy Industries, who on the surface, appeared to have had a gang past. The room was noisy and filled with conversation, some which was difficult to hear. As the night came to a close and we gathered for dinner and this gentleman began to tell me his story. He was soft-spoken, gracious and an incredibly gifted speaker.

He moved to Boyle Heights as a young boy and grew up in a home filled with addiction and abuse. Art was his passion and escape and when a teacher ripped up his art work, his anger took over, his school career ended and a life a drugs ensued. Almost a decade later he gave up hope and walked onto a freeway at night ready to end it all. His last words, “my children or mis hijos.” A gust of wind surrounded him, a truck swerved and by the grace of God this gentleman ended up alive and in rehab .

He left rehab and walked straight into Father Greg Boyle’s office at Homeboy Industries and asked for a job. Father Greg cried when he saw the change in this man and told him to start his job on monday. As I sat and listened to this incredible story, the Homeboy employee leaned in and said, “that was 8 years ago and now I have dedicated my life to helping others with their  sobriety, living a life of integrity and I use my life-like the gift it is every single day.”

My eyes filled with tears, at this incredible man, his grace, the gift I was granted by his presence and the simple invitation to listen.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

One sees clearly only with the heart

“One sees clearly only with the heart.  Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.” 

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince, 1943

Speaking at MSS

A few months back I was asked to give a speech at my alma matter, an all girls private Catholic school. I had been asked to speak a few times before on the topic of service and charity but this time the assignment was a bit different.  I was assigned a quote from The Little Prince and had to tie the quote into my personal story and service. I must admit it felt a bit like the homework assignments I used to dread.

However, the deeper I dove, the more fun and meaningful the assignment and speech became. Today, in looking for a heart themed quote, this same quote appeared once again. Coincidence? I don’t believe in those anymore. When I saw this quote I revisited the words I shared with the girls….

“Giving, service and charity have healed me in unexpected and unimaginable ways.  I was blind and could not see. The curve balls that were thrown to me became my greatest gifts. Those moments gave me my sight. Living the words is what made me understand what I had translated so many years ago in Mr. Olson’s room, just yards from where I now stand.  And to end where I began, although the journey continues, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

Is it really all about chocolate?

Valentine choc box

I love Valentines Day because I love chocolate. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I love all of the good things about Valentines Day…cards, candy, love…really what could possibly be better? Well, I started thinking about it and realized that perhaps Valentines Day should perhaps be about a little bit more.

Especially since this week is Random Acts of Kindness week there are so many ways to make Valentines Day more meaningful. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Instead of giving a Valentine gift, why not give to a cause you or your Valentine cares about? What better way to show your love?

2. If you don’t have a cause you can always buy something from the RED Campaign, a fun way to make a difference and support a great hip cause. Who doesn’t love anything that Bono supports?

3. When you are buying Valentines Cards, think about taking some by a homeless shelter, home for the elderly, a children’s hospital. Share the love.

4. The couple that volunteers together…..you get the idea. Make a date to volunteer together instead of a fancy dinner. I guarantee you, your heart will never feel more full and isn’t that more important than your stomach?

So, as you begin to panic about a gift, a reservation or a card…..remember this is a holiday simply about love and not just about chocolate. What could be sweeter?

Charity Matters.

 

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

 

 

 

 

 

Random Acts of Kindness Week

random-act-of-kindness-vending

Did you know this week is Random Acts of Kindness week? Well, it is! How perfect to celebrate kindness, the same week we celebrate love and Valentines.

One would hope that each of us would be able to come up with some small way to celebrate this wonderful week, but on the off-chance you are not feeling so creative there is an actual foundation that is here to inspire you.  It is originally named, The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation and its goal is to be a resource for people committed to spreading kindness. Their web-site is chock full of heart warming ideas of simple ways to make life better  for other people. How amazing is that?

The non-profit foundation started in 1995 and provides creative ideas for kind actions, along with being an incredible resource for parents and schools….all for free! The Foundation believes, “As people from different cultures and from all walks of life join to spread kindness, they are creating a powerful, synergistic action throughout the world.

Their mission is simply to inspire people to practice kindness and pass it on.  I can think of nothing better than that!

Charity Matters.

 

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

Martin Luther King Jr.

“Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service.” 

Dr. Martin Luther King Junior

Martin Luther King Jr

As you know, today is the day we honor and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. I wanted to find one quote that spoke about service and discovered myself being inspired by so many of Dr. King’s incredible words, that have become his legacy.

As we celebrate this day off, in memory of someone who believed we should live our life in service of others…perhaps it should be a day on, rather than a day off? A day to serve in whatever way that speaks to you.

So enjoy your day on and remember  Dr. King’s words.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’

Charity Matters.

 

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

Look great, feel better

look great, feel better

Its January and there isn’t a spin bike available at the gym or even a parking place for that matter. Everyone is busy beginning their New Year’s resolutions to look great and feel better after the past month of gluttony and before Super Bowl Sunday gets here. Last month, I came across an article that might help you out with that New Year’s resolution about being healthy and taking care of your health…and guess what?  It doesn’t involve a gym or a diet!

The article in the Wall Street Journal by Arthur Brooks was about a new study on how giving to charity affects our health and happiness and how others view us.  The author is the president of the American Enterprise Institute, which is a non-profit think tank that performs research in the non-profit sector.  He cited several studies that showed people who volunteer or donate money report greater satisfaction with their lives than those who do not give.  In addition, these same studies even indicated that donors live longer and that giving makes people appear more physically attractive.

Brooks ended his article by saying (jokingly), “So, on behalf of my colleagues in America’s millions of nonprofits, voluntary organizations and houses of worship, I want you to know we’re here for you.  We want to help you become healthier, happier, and better looking.” Maybe the gym isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and volunteering should be added to that New Years resolution? It sure couldn’t hurt.

Charity Matters.

 

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

If only for a moment

mimi foundationBeing carefree, something all of us remember in our youth and sadly long for, when our life’s responsibilities get in the way. A new video, from cancer survivor and founder of the Mimi Foundation, Myrian Ullens de Schooten, offers this gift of spontaneity to cancer patients. Myrian founded the Mimi Foundation, “Because of this experience my conviction has grown that cancer must be fought not only on the medical front, but on all fronts. Using this principle I want to ensure that all those who have to face this disease receive support, help and comfort.” This project accomplishes just that.

Just that moment of joy, silliness, freedom and the unpredictable. The video is in French with sub-titles, but the language of joy is universal. Take a moment and treat yourself to a small slice.

 

 

It simply doesn’t matter what language you speak or what you look like when you are suffering from cancer. What matters is the smiles, the fun, the joy and the moment that each of these people gave to another.

Charity Matters.

 

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

Its time for New Years Resolutions

New-Year_Resolutions_listIt has been a fun-filled few weeks and now it is that time of year to look back at last year’s resolutions, before making this years. I made many resolutions last year and I am proud to say that many of the big ones I achieved. I did re-do the Charity-Matters web site, we did remodel our kitchen and while I had toyed for many years with “officially going back to work,” this past month I did…more on that later. Looking back for me, is more than checking items off my list, but rather a time to ask myself the real questions:

  • Was I present and in the moment with my children and family?
  •  Was I a good spouse, daughter, friend?
  • Did I use my gifts and skills to help others?

These are the questions that define me, my life, and these are the items that matter, to me. So while I love making list, setting goals and proudly checking some items off the list…….the reality is that if I don’t ask the real questions to myself regularly, than nothing on list really matters.

So, as I bound into 2014 with excitement for my new job as an Executive Director of a non-profit, I cherish these last few months with my oldest son home and dream of travel and home renovation projects to accomplish….I am mindful that a resolution is simply something to strive for. Being the best person you can be, for yourself and the ones you love is truly the goal.

 

Charity Matters.

 

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.