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Being in the moment

being in the moment fordLast year I shared my Lenten resolution, which was to perform 40 random acts of kindness. I have to say that it was probably one of the most difficult challenges I have ever put myself through….mainly due to the word “random.” So, this year I thought I would focus on something simpler….or so I thought. My resolution for the next 29 days is to be present, in the moment.

I am a planner and planners are always looking ahead to whats next….who has time for the moment? The problem with that is that you are never in the now, as they say. Somehow my life is all about getting ready for whats coming. In this crazy world we live in, where jumbo jets go missing and life changes on a dime how can I deny myself being here right now?

Ten days into my resolution,  I now get off the cell phone when picking up my son at school and I am there with him..in the moment. I am trying to walk away from my computer at night to be present with my family. At the end of my life, I want to go out with no regrets. Many lessons learned from a lifetime of mistakes and missteps, but no regrets.

A life not being lived in the present is simply not living. When my time comes, I want to know that I lived every day to the fullest, did my best and leave this earth with a lifetime of moments.

Charity Matters.

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Ways to make a difference

Random acts of kindness: one week in

old and young handsHow many of you made New Years Resolutions or Lent sacrifices? If so, how is that going for you? I can honestly say after a week into my commitment to perform 46 random acts of kindness, this is more challenging than I thought.

Part of the problem with resolutions I’m discovering is, that we have an expectation in our minds of how they are supposed to play out. We give up chocolate and see ourselves as a super model in a bikini or we give up Facebook and see ourselves with so much extra time. Sadly, these preconceptions are often what becomes our roadblock to success.

I, of course, envisioned myself helping hundreds of little old ladies from Pasadena who were just lining up waiting for me to help them…randomly of course. Surprise, that hasn’t been the case. This past week I have had to go looking for opportunities, they did not come to me as I had thought.

Day one I helped a handicap man at mass, day two I helped an elderly lady at the grocery store, and day three there was no one in line behind me so I could pay for their coffee….hmmm so I put money in an expired parking meter. Then I hit a serious lull, it was late in the afternoon nothing had presented itself (or I wasn’t paying attention) and I panicked..what to do? I picked up the phone and phoned a friend, one I hadn’t spoken to in a long while. Warning: grey area here. Is this a random act of kindness or pre- meditated desperation to fulfill my obligation?

Either way it was a good feeling and even better conversation. So I have still have 39 days to make this right, be kinder, make an effort and more importantly make a tiny difference in this world. Hey, a difference is a difference! Random or not.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2013 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.

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A time to give

ash wednesdayToday is Ash Wednesday. It is a day when strangers continue to remind me that I have a smudge of dirt on my forehead, as well as the (roughly) 40 days before Easter and the beginning of Lent. Typically Catholics like to mark this day by giving something up. Most people give up sweets, some give up Facebook, you get the idea.

I however, have never bought into this theory of denial. I understand it but rather than give something up I like to use this time to do something positive. In years past, I have committed to favorite causes, given extra time (always the best gift) and tried to use my time and talent for their greatest purpose.

This year, between now and Easter I am committing to do a random act of kindness each and every day …..all 46 of them. So whether it is paying for someone’s expired parking meter, buying a cup of coffee for the person in line behind me or going out of my way to help another. This is the gift I choose to share.

So regardless of your faith or religious beliefs, what can you do in the next 40 days to make your life and the lives of others better?

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2013 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.

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