Make a Difference Monday

Dear friends, welcome to make a difference Monday. My goal is to make a positive impact in my community for selfish reasons. I'll be the first to admit, helping others feels good. Saturday, I volunteered at a race in order to earn a free race later. Many runners appreciated the hot chocolate, coffee and chicken stew that I served up. I didn't make any of it either! It was a cold day and I came prepared to stir soup. The day was a success for the most part. If you have a story to share of giving back, paying it forward, helping others, or a non-profit that you'd like to share please email me. My experience is limited and I'd love to learn about yours. Thank you and please stay tuned for weight loss Wednesday (possibly top pick Tuesday as well.)

Make a difference Monday

Dear friends, welcome to make a difference Monday. I was reading in my bible study about loving on people. I'm not a gushy gal but what stood out at me was being generous with compliments. Sincere compliments brighten anyone's day. It's simple and doesn't cost any more than the moment of time to give. I would like to encourage you and myself to be generous and sincere with compliments. Another way to make our world a little better. If you have a story to share of giving back or sharing about your favorite charity, please email your story to me and I will schedule it. Please stay tuned for weight loss Wednesday and maybe top pick Tuesday. Thanks!

Make a difference Monday

Welcome to make a difference Monday. I may not have any specific story to tell but I'm still here. I believe in the power of giving back and making our world a better place. I'm writing today to remind myself and you to think of others, think of your community, and think of what little efforts can be made to help make our world better. If you have a story to share or a nonprofit to highlight, please email me. I'll get it on my blog. I want my blog to be a positive place to make a difference for everyone. Perhaps a lofty goal but something to strive for. Please stay tuned for weight loss Wednesday.

Make a difference Monday

Saturday, I had the pleasure of waking up at 3:45 am to help set up the Oklahoma race for the cure. It was exhausting! From carting water to helping set up the finish line, it was chaotic. The temperatures were near freezing and it was touch and go there for me. I bundled up as much as I could but as we were driving in the golf cart to check the water stops, I couldn't stop shivering. I ran the 5k too with a respectable 39:20 time. At the end, I helped with the tear down. I didn't do much but I'm glad that I helped a little. There are so many times when I think that I can do more but instead of dwelling on those negative thoughts, I am content that I gave a little. Sadly, there's no photos from the event. I was too busy shivering to get out the camera. Please enjoy the apple photos courtesy of the race. Linking up with Molly and Carly for #YOLO MONDAY MADNESS!

Make a Difference Monday

Its make a difference Monday and all over the blogosphere, bloggers are posting a little give away. I am excited to participate in the fun. I commented on Samantha's blog 3 - Oh - 1 Grace St and I look forward to what she might have in store for me. Here are the rules for this fun exercise:

The first three people that comment on my post will get a gift from me within the next year. All you have to do is follow the rules below. It's pretty simple if you ask me. 

1. Within the year, I will create something unique to share with the first 3 people that comment on this specific post. I love giving gifts! (I may share something special that is not hand made and there's a good chance I will do it within a month instead of a year.)

2. ...but, in order for your present to arrive, you must play along as well. Spread the love on YOUR own blog promising to send a little something to the first three that comment on your blog post.

3. You get 72 hours (that's 3 days) to re-post this SAME post, or I'll move on to the next person.

4. PLEASE, only comment if you are willing to pay it forward.

Are you interested yet? So comment away! 

Please include the following in your comment:

Name:

Blog address:

E-mail address:

Something about you so I can get to know you better! {Could be your favorite color, season, food, how many pets or kids you have, what you do for a living, anything! PS - You can leave more than one thing}

In other news, I was blessed to participate in a scarf swap with my new bloggy friend Heather at Thirsty World Designs. It was quite a blessing to have received two scarves and I hope she enjoys the scarf I sent her. There's a good chance I'll be heading back to Target to get it for me.  END

Make a Difference Monday

My newest endeavor is to help organize the Fins for Pins bowling tournament sponsored by COPA . The beneficiary of this event is the Work Activity Center in Moore, Oklahoma. This non-profit organization gives steady jobs to disabled adults. The clients who work there have an opportunity to earn a living and socialize with their peers on a regular basis. I'm very excited to meet everyone when we actually host the event in January.  For now, please enjoy this bowling pin photo.
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Make A Difference Monday

I have a new committee I have joined and I am thrilled to share it with you, next week. It's been such a long time since I have written a list on my blog. Personally, I love lists and I thought it would be fun to do a list everyday of the week.  
Today's list is my Top 5 Reasons For Giving Back 
5) While helping others, you can meet new friends.
4) It helps improve the community and environment.
3) Other people feel good.
2) You can help out doing fun things.
1) Volunteering helps you feel better about yourself.
My number one reason is selfish. A couple of years ago I was stressed out of my mind and depressed. I read from Cosmo that if I gave back, I would feel better about myself. It was an effective therapy for me and I have been giving back ever since.
Tomorrow: look forward to a Top Pick Tuesday, where I'll share one of my favorite photos.
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Make a difference Monday

When I lived in Denver, I gave back to the local kids at the George Wilfley Boys and Girls club. I taught students how to play piano. Usually, I would teach them in groups of 3 to 4. There were a lot of challenging moments. I knew that I was impacting some students. It was a small gift but I'm glad that I was there for the students.

Painting

I was helping at a park with members of Making Oklahoma city Beautiful. We call it the MOB. It was fun and I got to meet some other people. I enjoy giving back to my community because it helps me deal with stress. If you are feeling blue, try giving back to your community. The emotional boost is surprising and helpful.