Hope is in the Cards

Go Outside.

It doesn’t matter where you live or work. There is something inspiring outside — even if it’s just a weed in a crack on the side of the road.

Think about it – somehow with nothing but rain and sunshine and the ickiest bits of dust and dirt, that weed broke through concrete!

If a helpless, crushable little plant can do it, so can we.

Turn Everything Off!

This is one of my favorite things.

Turn everything off in your house for five minutes. TVs, stereos, iPods, computers, lights, clocks, the heat or AC….everything.

Just the act of discovering how many things you have on is amazing. But the quiet, the thoughtfulness, the lack of buzzing….it does wonders.

And money says you’ll discover a few things you don’t need to turn back on, and that saves energy and cash. Oh, and the environment.

Wow.

Give Something Back.

Time is precious and we don’t get enough of it.

So why not ditch TV for one hour one day, and instead, use that hour to help someone else?

Serve a meal at a shelter. Drive someone to an appointment. Paint over some graffiti.

That hour will be remembered and treasured far longer than any sitcom.

To find local organizations who can help you help others, one of the best places to start is the United Way.

Thank A Soldier.

It doesn’t matter if you believe in the war or not.

These people are putting their lives out there and doing their best to serve our country.

The amazing folks at A Million Thanks make it easy.

Log on. Say thanks.

And let them know you’ll be happy when they’re home again. www.amillionthanks.org

Get Inspired.

Internet radio is an incredible, fast-growing way to listen to programs to suit almost every taste or interest.

Loren Gelberg-Goff’s show, Loving The Life You’re In serves up a weekly dose of positive, upbeat tips and conversations with some of world’s most interesting guests and experts.

It’s live on Friday mornings at 10Am Eastern Time and you’ll see for yourself why it’s been a #1 rated show almost since its inception.

Play With A Puppy (OK, or a kitten)!

Sappy yes. Fun as all get out, you bet! A visit to your local animal shelter or pet store is all it takes.

There are thousands of pet shelters, animal shelters, humane societies and pet stores across the country and nearly every one of them will let you warm your heart (and give their residents much-needed exercise) if you just stop in.

Just try to resist the hopeful fun of playing with a puppy! This abandoned pooch turned on the charm and found a great home.

If you know your zip code, it’s easy to go online and find a fuzzy friend nearby. I’ve used this great site:
www.petfinder.com.

Read To A Child.

This doesn’t cost a thing. And you feel great, the child feels great, you promote learning and education and by gosh, it’s just fun to do.

If you don’t have a child of your own or one nearby, offer your reading skills up to a local children’s hospital, care center, shelter or school.

Do it once and you won’t believe the difference in your perspective. Do it more than once and you could change a life.

Find out more about the power of reading to kids at
www.readingfoundation.org.

Shop Local!

Small businesses are the economic engine of the country, but they sure seem to be paying the price these days.

The folks at the 3/50 project have an easy idea that can help keep your neighborhood business afloat.

Pick three local businesses and simply spend $50 you’d normally spend at a national chain and instead, spend it with those neighborhood enterprises.

With local businesses, 68% of that money stays local compared to only 43% when you spend it at a nationally owned business.

You don’t add anything to your budget. You just spend what you have a little more wisely. And you help keep the engine that drives our economy running.

You can learn more at www.the350project.net.

What a year. Here are some of my ideas on simple things you can do to make 2010 even more hopeful — and most don’t cost you a dime!

Over the next 10 days, I’ll post one tip a day — now through January 1st!

TIP #1
1. Let Someone Know You Care

What a year. So many Americans have lost jobs, watched local businesses disappear, have family members overseas at war, faced foreclosures and more. Odds are you know at least one person who could use a lift.

So, mail a REAL card or note to someone, right now.

We all know that e-mails and text messages are no match for a heartfelt, handwritten message.

And if you don’t know someone who needs a lift, then simply write the word HOPE on the back of anything you mail.

I don’t know about everyone else, but for me, this has been a tough, rough, year.

So many people I know have lost their jobs and home. People near me have had unexpected deaths in their families. And the news — well, let’s just say it’s hard to manage all the negative stuff that’s tossed at us.

So, I hope this little, simple idea might help you feel better.

Find a pen or pencil and a sheet of paper, and go somewhere quiet. The office storeroom. Your car (if you have one). The bathroom even.

Now, write down the name of someone you know who has suffered a hardship this year.

Then, simply tell that person that that they are in your thoughts today, and that you hope 2010 is a better year for everyone.

Then, mail them that simple, one sentence note.

It takes less than a minute. The stamp is only 44 cents. But to be remembered in tough times, and to know that someone else wants you to have a better future, that’s a priceless gift.