The Power of Half

I picked up this book at the local library after becoming intrigued by the story I saw featured on the news. The Power of Half is the story about one family's decision to stop taking and start giving back. The idea was born when Hannah, then fourteen years old, witnessed a homeless man and another man driving an expensive vehicle in her neighborhood. She said to her father, "If that man had a less nice car, then the other man could have a meal." Quite a deep thought for a fourteen year old, I thought. The whole family got on board with Hannah's aha moment and decided to put their large home up for sale agreeing to donate half the profit to charity. I'm sure I'll finish the book in a day or two...it such a great thought philosophy to read about. For each copy of their book that is sold, $1 will be donated to Rebuilding Together, serving America's low-income homeowners and providing critical repairs at no charge to those with the greatest need. For their family project, they are investing in The Hunger Project. Visit their blog for more ideas for projects of your own. Kudos to the Salwen Family - what a great example!

After experiencing seven months of unemployment and living very frugally, we have been finally blessed with a job offer that will require yet another move. With this move, as with the last, my focus is to simplify. When you are forced to move, you realize how much 'stuff' you accumulate...and for what?!? To move it again? My goal is to sort and purge what we have and donate to those less fortunate. Once we are on our feet again, I am hoping to practice this same frugality we embraced through our months of unemployment. Live in excess no more. Give more of myself and more to charity, not necessarily money, but talent and service when and how I'm able. Lead by example as others learn by example. Develop an attitude of gratitude. Take nothing for granted. In the end, it's not how much you give; it's how much your giving changes your life and the lives of others.

What are some ways you give...time, talent, service? Remember to pay it forward.

(Image courtesy of Amazon.com)

29-Day Giving Challenge

Alright my friends - you all know I love to read and I just inhaled this book, 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life by Cami Walker. This book was excellent and a Christmas present from the hubs (thanks sweetie) - I read a little each night and finished it in under five days. I became inspired by the author, her life and her trials and triumphs along the way. She has reintroduced the idea of altruistic giving and the true act of selflessness. She helped me identify that I should try to mindfully give and focus more on the act itself.

Personally, I am a random act of kindness person; I prefer to give behind the scenes and catch someone by surprise much more than be recognized about doing it...neither is wrong, it's a personal preference...hey, at least you're giving of yourself. When I do come face to face with someone or interact after my act, I do try to say just 'pay it forward' after they have thanked me. What a wonderful place the world would be if everyone just practiced that selfless act of giving of themselves.

I'm headed over to Cami's site to see what other inspirational stories are out there and highly recommend you read her book - it's well worth your time. You can find it here on Amazon or any bookstore you may frequent. Visit some of the other sites found in my left sidebar under ::: NICE MATTERS ::: for ideas of how to give of yourself to others and tap into your own generosity. Peace and blessings to you all!

*A portion of the sales of her books is donated to MS research. Another great reason to purchase it - help eradicate this life altering disease.

(Image courtesy the 29Gifts.org)

GAP Give and Get Results

I got an email awhile back that I have been wanting to share with you regarding the amazing results of people taking the time to participate in the GAP Give and Get annual program. A certain percentage of your purchases goes toward a charity of your choice. We purchased some basic items that we needed and felt good that a certain portion was going to the charity we chose. I can proudly say that I contributed from my purchase to Feeding America; a lot of my friends participated as well - the results are posted below. A little bit goes a long way and every little bit counts - over $2 million dollars were raised total for the charities listed both in the US and Canada, with just over $450K going to Feeding America. A job well done - THANK YOU participants!