2015 Resolution

"Everyone suffers some injustice in life, and what better motivation than to help others not suffer in the same way."  -Bella Thorne

I feel like the year wouldn't be complete without a resolution post...  So, here it goes.

Something I've placed a strong emphasis on this year is reaching needs, wherever they may be.  Making small differences in other people's lives has made a big difference in my life.  But more importantly, being able to see needs (literally everywhere) and how prevalent they are has been eye opening for me. Knowing that our communities, cities, states, countries, and planet is suffering, makes me want to do my part.  Every issue from a dog without a warm place to sleep to the lack of food and clean water in third world countries matters.  World peace, as idealistic and cheesy as it sounds, and world satisfaction has become an ever prevalent theme that my heart aches to resolve.  I've spent a lot of time and energy this year doing my part, and I'm resolving to do more next year.

So what's a resolution without concrete steps and goals?  Well...I'm getting there.  I'm not sure where I'll begin.  One thing I've learned this year is that you can't help someone unless you really feel led to do so.  It has to feel right in the moment.  You have to know that you are meant to be the helper.  You have to feel like the difference is yours to make.  If you've ever had this feeling before, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  It's almost like your contribution means more when you know that you were meant to be the one making that contribution.  However, all of that being said, I do need "measurements" in place to make sure I'm maintaining my resolution, right?  

Here's what that will look like:

1. One or more charitable actions each month in the form of a donation of time, money, items, energy, resources, or any other helpful initiative not otherwise specified
2. Each month's "action" must be different (no duplication).  Although repeating a charitable action is certainly allowed, encouraged even, it will not count towards that month's "charitable action"
3. The small things matter - thinking outside of the box is encouraged.  At least 3 times this year, make the "act of kindness" personal versus commercial.  Make sure that 3 of the 12 actions (25%) directly affect an individual (stranger or not), rather than an organization or group.

The ultimate goal here is to inspire more action, creativity, and community involvement. In some capacity (Facebook, blog posts, something - haven't decided what YET), I'll keep everyone posted on my activity.  This is more for accountability reasons than anything else.  I also think it's good to share my experiences, positive and negative, in order to encourage others to get involved too!

So, what's my new year's resolution?  To leave people and places better than I found them.