The gratitude question

I love the holidays but not for the same reasons as most people. I love the holidays because it provides some much needed downtime and my boys are normally home. It has always been interesting to me that this is the only time of the year I ever hear or see anyone express gratitude. So my question is why? Every year they have holiday toy drives and let’s volunteer to serve holiday meals but what about the rest of the year.

I am very blessed to be employed and have a permanent place to call home. There are a lot of people who don’t have this and struggle daily just to find a safe place to sleep. I don’t know what the answer is to help solve this problem and the circumstances that lead to homelessness could impact any of us at anytime. I heard a statistic that each of us is just one paycheck away. Let that sink in for a moment.

What can I do to help create a brighter future for others and ensure I also remain self sufficient? Here are a few ideas:

• Engage and talk to people
  • We never know someone’s story so be kind
  • Most people are willing and grateful to be treated no different than anyone else (I learned this when I worked in the corrections field)
    • respect and eye contact go a long way
• Gather a group of friends and do a closet purge
  • We all have way to much stuff
    • I have crap in my closet that still has tags on it
  • Giving much needed clothing to those in need can change someone’s entire perspective and outlook
  • If you look good you feel good my mom used to say
• When you travel take those free toiletries
  • These are the perfect size to put in a care bag for others
• For women feminine hygiene items are key so pick up a few extra on your next trip to the store
  • Inexpensive and necessary
• Spend as much on those in need as you do for xmas gifts
  • If you plan to spend $300 on gifts spend the same on items for any cause
  • I am passionate about St Judes, animals, veterans, and rehab centers
    • There are young people who get out of the military and rehab that have NO support

Last stop thinking that you NEED everything you see, Pay off those credit cards and cut them up, pay off your vehicle if you have one and drive it til the wheels fall off. Do you care if the person at the stop light thinks your car is great? Ugh no

I have committed to this and as of this month I have no debt other than my house and the student loan that I now am hitting hard to pay off in full. All of these saving can then be used to help others. Get inspired and do something great