When you were young what did Thanksgiving mean to you? Was it all about the food, the friends and family or the black Friday sales. Lol. My where our society has come... Do you remember sitting around a large table with friends and family, chatting about your school year, sports, hobbies, and, most likely, your most recent crush? Or perhaps it was a time to share in a small intimate setting with your family where you finally had time to sit and share your more recent occurrences. Did you donate canned goods at your school, church, or to the neighbor dedicated to serving the homeless during one of the most joyful and yet lonely times for others of the year? These memories bring a smile to my face and touch my heart.
For me, service came as a key part of the modeling my mother did for us at home. We were always giving time volunteering, mentoring, or making donations to others. Service is core to our family values, so it is not surprising that I chose to become a transformational coach later in life. It truly was a gift to understand that stepping outside oneself, in turn, brings you more joy. I love to adopt an attitude of gratitude not only at this time of year but, frankly, always. No matter how bad of a day I might have, I always ask myself, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” or I state things like, “It can always be worse.” We are blessed with our health and the breath of life.
Giving comes from our hearts and our desire to help others. Giving Tuesday is a global movement of generosity. It is a day that we focus on giving vs. receiving. Every year the giving levels have been increasing, which would note higher levels in generosity. In 2021, about 35 million people participated. That's a 6% increase from the highest giving level in 2020 during the pandemic.
No act of kindness is too small, so look inside and figure out how you want to give back this year.
At this time of year, when you think of giving, you can consider giving from a monetary standpoint and of your time, as that can often be just as rewarding, if not more. If you are local to Los Angeles here is a great article that lists places to volunteer in Los Angeles. Volunteering our time is also a beautiful way to build a community which I love.
I’m not sure if you are like me, but sometimes I get overwhelmed by the number of non-profits out there, and I get lost in which ones I should focus on, so I compiled a list of some of my favorites. When you stop to think about potential companies to give time or a monetary donation to this year, I’d love for you to consider these five organizations that are not only featured on the Opportunity Knocks podcast but have causes that are close to my heart.
Here are five podcasts highlighting non-profits to give. back this holiday season!
Our purpose is to offer pleasure, comfort, and relief to children in domestic abuse shelters.
This book seeks to build leader for the future by empowering children to change their own lives and communities through books, libraries, and educational programs.
3. Jason O’Mara - Movember
Movember is a prominent charity that is transforming men's health. We know what works and what doesn't for males.
Habits of Waste is focused on finding solutions to shift our society's habitual patterns of waste that are harmful for our planet.
Crayon Collection has been collecting gently used crayons from restaurant chains around the country and distributing them to disadvantaged schools across the world with great success.
5. Wendy Diamond - WEDO
WEDO was founded to raise awareness to the 250 million girls living n poverty worldwide and seeks to empower, celebrate, and support women in business worldwide. WEDO builds a global blueprint to alleviate and eradicate poverty through a vital network and microloans for women.
I am so grateful for these amazing companies and individuals as they have been instrumental in my life, some of which I was blessed to participate in on the board as marketing chair. These experiences have helped shape my outlook and desire to make a difference by giving back at all times of year. Let’s face it living in Los Angeles, we always have something to be grateful for, whether it be the weather, mountains, or beaches. Sometimes it’s a mindset shift; it’s as simple as a smile that can change someone's day.
On this Thanksgiving 2022, my wish for you and your family is to be surrounded and blessed with love, joy, yummy food, the warmth of a place you call home, and health. Health makes wealth. Cheers!
Be well. Do well.
All my best,
P.S. Looking to create change or transform your life? Learn how one-on-one coaching can help you today! Check out our website for a full list of benefits.
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