Giving is the reason for ANY season.

Or at least it should be. Have you ever stopped to think about it? We tend to give all we have during that one short month, but as soon as we've unwrapped our gifts and the After-Christmas sales have started, we're right back out there. And what does it get us? More shit in our storage and a very brief feeling of happiness. So, here is my challenge to everyone:

Donate.

Donate your time to a good cause.

Last night I was at the store and the first thing I saw was a display of clearanced out winter hats, scarves and mittens. One of the hats stood out and it was the last one and only $3. I thought "HOLY LUCKY ME! I have to have that!!!" I picked it up, looked at it and thought... but why? I have a winter hat. I have multiple hats. I can only wear so much. So what did I do? I bought it.

Actually, I bought $45 worth of clearance winter items. See, every Saturday of the month a group of people congregates in a little corner lot in Detroit. They do this so that they can feed the homeless. I try to go to the one on the third Saturday of each month and I need to try harder. There is no excuse for that, although I often tell myself there is. Along with doing a BBQ for them, people bring in clothes to donate. One of the most needed items is winter apparel. So as I was standing there over that hat I thought, I may not need this, but I know someone that does.

Even if you don't have the money, you can find time. These people do need food and warmth, but sometimes more than that what they need is an open ear and a warm heart.


Donate your money to a charity.

Think about how easy it would be if we all just gave $5 a month to a cause. $5 dollars. That's it. And it can make a HUGE difference to someone. So think about it. Give up one drink on bar night. Cut back on your smoking (healthier for you, too!) Skip the desert on date night or the popcorn at the movies. Chances are you don't need it anyhow! And that money that you save can make the life of someone else that much better.

This year for Christmas my dad requested that the family make donations in his name. That rocks! Here are a few of my tops :)

K.I.N.D

To Write Love on Her Arms


Donate your ears to someone in need

Could be your friend. Could be a complete stranger. But put yourself second for a change. Trust me, it can be hard, but it feels good in the end. The next time some strange lady approaches you at Starbucks when you are CLEARLY just getting to the good part in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (come on, we all know you've read it twice by now...), put that book down and listen. You may find that her story is even better.


So I guess what I'm getting at is... don't you think the world would be a better place if we all just helped each other out a little bit? :) Have a great week everyone!!!