Write Your Volunteerism and Charitable Contributions into Your 2010 Goals

This year for Christmas I gave the pot away. I took all of the money I would have spent on gifts for people- gifts they’d likely not remember 2 months later- and donated it to my favorite charity. Each person on my gift list received a holiday card with a note inside describing where their gift cash went.

It felt great to do that. It also had the bonus of freeing me up from not having to join the stampede at the mall or fret over gift-giving this year. A win-win.

As you write you goals for 2010, I encourage you to include your acts of charity. It could be a donation, decide how much and when to stick to it. It could be volunteering your time or family’s time, note how much time per week or month and what tasks you’ll likely be doing. Also, make sure to write about and share why this is important to you. How does it enrich your life to give to others? That after all, is probably the most important lesson you can pass on to your friends, family and colleagues.

Be giving in 2010. Give what you can. Map it out now so you have some direction... and simply to start the year off right.



Happy holidays.

Gift Giving in Tough Times

Do you remember how we "changed" after 9/11? People reclaimed the family as a priority. We took time for reflection and contemplation of purpose. Well, something slightly similar is happening now with people reexamining how they spend money. Both times bring us back to a tough evaluation of what is really important to us.

I really struggled over whether the economy should effect my wedding site selection. Do I try to have a budget wedding (more than I would normally) to reflect my understanding of the economic downturn? Or, do I find other ways to accommodate the tightening of wallets, while still having my dream wedding. I chose the latter. I did that for more reasons than I can type here (just for time sake) but one was because the economy will correct itself over time, and I didn't want to have to look back at one of the most significant days of my life and say, "I had to do that because the economy...". I fully recognized that some of my guests may no longer be able to come based on my luxurious choice. We can celebrate with them in other ways. But, this is still the wedding I've looked forward to for many years- and I'm not going to let fear dictate how I remember it forever. And, besides, I'm the one encouraging you to stay away from the fear mongers, the nay sayers and the downers who will bring you nothing but depressive thoughts. I help people everyday find jobs, recreate a life they have always wanted, and stay on top of their games (whether that is personal or professional). So, what role model would I be to reject my dreams?

That was a long story to serve the title of this blog: gift giving in tough times. I encourage you to revisit what "gift" means. What are the greatest gifts you've received? Its likely more about the sentiment, the memory, the feeling, than it is about the "thing". So, rethink your next gift to someone you love. Make it memorable- and that doesn't always mean expensive. You may also want to ask them what they want. They may have revisited what is important to them, and give you a surprising answer.

All in good health.
Lisa

Don't Forget Your Favorite Charities...

Pic: Louie B (a shelter dog) pretending to earn his kibble.

I'm a huge animal lover! I always have been. I remember getting bit on the face as a child by a dog and telling my mom it was my fault for sneaking up on him. I still have the scar from that incident. But, I never once stopped supporting animal related causes. I suppose I'm a die-hard.

Each year at Christmastime, my dear friend Tara and I contribute money in each other's names to animal-centered organizations. I do the same for my mother at Mother's Day and on her birthday.

No matter what cause you feel close to, don't forget about them during times like these. We all seem to be a little more generous around the holidays. This year is slightly less-so due to economic concerns, but it shouldn't mean that our most loved charities have to bear the brunt of it. I'd rather pick up one less "gift" and contribute more in times like this.

Please consider making a donation in your loved ones honor or memory this holiday. It will make a greater difference that you know.

Happiest of holidays,
Lisa