Find and Support Your Passion/s

I recently posted a video on YouTube and my Facebook account on Passion. I was prompted to post the video based on two articles in the New York Times. I highly encourage you to watch the video and then identify and support your own passions.

You can see the video by going to my Facebook account or click on the title bar of this blog and it will take you to YouTube (if anything fails, you can also search “lisa spahr” on YouTube).

Thanks.

Time for Your Passions- Find Speakers

Make Time for Your Passions- and Hearing Others Who Share Them.

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Yale Club’s (of Pittsburgh) event featuring CEO and President Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

I have been an animal advocate all of my life. I’ve volunteered in shelters to walk dogs. I’ve written to my legislature for action protecting animals from abuse and neglect. I’ve adopted my best friends from shelters. I make regular donations (including gift donations). I try to find ways in my every day life to be a strong advocate for animal protection and human responsibility toward animals. I’ve even become a vegetarian, twice. :)

To hear someone who shares your passions and has made it their life’s work is stimulating and exhilarating. To be surrounded by others who, mostly, feel the same is also energizing. This event was one of the more heavily attended events, according to organizers.

I received this invite because I recently sat down with a staunch animal advocate at my local shelter. She was kind enough to extend this invitation, that was a private invite-only affair. I feel fortunate that this meeting led to such an exciting opportunity. It was great to hear Wayne. It was even greater to feel revived in my efforts to be the best I can be in the areas I am passionate.

I encourage you to seek out speakers and presentations of those you admire. The experience is likely to be moving.

To learn more about the HSUS visit: http://www.hsus.org/
I further encourage you to have a plan for your pets in your absence, temporary or permanent. You’ll be glad you did.

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