Thinking Bigger

In a country (and world) where it seems more and more, people become absorbed in their own problems and make time for others less and less, it's important for us to remember, and not forget what we has humans have most to offer; the ability to help each other.

Its inevitable with the state of the globe and climate change, that Haiti is not going to be the only country to experience the need for intense and constant assistance. And while 99% of us cannot afford to justify dropping everything to catch a flight and give our bodies and love to these places, we can send our money to the red cross and other organizations that make caring for others their living.

This first month of 2010 I've given a lot of thought to volunteering. Working 40 hours while maintaining 10 school credit hours each week and keeping a clean and organized home, and still making time for the people and creative projects I love so much, has left me not much time to devote to additional organizations. I feel that regardless of the massive amount of responsibility on my plate, I need to take advantage of the fact that I HAVE so much more to give, and MAKE the time this year. Even if it's just a weekend twice a month. There is NEED out there, and with so many people themselves beginning to feel like charity cases in the state of the economy, we who ARE left and blessed with resources to donate, whether it be money, skills, or just our time in mentoring, need to pick up the slack. Everyone looking out for themselves will only further deepen this hole of country we have become morally.

I've been paying a lot of attention to a non profit organization in New York called Angels Gate, who is run by a woman who gave up a 6-figure salary years ago to take her technical skills and do what she felt was right. Just watch some of these videos to get an idea of the compassion this woman gives to her work. To me she is the ideal of selfless.


http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Tour-Angels-Gate-The-First-Animal-Hospice-of-Its-Kind-Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URKX3GHvQ1M


There is a phrase I read in an investments book quite a few years ago that I like to remind myself of when I am feeling low on resources, both emotional and tangible. "It is when we feel we have the least that we need to begin giving the most." Generosity inspires, and multiplies, and a lot of the time finds it's way right back to where it came from.

Some people might wonder how a woman could give up hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to put herself in a position of constant worry over the health and well being of animals, who can not pay her a cent. But I think what a lot of people forget is how much more valuable the emotion of love is. Love feeds and strengthens the soul. And the soul is eternal. I wish this woman all the best in the world and hope that I can do half as much good as she has done in her life.

While I"m not able to move to New York to work for this woman, I've searched for other abuse recovery organizations in my area. There are so many options and so many position opportunities. I can't wait to add this to my schedule. If you're interested in giving some of yourself, there are links below to learn more about these organizations.


http://angelsgate.org/

http://www.pawschicago.org/volunteer/volunteer-information/


There will always be unfortunate events, and unfortunately horrible people who have not evolved to the reality that all life deserves love, compassion and caring. And there will always be a need for good people to pick up the pieces. If you think there are enough already, well one more is even better. :)

Tata for now, it's time to study for class tomorrow!

Peace and Wub