What Am I Doing?!
Cruising the web I happened upon this amazing HP giveaway hosted by Down to Earth Mama. I entered because I loved how she was encouraging entrants to donate part of the prize package to someone who needed it more. Beautiful.
She then had an option to earn a bonus entry."Write on a message board or your blog a post about how you have or plan to make the world a bit better."
And all of the sudden, I got to thinking.
What AM I doing to make the world a bit better?
I'm not sure I'm satisfied with my answer.
I spent the first seven years of my career working for a non-profit--it's why I moved to DC. I wanted to "save" the world. It was easy then to get involved with projects, to volunteer. Heck my job was one I felt was making the world a bit better.
But then I had kids and realized a savings might be a good idea.
I went to work for a company and what was I doing then? Sure I helped organize the annual Adopt-a-Family for Christmas project at work, but really?? I never felt like I had time. I had small kids. I worked full time. I was exhausted (okay I still am).
But my kids are a bit older now. I'm with a new company. I know I am more fortunate that most.
So what am I doing?
I volunteer a good bit of time as a board member for both the PTA and the little league. I am focusing on raising three boys to be good, caring, kind people. I make micro-contributions where I can. I participate in social networks because I hope that in some way I am helping to bring people together.
But is this enough?
What are you doing to make the world a bit better? I could use some good ideas.
13 Deserve Mamma's Love:
I make the world better by being sarcastic and grumpy. I'm not sure how much better off the world is because of that but I'm sure it's a decent little bit.
Oh, and I also hold doors open for people and use my turn signal...bring on the Nobel Prize.
My current project is collecting used books to help inner city HS teachers create classroom libraries. You could donate some of your own tomes to that, and feel all sorts of good about yourself! :)
I empathize - I feel like I'm not doing enough... but what we perceive as little things mean a lot. I am a foster parent mentor (with issues of my own. ha!) but outside of the work I do with my family, that's about it.
I know I am not doing enough. The most fun I ever had was my second year of B School. We adopted 4 families at Christmas time. In one day, 1 other dude and I shopped, bought, wrapped and delivered all the presents to these 4 families. The look on the kids faces was absolutely amazing.
I have not done anything since then. I suck. I need to get in the game.
I am raising two good citizens who have empathy for others and will eventually work to make the world a better place alongside me. And when I am done with that I will move on to something bigger and better that reaches more. But for now all my energy is focused on that little project. :-)
I am making myself better so that I am not dependent on the world to save me.
I know it's not a lot.
I adopted a soldier from www.adoptasoldier.org
My students raised money and we sent her a large care package to make her Christmas away from her 5 kids a little easier.
Not much....but that's all I have!
I do cancer prevention research. I live close to work so I use less gas to drive. I live in a tiny house. And I'm really nice. And I'm a mom.
But no, I'm not doing much else.
Well, let's see. I recycle for starters. Everybody should. I started a special education program at my son's private school. I have a medically fragile child who, at the very least, makes me more aware and a better person for it. I work in a 2nd grade classroom for practically nothing, and I give tons of time and what little money I can to lots of charities. My very tired self will say that I am doing all I can! At least, all I can and still stay upright!
Oh, Mitch McDad, I am also sarcastic and grumpy. So, bonus!
Hmmmmm,
now I'm thinking-
I have to work on this!
I know what you mean. I often don't feel like I'm doing enough. But oh my gosh, you're doing ALOT to make the world a better place. To me, just knowing amazing women like you are IN this world? Makes it a better place.
I'm spreading Grinchmas cheer ... is that enough?
Happy and merry!
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