Power to the people

Turn off your computer at night instead of leaving it on or in sleep mode, as this is wasted energy. By doing so, you can save an average of 40 watt-hours per day, which adds up to 4 cents a day or $14 per year (www.50waystohelp.com). In addition, the life of your computer will also be extended, as the amount of available time for virus contamination will be greatly reduced. This act of conservation is a great idea you should share with your office-mates.

We all have a story

My dad loved to tell his stories of being in World War II and he did have many dramatic tales, especially of having saved lives and delivering a Japanese POW’s letter to his parents in Tokyo, a major act of kindness involving much risk. I really wish I had recorded these but I carry dad’s stories and share them his honor. Our elders, in particular, have much to share and life lessons we could all learn from. The Library of Congress is gathering these by sending out volunteers to video record in the Veteran’s History Project, loc.gov.vets. To me, one of the most special aspects of this oral history project is that it is not only the “Greatest Generation,” but also even young people coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan whose stories are equally precious and just as important. I think we are learning that every generation has true greatness. 

I know you want to adopt a three-toed sloth

If you really need to read bedtime stories and cozy up to your newly-adopted loved one, the World Wildlife Fund has every imaginable animal, bird, fish or beyond for your brood AND you can get a stuffed animal representation, a photo of your new baby to show off to the relatives at holidays (what grandparent could resist a three-toed sloth, smiley orca or scaly anteater in the family, really?) For a mere $55 donation, you get all this, an adoption certificate, a gift bag and the long-distance love of a beastie! www.worldwildlife.org

Take a walk on the wild side

You know you want to adopt a wild animal, don’t you? Oceana can get you one step closer to that dream with their Adopt An Animal program so you can befriend (from a distance) a whale, manatee, a puffin, sea turtle or any number of beautiful sea creatures.  Swim on over to www.oceana.org and bask in the richness dwelling within Earth’s oceans.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine’s Day. It’s that sometimes-anticipated-by-couples-yet-often-dreaded-by-singles day of the year! In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, send an anonymous letter or bouquet of flowers to someone special to you- your mom, your recently divorced best friend. This deliberate act of kindness will last long after the 14^th as the memory lingers on.

-       PS

Offer to watch a friend or neighbor’s children so they can run errands or spend time with their significant other. A really nice thing to do the night before Valentine’s Day, btw.

Listening as an act of love

We don’t always have to donate time and energy to other parts of the world. Sometimes help is needed much close to home. Is a parent, sibling, spouse, or friend having a difficult time? Let them experience that loving feeling and help lift their spirits. Invite them to coffee or to dinner, surprise them with a simple gift, and take them somewhere they like. Lean forward and listen closely. Just listen.