Each One, Teach One

Spread around a love of literature, books and writing! Many children, and even adults, struggle when it comes to reading. Look into volunteering for adult literacy classes or reading to the elderly at a retirement home. www.proliteracy.org has an amazing legacy:

Laubach Literacy International's history begins in 1930, when Dr. Frank C. Laubach was a missionary among the Maranao people of the Philippines. His concern about their poor living conditions led him to conclude that the ability to read and write was essential for them to begin to solve their problems. As the Maranaos learned to read, they would, in turn, teach other adults on a one-to-one basis that became known as "Each One, Teach One." From 1935 to 1967, Dr. Laubach visited 105 countries answering calls for literacy help and created reading lessons in 315 languages. 

How do you serve the greater good?

“To Be of Use,” Marge Piercy’s marvelous poem, suggests something of the human condition—that we all long to be useful, to help, to work together toward a common goal. This is surely the best part of the human spirit. Meditate upon this:

What is my true purpose? What am I here to do in this life?

I recommend that you contemplate this question deeply and for a very long time—days, weeks, months, and years even. Let the answer speak through your service to others.

Add a Half Hour To Your Day

One of the most brilliantly simple pieces of advice I ever heard was from Peter Shankman at a publishing conference. He said he has tried this and it had transformed his life and it is just this: get up a half hour earlier and use that to reach out to people. He said it can be as easy as wishing a happy birthday to your Facebook contacts, one meaningful phone call first thing in the morning or writing a personal note to someone you have longed to be in contact with. I remember listening to him and thinking I really didn’t want to get up any earlier, that my days were long enough (see previous post on letting go, clearly I needed to do some right then!) and that it did not sound that appealing. But his sincerity and enthusiasm somehow broke through my “baditude” and I pondered the idea as I walked back to my car and drove across the Bay Bridge back to office. I decided to try it and I can tell you, he is RIGHT.

The extra half hour of every morning has been one of the best investments I ever made. So much so that I added an hour. It completely changed my life for the better. Try it!

Learn the Art of Letting Go

After all, we are all human and we have a little baggage. Or a lot, I sometimes will hold in my feelings until it is like a dam about to overflow. Luckily for me, I have had the opportunity to learn from great authors like Sue Patton Thoele, Melody Beattie and Mark Nepo that we just have to move on toward the positive. Release any repressed anger and pain that you have been harnessing. Allow yourself to let go of the past so that you can proceed to live in the present without worry, fear, or resentment. Remember that this isn’t a one-time event, but a process. Letting go is an act of kindness for yourself and from yourself. Once you can accept that life isn’t always something you can predict or control, yours will eventually become more positive and joyous.

“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.” –Maya Angelou

Book 'em

Give a book to someone out of the blue. Think about what this person would enjoy rather than what you enjoy reading. Consider their interests and buy them a book. Already own a book you think they’d like? Sometimes giving away your own possessions will mean more to the recipient, making them feel important enough to inherit your belongings.  Recently, one of my friends said she wanted to cook more at home after work instead of eating out most nights. I got her two cookbooks on one-pot meals and slow cooker recipes. Even though this was not what I had in mind, I have enjoyed some delicious soups and stews she discovered in her reading and sharing these together makes for truly high quality time together.