Cartloads of Kindness

This one is so simple that I really shouldn't have to write it here, but you'd be surprised how many people don't put their shopping carts away once they are done unloading their groceries! Walk the nearest ten feet to the nearest shopping corral and roll the cart on in. Done! In addition, if you notice someone about to put their cart away and you need one, offer to take their shopping cart. These momentary connections that can happen in the frozen food aisle or parking lot are good for us. Keeps us human. Keeps us together. 

Teach What You Know

My family recently wondered what I would ever do with an English degree. One of the many things I've done is mentor a student in grammar and hopefully foster a love of reading, the benefits of which will last a lifetime. Check out the vast array of opportunities to teach and learn at teachforamerica.org.

Blanket the World with Love

Do you remember Linus of the venerated Peanuts cartoon? His love for his blanket shows how universal that love for just the right soft cloth can be. My mom and aunts are amazing quilters. They can take seemingly anything and make a gorgeous, collectible quilt from it. Even if you, like me, lack that "quilting gene," you can blanket the world with your love and good intentions by collecting them for donation. I put a call out and got a ton of nice comforters to donate to Project Linus, at projectlinus.org. This nurturing organization sends cozy quilts and oh-so-warm blankets to kids in shelters, hospices, hospitals, and wherever the cloaking comfort of love might be needed. My mom recently made a quilt of some of my crazy outfits from the eighties, so I can only hope that the beneficiaries of Project Linus have a good sense of humor and a love of neon colors!

  

Step Up

Challenge yourself. Life is a process and throughout your years on this planet, get to know yourself better at every stage. Surprise yourself. If you go through life without trying something new, you are not doing yourself justice. Discover your true potential and maybe more than just your life will improve.

Save Rare Earth

Cell phones and batteries are some of the largest contributors to toxic substances in our landfills. More than 13 million cell phones become obsolete in California every year, and historically only seven percent have been recycled. Over 80% of reusable batteries are composed of the hazardous heavy metals nickel, and cadmium. Mobile phones contain hazardous levels of lead, nickel-cadmium, and other toxic materials. While these and other rechargeable batteries have been banned from disposal in California for several years, recycling opportunities have lagged. According to Californians Against Waste, for every million cell phones we recycle, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered. Go to epa.gov for information on how to recycle your cell phone.   

Spend Your Money In Your Own Neighborhood

Support local agriculture by purchasing produce or baked goods from farmer's markets. By doing so, you ensure that your fresh food is organically grown and isn't imported from another state or country- the cost of shipping is a contribution to greenhouse gas and pollution. Every dollar you spend locally will go a long way towards supporting your local economy and your next-door neighbors.

Your conscience will be cleaner!

Save water by taking shorter showers! 

Dyers are Energy Vampires - Clotheslines are Better!

Hang dry your wet laundry. By doing so, you're saving energy and preserving the fit and color of your clothes!

Stop Interrupting Others When They Are Speaking

We have become a nation of interrupters, as though what we have to say is more important than anyone else's opinion or thoughts. Think before you speak. If a friend is confiding in you, consider if your words can truly help them. Many people interrupt or relate the problem back to themselves instead of thoughtfully responding to the person who is confiding in them. Reflect on what you have heard and then reply. This is not only basic manners but also means a lot to the person to whom you are listening to. I guarantee you will start to notice when you are interrupted once you have stopped. Listening in is an act of love.    

Each One, Teach One

Spread around a love of literature, books, and writing! Many children and some adults struggle when it comes to reading. Look into volunteering for adult literacy classes or reading to the elderly at a retirement home at proliteracy.org, an organization with an amazing legacy: Laubach Literacy International's history began in 1930 when Dr. Frank C. Laubach was a missionary among the Maranao people of the Philippines. His concerns 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 Maranao's learned to read, they would, in turn, teach other adults on a one-on-one basis that became known as "Each One, Teach One." From 1935 to 1967, Dr. Laubach visited 105 countries, answering calls for literary help and creating reading lessons in 315 languages.

  

Show a Little Tenderness

Let public workers know they are doing a good job. (See July 15 and try using a few minutes of your extra half hour to write thank-you notes to your local police station. I imagine it happens very rarely.) When you see a firetruck, ambulance, school bus, or police car, go ahead and thank the workers inside for their hard work. Whether internally thought or externally voiced, this appreciation goes a long way.

Add a Half Hour to Your Day

One of the most brilliantly simple pieces of advice that I ever heard was from Peter Shankman at a publishing conference. He said it had transformed his life and it is simply this: get up half an 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 been meaning to be in contact with. I remember listening to him and thinking I didn't want to get up any earlier. My days were long enough (see July 14 on letting go- clearly I needed to do some right then!) and that did not sound appealing. But his sincerity and enthusiasm broke through my "badititude" and I pondered the idea as I walked back to my car and drove across the Bay Bridge back to my 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 have ever made, and so much 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)! Sometimes I hold in my feelings until they are 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 keeping inside. 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. 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

Gaggles for Good

Plan an outing with a group of friends that will positively impact society. Instead of just going to the movies again, gang up for the good of all. Together, plant a community garden, help clean up a schoolyard, or volunteer for a nonprofit organization.



In the San Fransisco Bay Area, there are regular beach clean-up efforts and it is enormously rewarding to see the unmarred beauty beneath the trash. Find your local chapter of "Heal the Bay," and get a little sun, sand, and healing for you, your friends and the closest coast. 

Tend Your Garden

Grow your own garden, even if it is just on a stoop, window-sill, or fire escape. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs, oh my!



Think of the recipe possibilities if your ingredients were right in your own backyard. Growing your own produce can save you money, and time spent picking through the bruised and aged produce some grocery stores offer. This is also a great way to get organic!

Green Day

If you are able to, walk or ride your bike to school, work, or wherever you need to go.




By not using your car, you are helping reduce greenhouse gases while burning some calories at the same time! You can also use public transit or carpool with a friend- this also gives you the golden opportunity to bond with your coworkers or get to know more about your friend. 

Show Someone You Care

Collect or buy some items to make a care package for someone, such as a soldier serving overseas or a child in need you have found through an agency.



I have two shelves in my closet where I stash stuff I know will make a difference in someone's day. I picked up this wonderful habit from my mom and ladies at her church. They have the knack of knowing just what people want.

Book Em'

Give a book to someone out of the blue. Consider their interests and buy them a book.



Recently, one of my friends said she wanted to cook more at home instead of eating out most nights. I got her two cookbooks one on one-pot meals and slow cooker recipes. Much to my surprise and delight, she's been sharing some delicious soups and stews she discovered in her reading, and sharing these makes for truly high-quality time together.

Treats for the Sweets

Treat someone to a meal- this is especially effective when people least expect it!
Whether you are out with a friend or see a person in need on the street, take the opportunity to buy their meal without offering. Just do it.