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.

Veg Out! Healthy Food For All is Essential

All families and growing children should have easy access to healthy food. 

 

Have you hear of “food deserts?” I certainly never did until reading last year in the New York Times about entire swaths of urban areas with nothing but corner stores filled with processed packages foods and no produce whatsoever.  I started paying attention and it is true.

There is something you can do about it, by making a donation of www.WholesomeWavge.org who will provide fresh fruits and veggies to these underserved communities.  How great is that? Actually, it is even better, as Wholesome Wave obtains their organic produce from small and mid-sized farmers.

Make Good Choices in Your Life

Make sure 2019 is one of the best years of your life!

This is your life, only you can truly control your choices, and choosing happiness is the best way to achieve being a good to yourself as well as the world. Here are some suggestions for how yo simple joy in your life:

·  Be the best you can be by your own standards

·  Surround yourself with people who inspire you and make you feel good

·  Focus on what you have, not what you lack

·  Optimism trumps pessimism every time!

·  Smile often and genuinely

·  Be honest, to yourself and to others

·  Help others

·  Embrace your past, live in the present, and look forward for what is yet to come

Cookies Taste a Lot Like Love: #OperationGratitude

Thousands of miles away and MRE's to eat, how much would you love homemade cookies?

 

I learned about his from my mom whose church regularly sends cards letters and care packages overseas to the armed forces. My mom and her fellow church ladies bake some of the best cookies in the world so they gather up all kinds of goodies and treats and send them overseas where the taste of “down home” surely brings many smiles of satisfaction. Those who are less gifted in the baking department, such as ME, can make $15 donation to Operation Gratitude, which pays for one care package for one serviceperson. Operation Gratitude has end over a million of these kindness kits around the world!

Make More Time for People in Your Life

Everyone you see has a story worth hearing. Just say hi!

Try something new this year and check out the Just Say Hello Campaign on Oprah’s website. The campaign (find it at www.oprah.com) encourages kindness and strives to combat loneliness by reading our and connecting. A howdy-do to a stranger might make your day and a new pal in the process. I read about this excellent friendliness project in Oprah’s O Magazine a few Sundays ago and immediately felt inspired to try it that day. My boyfriend and I went to do our weekend chores, which include fresh flowers from our neighborhood stand. An older gentleman was standing there smelling the roses, always a good idea in my mind. I remembered to say “Hi” as instructed by Oprah and he responded with a big smile and wanted my input on flowers he wanted to buy for a lady friend.  As you might imagine, quite a conversation ensued and my boyfriend joined in, who is even friendlier than I am. Soon the florist was involved and our new gentleman friend turned out to be a fascinating conversationalist. He had been a fighter pilot in the Korean War, very highly decorated and has travelled all over the world before returning back home to El Cerrito. Widowed some years back, he was only beginning to get back out there and date. After landing upon a carefully selected bouquet of red roses and pink lilies, he headed off to the dance at the senior center. I noticed he has a good bit of pep in his step and I remember having a good feeling about his first date. We kept our eyes peeled for Colonel Jarvis when in the vicinity of the flower shop and sure enough we saw him and he had pictures of his lady friend from the dance featuring a corsage he had gotten for her. Things were looking pretty swell all around and he looked pleased as punch.

So, thanks Oprah for another great idea!