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!