{Inspired}

Good morning! It's a gorgeous start to the day in Chandler, AZ. I hope it is wherever

you are, too. What are your plans for this beautiful day?



Giving and helping makes the world go round. There's an amazing discrepancy between

haves and have nots in our culture, not to mention all the people out there that just need

a little emotional support. With a ton of great causes that deserve attention, it's hard not

to have at least one that tugs at your heart strings. And I, personally, feel the need to give

back as a way of paying it forward for the things people have done for me over the years,

when I needed it most.

I've been thinking about that for months now, really. Then, New Years 2010 rolled

around, and two of my friends made resolutions to volunteer regularly. Kim committed

to doing some volunteer work once a month, and Barb said she wanted to do more. It's

something I have the time and resources to do. (The volunteer work I have done over

the years has taught me that giving a bit of time and energy can go a long way towards

making a difference.) I feel like I absolutely should be incorporating it into my life

regularly, but I've never really committed to it consistently.

It's time to rectify that situation! I prefer to under promise and over deliver, as a rule.

So, I'm starting small. I've decided to commit to doing some volunteer work each quarter,

at least. I already got a jump on it by completing two things in February and March of this

year. But I want to formerly make the commitment so I stick to it. I'm hoping to find an

outlet(s) I enjoy and to make it a habit in 2010 that I can sustain in the long term. One

place I'll go to look for ideas is volunteermatch.org.

To keep myself accountable, I'll assess how I've done with this quarterly goal when I

check in with my monthly resolutions on the first of each month.

Do you have a favorite organization that you've worked with over the years?

When it comes to volunteering, do you prefer to donate time, money or supplies?

I'm totally open to hearing your ideas and suggestions as I find my way with this.

If you hear of things in the valley, especially in the east valley, please let me know!