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It's been so exciting to see you all joining and contributing to the Creatures of Comfort group on flickr! Thank you for being a part of such a fun new space! I can't wait to see where we will go with it! A new discussion that I started today in the group is titled Today I Love:_____. Each day I hope that those of you who are members (you only have to have a free flickr account to join), will add a new thing that you love (it can be an actual thing, a memory, a feeling...whatever you like).
For me... the thing I am loving today is the little jam jar of pink roses that I picked off of our climbing rose bush today (not the jar, the roses). The smell is amazing and it really perks up my desk and makes me feel inspired. What are you loving today? I'd love for you to share it in the group, or here if you prefer. xox Ez
Last Friday I wrapped up two weeks worth of gift guide posts. Those roundups featured wonderful treasures for you to share with your friends and loved ones, and I hope you found some that were just right for everyone on your shopping list.
Today I want to touch on something very dear to my heart, and that is charitable giving and acts of kindness.
When I was young, my Mom would frequently reminded me that "there will always be somebody more fortunate, and somebody less fortunate that you are." I often think of her words when I am feeling down about a circumstance in my life, or sorry for myself (we all have those moments right)... and I am encouraged to know that no matter how out of control certain parts of life may seem, I ultimately have control over what I will do and who I will become in spite of those challenges.
In my experience there is no faster route to true joy than to give of yourself to someone in need. It doesn't have to be something huge. Maybe all you can manage is a smile at an elderly woman who's sitting alone at the park, or holding the door open for somebody who's arms are full... these may be small acts, but they matter. There are countless opportunities in our daily lives to reach out a hand (or offer a smile) to someone who who is less fortunate.
If you are able to give financially, here are a few charities that I really believe in.
KIVA: Loans that change lives. I'm thrilled to say that I've just started a team (Give Comfort) over on Kiva, where I would love to have you join with me and other Creature Comforts' readers in providing micro loans to those in need around the world. You can read more about Kiva and how it all works right here.
There are many wonderful organizations out there. Those you dedicate your time, money, and heart to should be the ones that matter most to you. The links above are ones that I'm passionate about. If you are baffled and want more information, Charity Navigator is a great site to help you find out more about the top charities and their efficiency.
Thanks for reading and for spreading kindness and joy throughout the world. You always brighten my days so much... I am so incredibly thankful for YOU!
A humble gesture in remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11th, those who have given their lives overseas... and for their families and friends who love and miss them dearly.
...I've never had a special someone to spend a Valentine's day with... but it's still my favorite holiday! To me it's not about the mass commercialism that we've become accustomed to, but about the power of love... the love we share with family and friends, lovers, strangers, the world. If you recall the famous Beetles' song lyrics, "All you need is love"... and I believe it!
Here's a little challenge for you. Today, or any day (especially when you are alone and perhaps feeling a little loveless) reach out and do something for a complete stranger. You know... a good old fashion random act of kindness. Leave a short inspirational note on a bookmark in a library book for the next unexpecting reader (be creative... place your note in a self-help book about depression or some similar topic). Get a balloon from the store and write something sweet on it (or on an attached tag), tie it somewhere at eye-level and let someone find it. There are endless ways to spread the love.
Check out these sites for some additional ideas:
How to Be Nice: 48 Almost Effortless Ways You Can Do a Little Good in the World (this is one of my all time favorite articles).
Random Acts of Kindness (The official site. Find lots of ways to be inspired and spread the love.)
Found Art (create art and leave it for someone to find... lots of ideas on this site.)
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Whether you spend this day alone or with a paramour, I hope that it will be filled with love (the kind you give and the kind you receive). xox Ez
It's been so exciting to see you all joining and contributing to the Creatures of Comfort group on flickr! Thank you for being a part of such a fun new space! I can't wait to see where we will go with it!
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