Passionate Giving

There are so many opportunities to give back to the world...sometimes it can seem like too many choices. How on earth can we help everyone?

The answer is for us to act upon the thing that moves us...gets our juices flowing!

I was reminded about this idea of passionate giving this weekend by a couple of great, giving guys. Two men on opposite sides of the country who are both going to be traveling great distances to help causes they believe super strongly in.

My brother-in-law is hopping on a bicycle next weekend. He is starting in San Francisco and riding to Los Angeles to raise awareness and money to help those with AIDS and find cures and preventions so others are not struck down by this dis-ease.

If this speaks to you, you can donate to his ride

On the other side of the country, Tellman Knudson is passionate about ending teenage homelessness in the USA. Tellman is currently training to run across the country--barefoot! He plans to start his run on September 1. Learn more about Tellman's run at http://RunTellmanRun.com and you can donate to his cause through Virgin Unite, Richard Branson's non-profit.

These are both wonderful causes...and if you have another that speaks to you, then follow your heart. I'm pointing these two out because these fine men are following through on their passions and spending their time, energy and money to help others--not because they "should" but because it is in their hearts.

I know I have a lot to learn from both of them! Maybe we all can't ride 500 miles or run across the country, but we can all do something...so let's do what we can for the cause of our hearts, and we will truly leave the world a better place.

Remember, it only takes small actions by lots of people to make an impact on the world!

Give to Others from Love Not Obligation

Catherine Carey wrote in her blog, Taking Care of Yourself, yesterday about how good it feels to give to others...it is so true--but it is important that when we give we do so for the right reasons.

It definitely feels fantastic to support organizations that you believe in…it is so important to give back to the world…but we often get caught in the idea of “should” contribute.

When we are donating…either our time or our money…we (and the organizations we are supporting) deserve to be 100% behind the cause. Rather than giving out of “should” or obligation, when we give out of love our efforts are multiplied by the universe.

The good feelings we have when we donate out of love are sent out and others feel the energy and are inspired to give to organizations that they believe in, too!

Remember--it is your life, your time, your energy and your money. Give freely...let it circulate...and give in ways that uplift you so that you are circulating love in addition to money! In fact, the circulating of love is more important...and something that everyone can do--even if they don't have physical (fiscal) money to spare!