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To give you a little lift and a little more life…
CHRISTMAS IN JULY …
And I got the gift.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Isn’t it amazing — when we give to someone we often receive much more than we have given? I do believe that “paying it forward” is one of the most important actions we can take. Sometimes, though, I feel overwhelmed at the many problems facing us. This is why I love being a part of an “Energizing Event” to experience the Margaret Mead quote firsthand and sharing gift with you. I know small groups really do make big changes.
Recently, my favorite networking group, Carolina Professional Sales & Entrepreneurs (CPSE) did what they do best by supporting women who are making a difference. I have the honor of serving on the CPSE Board and it has been a big support for my business and personal life.
The CPSE held their July meeting at the “Dress for Success” organization in Charlotte where we learned about this very powerful program which helps women get & keep jobs…some for the first time in their lives! The Dress for Success program, a national organization, thoroughly prepares women to enter the workforce. Not only do they give women the appropriate clothes for a job interview (we all know how important that is), they also teach them how to be successful in their jobs and in their personal lives. The Charlotte Dress for Success program is so effective, the women they help have a 90%+ job retention rate — much better than other locations.
While CPSE has traditionally held a “fun social” in the summer, this year we decided to support the Charlotte Dress for Success program’s with our presence, lunch for their staff and the $500 we donated. We also enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by King’s Kitchen, a nonprofit organization which teaches culinary skills to people who have been homeless and donates the proceeds to hunger relief projects. Supporting two helpful organizations in one day was such a gift to us!
At this event, memories served another gift to me. I was reminded of the women I worked with for years who were coming out of jail or rehabilitation programs. Up close, I saw the enormous obstacles they faced. Their indomitable courage and unwavering devotion to their families both inspired and humbled me. It was a great gift to share their lives.
And so attending this year’s CPSE event was a wonderful reminder to honor those for whom I am grateful, to remember what is important and to look for times to gift other people by “paying it forward.”
We don’t have to wait until Christmas for our gifts!
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“It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy”
Lyrics from “Porgy & Bess” by Gershwin & Heyward
Sometime around the middle of June, I realized that it was really summer, the time of easy livin’ but I was finding my summer livin’ not so easy. The extremely hot weather meant that I got up earlier so I could walk my dogs or work in the yard. In the evening, I kept working longer because it was too hot to go outside. What happened to my plan of taking life this summer a little easier? As soon as I had an extra space in my schedule, I filled it up with “to do’s”. Finally, I had enough!
So I vowed to at least slip in some easy livin’ time and thought I might share my ideas with you. Maybe you can enjoy some, too. I realized that whatever I did had to be simple, with not much planning or expense and these had to be some things I could just slip in when I was getting cabin fever. So here are a few ideas :
Easy Livin’ Coolers
· Went to free “Movie on the Lawn” at a local church. We brought lawn chairs & church supplied popcorn & drinks. It was definitely old-fashioned fun with a old somewhat corny movie that encouraged clapping & cheering. Lots of churches & parks are doing this- check around your area.
· Spent a wonderful hour at my local library reading magazines. Read things I’d never seen before. There is something about a fresh shiny magazine to enjoy that we just don’t get from magazines on the Internet.
· Slipped in some time to just browse some favorite local shops, The Bag Lady & Green With Envy .
o Read the cards, found some great ideas for gifts
o Chatted with friendly staff and was very impressed with the creativity of displays as well as merchandise.
o Bought a trinket to remind me to “take it easy.”
I’d love to add your ideas to the “Easy Livin’ Coolers List. Send me a comment & I will include it.
