philosophy

25 Days of Spreading Love – A countdown to Christmas: Dec. 20

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For the original idea, please go here.

5 Days till Christmas – spreading love by supporting Wikipedia

Wikipedia is an online free encyclopedia.

Now sure, you probably already knew that. But did you know the site is run by a non-profit? And that it has remained ad-free since its inception?

Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, has purposely kept the site free of advertisements. He manages to sustain this popular knowledge site through donations from its readers. In Wales own words, taken from the site:

Wikipedia is one of the most visited websites in the world.
Commerce is fine. Advertising is not evil. But it doesn’t belong here. Not in Wikipedia.
Wikipedia is something special. It is like a library or a public park. It is like a temple for the mind. It is a place we can all go to think, to learn, to share our knowledge with others.
When I founded Wikipedia, I could have made it into a for-profit company with advertising banners, but I decided to do something different. We’ve worked hard over the years to keep it lean and tight. We fulfill our mission efficiently.

Every year, Wikipedia runs a fundraiser in December. 

And in an effort to keep the site ad-free and user-driven, I donate every year.

For today, I chose to spread the love by donating to a foundation that runs a website I use weekly, if not daily.

If you too would like to donate to keep Wikipedia the helpful resource it is for all of us, you can do so here!

Spread the love. #spreadthelove

 

 

25 Days of Spreading Love – A countdown to Christmas: Dec. 19

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For the original idea, please go here.

6 Days till Christmas – spreading love by making my nephews smile

As I’ve asked before, is there anything better than seeing a child smile and hearing them laugh?

I really don’t think so. It’s a beautiful thing when a child is genuinely happy.

Not only are children the future, but adults are too because it’s their job to help children to have as great of lives as possible. Of course, I don’t mean there aren’t going to be days of tears and discipline but I do mean that the love and care we give them will guide them as they learn and grow.

By choice, I don’t have children of my own unless you count my films (which I do), but I do take my role in children’s lives very seriously, whether it be as their aunt or godmother or simply as an adult figure.

Today, to spread love, I decided to spend the afternoon with my nephews. While this is a common thing I do, it doesn’t make it any less special and it’s one of the most important ways I choose to spread love.

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”
– James Arthur Baldwin

25 Days of Spreading Love – A countdown to Christmas: Dec. 18

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For the original idea, please go here.

7 Days till Christmas – spreading love by volunteering

My husband and I wanted to volunteer our time this holiday season to help those who are less fortunate.

In Santa Monica, there is a wonderful organization called One Voice LA. They help families at poverty level within our local communities. Every year they do a Holiday Food Program. Children receive toys and books and adults receive an overflowing basket of food. Tonight, my husband and I were two of the many volunteers it takes to make this happen. Along with people of all ages and cultures, we filled boxes full of food and then helped load them onto trucks. People from all walks of life, varying in ages and races, got to work tonight.

This is a four-day event and there are two more days left. Perhaps if you are in the area, you might consider volunteering as well. Information can be found here.

A beautiful part of humanity is the fact that we are all in this together.

The older I get, the more I realize, the holiday spirit is one of family, gratitude and philanthropy.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
– Aesop

Spread the love. #spreadthelove

 

25 Days of Spreading Love – A countdown to Christmas: Dec. 17

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For the original idea, please go here.

8 Days till Christmas – spreading love by being there for someone

Today, as I was thinking about a way to spread the love, a way found me.

I knew someone I loved was not feeling very well but had commitments that were very important. I offered to help but she declined needing any. I offered again, letting her know that if she did need any, she should call me. She said thank you but she would be okay.

A little later, she did call and she asked for my help. Without hesitation, I stopped what I was doing (fortunately, I was working from home today and could), jumped in my car, dealt with traffic and made it to her.

It felt good to be there for someone who needed me.

Days go by fast and it’s easy to get caught up in one’s own life. But I realized today, a wonderful way to spread love is to be in the moment and pay attention to those you care for so you can notice if they need help and then let them know you’re there to offer it.

Had I not let my loved one know I was there to help, I wonder if she would have called. I guess I’ll never know but I sure am glad I was paying attention…

Spread the love. #spreadthelove

25 Days of Spreading Love – A countdown to Christmas: Dec. 16

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9 Days till Christmas – spreading love by following through.

It’s very easy to agree to do something and then not follow through. Am I right?

The hard part is the actual doing. I try to only agree to things that I plan to follow through on but sometimes, something will slip through the cracks or I’ll sit on it for a long, long time. Neither are helpful.

Today, I decided to spread the love by doing something that I said I would for my mother but haven’t done yet.

Months and months ago, I agreed to do some research on some antique items she had. I took the items home and had all the good intentions in the world but one thing led to another, and now, here it is way-too-many months later, and I still haven’t done a thing about them.

Well, that ended today. I did the research, reported back to her (after apologizing for the large delay) and will now try to help in whatever she plans to do with the items.

Following through…

It’s easy to say you’ll do something.

But what does it matter if you don’t actually do it?

Spread the love. #spreadthelove

 

 

25 Days of Spreading Love – A countdown to Christmas: Dec. 15

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10 Days till Christmas – spreading love with supportive online shopping

I know. At first glance, that statement is a little suspicious. But please, allow me to explain…

As I was thinking of ways to spread love today, I remembered reading about an organization called Made By Survivors. For a few Christmases, I did a chunk of shopping through their online store, which has items and jewelry and clothing all made by survivors of slavery and human rights abuses.

For today, I decided to spread the love by doing a little supportive online shopping with them.

Here’s a little about the organization, as described on their own Made By Survivors website:

“SINCE 2005, MADE BY SURVIVORS HAS PROVIDED JOBS, EDUCATION AND SHELTER TO OVER A THOUSAND SURVIVORS OF SLAVERY, CHILD MARRIAGE, AND OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN INDIA, NEPAL, CAMBODIA AND THAILAND, WHERE HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS A HUGE PROBLEM.  

We train survivors and create jobs in highly respected professions, with high wages that develop business and entrepreneurial skills. One of our most successful programs is our Jewelry Program. In India, metalsmithing is traditionally a male-only profession. Our survivor-metalsmiths are breaking gender barriers, earning a middle class wage, rescuing others, and uplifting their families and communities.”

Perhaps if you have a little holiday shopping left, you might consider the beautiful selection of items in the Made By Survivors store that can be found right here.

Spread the love. #spreadthelove

25 Days of Spreading Love – A countdown to Christmas: Dec. 14

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For the original idea, please go here.

11 Days till Christmas – spreading love through a surprise gift

Yesterday, while I was at work, one of the cooks who was working nearby the area I was organizing asked if he could ask me a question. I said, “Sure.” He then asked me in a curious way, “How are you always so positive?”

I’ve been asked this question before. And I try to appreciate the observation by answering with truth.

I explain, “I consider the alternative – death – and I’m happy to have another day.” I also mention that I’m not always positive. I definitely have my moments but I try to limit those with positivity and realistic optimism.

I spoke of my belief in positive energy and the flow of it in nature. I’ve experienced the reciprocative effects of putting positive energy out into the world and I’m a firm believer in it.

Positive energy comes back to you.

We also chatted a little about how many things aren’t worth the time or trouble of getting upset. And though I am not a religious person per se, I did mention this Serenity Prayer and how it helps guide me:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Today, for my spread the love project, I decided to bring this cook a Christmas present. I went out and bought a favorite book of mine, “Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff” and I plan to give it to him tonight. Perhaps it can help in his journey toward positivity like it did in mine…

Spread the love. #spreadthelove

 

 

25 Days of Spreading Love – A countdown to Christmas: Dec. 13

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For the original idea, please go here.

12 Days till Christmas – spreading love through donating.

As I was thinking about how to spread the love today, I remembered reading an article about charity donations and how much one gives to them actually makes it to those in need. I remember reading how some charity organizations paid their CEOS salaries in the high six figures and was outraged at the thought.

Today, I researched it more. It turns out the article that was circulating years ago about this was highly inaccurate and places like The Goodwill got a bum rap. So I did my own due diligence and researched nearby charity organizations that accepted donations of used things.

Using the website charitynavigator.org, I was able to research various charities in my area to find out their effectiveness. Turns out Goodwill of Southern California has a 91.2% rating with solid financial information and transparency so I decided to give a donation to them.

My husband and I went through our apartment and gathered things to donate. We ended up with two filled bags, mostly of clothes and household items.

I’m thinking, rather than simply throw something away, why not assess if there’s still value left in it and if so, pass it on?

One’s man trash is another man’s treasure. (Not to mention recycling used items is helpful to the environment!)

Spread the love. #spreadthelove

25 Days of Spreading Love – A countdown to Christmas: Dec. 12

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For the original idea, please go here.

13 Days till Christmas – spreading love through cooking.

I am one of those who believe in the power of food.

I’m Sicilian and my family has incorporated food into our very way of being, from the passed-down recipes to the regular Sunday afternoon dinners where pasta is the first course. Perhaps it’s in my blood but I adore real food and I adore it most when I am enjoying it with others.

Fresh vegetables and lean protein are two of my husband’s favorite things. He’s had a long week and has been working very hard.

Today, I want to spread the love toward my new husband through cooking. I know what he likes and I decided to put my love into food and prepare for him one of his favorite meals – beef stew. I’m also making some chocolate chip cookies for him to have as a treat over the weekend.

Showing one’s love through food is an excellent way to nourish both the belly and the soul. And when you do it for someone you love, it’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Spread the love. #spreadthelove

25 Days of Spreading Love – A countdown to Christmas: Dec. 11

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For the original idea, please go here.

14 Days till Christmas – spreading love by undo’ing a wrong.

Back in September, I left the restaurant I was serving at to go to another one. I had worked there for three years, the same lunch shifts, and had gathered a little collection of regulars.

One of them was a very kind elderly woman who would treat herself to a nice lunch every few months. She would dine by herself and I often chatted with her. When the shift was slow, we would talk for a quite a bit and I enjoyed seeing her. I knew what she liked, how she liked it and I made sure she got it.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to see her in the weeks before I left. A few weeks after I was gone though, a former co-worker from that restaurant texted me to let me know this sweet lady had been in and asked about me. She gave him her number to pass on to me so I could tell her where I am now.

Such a sweet thing.

And I never called her.

In my defense, I was about to be married and then go on my honeymoon but that’s no excuse. I messed up.

Here it is now, over three months later, and I decided that today I would spread the love by undo’ing a wrong.

I found the text with her number on my phone and called her. No one answered so I left her a message with my number. I hope she calls me back.

Mistakes will be made; but it’s what we do about them that matters.

Spread the love. #spreadthelove

 

***UPDATE***
She called me back and we had a lovely conversation. I apologized for the delay in the call. She graciously understood. We caught up a bit and then she told me how much she appreciated my call and how happy it made her. I told her it made me happy too and I meant every word of it. And she can’t wait to come visit me at the new restaurant I’m at… #spreadthelove