How Can We Make a Difference?

We are facing tremendous socio- economic global challenges today. It can be overwhelming; until we realize we can be a part of the solution. Collectively we can do our part to create positive change. Collectively we can create energetic solutions and collectively we have a voice that can make a difference.

Sometimes the smallest idea, the quietest gesture, the most ordinary action can pickup steam and become a force of nature. Impacting the life of another person is easier than we think. Here is something to remember, helpfulness is the opposite of hopelessness.

Nothing is more empowering than helping out a neighbor, doing our part to heal the planet and focus some of our daily activities to serve a higher purpose. We never know how the actions we take might enrich our lives, make the world a better place and inspire others. And it is all worth it!

Here are a few ways we can be more mindful, become more generous with our time and money and leave a legacy for others. Truly, there are 100's of ways we can truly make a difference. Let this short list inspire you to create your own giving plan:

1. Recycle – recycling is one of the easiest things we can do as an individual to have a positive impact on the environment. And it can be easy to do – so many systems in place. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency only 34% of Americans recycle on a regular basis. There are companies like Kiehl’s, Lush and MAC that offer freebies to customers who bring in their used packaging to the store for recycling keeping those items out of a land fill – trade a plastic straw for a metal one.  

2. Write a note every day! To loved ones friends, or members of our military deployed overseas through Soldier’s Angels or send a card to a pediatric cancer patient through the Tyler Robinson foundation.

3. Leave a legacy – FreeWill.com can help you draw up a will and the site makes it easy to donate to any charity or organization of your choosing. Since freewill launched nearly 4 years ago it has helped to raise nearly $1M through the 90,000 wills created on their site.

4. Become a dog’s best friend – (or cat or goat etc) donate to the local shelters. Call and see what they need – make it a habit to do so and/or spend time there to help care for the animals – take it a step further and reduce the number of animals in the shelters and foster a pet or better yet adopt.

6. Create a safer environment and support companies that choose to put out products that are safer for us and the planet. Made Safe evaluates products from detergent to makeup to assess ingredients and manufacturing processes and grants its seal of approval if found to be non toxic.

7. Plant trees in honor of someone through alivingtribute.com for as little as $9.99 – your gift will help to plant and restore trees in National parks and forests across the country. You will receive a certificate to show where your tree was planted.

8. Make a difference with where you give. In my area of the Hudson Valley in NY, the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan County is a philanthropic institution that manages 300 separate funds and has distributed over $11M in charitable grants and educational scholarships. Find your passion and fund an organization that is committed to making a difference that you can stand behind.

Our Big Why is a reflection of our purpose and it is rooted in our human needs. We all have a need to be connected. We gravitate toward pleasant emotions and sharing experiences. Because of the work we have done on ourselves, the blessings we have received we often feel inclined to support others and give back. Some of us have a need to be seen and acknowledged. We need to feel valued – to make a positive difference to the life of others. Many of us also have a need to learn and develop – and grow to our potential.