Holiday Challenge 2015

      Before I begin, I thought I would start with explaining my vision of Christmas. While much of this world likes to embrace the idea that Christmas (the holidays) are a time solely for receiving presents, spending boat loads of money, and nothing else. I like to take a more different approach to the holiday seasons. Personally, I like to look at the holiday’s as a time for me to enjoy my family, while many are very unfortunate to be missing a loved one or more than one. In addition, I love to believe that this time of the year should be celebrated with random acts of kindness, friendly gestures, and volunteering. Many of my post have been about volunteering, I’m aware. However, this time of the year I believe it’s more meaningful.

With the definition of this, I bring to you a bit of a challenge. Anyone who reads this, I don’t care who you are! I challenge you to do something this season. This thing can be anything. Something as small as hold a door for the person behind you, offering to help carrying someone’s goods, buy a snack for someone who’s down on their luck right now, maybe volunteer your time at a local organization. Anything you do, whether it’s big or small, it can make an impact. Take time to buy a toy for ‘Toys For Tots’, drop some loose change in those famous red kettles, maybe grab a warm drink for someone who is ringing the bell. There is no limitation on the amount of things we can do. Just a simple card, a simple message, a simple smile. Anything!

With all this negative stuff going on in the world right now, I feel like we could use some more positive uplifting stories. If each of us took a few minutes to spread some sort of kindness we might be able to put more smiles in the world.

If you have a chance while doing your random thing of kindness. Maybe snap a picture, take a video, then post it on Instagram or Twitter or Facebook. Post it with #2015HolidayChallenge and let’s make this positive thing a trend. The more people we get on board, the more good we can spread.

Don’t read this then just carrying on. Anyone around you could be suffering; your neighbor, your friend, your coworker. People have a good way of hiding what’s going on. Something so simple could change a bad mood. Something so little can start something so big. So join me and let’s finish off this year with something more positive!

As Thanksgiving rounds the corner, I would like to send a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I hope it's filled with many thanks, lots of food, and great memories. Take some time to be thankful for those around you. One day they won't be there. Stay positive and have a blessed Thanksgiving!