What's In It For Me? Part 1

Image via WikipediaWhenever anyone suggests adding anything to your platter, do you do what most people do? Do you ask, "What's in it for me?"(WIIFM) You should! Your time is not replaceable and your energy can't be spread in too many directions if you want to be successful. But everyone wants to leave this world better for having been in it and yet many don't believe they will ever have enough time or money to do so.

So I decided that I would take the 12 days before Christmas this year, and offer a suggestion each day of how ONE person could make an amazing, lasting difference in not only the life of another but in his/her own life as well. For all of the suggestions, anyone can choose between giving as much or as little time, money or energy they want.


There is really no excuse for not participating. If you are shy and uncomfortable around new people, you can elect to offer services in ways that don't require direct contact. If you must be fully involved to feel committed, you can roll up your sleeves and be the one to spend some time doing the greater good.

The point is, everyday, ordinary people are committed to causes in many ways either through direct services, monetary support or behind the scenes action. You may read about a cause that touches your heart but if you don't do something about it; it's much like letting someone suffer in your presence because you think getting involved is too messy. We will never change the  world when our hearts were touched if we don't act on the reasons we were compelled to take another look at a cause or circumstance. And if you do...What is in it for you?


In the movie, THE BLINDSIDE, Sandra Bullock was told that she was changing the life of the black youth she brought into her family, but her response was, "No, he is changing mine!" and that is exactly what is in it for you; a chance to change your life in ways you can't even begin to imagine.There are so many individuals in nursing homes or hospices, treatment centers and prisons whose day would be heaven on earth because of 15 minutes of your time through a letter, a visit or behind the scenes involvement... Just 15 minutes;less time than waiting for your bus, completing your workout, watching a TV show or preparing a meal.  There are so many people dealing with every issue from oppression to human trafficking, terminal illness to unemployment whose very existence could be uplifted because of your participation in supporting their cause whether through a contribution, an outreach or even making others aware of the issues. If you can cook, sew, make phone calls, write, read, sort, pack or walk you probably have exactly what it takes.You don't need money or contacts. You need only to recognize your purpose and responsibility. Strangers have surely given you a chance. Isn't it time to pass it on? What is in it for you? The incredible satisfaction of realizing you have achieved something, given something, supported something or prevented something because you wanted to rather than had to.

We only go around once in this world. You may be stuck in the constant mind struggle of wondering how or when the right time will come along to do some of the things you hoped to do to make the world a better place. You may believe that sometime down the road, you will have more time, more energy and more resources to help but what is needed you already have...right now! And the only one you might be trying to convince to wait is...yourself.


So here are the websites for the suggestions given the last 12 days. But there are hundreds of opportunities not mentioned, waiting and hoping you will finally recognize that you can be the ONE to change a life, forever...yours!  What is in it for you if you decide to wait?...NOTHING. Give a gift that lasts this Christmas...to another and to yourself. Be the ONE MORE SERVING. You are worth it!
Merry Christmas and if you ran out of time this year.  There's always next year...It's right around the corner!!

BE THE MATCH
PHONES FOR SOLDIERS
STOP CORRUPTION
CHANGE THE WORLD ONE GIFT AT A TIME
PUPPIES BEHIND BARS
LOANS THAT CHANGE LIVES
SMILE
END IT NOW
ROCKIN APPALACHIAN MOM'S PROJECT
SECOND WIND DREAMS
THE SLAVE NEXT DOOR
SHOESTRING PHILANTHROPY