How Will You "Be The Change?"

[Yes We Did]

Of all the messages we have taken from Barack Obama, the one that strikes a chord with me most is helping those around us who need it the most.

While I cannot do a lot financially, I do know that time is something invaluable. My mother has a small face painting business (she is awesome) and she does all sorts of other things for kids; she does a lot of volunteer work and she says the reward is to see their smiling faces.

That really got me thinking, and so my "Be The Change" activity will be to regularly volunteer at a children's hospital doing balloon animals, reading, and whatever other activities I can come up with for sick children; cancer patients, burn victims and such.

I have the free time and it doesn't cost a lot, but I believe putting a smile on the faces of children who really need it most is something I can do to have a positive effect on their lives. That is a real change.

I think we can all find ways to make this country a better place. There are so many people who need assistance out there, and Obama is right. If you can help, you definitely should. This country has been so "me first" for so long, it's time to turn things around.

So DU... Tell me... How Will You "Be The Change?"

[CurtEastPoint]

1. you know, I have been sitting here thinking the same thing...what can I do?

IF a layoff comes, even if it doesn't, I could put my skills to use to do something USEFUL!

Education, environment, something to help!

What other things come to mind to you all?

Thanks!

[Yes We Did]

2. There is always...

Volunteering at soup kitchens...

Nursing homes can be a wonderful place to volunteer. So many elderly without any family coming to visit. Only problem is once you get there, they don't want you to leave.

Helping out with handicapped children...

Big Brother & Big Sister programs...

There are so many to choose from.

[lamp_shade]

3. Barack has hinted that we'll be asked to make sacrifices at some point.

I'm anxious for the first "call out" and will do ANYTHING he asks.

[qwlauren35]

4. I've changed... and I won't be what I once was.

In my 20's and 30's, I did a bit of everything. I sat on boards, did Scouting, tutored, mentored. I participated in food drives, toy drives. I donated to the United Way.

And something in me changed. Right now, I'm noticing that my big focus is taking care of those closest to me. My mom, my aunt, my little sister.

At this point in my life, I'm happy to let others lead, and simply contribute and participate in smaller ways.

I think the one thing that I'll always try to do is encourage.

Every day, I try to say something nice, especially unexpected, to at least one person. Sometimes it's the fast food cashier. Sometimes its someone in a store. The reward is their smile.

Better still, maybe this "turning inwards" is temporary. Actually, I hope so.