At this point in time, I am sure many of us are feeling rudderless, like the world is moving and all we can do is go with the flow. I know I am dealing with wondering how much my actions matter and what I can do to steer myself again. In the end, it is up to us to make the best out of a bad situation. With that, we are left with: how? How do we take control of our lives and how do we create action that moves us, and others, forward? Listening to Michelle Obama read Oh The Places You’ll Go, reminded me that the world is still there, waiting for us to take action.
I have found that the first step is to just keep moving and take in the things around you. Literally. Walk around your block and admire yards that people have put together. On a recent walk, my partner and I found a painted rock garden, where you could admire the art, and even take a “blank” rock to paint and bring back! This lead us to talking, how can we inspire others and move them to action? We both like to help people, we like collaborative ideas and we had recently learned more about the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels program. Meals on Wheels does more than just deliver food to our under-served and vulnerable elderly population, they give them connection and hope. With that we had decided to help them run a small online fundraiser to assist them.
While we were very gung-ho, we did worry. How would people perceive asking for donations when everyone is already stretched thin? As it turns out, many people still want to help! We have found numerous companies in the LA area that wanted to help and donated some fantastic gear. The amazing folks at Exploding Kittens sent us their game plus all the expansions and their new game, Throw Throw Burrito helping us build the Ultimate Family Game night package. For the green thumbs looking to expand their garden, Lettucegrow donated a very cool hydroponic tower that gives you the ability to grow fresh greens all year long, indoors or out! They also have a fantastic support community that can help you with any issue from choosing your plants to diagnosing plant problems to recipes using what you grew! We also have some fabulous individuals offering one on one classes via Zoom. From personal training with Jonathan Devoto of Hands on Motion to Life Coaching with the stellar Katie McKenna, we have professionals that want to help you reach the places that you’ll go. Our auction is still underway, with many ways that you can still offer support and at the same time, help move yourself forward.
