PASSIN’ IT ON!

Hello again, friends o’ goodness!  I come to you tonight from Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, to share with you another wonderful “take away” from this year’s 365 journey.  Today’s focus is on the power of communication to spread goodness.  Over the course of the year, I’ve met so many people through this site;  people who are on similar journeys, people in need of help getting a message out about their organization,  people emailing me in just a show of support, the list goes on… Through it all, I’ve learned that in this age where everyone has a pulpit of sorts (albeit an email list, a facebook page, twitter account,  youtube account or even a blog of their own), we all have the power to communicate to a platform of people within seconds.  Most of the time we take this for granted, but I’ve become quite conscious and appreciative of this now more than ever.  Being able to send my message of goodness through this site, has enabled me to not only chronicle my journey, but to share and (hopefully) inspire goodness in others.  It is a proven fact (or so I’ve read in the book “The Tipping Point,”) that people are affected by the simple act of communication.  If someone you know (and trust) recommends something or is passionate about it (whether that be a hotel, a book, a restaurant or even a new website perhaps) you are more likely going to respond in a positive way (i.e. you are going to pick up that book for your next read or check out that raved about sushi joint or type in that web address).  What a concept, huh?

SO, the “take away” today my friends is this:  If you believe in it, if you love it, if you can relate to the idea…pass it on.  We all have the forum in this day and age to be able to do so.  Some people thought I was crazy to blog about my 365 experience,  some thought I would never complete it, and some were just in awe of the challenge.  But you know what?  I just started.  I reached out with a message.  One little person who wanted to add good to her own life and journal the process.  And you know what?  People responded!  As I have mentioned before, 365 started out as a personal journey, but became so much more than that.  I realized that you can literally affect millions (hopefully in a positive way) from the comfort of your own computer, blackberry or iphone.

SO, get out there and share what ya got.  You never know the impact it will have!

And in honor of today’s takeaway, I’m going to share with you a social movement that someone who stumbled upon 365, emailed me about and asked for some help in spreading the good word.  I’ve checked it out and think it’s pretty swell and thus–here I am to share it with you! It’s called Twixtmas.You can learn more about Twixtmas and get involved by clicking here, but I will give you a quick rundown: The Twixtmas campaign is an idea from the Flexible Thinking Forum, a new not-for-profit social enterprise with a mission to get people thinking differently.

The Flexible Thinking Forum says that:  ”The period between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve presents an opportunity to do something for many people. It gives the chance to take stock, do things we don’t normally get time to do.”  They hope people will jump onboard the “Twixtmas” train and take advantage of an opportunity to help  make the world a better place in some way.

Here’s the simple way that Twixtmas works:

Starting today (Dec. 27th) and for the next 5 days until December 31st you do something to help someone in some way.  These don’t have to be grand gestures because as we all know “Every Little Bit Counts!”

Day 1: (12/27) Do something for yourself.  Yep you heard me right.  How can you help others if you can’t help yourself?  Enjoy an indulgence, have a good laugh, eat something good.  We can all do that, can’t we?  Today I snuggled with my Matty on one of the most beautiful  beaches I’ve ever been to.  We rented a couple of lounge chairs, relaxed and witnessed  an unbelievable golden sunset.   Click here for more ideas.

Day 2: (12/28) So since we started off selfish, today your goal is to do something unselfish. Help a neighbor, do a random act of kindness (I think I know of a website where you can get some inspiration for that ) Click here for more ideas.

Day 3: (12/29) Today, do something for a friend. Get in touch with an old friend, go out of your way for your pal, or even make a new friend today! For more ideas, click here.

Day 4: (12/30) Today do something for our planet. Support life by planting something or saving an insect! (Guilty, as I usually just squish ‘em) You can recycle or turn the heat down. For more ideas click here, and remember to love thy mother!

Day 5: (12/31) Do something for your future. Write a list of 10 things you will do during 2010 or count your blessings and ask how you can share your blessings for the year ahead. No one’s perfect and we can all do “little things” to help ourselves be better people. For more ideas, click here.

SO, there you have it. A little simple goodness to share. Jump on board, grab a spoon, and dive into the goodness. Finish off 2009 with a bang and start 2010 a better, happier, healthier, person Until next time… Cheers!

The sunset on the beach of Manuel Antonio. Just lovely!