If you live in the Pittsburgh area go to http://www.pittsburghforest.org/treeplanting2010 and sign up for an afternoon of tree planting in your [or your friend's] neighborhood! If it’s too late to plant a tree this November don’t worry, Pittsburghforest.org will keep you updated with other tree-friendly events to keep you having fun and spreading goodness at the same time!

There are so many everyday things that can be done – visiting Hospice patients, many of whom never have anyone visit them; giving simple manicures to the residents of a nursing home; coordinating with the activities director at a nursing home for an afternoon of dancing with the residents – ballroom type dancing; playing with the animals at the local animal shelter; caring for the young children of a friend or neighbor so they can have some time to themselves (or a date with their spouse)…… there are countless opportunities and so often the person who gains the most is the person doing the giving. I’ll look forward to hearing how your 365 days are filled!!

Last week they posted “Send a card to a sick child through http://www.MakeAChildSmile.org“. I sent in a letter in hopes to encourage a child during a difficult time.

I recommend checking out both sites!

I think that one of the best things that you can do is to continue what you have started, beyond Jan. 1, 2010(after 365 days/ 1 year) is complete. This site is an inspiration to me and I can see to others too…even many more than have left comments, as only a small percentage of people will leave comments. When one thinks of what can be done individually and then thinks of what can be done when others are inspired, as well, then the effect on the world for good(in doing acts of goodness) can be multiplied many times.

So, I hope you continue to do good things and continue to inspire others to do good, too.

Not only do we personally benefit(our own souls are nourished when we are kind), but the lives we touch are made better with our acts of goodness.

I would hate to see an important part of goodness(this site); that is an encouragement and inspiration to me, end. What you’ve done here means a lot to me and I’m so glad at having found it and I hope it continues.

Most sincerely with love for who you are and what you’re doing,

Michael

It takes zero time and zero effort.. it seems almost too easy not to do.

They are our storytellers – our elderly are meant to be those who share the secrets of wisdom and knowledge and life with our youth. – Cameron Diaz

The simple act of social interaction with an elder member of your community can improve their life and yours; and, as a result strengthen community ties.

Visit with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, elderly neighbor, or get to know someone new in your community by visiting a local assisted living home and participating in their volunteer activities.

There are so many ways that you can make a positive impact on the lives of the residents of an assisted living home. They include: visiting, pet visits, reading and letter writing, playing games such as bingo, cards, and chess, helping with crafts, gardening, and, yes, getting them to tell their stories by reminiscing about family photos.

We all benefit from building strong meaningful relationships with senior members of the community; especially young people. It is through social interaction with the elderly that our youth develop a deeper understanding of the aging process, which ultimately results in their compassion for aging loved ones and the senior community as a whole. In essence, they improve themselves and the world around them.

So, this weekend, take the initiative yourself, or encourage a young person you know, to engage someone who has a story to tell.