“Whether it is the little things or the big things, we so often fail to think about the things that enrich our lives and make us uniquely who we are”.

Treasured Holiday Moments

The last two years were years of massive change for me.  Being a newly single mom, new startup business, new relationship, yada yada – there has been no status quo in my life.  The majority of my time was focused on work.  It’s a rough economy, I have two kids to feed, college tuition to think of in the next ten years.  Work at night, work in the morning, work on the weekends. Sound familiar?

I used to be a volunteer maniac, typically heading up a gala fundraiser here or there and sitting on various committees or non-profit boards.  Sadly, I had to let a lot of things go including valued time with dear friends and my beloved charitable time.

I love my profession, I love my business partners, this last year was hugely successful and yet something was missing.   It’s exactly what Gloria was talking about.  We often fail to think about the things that enrich our lives and make us uniquely who we are.  For me, my volunteer time was something I did for me. Sure, it was about helping others, but my passion to help others makes me feel enriched.  The people I have met through my philanthropic efforts have always been some of my closest and most trusted friends and I miss them.  I miss that valued time.

A friend of mine recently told me “you need to cut yourself some slack, you can’t do it all.” No, you can’t do it all, but Gloria reminded me that sometimes our choices of what we are doing have a bigger impact then we may realize.  I took a lot of time off over the holidays to spend with my kids.  At times we all went stir crazy and they drove me nuts, but we had a blast.  Some of my favorite moments were so simple- snuggling on the couch in the early morning hours under a blanket, or a quiet afternoon watching a silly movie.   I kept reading blog posts and tweets from people saying how we should be working through the holidays, and I thought to myself, go right ahead.  Sure, I will admit I worked, but I also played a lot.  I will never regret the time I spent with my kids.  I will never regret the time I spent with Andy (we took off and went to the Rose Bowl!!!)

Unexpected things happen.  A friend of mine lost a child over Christmas.  Another lost a parent. I’ll NEVER wish I worked more this holiday season.

I am not much for resolutions but I commit 2011 to focusing part of my time on that things that do truly matter, that things that do enrich my life.

© gingerw for Ginger Knows, 2011. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
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Image by W on Flickr

I woke up recently to an email from a friend telling me about a loss in her life. It was the third such email or call in a week. They say things happen in threes, I sure hope that means we are done. Truth be told, these past few years have been tough on many people – from all cultures and classes.

What looks perfect on the outside rarely is. Along with the challenges in our lives, I have seen some pretty ugly behavior from people who appear to be clawing their way out and attempting to trample other people in the process. What a nasty game it can be and it makes my stomach want to hurl. At times, it makes me want to lose faith in the human spirit.

But as I read this email under the comfort of my blankets, my children joined me. I told them about the loss for my dear friend and their instant reaction was, “How can we help?”

This simple question reminded me that the human spirit is alive and kicking like a ninja.  My children disappeared only to return later with a sandwich baggie filled with money and a beautiful letter to our friend. Their piggy banks aren’t flush, but they gathered what they could to help a friend. This isn’t isolated to the children.

Over the last year, I have seen countless examples of others experiencing their own tragedies yet when they hear of someone else suffering a loss, the instant question is “How can we help?”

When a call for help is put out, the community responds, often in a far greater way than is expected. People are digging into their pocketbooks, donating their time or their resources to help others.

Times are tough right now. We have a choice in how we deal with them. Tearing down others doesn’t help anyone but building up the communities we live in and participate in does.

© admin for Ginger Knows, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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Each resettlement apartment will be equipped with basic supplies such as sheets, bath linens, pots and pans, plates and utensils, and glasses. A gift registry has been set up through Target.com in support of the efforts to outfit refugee apartments.

The IRC’s San Francisco office was established in 1975 to serve the needs of Southeast Asian refugees who were airlifted to the U.S. after the fall of Saigon.  Since that time, the office has expanded to respond to each new refugee crisis as it has arisen, providing resettlement opportunities to more than 27,000 refugees from more than 30 countries.

The IRC provides a wide range of services to refugees from the time they arrive and works to promote each refugee family’s search for self-sufficiency. The IRC provides new refugees with housing and cash assistance, connects them with health care and other basic services, and helps them gain the skills they need to secure stable employment.  Specialized services for vocational trainees, asylees, and special refugee groups are also provided by dedicated staff and volunteers. The IRC also provides services that help refugees realize their dreams of becoming U.S. citizens.

The refugees come to the United States with absolutely nothing.  A small donation can make a huge difference in their lives and help them become self-sufficient.

Please log on to the registry , purchase an item (most of the items are less than $30!) and help support the project today!

© gingerw for Ginger Knows, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: International Rescue Committee, IRC, refugees, San Francisco Bay Area