Empowering you to lead a joyful and creative life

Have ever wondered if one person can make a difference? Or have you have ever thought the world’s problems are too big to even begin to make a worthwhile change?

I was inspired and in awe of the heroes celebrated on the 2009 CNN Hero Awards. You can check out their stories on CNN’s website http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/.

Here are some of the things these every day heroes have accomplished.

Jorge Munoz is a school bus driver, who spends his evenings, with the help of his family, feeding people who are hungry and on the street.

Doc Hendley mission is helping people all over the world to get clean drinking water.

Betty Makoni, of Zimbabwe, is helping girls and women to to overcome the trauma of sexual abuse and rape and to take a stand against the myths and atrocities that abound in her country.

Jordon Thomas lost his legs in a boating accident at 16 years old. That was four years ago and he created a foundation that has raised more than $400,000 to pay for ongoing prosthetics for children until they reach age 18.

Efron Penaflorida was the winner of the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Award. He brings education to the kids in the slums of the Philippines. He created a simple idea of bringing push carts to the children since they did not have a place to learn. He has created a network to teach the children reading and writing with the hope that education will give them an alternative to gangs and give them hope for a better life.

All ten of the heroes had something in common. They all started with an idea and the passion to help make things better.

I imagine most of them didn’t realize how much of a difference they would make. They just knew they wanted to try. And they took a step to reach out to someone in need.

It does make you think about what you might be able to do. If you think it has to be something really big, it can be too intimidating. If you think about helping one person, or taking a small step to make someones life a little better, it seems possible.

How could you help make someones life just a little better?

I’ve been getting a kick out of all the commercials for stores opening at 4am and 5am so you can do your shopping.  I made a vow to avoid standing in lines for “Black Friday”.

I’ve been happily shopping online today and getting some of my holiday gifts ordered and delivered right to my door next week.  That’s what I call holiday shopping made easy!

I am a big fan of Amazon and that was one of my primary shopping stops online.  I wasn’t aware that they also were offering Black Friday specials.  And the good news is they are offering them this week, not just today.  And they also have daily deals.

I love that they have so many products in addition to books.  I ordered myself a subscription to Real Simple magazine for only $5.00.

And I have no problem telling you that I am an Amazon associate, which means some day I may get a small commission on what people buy through my referrals when they click on my links.  But I am very picky about recommending only companies and products that I would buy.  And I can say that I have been a very happy customer of Amazon for a long time!

I’ve got some simple gifts that I’ll make but it feels good to have most of my list complete.  I will be sharing some fun and easy gift ideas for you in the next couple of weeks.

What are some of the ways you can make your holidays easier?

Is it good to have lots of choices about what you want in your life? Some people love the idea of having unlimited choices.  For others, it feels too overwhelming and sends them running.

I know we are bombarded by making decisions and choices constantly.

I’ve stood in front of the canned tomatoes in the grocery store for longer than I care to admit, reading labels, comparing prices, and trying to make a final decision.  Sometimes I wish someone would just hand me the silly can of tomatoes and choose for me.

So, you may be surprised that when it comes to what you really want to do, or how you want to do something, I suggest you expand your choices.

The reason is simple.  For something as significant as how you spend your time, it’s worth looking at several choices.

Taking a little time to brainstorm can open your world to greater possibilities and creating options you never knew existed.

Writing things down can help you to get clear about your values, priorities, and what’s important to you.

One good way to reach a deeper level is to continue to ask yourself a question over and over and then ask why.  You may ask yourself, “What am I passionate about?”  Then ask why.  Do this several times and see if you get on a deeper level of why something is important to you.

What if you can’t answer the question about what you are passionate about?

Maybe passionate feels like too strong of a word for you.  Well, this is where your quest involves more exploration.

What brings you joy?  What would you like to know more about?

What sounds like fun to you? What are your natural gifts?

What are you grateful for?

Are you a good gardener, cook, painter, storyteller, magician, or math whiz?

This part is like the smorgasbord of your life.  At this point, there is a wide array of choices before you.  Then it’s time for you to figure out what you are hungry for now, at this stage in your life.