giving

Everyday I get the privilege of seeing how tirelessly teachers work for students. I am often taken aback by the genuine love, dedication and commitment that teachers make on a daily basis. They do things that are so subtle, yet so powerful…things that mold the soul. Teachers of today are caregivers that truly keep the moral compass of our society on track. On a daily basis when I hear my daughter tell stories of how funny and helpful her teacher is, coupled with her knack for bringing learning to life, and I see my daughter eagerly completing assignments and “taking it up a notch” because she wants Mrs. Nixon to be proud of her, well, my hat is off to Mrs. Nixon.

Inevitably, in these days of extreme cutbacks at schools, every teacher spends money from his/her own pocket to go above and beyond for children. I am humbled by the extraordinary nature of teachers. In this mixed up world where we honor someone who can sing more than we do a teacher, maybe this Valentine’s Day would be the perfect time to share the love with your child’s teacher. Speaking from “the inside,” most teachers have more mugs than they know what to do with, and they can’t eat 20 boxes of chocolates. So what about doing something unexpected? A handwritten thank you card from you and your child would be so appreciated, as this personal touch would let her know how much you both care. I still have thank you cards tucked away from my days as a teacher, and occasionally I get them out. They make me cry, and smile, thinking back on a particular child. They also remind me why I got into this business in the first place.

In addition, I plan on tucking in a bottle of Lovely Body Lotion because I love the product, the packaging, and the way it says, “Indulge in something special for yourself! You deserve it!” I can’t imagine a teacher who wouldn’t be tickled pink!

If you want happiness for an hour - take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day - go fishing.
If you want happiness for a month - get married.
If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime - help others.
Chinese Proverb

Alright, maybe us girls need to swap “go fishing” for “get a massage.” But, when I read this it made me smile, because it’s true! If you want to absolutely find happiness, focus on helping others.

I have heard from many who have figured out “the secret,” that it is as rewarding for those who get to help as it is for those who benefit from being helped. It’s like a big piece of chocolate cake; it’s absolutely delicious to bring joy to another person. Once you realize that “personal happiness” comes from making a difference in someone’s life, you are always looking for the next opportunity to serve.

The question is, are you helping others because it brings you happiness or are you helping because it is the right thing to do? Hmmmm . . . . either way, it’s all good!

Here is a great resource that Pat Ferrari found that highlights Ten Tips to Volunteering for those of you who want to give “helping” a whirl. I promise you will not regret it!

“Know how to do good a little at a time, and often.” Baltasar Gracian

Barron Hilton, head of Hilton Hotels, has pledged to donate 97 percent of his fortune to charity, namely through the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. And how much is 97 percent, you ask? About $2.3 billion! He’ll put $1.2 billion immediately into a trust, and the rest will be distributed upon his death.

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation (named for Barron’s father, who left the bulk of his fortune to charity upon his death) “seeks to alleviate the suffering of the world’s most disadvantaged, with a special emphasis on children and support for the work of the Roman Catholic Sisters.” Some of the programs the Foundation supports are associated with safe water development, blindness-related services and prevention, global work of the Catholic sisters, early childhood development, substance abuse prevention, and hotel and restaurant management education.

So what does this mean for the Hiltons with whom we’re most familiar? Paris, Nicky, and the rest of the Hilton clan will be left with $69 million to split amongst themselves. It’s been suggested that Grandpa Hilton is embarrassed by the antics of his granddaughters, but I prefer to believe that Barron is just following in his father’s footsteps and trying to set the best example he can for his family, and for the rest of the world.

Photo imnotobsessed.com

J.K. Rowling knows what it’s like to need help, and now that she’s in a position to give back, she does so in a big way. In 2005, she used her success from the Harry Potter series and created the Children’s High Level Group, an organization dedicated to improving “the welfare of vulnerable children across Europe … ” by focusing on health, education, and welfare.

She recently auctioned off one of just seven handwritten copies of a “secret” Harry Potter book, The Tales of Beetle the Bard at Sotheby’s. For those of you who didn’t run out and buy the seventh and final installment of the Harry Potter series the moment it went on sale and don’t know what this is, The Tales of Beetle the Bard is the book Albus Dumbledore gave to Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (and if you don’t know who Dumbledore and Hermione are, you are missing out, my friend).

So what? She auctioned off one book. Big deal, right?

That one book raised over $3.9 million dollars. So, yes, it is a big deal. The money will help the Children’s High Level Group charity, through The Children’s Voice campaign, to improve the lives of thousands of children in need.

Thank you, J.K. Rowling, for bringing some real magic into the world.

Photo Veritaserum.com

GIVING, How Each of Us Can Change the World, by Bill Clinton, was my reading material on a recent trip to Dallas, Texas. What an amazing review of people in action, making the world a better place, one step at a time.

I have often wondered why some people choose to help others and some do not. I have my own theories, but was interested in what President Clinton thought. Here is what he said, “. . . it seems to me we all give for a combination of reasons, rooted in what we think about the world in which we live and what we think about ourselves. We give because we think it will help people today or give our children a better future; because we feel morally obligated to do so out of religious or ethical convictions; because someone we know and respect asked us; or because we find it more rewarding and more enjoyable than just spending money on material possessions or more time on recreation or work.”

Clinton asks the question, “Will giving make you happier?” He continues, “Who’s happier? The uniters or the dividers? The builders or the breakers? The givers or the takers? I think you know the answer. There’s a whole world out there that needs you, down the street or across the ocean. Give.” What rhetoric . . .

Giving is an inspiration and a call to action. When you read what others are doing it will help you see that giving can be done in so many ways, big and small (both matter). While people like Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates are amazing, ordinary people, like you and me, can change the world too.

book cover and bill clinton image courtesy of clintonfoundation.org

Happiness is making a difference. Let’s . . .

Nicole Richie is giving it away … to expectant needy mothers and families, that is. She and Joel Madden, the father of her unborn baby, donated the gifts they received from their baby shower to 100 families who needed the swag more than they did. The gifts, along with any funds raised, were donated through the Los Angeles Free Clinic on behalf of the newly-established Richie Madden Children’s Foundation.

Guests included Paris and Nicky Hilton, Rashida Jones, and Natalie Cole, just to name a few. The theme of the shower was Wizard of Oz and was evident in details such as a yellow brick road (natch) and ruby slipper centerpieces. It didn’t stop there, though — a live band played classic ditties from the movie throughout the afternoon.

This altruistic move by Nicole is the latest in a recent trend that leads me to believe she’s truly growing up. It wasn’t very long ago that she was headed down a scary path of drugs and danger, but it seems that since her pregnancy she’s been willing to take her place in the world as a responsible adult. Perhaps this behavior will rub off on the rest of young Hollywood — fingers crossed!

Photo from nicolerichie.org

Justin Timberlake is bringing more than just sexy back — he’s bringing generosity back as well. He’s been named the host of the Las Vegas PGA Tour event, which will be renamed the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

And it sounds like everyone wins in this game. The PGA tour is, of course, thrilled to have the popular crooner contributing his name to their organization, and JT is equally happy, saying, “Raising money to better children’s lives while playing golf? I can’t think of a better way to pass the time.”

Thirteen other celebrities have assumed hosting duties for PGA events in the past, and it’s no wonder. Golfing, charities, and Hollywood seem to go hand in hand (in hand). Legends such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Bob Hope precede Timberlake in hosting these events, but don’t start wondering who will take over for JT — his hosting contract obligates him to do this for five years. Between Tiger wearing those fitted shirts and JT on the greens, I just might have to start watching golf.