A Grateful Year

As some of you may have known, my husband went two years without working. Like so many of you, we were not sure he would work again in this economy. Lucky for us a job came around. But during that time we learned a few things:

1. Take nothing in this world for granted, especially not jobs or income.
2. It is the little things in life that make it worthwhile.
3. People are what is important.
4. You don't need much money to be happy. Having enough is just fine.
5. Never owe anyone anything - ever again.
6. Less is best.
7. When you've got it - share it. 

This is not to say you shouldn't save for a rainy day. We should all try to be in a place where we can survive in a downturn, or be secure in retirement. But with that being said, one of the best lessons to come out of those two years was the recognition that money in the bank doesn't work for anyone. Warren Buffet, Bill Gates and all of the other gazillionaires that are giving away their money realize that simple fact. Putting money out into the world changes things.

This year we are not exchanging gifts in my family, we are fortunate enough to be able to share an experience instead. We are very grateful to have our children and grandchild with us to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, and the beautiful whales of Hawaii.

So with that thought in mind, I thought I would share a few of my favorite opportunities to share this season:

Library in Nepal - Fellow blogger, goddessoftheconfluence, has a business that often takes her to Nepal. She has done wonderful things for the residents on more than one occasion, using her own money. She is now spearheading a library high in the mountains for the people of a small village. She has a wish list, breaking down all the components of the building and books. Volunteers from the community will build the building. It is a fascinating and worthwhile project.

Oceana - Oceana is on the beaches cleaning the turtles and other poor sea creatures created by the BP debacle in the Gulf. It is an ongoing project. Their organization is focused solely on ocean conservation. This year they are giving you the pleasure of actually adopting a whale, dolphin, penguin, polar bear and more.

Animal Ark - This is a local program. I have been on more than one school field trip to visit the wild animals that have been rescued from some really sad places and situations. They have bears, eagles, coyotes, all manner of animals lucky enough to be cared for at Animal Ark.

Elephant Nature Park - My daughter had the good fortune to be able to visit this elephant rescue park while in Thailand this year. I posted about it here. For a nominal fee you can adopt a specific elephant at the park. It is really amazing how little it costs to help one of these magnificent creatures.

My husband likes to give at the grocery store, and always buys extra bags of groceries they have made up for the food shelter. But it doesn't matter where you give, or even how much you give, it is the energy and intention that goes with it that changes the world.

So do you have a favorite this year?