...make sure you read THIS.
Thanks goodness for kindness.
Love really does make the world go round.
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Showing posts with label Random Acts of Kindness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random Acts of Kindness. Show all posts
December 5, 2013
January 5, 2012
Love What You Do
I just received word that an article I had been chosen to be interviewed for was published in a major Kansas City magazine, and my heart couldn't be happier. Not only does that make me beam from a personal and professional angle, but more importantly I saw how my work effects people in need.
As many of you know I am proud to be a staff member of the nation's largest cancer organization, where every single day I get, yes get, to work with the bravest cancer patients, the most amazing healthcare systems, and the most giving volunteers.
The article featured my cancer patient ride assistance program that I direct here in the Kansas City area, and we are aiming to boost our volunteer drivers. I have received several phone calls already this morning from people genuinely excited to help people by volunteering.
But more importantly, I was reminded in the article that the work I've put into this program helped offer more than 800+ rides to cancer patients in need to an from their life-saving treatments this last year.
Now THAT is what I call pure sunshine.
I love that quote from Steve Jobs above, because it's so true. Everything we do makes a huge difference, so find what you're passionate about, be brave, and just go for it.
So very thankful to love what I am doing each and every day, very blessed to have been a caregiver for two cancer surviving parents, and very happy to be able to help provide the same love and support to other families who have been in my shoes.
Today rocks!
As many of you know I am proud to be a staff member of the nation's largest cancer organization, where every single day I get, yes get, to work with the bravest cancer patients, the most amazing healthcare systems, and the most giving volunteers.
The article featured my cancer patient ride assistance program that I direct here in the Kansas City area, and we are aiming to boost our volunteer drivers. I have received several phone calls already this morning from people genuinely excited to help people by volunteering.
But more importantly, I was reminded in the article that the work I've put into this program helped offer more than 800+ rides to cancer patients in need to an from their life-saving treatments this last year.
Now THAT is what I call pure sunshine.
I love that quote from Steve Jobs above, because it's so true. Everything we do makes a huge difference, so find what you're passionate about, be brave, and just go for it.
So very thankful to love what I am doing each and every day, very blessed to have been a caregiver for two cancer surviving parents, and very happy to be able to help provide the same love and support to other families who have been in my shoes.
Today rocks!
November 1, 2011
Date Nights for Dummies
Let me just start off by saying that I've been spoiled rotten... Yes. Adam is a date night genius and I'm the dummy. For as long as I can remember, Thursdays have always been "our" night. No friends, no fam, no outside conflicts or plans. Just the two of us enjoying an evening together and catching up on "Madam" (Meg + Adam) time.
It really doesn't matter if he comes over to my place, we make dinner together and watch a movie, or if we go out on the town. I live for Thursdays.
Ladies, my boyfriend is a total stud. He always has the best ideas and I have to actually fight him to ever get the slight chance on me paying for something we do. He's too good to me.
All of this being said, BF got back from a long work trip last night, and I was just a little overwhelmed by how much I missed him while he was gone. I couldn't get enough hugs throughout the evening with our friends, and my heart leaped everytime he said "I missed you." Now with Thursday approaching I want to do something special and plan a fun date.
This is where you come in.
Unlike my creative other half, I lack the think fast know-how skills. It's really easy to fall into the same routine and plans (...don't get me wrong, I absolutely love movie night/sweat pants/snuggling like the best of them), but he deserves something low-key and special... help!
I wanted to surprise him with an evening visit to the Louisburg Cider Mill, but unfortunately the darn place closes at 6 p.m. I love making him dinner, not doing anything too fussy, but fun! We're a very simple/easy-to-please couple.
{ What ideas do you have for me for a fun evening? }
.:::.:::.:::.:::.
Meanwhile, while trying to do a little fun research I came across these great sites (here, here, and here) full of more ideas in case you're like me and need some fun inspiration too! Ideas that stuck out so far...
+ fondue for two
+ living room picnic
+ visiting the playground
+ feeding the ducks at a pond by my house
+ urban spoon everything (how spontaneous!)
+ board game night
+ outdoor smores + wine
+ try a new restaurant
+ progressive dinner
.:::.:::.:::.:::.
Anything awesome come to mind? Send this girl a few pointers!
It really doesn't matter if he comes over to my place, we make dinner together and watch a movie, or if we go out on the town. I live for Thursdays.
Ladies, my boyfriend is a total stud. He always has the best ideas and I have to actually fight him to ever get the slight chance on me paying for something we do. He's too good to me.
All of this being said, BF got back from a long work trip last night, and I was just a little overwhelmed by how much I missed him while he was gone. I couldn't get enough hugs throughout the evening with our friends, and my heart leaped everytime he said "I missed you." Now with Thursday approaching I want to do something special and plan a fun date.
This is where you come in.
Unlike my creative other half, I lack the think fast know-how skills. It's really easy to fall into the same routine and plans (...don't get me wrong, I absolutely love movie night/sweat pants/snuggling like the best of them), but he deserves something low-key and special... help!
I wanted to surprise him with an evening visit to the Louisburg Cider Mill, but unfortunately the darn place closes at 6 p.m. I love making him dinner, not doing anything too fussy, but fun! We're a very simple/easy-to-please couple.
{ What ideas do you have for me for a fun evening? }
.:::.:::.:::.:::.
Meanwhile, while trying to do a little fun research I came across these great sites (here, here, and here) full of more ideas in case you're like me and need some fun inspiration too! Ideas that stuck out so far...
+ fondue for two
+ living room picnic
+ visiting the playground
+ feeding the ducks at a pond by my house
+ urban spoon everything (how spontaneous!)
+ board game night
+ outdoor smores + wine
+ try a new restaurant
+ progressive dinner
.:::.:::.:::.:::.
Anything awesome come to mind? Send this girl a few pointers!
September 22, 2011
A Little Reminder...
I think sometimes it's easy to get wrapped up in the chaos of life and let the important things be forgotten. One thing that you should always remember is you are a beautiful person who truly can make a big impact on the world. So let me be that reminder to you today... thanks to the fantastic quote above from "The Help".
I encourage you to go be the fabulous, confident woman that God made you to be, and go make a difference today! Random acts of kindness, sweet words, or even a smile. Even the little things count!
{Be kinder} than you think is necessary, and I promise you will add a little bit of sunshine to someone else's day... and yours too!
Hugs & Love!
July 12, 2011
Grab a Tissue...
I can't believe I haven't shared this story yet!
This past week, such a wonderful thing happened and i can't stop thinking about it. I'm pretty sure it's one of the sweetest gestures I've ever seen. May your heart be warmed by such an amazing act of love. :)
So, as I shared a few months ago, my dad was diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer. He has started his chemotherapy treatments and has been through his share of yucky things, but he's hanging in there!
My mom is a breast cancer survivor, so we have all been through this difficult journey together before.
{ Family photo at my cousin's graduation }
Along with feeling pretty lousy, drained, and achey after chemo, Dad knew that the time for his hair to fall out would finally come. He woke up one morning after his hair began to fall out and asked my mom to shave off the remnants of any hair patches left behind.
Let me tell you, I've never seen my Dad without hair... but he looks good!
Anyway, last week I was riding to the Sporting KC soccer game with BF, when all of a sudden he said he was thinking of getting a new hair-do. Not knowing what he was referring to, I told him to go for it. Then he paused for a second and said these sweet words...
__________________________________________________
"You know, I've just been thinking about your Dad. It's been
on my mind for a few weeks, but I think I want to shave my head so that he doesn't feel alone in this."
__________________________________________________
I was so shocked in the moment that I couldn't really laugh or cry. How did I ever get so lucky to have the most thoughtful man in the world? The thought that he loves me so much that he would do anything in the world for my family is incomprehensible.
That man is a keeper!
So long story short, we shaved off all of Adam's hair after the game that night... and I cried happy tears all the way home from his house. My heart was full of love and admiration.
The next day my parents were arriving in KC for a logn weekend visit, and Adam surprised them with his newly bald head. I could tell that my Dad was truly touched and honored, and I'm pretty sure my Mom hugged him at least 3 times.
{ Before }
{ After }
Adam has vowed to keep shaving his head for the rest of my Dad's chemotherapy and radiation treatments, until Dad's hair starts to grow back.
Everytime I kiss the top of Adam's stumble-y bald head I am reminded of the hope and reassurance that my Dad will finish this fight strong.
I don't think i could feel more humbled or blessed that I do right now. So very thankful that I've met the love of my life, and so very grateful that my family calls him family too.
________________________________________________
PS- Don't forget to visit the Mingle Monday Blog Hop!
It's open until Friday, so gain some new followers and get some great blog exposure!!
________________________________________________
This past week, such a wonderful thing happened and i can't stop thinking about it. I'm pretty sure it's one of the sweetest gestures I've ever seen. May your heart be warmed by such an amazing act of love. :)
So, as I shared a few months ago, my dad was diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer. He has started his chemotherapy treatments and has been through his share of yucky things, but he's hanging in there!
My mom is a breast cancer survivor, so we have all been through this difficult journey together before.
Along with feeling pretty lousy, drained, and achey after chemo, Dad knew that the time for his hair to fall out would finally come. He woke up one morning after his hair began to fall out and asked my mom to shave off the remnants of any hair patches left behind.
Let me tell you, I've never seen my Dad without hair... but he looks good!
Anyway, last week I was riding to the Sporting KC soccer game with BF, when all of a sudden he said he was thinking of getting a new hair-do. Not knowing what he was referring to, I told him to go for it. Then he paused for a second and said these sweet words...
"You know, I've just been thinking about your Dad. It's been
on my mind for a few weeks, but I think I want to shave my head so that he doesn't feel alone in this."
__________________________________________________
I was so shocked in the moment that I couldn't really laugh or cry. How did I ever get so lucky to have the most thoughtful man in the world? The thought that he loves me so much that he would do anything in the world for my family is incomprehensible.
That man is a keeper!
So long story short, we shaved off all of Adam's hair after the game that night... and I cried happy tears all the way home from his house. My heart was full of love and admiration.
The next day my parents were arriving in KC for a logn weekend visit, and Adam surprised them with his newly bald head. I could tell that my Dad was truly touched and honored, and I'm pretty sure my Mom hugged him at least 3 times.
{ After }Adam has vowed to keep shaving his head for the rest of my Dad's chemotherapy and radiation treatments, until Dad's hair starts to grow back.
Everytime I kiss the top of Adam's stumble-y bald head I am reminded of the hope and reassurance that my Dad will finish this fight strong.
I don't think i could feel more humbled or blessed that I do right now. So very thankful that I've met the love of my life, and so very grateful that my family calls him family too.
________________________________________________
PS- Don't forget to visit the Mingle Monday Blog Hop!
It's open until Friday, so gain some new followers and get some great blog exposure!!
________________________________________________
June 1, 2011
The Sunshine Project
Happy June, lovelies!!
I know it's been quite awhile since I posted last (shame on me!). It was a combo of enjoying my 4 day vacation combined with a need to be re-inspired. But don't you worry, after a refreshing few days off I feel very motivated and deeply inspired to start a new project.
I've been thinking about this for about a month now, and watching a heart-changing documentary ("The Human Experience"), I believe it's finally time to make this dream/goal a reality:
{ THE SUNSHINE PROJECT }
Over the next 30 days, I am on a mission to make a positive change on the world one random act of kindness at a time. I've realized that life is not about me, and it's far too short to be inwardly focused.
Keep in mind that this project in no way is meant to glorify me. I want this to be a meaningful project that may possibly inspire others to spread some sunshine.
I have no set agenda or plan of what to do each day, I simply want to have my eyes and ears open for little ways I can spread cheer. Not only is this a personal mission to spread happiness and love to people that may need it most, but I have a big feeling that it will change me too.
{ Join me! }
_________________________________
Day 1: Cup o' Joy
I woke up this morning extremely happy. I knew today was the first day of my little project and I couldn't wait to get started!
Now those that know me best realize that most mornings I am on "Meg time" - ie: I'm running late. Not this morning, my friends. I was up and ready to go extra early so that I could begin my first day of The Sunshine Project.
My very sweet friend, Lindsey, sent me a wonderful Starbucks gift card last week in an encouraging and cheery note. She may not have known it at the time, but it made my week. Which is when my first idea hit. Starbucks!
My plan was to run through the Starbucks drive-thru on my way downtown, and pick-up the tab of the person behind me. As soon as I ordered my coffee light frappucino I just started giggling. Seriously.
I pulled up to the window and I'm not sure if I was nervous or excited, but as soon as the barista opened the drive-thru window I blurted out something about "HI! Here's my card... person behind me..." *giggle*
Good grief. Could I be any more spastic?
He looked at me and kind of smiled as he ran my card. Then he handed me my drink and with a very genuine smile he looked me in the eyes and sincerely wished me a great day. How thoughtful.
I never saw that person behind me, but I hope they were surprised and excited. In fact, I hope they turn around and do something nice for someone else today.
My heart is full of joy already, so I can't wait to see what's to come!
____________________________________
Join me in spreading that sunshine!
I know it's been quite awhile since I posted last (shame on me!). It was a combo of enjoying my 4 day vacation combined with a need to be re-inspired. But don't you worry, after a refreshing few days off I feel very motivated and deeply inspired to start a new project.
I've been thinking about this for about a month now, and watching a heart-changing documentary ("The Human Experience"), I believe it's finally time to make this dream/goal a reality:
{ THE SUNSHINE PROJECT }
Over the next 30 days, I am on a mission to make a positive change on the world one random act of kindness at a time. I've realized that life is not about me, and it's far too short to be inwardly focused.
Keep in mind that this project in no way is meant to glorify me. I want this to be a meaningful project that may possibly inspire others to spread some sunshine.
I have no set agenda or plan of what to do each day, I simply want to have my eyes and ears open for little ways I can spread cheer. Not only is this a personal mission to spread happiness and love to people that may need it most, but I have a big feeling that it will change me too.
{ Join me! }
_________________________________
Day 1: Cup o' Joy
I woke up this morning extremely happy. I knew today was the first day of my little project and I couldn't wait to get started!
Now those that know me best realize that most mornings I am on "Meg time" - ie: I'm running late. Not this morning, my friends. I was up and ready to go extra early so that I could begin my first day of The Sunshine Project.
My very sweet friend, Lindsey, sent me a wonderful Starbucks gift card last week in an encouraging and cheery note. She may not have known it at the time, but it made my week. Which is when my first idea hit. Starbucks!
My plan was to run through the Starbucks drive-thru on my way downtown, and pick-up the tab of the person behind me. As soon as I ordered my coffee light frappucino I just started giggling. Seriously.
I pulled up to the window and I'm not sure if I was nervous or excited, but as soon as the barista opened the drive-thru window I blurted out something about "HI! Here's my card... person behind me..." *giggle*
Good grief. Could I be any more spastic?
He looked at me and kind of smiled as he ran my card. Then he handed me my drink and with a very genuine smile he looked me in the eyes and sincerely wished me a great day. How thoughtful.
I never saw that person behind me, but I hope they were surprised and excited. In fact, I hope they turn around and do something nice for someone else today.
My heart is full of joy already, so I can't wait to see what's to come!
____________________________________
Join me in spreading that sunshine!