In 2012, I decided to commit to “smiling more and helping others smile more”. This is my new year’s resolution. It seems my inherent definition of a smile is to spread happiness and joy with this physical act. Making a new year’s resolution may come easy…most of us easily commit to “losing weight”
Resolutions Can Make a Difference
or “reducing alcohol consumption” in January… Or any number of other self-improvement commitments: time-management, saving money, etc. It has always been a traditional part of the clock ticking into a new year. At face value (excuse the pun) this appears to be an easy thing to do…however I have found it requires a tremendous amount of concentration and specific targeted action.
The first challenge is in letting my petty upsets move to the recesses of my mind, and in doing so I must strategically focus on all that is good. It also means I must allow negative people and their energies to bounce off me, because otherwise they infect my ability to smile more and bring happiness to others. This part of my resolution costs me no money and in these tough times, smiling is even more important than ever…primarily because it is FREE and it makes a huge difference in people’s daily lives. It is the one gift that keeps on giving.
The second, even more important aspect, of my new years resolution is redirecting wasted energies and efforts toward providing good to others…in one word: PHILANTHROPY.
Phi-lan-thro-py: according to Wikipedia is defined as:
the love of humanity“—love in the sense of caring for, nourishing, developing, or enhancing; humanity in the sense of “what it is to be human,” or “human potential. In modern practical terms, it is “private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of life“—balancing the social-scientific aspect emphasized in the 21st century, with the long-traditional and original humanist core of the word’s ancient coinage.
There are numerous ways to support charitable works and organizations without spending a lot of money. I believe it is important to find the organization that speaks to your heart. For example, when we lived in San Francisco, we supported two local non-profit organizations: The Bay Area Crisis Nursery (an organization started by a nun: focused on reducing child abuse, by providing a safe haven to children who’s parents are facing homelessness, unemployment, drug addiction, etc.), and also the Bay Area Food Bank (providing food for the homeless and hungry).
Now living in The Hague, I was recently introduced to a Thai Orphanage named Sarnelli Housein Nongkai, Thailand. It was started and is run by Priest Father Michael Shea. Their mission spoke to my heart:
"Lyn" at Sarnelli House first in 2006 then in 2009 with Father Mike
Sarnelli House is an orphanage for abandoned children and children with HIV/AIDS. We work in the spirit of love where the children can find a purpose in living and be nurtured as they grow to adults.
The thought of bringing smiles to children from afar, who have been otherwise cast aside warms my heart, and thus this has become my new endeavor. With a couple of other friends we are organizing a charity event to raise money for this heartfelt organization. If you are so inclined and would like to participate in this worthwhile organization you can visit the website above. Or you may join us for our fundraising event on the 10th of March in The Hague, or you may provide a donation for our silent auction…nothing is too small, and all of these proceeds go directly to the orphanage. These proceeds will help to deliver and create daily smiles for the children depending on the Sarnelli House organization.
It is in this spirit that I share the information about this Sarnelli House Dinner-Auction-Dance on the 10th of March to be held:
Parish House Koningen Marialaan 2 Den Haag
“REACH OUT” Charity Event for The Sarnelli House Orphanage
- Live band / Disco
- Charity Silent Auction
- Asian Buffet dinner (includes red/white wine, beer, mineral water)
- Tickets € 50 Limited tickets!! For ticket sales contact: hartigan@live.com
2012 is a year for smiles. With a smile I believe we can change the world for the better. We can dissolve differences into discussions, and show our innate ability to overcome poverty, end world hunger, intolerance and violence. Happy New Year to you and yours:
A couple of smiling quotes to ponder:
The world always looks brighter from behind a smile. ~Author Unknown
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. ~Charles Gordy
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