Resolutions
It’s a new year and you know what that means, resolution time! I’ve never been a fan of New Year’s Resolutions because they end up being a series of empty promises. Add that to the fact that most resolutions are boring (eat less, exercise more, blah, blah), and they just don’t excite me. But this year will be different. This year my resolution will be to create a list of resolutions. Instead of the predictable - often selfish goals - let’s look outward and see what we can do in 2012 to change someone else’s life. If you have $100, I have some ideas:
Back to School: We all know that college is expensive and it can be overwhelming. Loans, grants and scholarships are available to help soften the blow but anyone who’s gone to college knows that the bills don’t stop with tuition and room and board. Books, supplies, even things like laundry detergent often force students to pick up a job on campus. Giving a deserving kid $100 to start the semester will go a long way.
Paper or Plastic: It’s no secret, these are tough times and it’s getting increasingly difficult for many families to make ends meet. If you take $100 and offer to pay for someone’s groceries the next time you’re at the supermarket, that gesture will not only brighten up their day but help their entire family out for that month.
Big Tipper: Let’s be honest, some jobs aren’t fun. However, these jobs are necessary and good people work very hard to provide you with a service. So if you frequent a local restaurant, drug store or purchase your morning bagel from the same food truck, give them a $100 tip as a “thank you” for their great service. I’m sure they will never ever forget your face.
Bundle up: Almost all of us have more than we need. If you buy a piece of clothing simply because of the color, then you fit in that category. The winter months can be the toughest on homeless population. Most people don’t feel comfortable giving them money for fear that they would use it on drugs so why don’t you spend $100 on a coat or two and give it to someone on the street who can really use it.
Hot Cakes: The Ronald McDonald House has a “Guest Chef” program where people are welcome to volunteer to either cook dinner or breakfast for the children and their families. It’s a great way to give folks who are miles away from home a nice “home-cooked” meal and help a wonderful organization save money. Volunteering for a breakfast can cost you around $100. Find your local Ronald McDonald house here.
Fantastic 4: I don’t care who you are, you did not get where you are without the help of others. Pick four people in your life who have positively affected you but may not know it because you haven’t said anything in a while, and buy a nice gift. For $25 you can get a nice bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine or a gift card. You can make an old teacher, uncle, mentor or friend feel incredibly special.
Sneaky: This is really simple. Take a $100 bill and slip it in someone’s bag, hand, pocket etc. CAUTION: if you choose a stranger, make sure you don’t get confused for a thief – that will have the opposite effect.
Ho Ho Ho: Next Christmas, make some kids happy. Each year the U.S. Post Office has a program called “Operation Santa” where needy children write Santa letters asking for gifts. All you have to do is go to the Post Office, choose a letter from the pile and make their dreams come true. $100 is more than enough to be able to give an entire family a Merry Christmas.
Support our Troops: The war in Iraq may be over but our brave men and women are still putting their lives on the line around the world and they need our support. Did you know that you are able to send a care package to someone in the armed forces? Well for $100, I’m sure that you can make one soldier’s experience that much easier.
Play More Games: A place like Dave & Busters is a great place to take your kids. There are enough games to have hours of fun. The next time you’re there buy a $100 Power Card and hand it to a mom or a dad who’s just walking in with their children. (Tell them, you’re on your way out and you don’t need it anymore.) When they see that they have enough points to for two trips, your job is done.
Fill ‘er up: If you own a car, then you know that gas prices are high. With people needing their cars to get to work or to take their kids to school, it’s becoming a major financial burden. If you’re at the pump, offer to fill up someone’s tank or offer him or her a $100 gas card. The surprise on their face will more than pay you back.
Donate: When all else fails you can always donate to a charity that you support. There are so many fantastic organizations that do incredible work around the country and around the world. Your $100 can help keep the lights on.
Random acts of kindness have a way of making the entire world a better place. There’s no better feeling than improving someone else’s life. My New Year’s resolution will be attempting to do as many things on this list as possible. So in 2012, we all have 12 ways to help other people. And if you are able to do all 12 things, it will only cost you $1200. There’s a theme here people.
Happy New Year.
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