Each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I take time to listen to one of his sermons. They are always inspiring and powerful. Listening takes me beyond just posting a quote on social media but taking the time to learn from the words spoken by MLK Jr. 

But from our learnings, we must then move to action. 

This year I listened to The Drum Major Instinct. Here is a bit of what he said that is actionable,

"I want you to be first in love. I want you to be first in moral excellence. I want you to be first in generosity."

"Everyone can be great because everyone can serve."

He goes on to share what he would like to be said about him in his eulogy.

Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others, loving somebody, fed the hungry, clothed those who were naked, visited those who were in prison, and loved and served humanity. 

So, why is the sermon titled, "The Drum Major Instinct?" He wanted his eulogy to say he was a drum major for justice, peace, and righteousness.

As you go about your week, what will you be a drum major for in your life?

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of “The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life” and "The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life"

I am just off the heels of the annual baking and candy making extravaganza with my best friend Amy and her family. What a wonderful weekend. This is their 11th year of the weekend and I have been blessed to be evolved for the past four or five years. I have lost count.

The weekend has one goal. Make enough goodies to give away to those in the community that serve us. Teachers, bus drivers, police officers, nursing home staff, church staff, and medical personnel.

Do you have any annual giving tradition? If not, let us change that in 2021. And if you have a giving tradition, how can you expand it or start a new one?

Why is it important to have a giving tradition? 

1. It is an event that helps us focus on others. 
2. It is a way to support your passion and the community.
3. It is a way to get friends and family involved in giving.
4. It inspires others to create their own giving tradition...impacting more people!
5. It is a great way to teach children in your life about giving. They are never too young to get involved. 

The why is important because it keeps moving us forward when we face obstacles or want to give up and quit. 

Now that we understand the why, let's chat about how you actually get your giving tradition off the ground, or maybe get a little more organized around your current tradition. 

1. Think about your passion. What do you love? Is there an organization that aligns to your passion? This doesn't have to be a nonprofit. For me, I love law enforcement and I always do a giving event for those that serve and protect our communities.
2. Who is going to benefit? Is it a nonprofit? A group of people in your community? Be specific.
3. When are you going to have your giving event? Our baking extravaganza, it's always in December. Mark it on the calendar in a red sharpie. Do not let anything get in the way of your giving tradition!
4. What's your goal? Be specific so you know your target and if you have accomplished your goal. Maybe it's to raise x dollars. Collect x numbers of coats or books. Serve x number of teachers in your community. 
5. Who is going to help you? During the pandemic, your group may need to be small or even virtual. Do what works best for you and your community.
6. Communicate what you are doing. Post on social media. Send an email. Shout it from the rooftops to inspire others, possibly getting people involved, and to create accountability. 
7.  Make a plan. What are the first steps you need to take to get your event off the ground?

Hopefully, the information provided today will help you create your giving tradition.  I'd love to hear if you have a tradition. If so, what is your tradition? If you don't, what will it be in 2021?

Happy Giving,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”

This past week my college friend, Carrie, posted about a tradition she started for her family, the Countdown to Christmas.

I love the idea, and even though she starts it for her boys on December 1, you could begin at any time of the month.  

And if you are like me and don't have children in the house, you can still implement some of these ideas in your household or put together a care package for a neighbor, family member, or friend.

Here's what my friend Carrie had to say, "Many are wondering how to make the most of the 2020 holidays. Many plans have changed. Home more often than not. How to help the kids (and parents) still have fun and celebrate?

Well, we have spent many holiday months at home. But I still LOVE holiday hoopla. Shortly after having Brayden, we started a Countdown to Christmas. It may have been born out of parent guilt of not leaving the house much... but it is still something we do every year; it has become a tradition.

Each morning, starting December 1, I set out a "gift" for Countdown to Christmas. Most items are things we already have and just bringing out to celebrate/decorate for Christmas. It takes a little planning, but over the years, I have a tub of the items ready to pull out of storage and learn to add items to my grocery cart starting now.

Some of the things we have done over the years for Countdown to Christmas:

Countdown Clock

Advent calendar - you know those candy ones

Nativity set they can play with

Christmas Books can do different books to debut different days

Grinch Stole Christmas book and listen to audiobook along with it (it is the guy’s voice from the original movie). Then the following night, watch the original Grinch movie.

Peanuts Nativity set and watch the Peanuts Christmas movie

Cozy Christmas blankets for each boy

Christmas sheets and pillows for their beds

A little tree for their room or playroom

Kits to make their ornaments - I typically got the clear plastic balls and then stuff from the dollar store they can stuff in them like glitter, pompoms, etc.

Get out the Christmas mugs with some festive hot chocolate

Candy canes with a book about the story of the candy cane

Christmas lights for their room or playroom

Christmas movie and popcorn

Acts of service – delivery toys to hospital, etc.

A clue or something relating to whatever we were doing that day: getting a Christmas tree, seeing lights, going to ICE, zoo lights, a party, etc.

Small Christmas wreath for them to decorate (with things from the dollar store) and hang in a room

Cookie tools and ingredients to help make Christmas cookies

Special seasonal drink or soda, or eggnog

Christmas underwear and socks

Christmas candy

Christmas ice-cream - eggnog or peppermint stick

Christmas themed snacks

Christmas themed games

Christmas pajamas

Christmas Coloring books or Mad-libs

Cards to help write/draw notes to send to people for Christmas

Wrapping paper - they help wrap presents for their brothers

One night of shopping - I would take the boys out Christmas shopping so they could pick things out for the brothers, then get Chick-fil-a peppermint milkshake

Foam balls to have an indoor snowball fight

Having teenage boys, the Countdown Christmas mostly involves food and making food, Christmas flannel sheets, decorating their rooms, ways to give back, etc."

Your holiday season may look different this year, but you can still make the holiday season festive and fun!

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of “The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life” and "The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life"

It's that time of year where you may be agonizing over what gifts to get your friends, family and coworkers. Over the years, my giving has evolved. I used to think the more expensive the gift, the better. I also, got a rush from bouncing from big box story to big box store. Don't get me wrong, I still love me some Home Goods, but along my giving journey, I've discovered small businesses, with fabulous products, reasonably priced, needed my support more. 

There is a secret to giving a perfect gift, listening and paying attention to those around you. What do they love? Enjoy? What makes them happy and their face light up? That's how you discover what gift to purchase for those closest to you.

Finally, I'm a fan of giving useful gifts. Gifts that don't collect dust or create clutter. 

2020, with the year of the pandemic, has been a year of giving gifts from small business owners, and I wanted to pass along my favorite gifts to give, to make your Christmas shopping stress free this year. 

Pops Kernel: For the second year in a row, I just can't not put Pops Kernel on my list. I'm in LOVE with their popcorn! And their owner, who has become a dear friend, does so much to give back to her community. A true giver. I gotta admit, this isn't only a gift I buy for others, but I'll be buying a couple of bags for myself.  

Tricia Robinson Art: This year my home needed a little pop of color and when I stumbled upon Tricia's art, I couldn't resist buying a copy of prints. But as I perused her site, I found pictures of little country churches, with church hymns, that took me back to memories of the church I grew up. I had to buy prints for family, who I knew would appreciate the art as much as I would. I also love her journals. Again, vibrant, and will add a pop of color to any gift you want to give this year. 

All About Vibe: Recently I left the comforts of my home to take a solo vacation to South Carolina. I wanted to surprise my hubby with a funny gift while I was gone. I sent in a picture of our beloved dog, God rest his soul, Boss, and had a life like pillow made of him. Oh my gosh! It is so perfect. I think I love it more than my husband did. The pillow is so soft and snuggly. I couldn't believe how perfect the picture I sent came out on the pillow. Plus, I love that All the Vibe is a "made in the USA" company. The pillow is a perfect gift for the animal lover in your life. 

Mountain Khakis: If you have been following me for any amount of time, you know I love hiking and trouncing around back in my woods. My dear friend Jessica started a new job at Mountain Khakis and when I looked into their clothes, they were a perfect fit for my outdoor adventures. And friends, their flannel lined pants are like wearing a cloud. They are so cozy! They make the perfect gift for the adventurous person in your life. 

Fallen Timbers Woodshop: If anything good has come out of the pandemic, it's that my hubby finally started his own woodworking business!  His attention to detail, perfectist tendencies, and customize creations are the perfect gift for the person that is hard to buy for.  I'm a little bias, but I think he's the best in the business!

Pampered Chef: Back when I launch my first book, a fellow giver connected with me on social media. We became friends and even had the chance to meet in person. She recently started with Pampered Chef and I'm so impressed with the ideas she is already sending about how I can use the products I have. And let me just say, I have a ton of PC products! A day doesn't go by where I'm not using their products. My new favorite their freezer bowl sets. I love making soups but hate to have the leftovers go to waste. These one cup bowls have saved me money and help me provide future meals. Pampered Chef products are perfect for the cook in your life. If you don't have a PC consultant, Angela Stanley, mine, is best in the biz!

Bonus Gifts! Giving Gal Products. Did you know if you purchase The Giving Challenge and Gratitude Challenge as a bundle you get $5 off! The bundle makes a perfect gift for the book lover in your life.  

And remember your gift is doubled. Not only are you supporting me, an author, but through my books, we purchase meals for children in need through  Rice Bowls, and we support a local veteran's program. https://www.ricebowls.org/

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”

P.S. I'm not paid or don't receive any compensation for recommending these products. Until this article posted, the owners didn't even know they've been selected for my list.

Friends, I'm not the best cook. What about you? Do you enjoy being in the kitchen and whipping up a fabulous meal for family and friends?

I do a good enough job to get by for my husband and me, but when I open my home, what will my guests eat, is a question that causes a bit of stress an anxiety. 

This past week I opened my home, to friend and fellow entrepreneur, Sarah Harmeyer, with Neighbor's Table. She drove from Texas to deliver tables, and we had an opportunity to catch up. I even interviewed her for my podcast. The episode will post soon, so make sure you are subscribed, to hear all the details about how to love our neighbor, and Sarah's big goal that led her to launching her business.

I had all the good intentions of making a yummy meal for us. I envisioned as she walked into my home that glorious scents would flow from the kitchen, welcoming her at the front door.

Well, my busy schedule, unexpected meetings, and remembering the guest room sheets needed washed, threw off my entire day, and left no time to make a home cook meal.

When Sarah pulled up in the driveway, in her big yellow truck and walked through the door, at 7:00 p.m., I pulled out the DoorDash app, and asked her what she wanted. In the past I would have been embarrassed and felt guilty of my lack of the appearance of being the perfect host. But remember, I gave up guilt. If you need a reminder, check it out here.

While we waited for the dasher to arrive, we sat in the living room, catching up on life. When the food arrived, we filled our plates, grabbed drinks, and gathered at the table to continue our conversation. 

What I've realized time and time again, is that my friends, and even strangers, who enter my home, aren't focused on having a meal I pulled out of the oven. What they appreciate is feeling welcomed, loved, comfortable, and engaged.  

The next time you have the opportunity to welcome someone into your home, but don't have time to cook a gourmet meal, be okay with take out, or like I've done in the past, pop a pizza in the oven and grab a good bottle of wine. Simple and easy is a tip I use, to open my home to more people, with little stress. Who will you invite to your home next?

Blessings

Stephanie

I walked into the post office to grab a priority mail shipping box and immediately realized I'd forgotten packaging tape. Dang it!

I'd brought the stack of books I needed to mail, but without the tape, I'd have to go home to package and prepare for shipping.

As I stood in line to mail other items, I overheard the lady in front of me share a bit about an act of kindness she was doing for others. 

After she finished paying for her shipping, I stepped in the lobby, and mailed my other packages. As I walked out, there she stood putting stamps on her envelopes. 

In that moment, I was grateful I didn't have packaging tape. I gave her a copy of The Giving Challenge and shared how I'd overheard that she was working on her own act of kindness. She was surprised and appreciative of the gift.

Sometimes when our plans don't work out, there is a reason why and maybe, just maybe, we can find an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge a fellow giver.

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of “The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life” and "The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life"

As we close out July, I want to go out on a bang and give you a gift now, instead of waiting for Christmas!

I'm discounting all my products at www.GivingGal.com/shop by 25%!!! Jump start your Christmas shopping now.

Don't need a Christmas gift? We are low on our books for Veterans. Buy a book for a Veteran and get it 25% off!

All you have to do is enter SUMMER2020 in the promo code box at checkout.

If these are gifts, and you want me to personalize the inscription of the books, just let me know.

Merry "early" Christmas!
Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”

I run a FB Group, The Gratitude Challenge. Are you a member? If not, you should join, it's full of positive posts, challenging others to focus on what they are grateful for each day.

Recently, Harold, a long-time coaching client, posted, "I'm grateful that I've tested positive today."

I immediately thought, "Oh no! Harold has the COVID-19."

But instead of responding, I paused. I know Harold. I'd just chatted with him on Friday, his post mentioned nothing of COVID-19, he loves quotes, and I realized, he wasn't talking about a sickness, but his attitude."

Sneaky, sneaky Harold!

I scrolled through the comments, "You mean negative? If you tested positive means you have the covid virus in your system."  

And "Hopefully you mean negative!"

Oh, those sweet ladies that responded. I know they were probably concern for his well being and thought he'd made an error with is words. The mistake happens all the time. No harm and no fowl in this case. 

But what happened on this post is becoming a pandemic of sorts on social media. And unlike this post, our country is becoming divided due to words people are speaking. And at the end of the day, I'm not sure we are solving any problems.

The interaction got me thinking and I realized, there were a couple of steps I took before responding, and I think maybe moving forward could save each of us a lot of heartache and maybe a friendship.

First, I didn't immediately respond. I almost did, but I paused, and reread the post.  

Second, I thought about the person that made the post. I know him well, which made me look at the post in a different light. 

Third, I responded with a comment asking for confirmation about the meaning of his post, I didn't assume. "Knowing you...you're talking about your attitude!"

The conversation today reminded me there is a gift we can give our friends and even strangers on social media. It's the gift of pausing before we comment. It's the gift of knowing the person and their heart. I don't know about you, but often what I feel in my heart doesn't reflect properly in the words I speak or write. I often think, "That didn't come out right." If we don't know someone's heart, then it's hard to respond to their post. And finally, don't assume you know what someone is feeling or thinking at the time of their post. Engage in conversation, ask questions, maybe message the poster privately, or do like I've trained myself to do and don't comment at all.  

The last gift, on don't comment at all, is a hard pill to swallow. It's taken great willpower for me to keep scrolling and keep my mouth shut. How I react comes down to asking myself a couple of questions, maybe you could use these also.

1) What value is my comment brining to the conversation? 

2) Is my comment positive and encouraging? 

3) Is what I'm posting bringing us to unity or division?  

Usually my response is no, no, and division. The only time I post is if my answer is yes, yes, and unity. This not only goes for comments, but rules I try to follow when making a post.

There are a lot of little gifts we can give our friends, and even strangers on social media.  Be the person that helps to bring positivity, encouragement and unity to your little neck of the world.  If we all did this, we'd be a happier, less stressed, and anxious society!

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”