April is National Volunteer Month, so what are you going to do?

Volunteerism is all about people who give and receive. If you would like to be one of the estimated 59 million volunteers in the United States, but can’t quite figure out what to do, then this month is all about you. In fact, it all starts with you.

You see, April is national volunteer month, and the people, organizations, places and events around the would are eagerly awaiting your interest, abilities, time, talent and service.

Volunteering gives you an opportunity to change lives, including your own. If you're feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by the news of a disaster, volunteering to help can be a great way to cope. If you'd like to support a cause but can't afford to donate money, you can donate your time instead.

Helping others in need is such an important part of the five habits of character. Actually, it is the fifth habit of character  - the habit of service! So how do you go about it?

Find What's Right for You
With volunteering, you get to pick what really interests you and who (or what) is most deserving of your time. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Help kids grow.  Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister is a great way to support children’s growth. Additionally, after school programs, such as basketball, soccer and even Character Clubs, are always looking for volunteers. Special Olympics games and events are great ways to get to know special-needs kids.
• Give back over the holidays. Serve Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless, volunteer at your local food bank, or distribute toys to kids. Your church or child’s place of school may also be able to use your help.
• Be doggone helpful. My family added a puppy to our family this year, so I'm all about helping out furry friends. Most shelters depend on volunteers to keep the cats and dogs happy and well exercised. Take some time to play with the pets at a local animal shelter. (It’s a bonus workout when you walk the dogs!)
• Be politically-motivated. If you're interested in politics, it's a great way to find out how things work on the inside. If you are interested in volunteering with your kids and they can’t vote, you can work together to get your candidate – whether town mayor or president of the United States – elected.
• Go green and help the environment. Take part in a local park/community cleanup day. Join a conservation group and help out with ocean preservation. Not the outdoorsy type?  Consider helping out in a park office or education center. 
• Support a health-related cause. Lots of us are close to people who have a medical problem, such as cancer, HIV, or diabetes. It can feel good to donate your time to an organization that raises money for research, delivers meals, or offers other help to people with an illness.

If you have more than one thing you love, find a way to combine the two. For example, if you love kids and are great at arts and crafts, visit your local children's hospital and offer to lead art activities for young patients.


Getting Perspective
Volunteering is also a great way to get a perspective on your own life. Sometimes it's easy to get consumed by worries about your children, your work or your friends. While these things are very important, it can also be helpful to occupy your thoughts with other things. Volunteering allows you to do this. It lets you shift your focus to those outside your “inner circle” and see how you make a difference in the world.

Getting Started
Once you’ve decided your volunteer interests, it’s time to find out where and when you can volunteer.
You can search the Internet or look in your local phone book under "volunteer." You can call an organization directly and ask if they need volunteers in your area. You can ask friends or relatives for ideas and contacts or look on bulletin boards in your library or in bookstores. You might even want to ask if you can observe some other volunteers in action to get a feel for the work before you commit. It's worth spending the time up front to identify a volunteer position that's a good fit - meaning you like the organization, they like you, and you like the work. When you do, volunteering is an absolutely amazing experience. Happy volunteering!

You are an important member of your community; accept responsibility for contributing to it.

Accept responsibility for your actions.

Fridays, the gateway to the weekend, have always been one of my favorite days. They are so fun. I guess it makes sense then to share five of my new favorite, fun things. Here’s five fun things I’ve (re) discovered this week.

Zots Candy: I love Zots. They bubble. The fizz. Sometimes, they even burst. I love that our local candy shop still keeps them on the shelf. Mmm...





The Anti-Theft Lunch Bag: I saw this bag in Entrepreneur Magazine. It completely freaks me out; yet, I find it very cool and clever.




Sorry!: This classic game never goes out of style. It is such a great way for parents and children to connect.




Facebox and Zoobox: I’m always looking for cool, portable activities for my kids. These stencils definitely fit the bill.



Undercover Boss. Reality television typically gets a bad rap (for good reason!) However, Undercover Boss provides a new twist on reality television. CEO's of major companies are going undercover in their organization to learn what is working and what isn't. It's no surprise that each CEO finds himself wanting to improve himself and his company. Time will tell whether real changes are made. However, I love that it is bringing the habit of responsibility to the forefront. We are all responsible for how our thoughts, our words and our actions affect others. It airs Sunday evenings on CBS, and 'd love to know your thoughts on it.

How often do you put your life into perspective? Be honest...when was the last time you sat down and took an introspective look at your life. For many parents and parent-entrepreneurs, the answer is typically before having kids (for some, it is never. Yikes!). Here is your chance to get that perspective. The Life Perspective Plan is an assessment I have used with my clients for several years. In fact, I use it myself at least once a year - sometimes more - just to stay aligned with my vision.

When creating your life perspective, be honest with yourself. No one is grading you, and no one but you ever has to see your answers. Often you will find a theme repeating in your answers. That's great! It means you have found something that inspires your imagination. It is also an intentional method to re-affirm and align your dreams, goals and intended direction from an alternative perspective. As you process, be true to yourself and answer with a pure heart and open mind.

Life: In the Moment
Think about where you are in your life including family, friends, finances, fun and work - basically anything that is important to you and influences your daily life.
* How would you rate your life on a scale of 1 to 100 (100 being the absolute best possible life you could imagine)?
* What are your current responsibilities, realities and general chaos in your life (i.e. kids, work, health or financial concerns)?
* What things make you happy?
* What things make you miserable or unhappy?
* Is there something that truly excites your senses?

Life: In my Dreams
Glimpse into the crystal ball of your ideal life - the life of your dreams. Be creative and think big. There are no limitations here. Be sure to consider all aspects of your life including family, recreation, where you live, volunteer work, career - whatever you can think of that makes your heart spark.

Life: Love
What are some of the things you love to do at home? At work? With friends? What activities are important to you? Your family?

Life: Skilled Abilities
What are your abilities, experience and strengths - anything you do well - that can help you create the life of your dreams. Note: These do not need to be only professional skills. If you enjoy cooking and seem to have a skill for it, list it!

Life: Accomplished
What are you professional and personal accomplishment that make you proud?

Life: In Style
What is your work style? Full-time or part-Time? At-Home or in an office? Behind the Scenes or in the spotlight? Working with others or by yourself?

Life: Risky Business
What type of risks are you willing to take in your personal and professional endeavors?

Life: Mission Possible
Write your personal mission statement. Include your values, beliefs and what motivates you. Review your answers above and wrap all of that into a maximum one page statement.

Life: On the Move
These are action items or simple strategic exercises that can help you transform your Life Enrichment Perspective plan into the life of your dreams - a life that excels in the chaos of the everyday - your imperfectly inspired life.

Once complete, you should have a clear picture of where you have been, where you want to go, what skills you have as well as your work style. Draw from this information a list of moves you'll need to make to create a life that empowers ultimate success in all areas of your life. 

Be sure to revisit your Life Perspectives Plan often to remind you of your dreams and goals - the life you want! And, don't worry if your answers change from time to time. That shows growth and development - something we all thrive on.

Don’t wear yourself & your children out trying be perfect. Perfect does not exist.

The ten things I'm grateful for over the past week include...

1. My sister. My sister came to visit this week. Our time together, though, is few and far between as we live in different states so I was so excited that she was able to get away for a few days to visit. Linda is one of a kind.  She’s smart, witty, and totally fun. I’m truly blessed to have her as my sis!

2. Powell’s Candy Shop. I cannot go down to Pearl Street in Boulder without stopping by Powell’s. They have such a fun and yummy candy selection. They have built a solid reputation in the community by adhering to the five habits of character. Soon, I’ll be featuring them in a Character Esprit profile. Until then, enjoy this video:


3.My niece. My niece, Hayley, is one of the coolest kids I’ve ever met. She is so much fun. Together, we dance, sing and generally act like crazy people. It doesn’t feel  like there is a 26 year age difference with us. Her desire for life feeds my desire to empower today’s youth. Thanks for being you, Hayley Bop!

4. Community hotspots. Recently, Baskin Robbins opened in the town I live in. In just a few short months, they have cemented themselves as an important part of our community. They provide a safe, positive environment for kids and families to connect. (Plus, they have my favorite ice cream: Daiquiri Ice!)

5. Roller skating: There is something so wholesome about rollerskating. I just love it!

6. Watching how my son and my nephew are more like brothers than cousins. The bond that my son and nephew is so incredible. They haven’t seen each other for almost 3 years , yet, within moments, they were shooting hoops, playing videos games and having a fantastic time. Witnessing that bond made appreciate the impact we all have on creating amazing kids of character.

7. My new car! After six years of driving my Honda Odyssey, it was time to upgrade. After much research whether we should get a SUV or crossover, we ended up with another minivan – a 2010 Toyota Sienna.  Minivans just seem to work for our family. We were incredibly lucky to buy and sell our cars through Craigslist in a 2-day period. 

8. Character Clubs. Last week, we wrapped up the spring session of Character Clubs. It was so fun to watch the kids work together to locate the clues. I also loved all the hugs. I always learn so much from their different approaches to learning, life and leadership.

9. Chuck E Cheese. Yes, I said it. I know I just heard a collective groan from many parents, but hear me out. Chuck E Cheese was built on a foundation to provide families and kids a wholesome, fun place to connect. Unfortunately, that has not always happened as many locations have been plagued with public disturbances and violence. However, the Chuck E Cheese in my town is really a great place. And, it felt good to have one of the employees pull me aside to say thank you for making a difference in the lives of kids.

10. My husband. I don’t say it enough. I am so grateful for my husband.

Yes, one girl really can make a difference. Take a peek at this video and see....

CharacterQ: Bringing Out the Leader in You

You have the control to decide how to lead your life – can be both an exhilarating and exhausting realization.