Do something.

For me, I watch things like what's going on in Haiti, feeling helpless to do anything.  Feeling like I'm just this one person and nothing I can do is going to help on any large scale.

But I think the key to anything is simply doing something, no matter how small or insignificant it may feel.

I've actually been trying to work this philosophy into my everyday life (And believe me, I need it right now.)  If the house is a mess and I'm feeling overwhelmed at the thought of cleaning it, rather than wallowing in it and doing nothing, I'm trying to tackle one thing that's been bugging me.  Last weekend, I tackled my closet.  And it felt so good to have my closet cleaned that I actually felt motivated to tackle the girl's closet too.  And if I'm feeling chubby (And believe me, I'm am chubby right now.) but the thought of hitting the gym is more than I can bare, I'm trying to commit to small changes like switching from a Starbucks chai latte every morning to an unsweetened Passion tea instead and forcing myself to run up the stairs instead of walk up the stairs to get my heart rate up a little.  And though I'm not any skinnier as a result, I feel 'mentally skinnier'...which is always better than feeling 'mentally chubby' no matter what the scale says.

But if my biggest worry is whether I'm having a chai latte or an unsweetened passion tea for breakfast, then I need to step up to the plate to do something for those with much bigger worries, even if what I can do feels small and insignificant in the bigger scheme of things.

God gave me photography and so that feels like the natural thing for me to give back.  So I'm going to give a seat in one of my upcoming Photographers' Workshops (a $395 value) to whoever places the highest bid.

The bidding will start at one dollar.  To add your bid, just leave a post in the comments section with a bid that is higher than the previous bidder.  Please be sure to include your email address in your bid so I'll know how to contact you.

I'll announce the winning bidder Tuesday, Jan. 26th at 10am Pacific time and that bidder will get to pick the charity of their choice to help those in Haiti.

Thanks a ton.

Comments

[Shauna M]

I admire you in so many ways :)

[Donna Nelson]

If we have to start at $1 I will be the first....but I would like to go ahead and start at $100 (unless that is against the rules). Inspiring post Karen.....thank you and I thank God for your gift of photography.

[Cheryl]

$5

[Julie Anders]

Okay, $2, you know this is going to get crazy!LOL

[Julie Anders]

$10

[Lisa]

$100

[Karen Russell]

Looks like Donna started the bid at $100 (thanks Donna!)

[Minimimi]

110

[Phyllis R.]

$125

[Minimimi]

135

[Sally Davidson]

You're an amazing person, KR. You *are* doing something.

[AVinNYC]

What a wonderful idea!
$200

[Kelly Seim]

$150
Thank you for your amazing photography AND writing skills. I appreciate your candor in your blog so very much!

[Lisa]

150

[Shonia Pena]

400.00

[Susan Huberty]

$300.00

[Susan Huberty]

$400.00

[Karen Russell]

Wow - it's at $400 already! Thanks Shonia (I love you guys!)

[Kerri Powell]

I can't believe I'm doing this but I am....$400. There's got to be a charity out there to help all of those orphans and adoptive parents reconnect. As one that's struggled with infertility for MANY years, I can't even begin to imagine the heartache that those children and parents must be feeling knowing that they've lost each other!

[Karen Russell]

Looks like Susan and Shonia both bid $400...do I hear $401.00? Ha, ha!

[Lisa Gunn]

$500.00

[Kerri Powell]

$501

[nancy in ks]

Another reason I love you, Karen!!!

[Julia Spencer]

I can't bid... But I can say... What an Awesome idea Karen... ;)

[Cheryl McCain]

Wow! God Bless you ladies! If I had the money, I'd bid and take the class again but I'm so sorry I can't bid over that. I feel so helpless for those victims.