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.
I'm not bidding but just wanted to say what an awesome thing to do Karen. And I like that term "mentally skinny" I'm going to use that one!!
Posted by: Theresa | January 21, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Wow!! YOU GO GIRLS!!! Awesome idea Karen! Thanks for having a big heart and to the ladies who bid...same to u!
Posted by: LaVon | January 21, 2010 at 10:51 AM
Wish I could do more than the going bid, but since I can't I'll be spreading the word around about the auction to everyone I know!
Posted by: Rebecca | January 21, 2010 at 10:53 AM
Karen - I think the e-mail you sent out has the wrong link to your blog - typepad has an extra letter in it...FYI. And I'll bid $502.00 :)
Posted by: Morgan Wilson | January 21, 2010 at 11:08 AM
WOW! You got a ton of bids and it's so high! A little too high for me Karen, but you have such a big heart! Right now, it's glowing! Great idea!
Posted by: Laurie | January 21, 2010 at 11:30 AM
I can't bid either, but thank you for doing this!
Posted by: Olivia | January 21, 2010 at 11:41 AM
$503
Posted by: Kerri Powell | January 21, 2010 at 11:50 AM
That's awesome Karen!!!Good luck ladies!! Can't bid that much but would like to add to your donation when you announce your winner!! Send me an addy and I will send you $10
Posted by: teresa b | January 21, 2010 at 11:54 AM
I can't afford to top the going bid, but you've inspired to me to (finally) go to redcross.org and donate $25. Thanks for the butt-kick.
Posted by: Caroline | January 21, 2010 at 11:55 AM
I love you for this!! My son gave his entire spending $ which was a $1.25 to the cause; and I was super proud of him. Look at these ladies bidding in the $500. Man people are GREAT!!
Posted by: Jen Gallacher | January 21, 2010 at 11:57 AM
I can't bid but I just want to say that I think this awesome!
Posted by: Kate | January 21, 2010 at 12:18 PM
I ditto some of the sentiments as well. Wonderful way to help...but I too cannot bid higher than the last bid. My prayers and thoughts to all the lives touched by this event.
Posted by: Kimberly | January 21, 2010 at 12:19 PM
The bidding is too high for me now, but just wanted to say "thanks" for doing this!!
Posted by: Julie L. | January 21, 2010 at 12:22 PM
What a great thing to do!
Posted by: Melanie | January 21, 2010 at 12:29 PM
This is a amazing idea and its already over my bid. What a great blessing.
Posted by: Melissa Wang | January 21, 2010 at 12:45 PM
I can't place a bid either. We already donated $1500 to Red Cross and $1500 to Doctors Without Borders, because I couldn't choose between the two. But this is a GREAT idea, Karen! There are many more incredible organizations.
Posted by: Alis in Wnderlnd | January 21, 2010 at 12:49 PM
I wish I could bid too. We already donated a substantial amount to Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders because I couldn't choose between the two. Great idea! And there are so many great organizations.
Posted by: Alis in Wnderlnd | January 21, 2010 at 01:00 PM
Your blog is the first on my blogroll,I check it every day - would love to take your course,and donating to such a great cause at the same time just makes it so much sweeter - $550
Posted by: Tracey Mclean | January 21, 2010 at 02:44 PM
Awesome idea! $525
Posted by: Danielle | January 21, 2010 at 02:59 PM
Awesome idea! $600
Posted by: Danielle | January 21, 2010 at 03:18 PM
Great idea, Karen! Great bids, everyone! WOWeeeeeee! Wish I was rich and could outbid you! ;-)
Posted by: Barb | January 21, 2010 at 03:26 PM
$502 This is truley a great cause, You are awesome to think of this!
Posted by: Deborah Kolb | January 21, 2010 at 03:27 PM
$ 502 Awesome of you to do this !
Posted by: Deborah Kolb | January 21, 2010 at 04:30 PM
Looks like it's at $600!!! Thanks Danielle!!!
Posted by: Karen Russell | January 21, 2010 at 06:19 PM
I posted but it is not showing? Is this now a silent contribution?
Deborah@ESCFinance.com
Posted by: Deborah Kolb | January 21, 2010 at 09:03 PM