Enrich Your Life and Make the World a Better Place

Okay, I have to admit it. I am a little bit selfish. Actually, I don't think I am that bad . . . I just want what I want when I want it, and if I don't get it, I get irritated. You may be shaking your head disapprovingly at me right this minute, but I know I am not the only one with this problem. With teens traipsing around wearing t-shirts emblazoned with "It's all about me" and heiresses wearing one hundred thousand dollar dresses once, it is very evident that I am not alone.

Recently, driving along, being bitter about having to work the weekend I had an epiphany. There are other people in the world besides me! While, I don't want to worry about others too much, it would be nice to help someone as long as there is something in it for me! So, here are a few ideas that will make the world a better place and enrich your life at the same time.

At Home

Clean out your pantry. Donate all those unopened staples you'll never use to the local food bank. Do not donate anything opened or expired. You'll end up with a clean pantry, a little less guilt over the quinoa and couscous you bought to go on that trendy diet you didn't start, and you'll feed a hungry mouth at the same time.

Work your way through the kitchen sorting out any tools, glasses, plates, or appliances you don't use. Call your local women's shelter, and see if they can point you in a direction to donate these items. You will help someone get back on their feet, and finally be able to take your new Pottery Barn plates out of the box and put them into the cupboard.

Empty your junk drawer. Donate any duplicate, good condition office supplies to any willing local schools or teachers.

This goes for craft supplies, too. Ask around for teachers who are looking for supplies. There are all kinds of want ads posted on sites such as www.craigslist.org asking for such donations.

Wash any unwanted bedding that is crammed into your linen closet. Take it to a homeless shelter or politely hand it to a homeless person. With winter coming, blankets are in high demand.

Collect all the change from under the couch cushions, in the ashtray, and out of the bottom of your purse. Donate half of it to charity, and keep the other half to buy a special reward for yourself for being so charitable.

Clear out your clutter by selling it on www.ebay.com. You can automatically donate a percentage of each sale to charity (in the listing options), which will both generate more sales and make you feel great.

Change all the light bulbs in your house to compact fluorescents as your old bulbs burn out. Be sure to buy the right size and power level for your outlets. This will save you money on your energy bill and help the environment, too.

Take cooler showers. This also saves energy, and cooler temps are better for hair care, anyway.

If you have pets, use natural pet care products. Many reduce odors, are biodegradable, and are safer for Fido and Princess, anyway.

At Work

Surf the net on your lunch break. Take advantage of your office's high speed with a little Internet exploration (as long as that is within company policy). Hit www.thehungersite.com where a daily click feeds people, and you can pick up a few gifts in the shop to help even more people while taking care of your holiday list..

Reuse the good side of discarded white paper for rough drafts, notes, and messages. You will never have to run down to the supply room for yet another ream of copy paper, and you will help the environment.

Pack your own lunch and eat in the office. You'll save money, calories, and won't drive all over town looking for that hot new lunch spot.

Buy pretty recycled papers and earth friendly pens and pencils. Your image as fabulous will be solidified and you'll be supporting a green cause.

On the Go

Give a dollar to that "will work for food guy" on the corner. You never know if he needs it or not, but you'll feel good about giving. And it could make the difference in him eating that day or not.

Drive less. Walk more. Group your errands together and walk to places near your home or office. We all need a little more exercise; you'll save on gas, and help the environment.

Car pool. Not with that annoying girl in accounting (totally might ruin your chic-ness), or the girl in the next cubicle (you don't want her to know about your road-rage problem and tell the manager), but look for someone in your area or building that you click with and go from there. Make sure to check there references and background if you do not know them well.

Put a few extra dollars in the offering at church. Your whole week may go better, and you really didn't need another latte.

Anywhere

Smile and say hello to a stranger. If you really feel like living dangerously, ask them how they are doing. A little friendliness can go a long way for both you and the recipient.

Be nice to your family. Think of it as an investment in better Christmas gifts. You don't think it is accidental that your little sister always gives you a sweater that is three sizes too small, do you?

Be nice to your friends. Secure invites to the hottest parties of the year while spreading good cheer.

Try a few of these out. Worst case scenario, you will have a little more room in your place to fill with new stuff, and in the best case you will help others and feel good about yourself while saving money and being happier.