Weekly Inspiration

There's quite a lot that has been inspiring these last few weeks, most notably the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. I'll admit at first I didn't get it - I didn't understand how they were making money off of it if everyone was dumping ice on their heads instead of donating. But then, I started seeing the good, the fun, the giving, the paying-it-forward message in these ice bucket videos. It became a phenomenon, picking up speed with each new challenge. Sure, a lot of people lambasted the challenge as self-serving, sheep-herding at its best, while others complained and bemoaned about having their Facebook feed cluttered with their friends and family videos. (Hmmm, what would they rather see? People ranting about politics, cat videos and open letters to whomever is pissing you off this week?) But what I love about it all - and what turned me around on the challenge's value - is that it shows how social media can be used for good. It inspires me. It gives me a sense of community in this vast and sometimes shut-off world we live in. We get to see our family and friend be silly and creative, thoughtful and generous - and all for a worthwhile cause. How can you not find inspiration in that?!



And what has been even more inspiring for me this week is a video created by an L.A.-based duo Dave and Devine. Dave Yaden is an amazing piano player - a friend of my sisters who I've had the pleasure to met and get to know as an amazing man, husband and father. And the other half of the group, Candace Devine, is equally talented with a voice that is magnanimous and powerful. But beyond their talents, their music speaks of love, of individuality, of creativity, and of peace. And the follow video shows just that. It is a message that is loud and clear and should be heard by everyone. In a time where division and differences seem to pervade our hearts, our minds and our politics, Dave and Devine's words remind us they can try but they'll never take our love away...



Yes, love - LOVE IS the answer. Let love guide you. Let love encourage you. Let love inspire you. Go out and love. Give it. Receive it. Be it.

Give a Little Bit

Tomorrow, April 9th, is Arizona Gives Day - a day to give back to our community by encouraging Arizonans to donate to charities, programs, groups, or any nonprofit organization in the state. You may make donations through the Arizona Gives' website or you can chose to donate to any local organization of your choice.  (Note: If you donate through the Arizona Gives' website, only 93.1% of your donation will go to the nonprofit, with the remaining 6.9% going to the expenses for hosting this event. Visit here for more details.) And, hey, if you're reading this and you aren't from Arizona, why not still give to a nonprofit in your community. Or, better yet, maybe give of yourself by volunteering for the day. No matter what you do, the day is about giving back - not because it is the holiday season or some tragedy happened in the world, but simply because it's April 9th, and you want to do your part, even if i'ts just a little bit, to help out people in your community. ...