Sunday, September 30, 2007

Effortless

"Routines are hard to break, but sometimes worth fidgeting with."-Ilana Simons


Well, since this blog is supposed to be about about what we find inspiring I want to have a little discussion about Bill Clinton. Oh, I know, love him, hate him, but it is undeniable that he is working very hard to be inspiring these days. I have watched several interviews with him now and I have to admit that I am very inspired by the fact that his most recent foray is making giving accessible.


I know that there are a lot of people out there who volunteer, give to charity, are nice to their neighbors, blah, blah, blah. For the rest of us, giving is overwhelming. So many causes, so little time to watch America's Next Top Model. So what's a well-intentioned girl to do? Do a little fidgeting. On his Martha Stewart interview, Bill and Martha challenged their audience to do three simple things: Use CFL bulbs, stop taking your purchases home in plastic bags (that means even from the Target) and drink only fair trade coffee. Luckily, I was already halfway there. Starbucks and Caribou are fair trade certified and CFL bulbs are already in most of my outlets.


So pick one, fair readers, and be inspired to do something small that you can feel good about. Saying no thank you to the plastic has felt pretty good so far. And don't worry, tomorrow's post isn't about biking to work.

2 comments:

angieoh! said...

Hmmmm. Very interesting. I am not a Bill Clinton fan, personally. But on the issue of giving... I have LOTS of thoughts.

areas where anyone can make a difference?

1 - have you bought a new winter coat? Give your gently used coat to a local program that helps struggling women enter the workforce. This is a HUGE area of need.

2 - make a grocery list. It will cut down on your trips to the store. It really does.

good topic Liz!

Beth said...

I like the whole idea of doing small things and working up to a bigger effort. I subscribe to a newsletter called the Daily Green and it gives tips in so many areas - food, energy use, clothing, etc. Tiny ways to make a difference. I get overwhelmed trying to get involved in a big way at first.

Love Bill. Not a fan of his wife so much. But I do like that they each have their own opinions and convictions.