The Grateful Path Less Taken...

One of the things I love most is the feeling a person receives when they know they have truly helped an individual or group of people. I used to spend countless hours helping those less fortunate by clipping coupons, watching for sales and purchasing much needed items for the people at WIN House and the Mustard Seed here in Edmonton.  I could find some great deals, such as toothpaste on sale for 57 cents and match the sale to a 50 cents off coupon and pay 7 cents per tube of toothpaste.  It cost me little and provided so much to those that did not have it.  At that time, I myself had very little in terms of finances, but it never played much of a part in whether I purchased these items for those that truly needed them.  The feeling of joy I received when donating these items was worth way more than the money I ever spent.  (Our wedding favours were not tangible items, they were donation cards to the Canadian Cancer Society on behalf of our guests as everyone that attended had been affected by cancer in one way or another).

As my company grew, I found less and less time to coupon clip/sale hunt.  I still contribute all our used clothing to these groups (and Cerebral Palsy), but unfortunately, due to time constraints, I am unable to continue the way I used to.  I miss it.  I miss visiting the Mustard Seed and seeing the people there (who loved to see my daughter, Sam, her entrance brought them such joy in a time where little joy was found).  I do believe everyone should pay a visit to one of these shelters to truly understand what the Edmonton homeless are faced with each day.  Thankfully these services are provided to the people who need them with the help of volunteers and donations.  Every time I visited (which was biweekly or so), I felt grateful for everything I did have in the way of a roof over my head, clothes on my back, a family and friends that love me and food in my belly... the important things.

At this point in time, I think it is time for a reality check again as I find myself in a slump of sorts... not attaining what I believe I should have, but forgetting how rich I truly am.  My house may only be 900 sq ft in size, but at this very moment, I could be standing under the eaves of some building with my children wishing for 50 sq feet of shelter (it is raining outside).  My belly is full of organic vegetables and quality meat... my kids and I could be hungry and hoping for scraps for our next meal.  My daughter is heading into competitive gymnastics, and rather than worry about the cost, I think I should be grateful that she is able to perform at the level she does, rather than be immobile like so many 6 year old children out there.  My son is a reckless 3 year old... again, I should be grateful he has the brain capacity to be the turkey he is and the mobility that goes a long with it.  I really have so much to be grateful for.  In reality the only difference between myself and those at the Mustard Seed has to do with the support network I do have surrounding me.  Every one has it rough at some point in life...  lots of it has to do with life choice, but the result often has to do with a persons support network.  As my step dad has always said "every person deserves a roof over their heads, food in their belly and comfort (warmth, running water, etc)."  He is right.  No matter what decisions a person has or has not made in life, these things are vital to life.  It is because of family and friends that I have never lacked in these departments.

To fill the void I have decided to once again give to those who need it so bad.  Due to the time constraints in my life with the kids in school, work, extracurricular activities etc ... I have decided in lieu of the couponing to take 2% of my company's net monthly sales and donate them to a charity in the city that works to improve the lives of others.  I have yet to make an annual profit with the company due to rapid growth, however, I think 2% sales is easily contributed and when we do make a profit, the contributed dollar value is not going to make or break the company.  It can however change the lives of those that truly need it.  I feel good about this decision, it's a way I can keep doing what I love and get back the feeling I once cherished.  I started the program as of June 1, 2012 and will continue to do so through the life span of the company.

I hope to also find time, when my hubby is in town, to make soap and toiletries that can be donated to these organizations.  I have the materials, the knowledge, the place and the means, so it's now just working out a time that I can get it done.  I will.  Combining two things I love sounds like a dream... an attainable dream...  making product and donating it... can't get much better than that!  I am going to have to find a way to get the kids involved as well, as I do believe they too, need to understand how much we truly have.  Sam has not been to the Mustard Seed since she was around 2 years old, I doubt she remembers... so it's time for both her and Logan to meet the world and understand all it entails.

So starting today (again), I promise to remember that I have (in no particular order):

• a wonderful & healthy family
• love from friends and family that are amazing (including Facebook friends)
• a roof over my head
• clean water
• good food in my belly
• a reliable vehicle
• a bed to sleep in
• a beautiful canine companion (who also eats well)
• talented, healthy, happy, active children
• a husband who is my best friend
• three sets of parents (often taken for granted, but so many have none)
• clothes on our back 
• my own company

I hope to continue to add to this list over time as I re-realize how abundant my life truly is.  I have actually attained many dreams, but my nature makes me raise the bar when a milestone is hit.  I need to reflect on everything I have accomplished, even the little things, to put everything in life into perspective.