This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The New Year is spread before us like a blank page — a hopeful open road.
How incredible it is to be blessed with another chance to go forth with dreams in hand. At this moment, the sky is the limit for 2011. Tilt your head back and take note. No matter how tough things have been in the past, or how many trials we've yet to face, the sky still arches faithfully overhead, awaiting our every aim.
I'm sure you remember the fabled cry of Chicken Little: "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!" But do you recall what started all the fuss? An acorn. Yep, one small nut to the noggin, and Chicken Little went into a feathered frenzy, spreading worry far and wide.
We've all been hit by proverbial acorns at one time or another, and sometimes they come down pretty hard. Economic woes, political strife, environmental disasters — these are big issues that affect everyone. If you were paying attention to the news last year, you may have felt pelted by bushels of acorns day after day.
Worrying may be a knee-jerk reaction, but it can cripple even the most productive people, grinding good intentions to a halt. That's why we need to remind ourselves sometimes — now is a great time — that the sky has not come down on our heads.
With the New Year before us, we can pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and get on with good work: creative efforts, charity, hugs and the sharing of brilliant ideas. It's not the size of our actions that matter, it's the heart within each gesture that holds up the sky. Here are a few seeds of inspiration that will reap immediate results within arm's reach.
Nurture a need • These days, donating money to big organizations with grand goals can leave you feeling disconnected. You mail the check, but where does it go? How does it help real individuals? To scale down and donate to a more immediate need, consider a Modest Needs grant to help an individual, family, or shelter facing an unexpected financial crisis. Go to http://www.modestneeds.org. The goal: Stop the cycle of poverty before it starts. Just a few dollars will make a difference.
Foster a pet • Helping homeless pets is a deeply gratifying gesture, but few of us are in a position to provide a permanent home for every animal in need. You can actually help more pets find loving homes by acting as a foster owner. Volunteer with a local animal welfare organization to provide short- or long-term in-home care for dogs, cats and other animals until they are adopted. Veterinary care is generally paid by the fostering organization and food may also be provided. To learn more, visit your community animal shelter or http://www.petfinder.com. Search "foster care."
Make bread, break bread • I believe in a particular kind of magic that happens when you gather friends around a home-cooked meal. The crisp of a kneaded crust, the festival of fresh seasonings, and the company of good people combine to stir visions and dreams. Inspiration sizzles, fueled by a sense of shared sustenance, and we realize that this is how great things begin. The smallest efforts can seem overwhelming alone, but together, we'll keep the sky aloft. In the words of anthropologist Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." All you need is some fine food to fire 'em up!
Welcome wildlife • Urban expansion and alteration of natural environments are taking a toll on wildlife populations, reducing the availability of food and living space. How can the average individual or family make a difference? It's easier than you think. A few changes in your backyard can better the chances of survival for wild birds and lots of other critters, too. The lean months of winter are a perfect time to start lending a hand to help wildlife in your area. Check out the family-friendly tips at http://www.nwf.org. Use the words "kids can help wildlife" in your search.
Hone a new hobby • A hobby has more profound effects than mere self-indulgence. Research shows that pouring our hearts into creative effort makes us healthier, happier and more productive. In an interview with Natural Health magazine, Erik Rosegard, professor of recreation and leisure studies at San Francisco State University, explained, "The sense of freedom that comes from doing something for its own sake and not for external reasons, like a paycheck, enhances self-worth-and that reverberates through every aspect of your life." Spend spare moments doing something you enjoy, and you'll spread goodness wherever you go.
MaryJane Butters is the editor of MaryJanesFarm magazine. E-mail her at everydayorganic@maryjanesfarm.com.