The show is about American millionaires who gain a new perspective as they go incognito and work at minimum wage jobs in some of the country’s most poverty-stricken neighborhoods. After they work side by side with needy-and-deserving people, the “secret millionaires” meet up with those they want to help, reveal their true identity and give away at least $100,000 to the lucky recipients.
I was so moved by the show and it’s premise that I found myself in tears throughout the night.
You see, I work with non-profits every day. From free medical care to the uninsured to assistance with mental health services, organizations intent on helping children who’ve aged out of the foster care system to those providing emergency human needs, I have been privileged to work with some of the most unbelievable people. And as a former development officer myself, I’ve faced the overwhelming financial hardships that are felt by those type of organizations every day.
The generosity that Dani Johnson, the season’s first millionaire, showed to the Knoxville non-profits CHANGED THEIR LIVES. Not just the lives of those benefiting from the non-profit’s services but also the lives of the individuals running the organizations.
They will never be the same.
My own children were so inspired that they spent the next morning gathering money and change to donate to the poor box in church.
Can you imagine what kind of an impact this type of show can have on the state of philanthropy today? If two little boys are inspired enough to raid their piggy banks in Frederick, Maryland, I know that this show can move others with more means to do the same.
If you are interested, ABC has begun their own movement in addition to the series. Please visit their website for more information on how you can help those around you or contact your local non-profit organizations to find out where their might be a need.
Here’s a taste of what the show has to offer:
Best quote of the night? “We idolize celebrities, we idolize professional athletes, we idolize millionaires, we idolize all the wrong people. The people who have started these organizations…they are the model Americans.” – Dani Johnson (Amen!!)
I recently stumbled upon some profound instructions for life from a gentleman (Michael Catt) that used to be a minister in a youth camp. His rules for the teens at that attended were simple:
Be where you are supposed to be, when you are supposed to be there, doing what you are supposed to be doing.
When in doubt, don’t.
Simple and yet extremely complex.
It got me thinking – Am I where I am supposed to be? Am I doing what I am supposed to be doing when I am supposed to? Maybe physically I am, but mentally (at least lately) NOTSOMUCH.
How many times have you personally taken work home with you? Do you find yourself mentally checked out when you are with your family? Perhaps you, like me, are too busy creating your to-do list for the next day. Or maybe thinking about an email you need to send or a deadline you have to meet? Or multi-tasking every minute of every day like a mad man?
Such a sin to waste precious moments with the ones that you love by not being where you are supposed to be.
I’m really trying hard to be cognizant of what I am supposed to be doing at all times. I’m not always successful but I am finding that when I do, each moment is that much more rewarding.
My body and my brain are just not in sync these days.
My brain thinks that I am some kind of Deena Kastor. My body thinks that I am some kind of Roseanne Barr. The two just don’t jive.
I’m training along with Katie(running partner) for the London Marathon. Before you get all excited… SHE is running the London Marathon, I am accompanying her on her training runs. Which means that I am out there doing stupid long distances for no really good reason. Except for the fact that Katie is awesomesauce and I want to grow up and be just like her. (And everyone deserves to have a friend on their long run.)
We did a 14 mile run on Sunday and I admit it… I was tired. Muscle-ache tired. Take-a-nap tired. I don’t know what was wrong with me. I’m beginning to wonder if I might be anemic again? Because really, the training shouldn’t be that exhausting.
On Tuesday I ran four miles of intervals on the treadmill and I felt pretty strong on that run. But this morning the exhaustion once again returned and I skipped my run. I’m hoping to make up for it tonight. (You can follow my training using the Daily Mile widget on the side of my blog.) Each day I do not run I lift weights. So I get some cross-training in. But I have a feeling that I need to incorporate some more cardio on top of that to break through this exhaustion. Or I could get more sleep. It’s a toss up. Heh.
Allow me to digress a moment to show you a great TED video I found with Christopher McDougall speaking. In this video, titled Born to Run, he explores the mysteries of the human desire to run. As part of the talk he shares the story of the marathoner with a compassionate spirit, an unlikely ultra-runner, and a hidden tribe in Mexico that runs to live. I really enjoyed it and hope that you do too!
This is the second post filled with uplifting advice from women across the internet. These two posts (the first of which can be found here) are dedicated to my 16 year old niece Kelsi and are indeed relevant to any teenage girl navigating her way through life. (I must say, however, that I find great inspiration in these words myself and I am almost 40.)
Enjoy…
“The hardest lesson I had to learn as a young woman was to be true to myself. Too many times I let a boyfriend or a co-worker, or a so-called friend tell me what to think about a specific topic or situation and I didn’t want to rock the boat and so I would agree. Too many times I was a follower and not a leader. Too many times I didn’t listen to the truth I held inside me and respect myself enough to live it.” - Sunday
“Dwell in possibility” - Emily Dickinson … I love that three words holds so much meaning–stop and really think–and think hard–about what you can do, what the future holds, and what your place in that future is.
And I cannot help but share one of the very first things I ever memorized, aside from the Hail Mary and Our Father, of course. . .
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the rain fall soft upon your fields,
the sun shine warm upon your face,
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. – Amy
“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…” (Romans 5: 3-4) Know that when you are faced with adversity, you are being refined and perfected for the task which you were purposed. Take all hardship and suffering with the mindset that it is readying you for what great task lies ahead. Know that you will come out of your trials with a brilliance that a life of ease could never produce. You will shine and the world will see the fruits of your perseverance.” - Kadi
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” (Dr. Suess) – Mary
“Nothing beats a failure but a try.” My mother ingrained this in me at a young age and did not accept me giving up on myself under any circumstance. I had to complete everything I started and I have to say I am a better person because I’ve listened to her advice.” – Renee
“Remember that in any relationship – either with a boy or a female friend – YOU always hold the power. YOU control whether someone is worthy of the pleasure of your company. YOU get to decide whether they are worth your time. You are the gatekeeper. YOU are priceless. - Jessica
“I remember reading a quote once that said, “”Wherever you go, there you are.” For some reason, the notion really hit home with me. I was struck by the fact that the only constant in my life would be ME, so I better become a person that I could be proud of. Life changes, friends change and people come and go. But, you? You are in your life forever, and the most important thing about it.” - Jill
No longer a child. Filled with hopes and dreams, you stand on the verge of becoming a woman.
I see your potential and it warms my heart. You amaze me.
I’ve have the pleasure of knowing some phenomenal women from all walks of life and have enlisted their help to inspire you along your life journey.
I hope you find their words as uplifting and moving as I did.
Love,
Aunt Jennie
“There will be those that tell you, you can’t do “this” or encourage you to do “that” when your heart isn’t in it. Get to know your own voice before you let others drown it out. Wear hot pink whenever you feel like it, dance when everyone else is still and never let anyone put you in a corner baby!” – Lara
“Fear is a normal part of the process when we put ourselves out there and reach for our dreams. But the key to success lies in the decision to refuse to let those worries turn you into someone you’re not. Never settle for letting others decide who you should be – you’re already fabulous the way you are. Stand up for yourself. Stay authentic, be real and dream big!” – Jenn & Jill
“The best exercise for the heart is reaching down and lifting someone up.” If you want to be a better person yourself, turn outward and help others be better people. The rest will follow. – Lolli
“Be proud of what makes you unique. I used to feel embarrassed about the things that make me different, but now I’ve learned that they’re actually my strengths. Be proud of who you are (you don’t want to be like everyone else!) Always walk into a room standing tall and with grace. If you live your life without comparing yourself to others or judging those around you, your life, loves and passions will flourish.” – Bailey
“Always keep in mind the 5x5x5 rule when worrying about something. When something happens that upsets or stresses you out ask yourself “Will this matter in 5 years? Will it matter in 5 months? Will it matter in 5 days?” This enables you to react accordingly.” - Jessica
“Live life life like there is NO tomorrow all while preparing for next week.” – Elizabeth
“Let nothing and no one define you, but you. We live in a world of judgment, where people want to put labels on us to be something or someone they want us to be, but we are so much more. No one can dictate your path and never let anyone do it. Each past moment, no matter how trying, is simply a lesson to learn from – to be more, to be stronger, and to be true to you and your beliefs. Trust yourself. It’s so simple, but sometimes the hardest thing to do.” – Laura
1- Kill ‘em With Kindness: It’s SO MUCH EASIER to retaliate and say mean things back. Sometimes I do. Us girls have a tough time with that. But I’m telling you- kill them with kindness. When someone is cruel and mean, be nice. I know, it’s so hard. Bend over backwards for them. Go the extra mile. Be the bigger person. That person will soon learn that bullying doesn’t work on you.
2- Ditch the Bad Friends: You know the ones. The ones that back out minutes before you’re supposed to go to the movies. The ones who never have anything nice or positive to say. The ones who after you hang out with them you think, “Why am I friends with them, again?” Ditch ‘em. Just do it. I’m not saying delete them entirely from your life, but don’t carve out any of your precious time for them. They don’t respect it, and you should use that time on positive people and projects. If they come around and “get it” then great. If they don’t, they don’t. You won’t miss those relationships.
3- You Belong: You’re meant to be here. You matter. Whatever you want to do, do it. Pursue what makes you happy. - Mary Kate
