My Turn Day http://myturnday.com/home/

[Imjustsaying Isall]

Going off topic today to talk about something I've been hearing about on the radio that I think is a really cool idea.

I listen to Kidd Kraddick on my drive into work everyday. It is a light-hearted and entertaining show that makes the time spent in traffic bearable.

The past couple of weeks, Kidd has been talking about My Turn Day. When I first heard it, I thought it was along the lines of a "taking care of yourself" type thing. However, upon hearing more, I realized it was the complete opposite. http://myturnday.com/home/

My Turn Day is actually about taking your turn at doing something for someone else...helping those in need...reaching out a helping hand.

The challenge is issued to all of us to find a charity or organization or even an individual and make the commitment for 2009 to provide a service to them. It could be as simple as mowing a disabled neighbor's lawn or reading to the blind or as different as being a "body" to help train a search and rescue dog to locate victims in the event of a catastrophe.

Kidd and his crew have each chosen a cause and again, have issued the challenge to all Americans to do the same and announce it on February 10th, then pass it along and issue the challenge to someone else.

So it took me several days of hearing this and thinking, wow this is a great thing, before I actually did anything about it. Then I twittered it but still had not done anything personally to back it up.

It was only this morning, hearing it again that I realized they were actually talking to ME and challenging ME to volunteer in some way.

I have been thinking about it since and have realized I want to do something that my children can participate in as well, thereby increasing the number of volunteers and teaching the children about taking care of their neighbors in need.

I live in a very rural area so finding something that fit the bill was a bit of a challenge. So I started thinking of the things I do for family as a matter of course on a daily basis and which of those could be applied to helping others. The thought that crossed my mind was the best thing we do as a family is just to be there for each other...visit with each other...just love each other.

That led me to thinking about those who don't have family and can't do for themselves. Then I remembered we have an assisted living facility just down the road from my house that I pass every day but have never once visited. As I passed it this morning, I gave it a bit more attention and realized there were several opportunities...the leaves needed to be raked, the front entrance needed to be swept, and it looked as if a fresh coat of paint was needed on the shutters...and that was just on the outside.

On the inside were people who needed help...maybe getting a prescription filled or assistance taking a walk for exercise or maybe just someone to talk to and be heard. Yes, I am certain the employees take excellent care of the residents however, they are stretched to do everything for everyone. My family alone could lend 5 pairs of helping hands.

So, I and my family will be volunteering at the local assisted living home...now it's your turn...pass it on. http://myturnday.com/home/

[Kristine]

Thanks for sharing this and joining the cause! Those of us who missed the 10th can still look for opportunities to join in and pay it forward . What we'll get in return is priceless!! :)