Every year I pick a defining word. Last year I had a doubleheader – kindness and service. It wasn’t too much to manage at the beginning of the year as I only had to handle me. I love serving others and giving back, so that was easy.
Maybe it was the timing in my life; I had been feeling a bit restless. As though the fire in my belly had become more of an ember. It was during that time I found myself questioning my BIG purpose – there had to be more. It had been building for some time, but in 2018 the thought of doing more was ever-present. What I knew for sure is I wanted to go deeper and live my purpose. Perhaps it was my need to pay it forward, having come from extreme poverty, or maybe it was just me wanting to help. Whatever the reason, it was with me all the time. So, kindness and service seem to sit well.
Of course, kindness and service have a way of snowballing, and soon others joined me to serve those in need. Things escalated tenfold when we arrived in Los Barriles, Mexico. The demand was high. Between the animal rescue, spay and neuter clinics, the orphanage, and the colonies, there was no shortage of need.
There were many engaged in doing great work, but the demand was more significant than the available resources.
Soon I was asking for donations for the animals and then the orphanage, and then I heard about the colonies. Where the poorest of poor call home.
After one visit to the colonies, I was all in, and with humble beginnings, we began as three. And Team Humanity Baja was created. Each of us committing to one aspect of service and collection, for the colonies and becoming a conduit for local charities. What has happened since then is quite astounding, and we could not be happier!
Our core principles for Team Humanity Baja are to – Elevate, Educate, and Empower.
Repeatedly, I heard how it seemed natural for me to galvanize others toward a cause. My thoughts on this is that we are all called to serve. To leave this planet better than when we arrived. So, it’s not about being simple or easy; rather it’s about providing an easy way for others to serve.
Team Humanity Baja is thriving and growing daily, and it’s because of YOU!
So, this year, my word is
Gather to Lift others
Gather to raise the bar of Kindness
Gather to Create Sustainable Change
Gather to Celebrate the goodness of others
Gather to be the Change we Speak of
Gather to say I not only see You, but I am here to help
Gather to live the GOLDEN rule
Gather to create Awareness
Gather to spread Hope
Gather for Humanities Sake
Gather to Serve
Gather to Elevate, Educate and Empower
Give without Expectations
Awareness creates Conversations
Together we will be the Change
Humanity shifts when we Unite
Empathy to deeply Feel and stand for those in need
Respect and Dignity for all.
I would love to know YOUR word for 2020.
And if you are interested in rolling up your sleeves, volunteering, and playing with us, join us at Ignite YOU Baja for an adventure of the heart and soul. And let’s adventure together!
If you’ve been thinking about combining travel and service, BTW, that’s how it all began for me. At Ignite You, all curated volunteering activities have been vetted and await your involvement.
Ignite You runs Feb 20-26th. It gives you an all-access BE the CHANGE PASS. If you would like to join us for the Be the Change sessions and fundraiser, check out the Be the Change Limited Passport.
Can’t join us for the whole week? We have limited-edition passes, giving you access to all but one of the volunteer activities. You will also receive a ticket to the annual fundraiser. The pass includes all transportation and nutrition breaks; all that is required is you meet us at a central point that will be determined.
Wondering if it’s for YOU?
- Can you imagine waking up and enjoying a day of adventure while serving others?
- Ever felt like you too want to go deep?
- Have you ever wondered about combining travel with volunteering but had no idea where to start?
- What if you could land and do that which makes your heart sing?
- Do you find yourself daydreaming about what the world would be like if everyone just practiced kindness?
- Are you someone who likes to play and work hard?
Full details on Ignite YOU here…
It’s a Saturday thing…
