Seeing What We Look For

It’s true. We see what we’re looking for. That’s a phenomenon that motorcycle safety folks have known for a long time, as a result of research on motorcycle accidents and human behavior. The most common thing that people who’ve hit a motorcyclist say is, “I didn’t see him.” Nowadays, the motorcycle safety bumper sticker phrase is “Look for Motorcycles.” We see what we are looking for.

A gratitude search sends us looking for things in our lives for which we can be grateful. Years ago, Oprah called upon us to write those things in a daily Gratitude Journal. So did my friend Emily when she led our AAUW book group meeting after we’d read Freedom Writers. Emily even supplied us with journals and pens. My enthusiasm for those projects lasted for awhile, then waned. Over the years, I would occasionally return to jot down a few items on a list in my Gratitude Journal.

Just before Christmas, PattyB, another friend, challenged our small facebook group to list three things great or small that we were grateful for each day and to post our list to the group. My first reaction was less than enthusiastic. Hey, I was grateful enough without writing it down. And, I had ‘been there, done that.’ But, I decided to join in anyway. 

That decision to participate has made a huge difference. PattyB’s challenge and her example have forced us to take a good look at our lives. I began to more often notice and appreciate small things along the way. When it’s time to report and I scan the day, I realize my ‘cup is overflowing.’ I have many instances for which I am grateful.

Expressing gratitude restores us and lifts our happiness levels. Lee Coit, author and teacher, writes that gratitude forces us to look deeper than the surface. It allows us to see more and directs us away from the negative to what is right in our world as we focus on the positive aspects. 

Even in the best of lives, we can get caught up in seeing the negative. We may forget the positive or take it for granted. But, looking for the gratitude spots brings renewal and the realization that a lot of things really are going our way. We do see what we are looking for.

Today, I am grateful for 1) friends who encourage me and enrich my life 2) being able to sit outside in the sunshine on a January afternoon 3) my decision to participate.

What three things are on your gratitude list for today?

~ xoA ~

The Gift of Life

Blood. It's not just for Halloween.

More than 20 years ago I became a blood donor -- something I’d never imagined I’d do. But, one thing that inspired me was a book I’d read,  Eric, by Doris Lund. It was a mother’s story about her vibrant, teenaged son who was diagnosed with leukemia and his and the family’s journey through the illness.

Lund educated her readers on the importance of giving blood. She painted a portrait of the blood donor as a hero. She portrayed the blood bank and hospital personnel as ever-so-cheery and appreciative, supplying donuts and other treats for donors. By the time I’d read the last page, she almost had me convinced to go down to our local blood bank and donate.

Then, something more personal happened. A teacher friend came to the house one day. Distraught and worried, she told about a friend of hers who needed blood transfusions. This woman had been diagnosed with breast cancer early in her pregnancy and had recently given birth. The pregnancy had exacerbated the cancer. Now there were some complications. If they could roust some blood donors, that would offset the cost to the family. Several of us began telephoning other friends and colleagues, and we were quickly mobilized.
 

That was the start of my relationship with the good folks at Houchin Community Blood Bank, hcbb.com, where I regularly donated blood for many years. Since 2001, my own health issues prohibited me from further blood donations, but today, my goal is to support the blood bank in whatever way I can. So, I am using this forum to make a pitch.

On October 20, from 5-8 p.m., my branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is partnering with Houchin Blood Bank for a blood drive and evening social. We need donors to sign up in order to make this event a "go." If you, or your family members, friends, or neighbors, have thought about giving back to our community, donating blood is a great way. Who knows whose life your blood may save. 
 

Our blood drive and evening social is also a great time to become better acquainted with the AAUW mission and to learn about our work in Kern County, helping girls and women to have economic and educational opportunities.

This is an event for non-members as well as members. Light refreshments will be served. Gift cards from some favorite local eateries will be drawn as door prizes each half hour beginning at 5:30. Please call ahead to organizer Erin Hawkins at 661-706-9269 to inform her of your commitment to being there.

Come on over to Houchin Community Blood Bank on Truxtun Avenue between 5 and 8 on Thursday the 20th of October. What could be better than having a good time while helping to build up our county’s blood supply. Neighbors helping neighbors. If you reside outside of Bakersfield, maybe you’ll consider getting over to your local blood bank and donating. It’s a satisfying feeling to give the gift of life.

~ xoA ~

Raise your Hand

Just last week, I took part in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Bakersfield. Our amazing, dedicated ten-woman team contributed over $34,450 to the more than $2 million dollars the event raised. We were proud as can be, and the euphoria that broke out when the total was announced pumped us up even more. There was jumping, screaming, hugging, back-clapping, and the prevailing yell, “We DID it!” Already united in the cause, our feelings of one-ness intensified in those moments.

There’s something magical about working on a project to help others. We feel we can make a difference in our community and in the world. Some are making that difference as they volunteer at homeless shelters or food banks. Some tutor in community adult literacy projects. 

Within their organizations, some find ways to provide opportunities for under-served populations. My AAUW branch sponsors several girls who are entering 8^th grade at Tech Trek, a week-long, residential science and math camp held on the CSU Fresno campus. 

Supported by their workplace values of community involvement, some employees mentor youngsters through local schools or other community activities.

Hands fly up in classrooms when the teacher says, “I need a volunteer.” It’s our nature, even as children, to help. We want to be a part of something outside of ourselves.

In varying degrees, we all crave the feeling of community, of belonging, of being valued. When we contribute our time and effort to a cause, we give and we receive.

Tell us about a way you’ve become involved in your community. Seeing what you’re doing may urge others to action.

~ xoA