What Got To Me Today? Three Somethings

So, as usual, I was listening to NPR on the way to take the kids to school and I was reminded of their "Three Things" series they are currently airing.  The premise of the series is asking people all around the state of Michigan what three things they can do, as individuals, to make our state better.  I don't need to spell out the economic woes we are still feeling, but I do believe we are on our way back up.  I was really quite struck by simplifying something I can do.  Three "somethings" actually, and truly what a difference we could make if we all just did three "somethings." 

My Three Somethings
1.  Buy local (really? this one seems obvious to me), made in Michigan when possible.  My favorite treat at the moment is Hanover's Michigan Mints with Dark chocolate, made in St. Johns, MI.  This also includes Farmer's Markets and roadside produce stands--no preservatives!.

2.  Donate stuff.  Yup, I have a house full of "stuff" that I'm not using and right now, let me tell you, there are plenty of people who need your stuff !  I bet many of us have one shelf (or more) in the linen closet of bedding or blankets that we haven't touched in five years.  Well, there's a shelter somewhere, not far from your linen closet, that would really appreciate that blanket.  Or, clothes, toys, even food to the food bank.  Clear the clutter out of your life people--and do some good with it.

3.  Volunteer.  Especially in schools.  The budget for education in our state stinks, to be polite, --a perfect place for you to help.  Help in the lunchroom. Volunteer to help with literacy (if you can read, you can help), donate the scrapbooking stuff piled up in the basement for two years to a local art class or afterschool program.  Michigan school kids need our help. 

So those are my three "somethings".  I hope you'll take a second to ponder what your three "somethings" are. All of us would sure make a lot of "somethings" and wouldn't that just be great for Michigan!