"I'm not sure I can run 4 miles," I told Tim yesterday, as I held my 1/2 marathon training plan in my hands.
"You don't have to run 4 miles," he answered non-chalantly, "you have to run one mile - four times."
Sometimes the problems of the world seem too large. I wrestle with the fact that I am not able to make a dent in the plight against poverty, AIDS, hunger, sex trafficking, depression, and illiteracy.
My muscles are not strong enough; my lungs have not become accustomed to longer runs.
But then it occurs to me that I can begin with one mile. One person. One small step toward a better world.
Here are 25 things that you and I can do TODAY.
- Say a compliment out loud, instead of just thinking it in your head.
- Write a note to one of your childhood teachers to tell them how they impacted your life.
- Sponsor a child (or write a letter to your sponsored child).
- Leave a bottle of wine or sparkling cider on a friend's doorstep.
- Bake a loaf of bread and bring to anyone you know who has little ones under age 5.
- Buy a book for a child.
- Write a positive recommendation for a coworker or client on LinkedIn.
- Call your grandpa/grandma.
- Visit them, if possible.
- Comment on someone's blog post.
- Offer to take family photos, baby photos, or head-shots for a friend.
- Turn off your phone/computer and play - really PLAY - with your kids.
- Research what will be on the ballot for the next election so you can be an informed voter.
- Book a ticket to a developing country.
- Leave a chocolate bar on a coworker's desk.
- Send a pack of stickers to a kid in the mail.
- Register for a run/bike event that supports a good cause.
- Grab a trash bag and pick up litter in your neighborhood.
- Look into how you can become a foster parent.
- Snap a photo and send it to a friend or family member deployed in a faraway place.
- Give blood.
- Read a book that will alter your perspective.
- Think of your favorite author/blogger/artist. Write a note to tell him or her why you appreciate their work.
- Get the free Charity Miles app for your phone - and walk/bike/run for charity.
- Go through your closet and give handmedowns to a friend or nonprofit.
Note, I did run 4 miles - one at a time. It was hard. It was doable. I am sore. But now I know I can run five the next time.
