GFC 11

It's been a long while since I've created a GFC so I cannot wait any longer. This one is simple and very fun. I have been inspired by spring and so my Good Force Challenge this time is plant something! I know it's early for some things so I'll give you 2 weeks to get this done.
Here are some places to find gardening information: About Gardening, Gardener's Choice , and Home and Garden TV .
I'd love to hear what you planted and any gardening tips.

GFC 11

Here is my Good Force Challenge since it's been a while. A friend of mine related a story to me at Christmas about a "Pay it Forward" type event that took place in a neighboring town. At a local coffee stand there was a customer who everyday would pay for the cup of coffee of the car behind her. This was something she did year round but due to the holiday it seems the do "good fever" was catching. Two days before Christmas this woman stopped for her daily cup of coffee and as was her habit, paid for the car behind. When the next car pulled forward they did the same as did the next car and the next. It was reported in the paper that this kind act was repeated 100 times that day, each car paying for the one behind. This is the inspiration for our new challenge.

Your challenge is to carry a $20 bill around and find a way to help someone or just brighten their day. This may take a while and it may cause us to exit our comfort zone for a moment but you never know when you can make someone's day. Try paying for the car behind in the fast food drive up, leave your $20 bill with the grocery clerk for the next person in line. Make a goods donation of a book to the local Goodwill and tuck the $20 inside with a note that says, "just for you" or "it's your lucky day". There are a myriad of ways we can brighten someone's day in the dark days of winter.

Happy hunting!

GFC 9

In the spirit of Thanksgiving here is this new GFC. Say Thank you! You can do it however you want. It can be making sure you verbally say thank you whenever you can, writing a letter, sending a gift. Just get creative. Our family is making a poster to put on the garbage can to thank the garbage man. Think of those people who may go without recognition for hard jobs. We've got the whole month so go crazy! And, thanks for reading.

GFC 8

Here is the newest Good Force Challenge: Pray for someone else. It can be for anyone or anything it just can't be about you. Consider praying for your neighbor, your family members, the leaders of your community or country. Pray for those who are sick or afraid. Pray for those who are abused or harmed at the hand of others. Pray for global awareness or simply for inner peace. If you are uncomfortable praying, meditate. Take a moment to connect spiritually with the world around you and ask for it's protection and direction. Faith is perhaps the greatest force for good.

GFC 7

Here's the latest Good Force Challenge: Take 5! Arrange to take five extra minutes tucking your kids into bed. You'd be amazed how much can be said in five minutes and what your kids will tell you if you let them know they have your full attention. Don't have kids? Take 5 for yourself at bedtime. Write in a journal, read a book, meditate. It's a great way to end the day.

GFC 6

Here is your new Good Force Challenge. Go on a date night! Too many spouses don't take enough time together, (myself included) and we need to put the time in to make our relationships work. My hubby and I are celebrating 12 years this weekend and I'm excited to say he's got something planned he's keeping a secret. So everyone, spend some time with the one you love, reconnect and have a good time.

GFC 5...a big wave

Ok, this Good Force Challenge is easy! This next week make sure you wave to someone everyday. Maybe it's your neighbor you have always meant to talk to or the guy on the freeway who cut you off (I do mean wave, no obscene gestures) either way a friendly wave always makes people feel better.

GFC 4

After a horrific experience at Walmart tonight I had a thought for the next Good Force Challenge. Here it is. Instead of writing a letter of complaint or verbalizing a complaint to someone, send a note of thanks for something good. Even better, say it in person. Without going into a lot of detail, it will suffice to say that I was treated with rudeness and impatience at my local Walmart this evening. Even the manager on duty was curt and abrupt. It was my first reaction to tell him how I had been treated by his employees but when even his manner was cold I assumed it wasn't worth my energy. It was then I decided to contact the local Sears to ask about the same item I was searching for at Walmart, an experience that was in stark contrast with the other. The employee at Sears was courteous, kind and above all, patient. He went above and beyond physically seeking out my item. I felt compelled to express my thanks and explained to him that it was because of his treatment of me that I would purchase from Sears.

So there's the challenge and my story. Hope you all make an effort to make someones day a little brighter.

Good Force Challenge Week 3

In the wake of my grandmother's death I have not had time to present the GFC for this week so this week's challenge will extend into next. I'd like to make this week's challenge in honor of my grandmother, Esther. She loved to get letters and so for this week your challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to get in touch. That's right! It's letter writing time. I know, I know, many of us have forgotten how to use pen and paper so this is your chance to practice your handwriting. You can make it as short or long as you like it just has to be to someone you haven't spoken with in a while. I hope everyone has fun doing this. I think it will be great.

Happy Writing!

Good Force Challenge Week 2

Ok, here's the GFC this week. Give It Away!!! It's time to clean out your closet, garage, under your bed whatever, and give something away. You can give to whomever or whatever you wish just make it free with no strings attached. Once again, share you stories if you want. I love to hear them. The only condition is, it has to be whatever you did this week. I want to hear how many people take the challenge. Happy Giving.

The Good Force Challenge

I was helping with our Bike Rodeo at our elementary school today which was a lot of fun. My friend who was in charge had spent a lot of time getting things planned and ready. I could tell that as the event got closer she was getting nervous. As the night progressed I mentioned that things had gone well and that I thought she had done a good job. She looked so relieved when I said that I couldn't help but feel that I had eased her worries for a moment and given her some much needed validation. It was a simple exchange and in fact writing about it has taken longer than the actual event but as I think about her reaction I want to do it again. So here is my challenge, if you're reading this today, take a moment and thank someone, compliment them. Just say something nice. I guess it's my watered down version of pay it forward but I figure it's a good copy. If you're interested, share your experience in the comments. I'm interesed to hear them. Thanks for reading, Lu