My 12 Day Charity Challenge

When I set up my Virtual Assistant business I knew I’d have the flexibility to work when and where I wanted. With that freedom, I also really hoped I’d be able to find a bit time to give something back. I’m pleased to say I now can!

I take great pride in my work, making a difference each and every day through supporting and helping clients. But alongside this, I’ve always known that I can use a lot of these same skills to help and support others in my community too.

Day 5 and counting

So, today is the 5th day of my 12 Day Charity Challenge. What’s this all about? Well, this wasn’t a pre-organised thing.  If you know me well enough, you will know that this pushes me out of my comfort zone, not to be fully planned and prepped. However, it just kind of started happening.  Now it’s become a thing, and through writing this blog maybe it might become a thing for you too. I know some of you lovely lot are already involved in lots of charitable activities.  I’m probably somewhat late to the party, but my intentions have always been there.  Now I’m ready and able to commit.  Maybe you are too?

So, what is my 12 Day Charity Challenge? Well, it’s pretty simple, I’m just doing one charitable act a day. But that one thing has to mean that I go out of my way and do something different and new.  Something out of usual routine to help someone else that’s in need.

That’s it. It’s no biggy, is it? Of course, I still need to run my business and balance all that with my life as a Mum, plus get all the crazy Christmas stuff sorted.  Therefore I’m being realistic at the moment about what time I can dedicate to making that difference.  Small steps can lead to big changes.

I suppose Christmas spirit is my inspiration, before you say it, no not the alcohol kind!  It is genuinely something I’ve wanted to do for some time.  When you are surrounded by big business and big profits, you kind of feel you need to tip the balance back a bit. Also, with the freedom of being my own boss and working from home, I feel I can now make it happen.

What have I been up to?

If you’d like to see, here’s a little list below of the things I have done so far. Of course,  I’m not looking for a pat on the back or would hate you to feel that I am blowing my own trumpet.  I just want to show how easy and achievable these things are for everyone.  Things that I truly believe can make a difference to those that need it.

Day 1 – Joined a candlelit yoga session for Make A Wish Foundation
Day 2 – Helped an elderly man home with his shopping who was struggling in the icy wind and snow
Day 3 – Finished off my Christmas shopping at Heart of Kent Hospice Shop
Day 4 – Had a Christmas clear out and donated presents to another local charity shop
Day 5 – Registered as an Older Person Befriending Volunteer at Involve Kent

Where to next?

I have no ‘plan’ as yet what the remaining 7 days will bring.  I really want this challenge to be spontaneous and from the heart.  My creative brain is brimming with ideas about what I might do next, but I’m trying to go with the flow, to see where life takes me next.

I’m excited to find out where and I’m enjoying the uncertainty. But I do know for certain that it’s had an impact on me already.  An impact I know will take me well past the 12th day and into the New Year and beyond.

“Christmas is not so much about opening presents but opening up our hearts”