52 Weeks of Charity

The first 52 weeks came out of a desire to approach the milestone birthday of my turning 50 boldly and joyfully. I did not want my 50th to be focused on me. I wanted to take the year and live it for others – with all of life’s beauty, wonder, heartache, joy, discovery and love focused on giving a voice to others.  I wanted to explore where love, generosity, and community live in the world. These are all around us but we often go through life without sensing or seeing them. So I wanted to explore. Life is magical when exploring.

I set a goal – Each week, for 52 weeks, I would volunteer with a different organization or event, share those moments of community and love that happen when volunteering, celebrate with others how love builds hope, and write about the experience. Through the experience I found my authentic voice and a sense of wholeness I did not expect. There is much light in this world. You need only to seek it gently to uncover it.

Below is the list of the Original 52 Weeks of Charity – you can scroll through and click on any that may peak your curiosity. You can also click the categories in the column on the right to see the weeks for certain categories. I hope looking through the weeks inspires you to love the beautiful, special, wonderful person you are and reveal how helping others through your unique gifts and by giving up small bits of time, can surprise you and bring magic to the world.

XO, Penny

Hundreds of coalition forces servicemen and women met aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, for a September 11 memorial service. During the service, Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan, commanding general of Regional Command Southwest and II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) gave a speech reflecting on not only the lives lost 10-years before, but also on the heroes who have fought for the freedoms America stands for.

mooo…

President of Achilchilco