Graceful Giving offers opportunity to inspire and be inspired

Inspiration can come in very unlikely packages. My dog, Grace, has influenced me in countless ways over the years. She has persistently nudged me in directions that expand my knowledge and understanding of how to interact and care for her. This journey has taken me places I never even knew existed and it has benefited us both tremendously.

In our workplace relationships, we find inspiration from those who offer a helping hand, a trusted piece of advice, or support when we need it. It’s not so typical to feel inspiration from those that frustrate us, but that can be equally influential. In our early days together, Grace often left me confused and annoyed, not knowing what I should do that would change her fearful, reactive behaviors, She and I continued to work together even though there were plenty of bumps in the road. It wasn’t always easy, but I was committed to her development and she was loyal to me. I suppose we inspired each other.

Why is inspiration important and how do you find it?

When we care enough about something, we do something about it. Inspiration is important because it moves us into action and allows us to think that anything is possible. As leaders, we need to inspire and to be inspired.

This October, as Grace turns 13 years old, it’s the perfect time to appreciate her — and her inspiration. That’s what the 2nd annual Graceful Giving Campaign is all about. It is a way to put a spotlight on helping others; involving non-profit organizations who do such important work to help those in need, just like the non-profit that originally rescued Grace from the streets when she was a pup.

Putting your inspiration in action

Everyone can get involved. Check out the six participating non-profits and choose one or more that you would like to help. When you make a donation of any amount from Oct 1 to Oct 31, 2017, you will be entered to win a $100 cash prize! The non-profit that receives the most donations towards their wish list item will win a facilitated workshop called Graceful Leadership: Building Respectful Relationships. And we all win by working together to help each other.

Grace and I invite you to join us. Leave a comment below and tell us who (or what) inspires you! Then jump over to the Graceful Giving page and put that inspiration to good use!

After you donate, spread the word by sharing on social media and using the hashtag #GracefulGiving. That way we can like and share your posts, too! And with your help, we can inspire even more people to get involved.