Not every act of kindness has to be heroic. The little things we do every day matter, too. Sometimes, it’s the things we don’t do — like this evening when my son knocked over our tabletop zen garden (you know, sand in a pan with rocks and a little rake to make designs), I didn’t freak out. I just got out the vacuum. I guess the absence of upset over a million grains of sand all over my living room… the lack of attachment to things would make this a zen-like act. Or as my son would say, b-ing cool was cool.

I’m trying to be more aware of how little things make a big difference, doing my part and graciously receiving them when they come my way. Today, was one of those days. While at my local bank, the customer service reps asked about WIBN and the upcoming NY Gift Show. I told them how excited we are about our big debut. In unison, they cheered, “They’re gonna love you!” “You’ll do great!” Their energy was so uplifting and supportive. I left with such optimism and confidence. Try cheering someone on! It feels so good!

Give kindness freely without the expectation of
getting something in return and you will
get many happy returns. : )

Tracey Saab (left), Founder/Director of Community Warriors, at the drop-off location of Operation Bundle Up.

Tracey Saab is one of those people you never forget. Her enthusiasm for life and for giving back is contagious. One of the most effervescent people I know, Tracey and I met in October at the Get In Touch Foundation’s Pretty In Pink Brunch. Within minutes, we were diving in “the deep end” - talking about what gives our lives meaning - our kids and our passion for making a difference. For me, that meant Wouldn’t It B Nice?; for Tracey, it’s Community Warriors, the grassroots organization she founded in 2007.

Inspired by the birth of their daughter, Ava Grace, Tracey and her husband, Fred, collected $5,000 in books, toys, and gift cards which they donated to Pediatric Specialty Care Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. Today, Tracey leads a small army of Community Warriors who - as Tracey puts it - “stop at nothing to lend a hand to ALL people who are struggling with something in their lives, whether it’s illness, disease, natural disaster, or economic conditions.” When we met at the GIT brunch, she told me about Operation Bundle-Up, a program that provides warm clothing to families in need. Before dessert was served, we were making plans for WIBN to donate dozens of T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, fleece scarves and headbands to help bundle-up families in need.

Inspiring is one word to describe Tracey. Influential is another. In fact, she was recently named as one of Lehigh Valley, PA’s Women of Influence, for her community service work.

“Community Warriors and WIBN make one great team! Kindness, Positivity, and Generosity are the common threads at the very core of our missions! WE will B Friends Forever!” ~ Tracey Saab

If you have an Inspiration to Share, please pass it on! We’d love to feature it in a future newsletter.