Every so often a ripple of guilt flows through me. Actually, I have guilt-earthquakes rocking through me most days thanks to good old fashioned Catholicism but the ripples I refer to now are different. I often worry that I am not doing anywhere near enough to better the world or helping to make things easier for others. My Kermit impression notwithstanding what am I bringing to the world? What am I really doing to help? My monthly charity contributions are just far too easy. Sure it’s better than nothing but it involves no real effort on my part.
So it is a mixture of fuzzy warmth and uncomfortable embarrassment I feel when I see how others care enough and are motivated enough to provide real help and bring about change. Yesterday I came across two such people who have greatly and deservedly earned my admiration. Both of them have inspired me and made me think about what I do and what I can do as an individual.
The first is Conor Prendergrast whose own personal experiences have encouraged him to try and affect real change. He is eloquent and driven enough to succeed and can only be spurred on more by the encouragement of others. Read his moving story here and see if you can’t help spread the word.
The other individual is the charming Catherine. Not content with being pretty, intelligent and ridiculously sweet she too is aiming to do a lot of good and using the idea of blogging to achieve this. Read all about this ridiculously fabulous idea here.
Neither is asking for money and it’s easy to help both out. I strongly encourage everyone to do so as by helping them you will not only be helping yourself but also will be allaying one or two of my own guilty ripples. You never know, I might even throw in a Kermit impression as a thank you.
You’re lovely. I’m posting you a batch of these.
catherine – how cool do they look
Incidentally I think Conor’s story would make a truly wonderful inclusion in the book!
I know how you feel,
In the absence of actually coming up with any good plans to make the world a better place, all I have is my big mouth to pass the good deeds of others along.
A riptide of promotion of others good work, may alleviate the swell of ripples emanating from my lazy guilt.
Catherine’s plan is ingenious, and I’m hoping to submit something for selection.
I’m sure it will be oversubscribed to the max, so even to be in the running for selection would be great.
Ah but you do spread pleasure through your blog….okay maybe that doesn’t feed the hungry but it feed peoples spirits…seriously
i’m assuming you’ll contribute something too, Conor?
elfin – it’s a wonderful idea indeed – glad to hear you’ll submit too
emmak – aren’t you the sweest mammy down the road…
rosie – sure will
Tis almost finished even
Charity contributions are the easiest way to get away with it and I am guilty too. And I am not doing my bit to make this a better world. Have dabbled a bit – both with and without free will. Yet to make a committment.
Read CP’s post…Very valid…In my country, having a same sex relationship is very much against the law..Regressive but true…But have piggybacked on your idea and mailed the post to all my friends..
Though I would want to, cant really contribute to Catherine’s call…Not an Irish blogger
But would definitely want to read the compilation.
Committing is often the hardest part
When the book is out I’ll let you know!
lol, kermit impression. love the cakes.
i’m astounded at conor’s post. it had never even occurred to me that that situation existed, as usual i have my head in a bucket. it’s ridiculous that he and his family should be in that position, madness.
i’m guilty of the same, dropping off clothes on a regular basis to the charity shop just doesn’t cut it does it . . defo need to do more
I think I need to try harder. I don’t even have a kermit impression.
Eh, I’ve only just realised all your post-titles are song lyrics. Gimme also used to do that. I am kind of slow.
Fab idea (God that’s so 60s) but why do these great ideas (and there has been a book on poverty written last year by bloggers) always emanate from Ireland and, well, to be brutal, exclude us internationals. Maybe I should do something similar down under. Great initiative and the best of luck with it. Who knows, I might win an “Almost Irish but living in the arse end of the world” award! On a serious note, it strikes me that this ethereal place we refer to as the blogosphere is bigger than we give credit. I’m all up for collective action for a good cause.
towny – astounding really is the word. I’m sure a lot of people just don’t know the situation exists. All the more need to spread the word
travelling – you do a mean rendition of American Boy though
annie – they are often the only thing worth reading around here
baino – I use the word Fab all the time
Interesting point. Maybe there could be room for a few internationals too, especially the almost Irish ones!!
CP’s post is very eye-opening. I hadn’t thought of the parental implications of civil partnership either. The situation is a complete anomaly and I’m amazed those drafting the legislation didn’t think of it at the time. Good for him pointing it out and trying to get reform.
As for charities, I’ve worked for them on and off since 1996 (including almost two years as a volunteer) so maybe I’ve done my bit! I’ve also given 29 blood donations and was a trade union rep for five years but there’s always more one can do….
I’d donate blood only it’s illegal.
Ok, it’s not illegal, but with the “lifestyle” I “choose” to lead, it sometimes feels like it is.
A burning issue in my mind, but for another day, I do believe.
nick – I’m not surprised at all you’ve done Nick, fair play to you as they say at home.
alan – exactly what I was thinking!