Experience Optimism

My favorite thing!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:14:00 +0000

Dogs really are my favorite things. I know I talk a lot about other favorite things, but I think that it is because most of the time I choose to view life like a dog; I am curious about most activities, people and ideas that come my way.

Perhaps you have seen this before. If so or if not, I hope that you can enjoy the simple pleasures that take place every day in the life of a dog:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

4:00 pm – Looked out the window! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

The point of this little exercise is that you should do everything with enthusiasm. Life can get rather routine and monotonous. Being in an Optimist Club can seem repetitive for we do many of the same programs over and over again every year. Some call that consistency. Some call it boring. I call it it necessary and encourage you to see the new people and new challenges that appear each year. It's up to you to bring enthusiasm to the forefront every day.

Your life is worth it. You are worth it. Like the puppy in the picture - go for the bubbles and keep smiling all the way.

Picture courtesy of Karin Car Care.

Searching for relevant information

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:27:00 +0000

My last post focused on what I called a random anomaly from Google that brought something completely unknown and not requested into my search window.

It's quite evident that the Google algorithm brings local content to the user, often based on what they have searched for before. While it makes me feel confident that the Experience Optimism blog shows up consistently first on my Chrome browser, I understand that is not true for others and honestly, it's a little creepy when the advertisements on my Gmail account mimic my messages a little too closely.

But what also happens with the Google algorithm is they choose to link to what they have hardcoded as relevant material and that may mean your Google+ page instead of your current blog posts and social streams like Twitter.

Does that make Google evil? The team at this website, Focus on the User, thinks so and they have created a tool that lets you search for more relevant results within Google.

I've only tried it a few times, so I'm not giving it a thumbs up or down. Fair warning: it doesn't seem to work with Chrome so I guess that means I'll have to continue to dig a little deeper for new content when I'm searching from my home base.

A random post

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:46:00 +0000

According to Wikipedia, "Wayne Cochran is an American soul singer known for his outlandish outfits and white pompadour." Oddly, "Last Kiss" was the singer/songwriter's last recording, made famous most recently by Pearl Jam; but this week, for some unknown reason, Wayne Cochran keeps appearing in my searches on Google and YouTube. That must mean something, right?

So here it is, my Music Sunday choice on Experience Optimism, a clip of Wayne Cochran and the C. C. Riders on the Jackie Gleason show, "Get down with it."

In case you prefer a more recognizable song and artist, here is Pearl Jam performing "Last Kiss."

On the oft chance that you might want to learn more about Wayne Cochran, you can find him today at the Wayne Cochran Ministries.

No, I don't know for sure what brought this artist into my world this week, but I'm speculating it has something to do with searching from a different location in a new geographic region. Isn't geolocation amazing? Thank you, Jesus...oh, excuse me, I meant to say thank you, Google for this random post.

They learn to love, laugh and live with optimism

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:40:00 +0000

Travelling to other Optimist Districts is always a pleasure for visitors get to experience the hospitality and traditions of a slightly different culture. Yes, we are all united under the Optimist International umbrella, but the programs we choose to conduct and the way they are organized often differ slightly, if not greatly froem club to club and district to district. I've heard it likened to speaking with a different dialect.

One of the highlights of my trip to the Arizona District was to witness first hand the truly engaging Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Some districts have abandoned this program. Others struggle to get three contestants so that a scholarship may be granted from the Optimist International Foundation and there are a few that have developed relationships within the deaf community and have multiple entries. The Arizona District is one of the latter.

Students participating in the Arizona District - Optimist International
Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

To accommodate the number of participants, they hold regional contests in order to advance 9 speakers to the District finals. These 9 students were remarkable in every way. Stories of feeling different and excluded led to stories of perseverance and ultimately optimism. Each speaker gave their presentation with just a little bit of levity and loads of optimism confirming that they are endowed with unique talents and a strong voice - a voice that is only assisted by their hands.

The Arizona District is so committed to the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH), they have created a scholarship fund at the district level to match awards granted by the Foundation. This ensures that participants for every communications contest has the opportunity to achieve the same honors.

Being from a district that is working hard to advance this program, I was truly excited by their commitment to the program and how they embrace and encourage the students to excel. I've often been one to take baby steps to get a program going, but I think in this case a more successful route might be to go as big as possible. The deaf population is small enough that individuals may be cloaked inside a mainstream program and those baby steps may not reach as many as quickly as needed.

A job well done

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:41:00 +0000

Soon I will be doing a little traveling for Optimist International to visit the Arizona District and to congratulate Tom Hogan, Governor 2010-2011 for earning top honors for all Optimist Districts for the past year.

Tom led with distinction adding seven new Optimist Clubs to the district roster and achieving approximately 10% net new membership growth. That's very impressive anytime, but even more so in our slow economy. He and his team of leaders and members are well deserving of being named number one.

Last year was an odd year for organization statistics for Optimist International. Then International President, Danny Rodgers insisted that deletions would not count against the districts for recognition purposes resulting in a number of governors earning awards for less than 100% achievement. It's difficult to try something new and he took a lot of heat for his decision. This year, with direction from the Board of Directors, things have returned to normal.

Of course, most of us don't do what we do for honors and awards.We do it because we really believe that we make a difference through our involvement with Optimist Clubs and in Arizona, I know that is true. In fact, the Arizona District has added two new Optimist Clubs this month.

So how are they starting so many clubs when others are struggling? Their model takes the opportunity for a new Optimist Club directly to the schools and engages adults who are already interested in helping children reach their full potential. An Optimist Club provides insurance, scholarships, and fundraising opportunities that the school, parents, teachers and students would not otherwise have. It's an easy sell, but one that takes great coordination, time and passion to implement.

I can't wait to say congratulations to Tom and the Arizona District - Optimist International in person.

Change it up

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:21:00 +0000

One of my dear friends says frequently that she is going to change it up. She might be talking about her diet, meetings, appointments, friends, or life in general; I don't know, for often she makes a small adjustment and keeps on going.

That's because our habits, routines and traditions are hard to break and some of them do not need broken. Like my friend's minor adjustments, sometimes all that is needed is a fresh perspective, a new voice, or maybe a new beat.

Earlier this week I heard this delightful arrangement by Chris Tart to an old song, "Love the One You're With." I knew immediately that it would be my choice for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism.

Like the lyrics, Chris Tart knows how to change it up. Like my friend, he knows how to make just the right amount of adjustments to make the change acceptable to all.

Not ready for change? No worries, please enjoy the original "Love the One You're With," by Stephen Sills.

Visit myspace to download more from Chris Tart.

Why you should take action against SOPA

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:32:00 +0000

You've heard the acronyms PIPA and SOPA, but do you know what they mean and how the bills now before Congress may affect you as an internet user, blog author, website owner or content creator?

The proposed legislation has been designed to protect corporate users, major production companies and manufacturers, at the expense of others who use the internet for learning, sharing and networking for business and social activities.

I am personally against PIPA and SOPA because we have legislation in place that protects us from copyright infringement issues while allowing fair use to the majority of online users, including students, instructors, and researchers, among others, who use the internet as a primary resource.

Section 512 of Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) allows for take-down and put-back of infringing websites. Enforcement of existing laws would prevent the government from showing favoritism to the corporations that seek to monopolize the internet for corporate gains. See a list of the SOPA supporters here.

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

Find out more about the Stop American Censorship movement and the Protect IP (PIPA) and Stop Online Privacy Act (SOPA) at this link: http://americancensorship.org/ and take action by contacting your legislators today.

Optimistic problem solving

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:04:00 +0000

This "reviewing my life in order to write about optimism" decision is proving to be much harder than I imagined. Between work, school, and my multiple Optimist Club obligations, I haven't found the appropriate amount of time for reflection. But today I recalled a story from the past; a true story that makes me laugh, cry and feel optimistic all at once.

Since true storytelling has been proclaimed the stylish, new and best motivator, I thought I should share it here. After you read the story, take time to reflect on how stories like this, among others, have influenced your life. Enjoy.

I grew up around salespeople. Successful salespeople have a story that relates to whatever challenge is placed before them.

About twenty years ago, just as caring for aging parents was becoming mainstream, Don, a salesman friend, gave me a lighthearted, yet profound glimpse into the aging process.

Don's mom was living in a senior community; one that offered apartments for those who needed only a little help, graduated to assisted living when their needs elevated, and offered a smooth transition into skilled nursing if required. She was living in an apartment and my friend was afraid the time had come to seek more care.

The problem: Mom wouldn't change clothes unless someone was in the apartment with her. It didn't have to be a relative; anyone would do, but personal care service was an elevated need and that meant moving.

No one wants to tell mom that the day has come to relinquish her independence. Full of compassion, he arrived at the apartment for the talk; but first he was determined to find out what was going on. "Mom," he said, "Please tell me why you won't change clothes."

Mom explained, "Don, I'm scared to." She looked around the room cautiously, leaned in closely, and whispered, "I'm afraid of the old lady that lives in my closet."

Don went to the closet to show his mom that no one was living in there. She was hopeful and peeked in only to draw back, feeling betrayed. With wide eyes, she declared, "Why, she’s looking at me right now."

Don knew what he had to do. As Mom returned to her favorite chair, he marched into the closet and told that old woman to leave. He took the mirror off the back wall, carried it out to his car, and his mom was able to stay independent for a few more years.

This story has remained with me because it touched so many emotions including fear, acquiescence, sadness, happiness and optimism. Delivered in a conversational yet conspiratorial manner, the storyteller struck a fear that we all share, that we might someday live in a long-term care facility. As the story began, he explained the setting, set the stage and introduced a character well-known to all.

Using body language, he became the character as he leaned in to whisper her remarks and then drew back imitating her response. I felt that I was there, sharing a special secret, one that I would never have with my own mother who was deceased.

Best of all, the storyteller solved the problem in a way that made everyone smile. The listener could remain optimistic about their ability to stay independent and live a full, rich life.

Happy Birthday, David Bowie

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:18:00 +0000

This week's selection for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism is obvious. Given the new year and my pondering about change, I chose to highlight a classic recording, "Changes" by David Bowie.

When I found the song on YouTube, I was a little surprised at how normal Mr. Bowie appeared on the record cover for this album. In my mind, he has always been the flamboyant, almost psychedelic character Ziggy Stardust.

Wanting to give a glimpse to you of how he looks now, I discovered that today is David Bowie's birthday and as he turns 65, he is contemplating a tour in 2012. Well, perhaps his fans are contemplating a tour more than he. The adage, the more things change, the more they stay the same, remains startling true.

If you are considering change in 2012, I hope you remember to always be true to yourself. Be sure that the picture of you that others retain in their memory is the one you want preserved.

Jane Fonda and what comes next

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:53:00 +0000

In this Tedx Talk, Jane Fonda coins a number of apt phrases speaking about "The Longevity Revolution" and "The Third Act," but what touched me most was her assertion that most persons over fifty are happier because they have come to terms with their lives.

Is it possible that we can live in this world for so many years, constrained by others views of what we should be and then only when we start to review our lives do we let go and become our true selves? If so, it is truly a blessing that we are given that third act to discover what is real.

As I started off the year searching for direction, asking where do I take this blog from here, this video has helped me realize that what I need to do is be more authentic about how I relate to the experiences I have with optimism. How have conducting, reading about and promoting such activities changed me? Do such activities positively affect others? Do they truly make a difference or are they merely a means to occupy our time? Is occupation the purpose of living?

I'll be fine tuning the format in the next few weeks with the above questions in mind. Please feel free to comment; let me know if I'm heading in the right direction. And as always, please tell us how you have been touched by optimism.

Is it time for a change?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:04:00 +0000

"The most effective way to manage change is to create it." - Peter Drucker

It's that time of year when I reevaluate the direction of the Experience Optimism blog. I enjoy telling stories about Optimist Clubs; however, finding new stories to tell is sometimes a merciless task. Consider the week in December where we heard about Christmas tree lot after Christmas tree lot.

If I were to report about scholarship opportunities such as the oratorical and essay contests, the same would be true. We would see week after week of the same activity from thousands of Optimist Clubs.

Linda Jackson and the Optimist Creed

But the redundancy is also one of the great benefits of conducting international programs and belonging to a federation of Optimist Clubs: we have the ability for nearly 3,000 Optimist Clubs to perform projects at the same time and generate publicity and awareness for what we do to make a difference in our communities.

I can only ask, why does the international office not capitalize on such promotional opportunities? Why are they not coordinating our efforts? Where is the public relations campaign? Why are Optimist Clubs left to fend for themselves in a virtual communications abyss?

For my first task of the new year, I think I will look for those answers. Maybe I'll return to my usual format. Maybe I'll find something to write about that is more useful for all. Stay tuned. It will be worth your time. As always, thank you for reading and sharing your optimism with me and with others.

One of my favorite lines from the Optimist Creed: Promise yourself to wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

Welcome to 2012: Fly higher and further with optimism

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:53:00 +0000

Music Sunday at Experience Optimism chooses R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" to start off the new year.

Welcome to 2012. There are some lovely sentiments being shared on social media sites today. Filled with optimism, our family, friends and others in our network are experiencing the optimism that a new year brings. Here is a sample:

From Jan - " Happy January 1st 2012 everyone - Hope you have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious first day of a new year."

From Judi - " Wishing my friends a year of good health, much joy, a well paying job and 366 days of creating special memories. Friends are those who know our flaws, but care for & love us anyway. I am blessed to have so many in my life. Wish I could see & visit each of you this year. Know you are so often in my thoughts & prayers."

From Dennis - "I am going to make 2012 the best because I am in control of it :)"

From the PNW District - Optimist International - "Promise yourself to do good things!"

From the Middleton Area Optimist Club - "In 2012, we are counting on you being an optimist."

From Cherie - " May the 2012 me be more patient, healthier, kinder, more grateful, and a better me than the 2011."

And from me - "Let's laugh a lot, connect to friends, both old and new; and do one kind thing for someone else as often as possible."

It is always possible.

Georgia Optimists launch awareness campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:02:00 +0000

The Georgia District - Optimist International is nearing their 75th Anniversary and they are celebrating with pride - pride in their accomplishments and service; pride in their fellowship and friendships; but most all, pride in being a Georgia Optimist. They've created a video to share that special feeling with you.

As I've commented on this blog before, individuals belong to Optimist Clubs. Optimist Clubs belong to Optimist International. The district serves as an administrative arm to help Optimist International share information and leadership and help the organization grow. I'm always fascinated when individuals identify primarily with something other than an Optimist Club for the club level is where we make a difference.

The Georgia awareness campaign is focusing on individuals over clubs. Answering the question, "What's in it for me?" they highlight three individuals, among others, who say that being a Georgia Optimist gave them the opportunity to develop personal skills like public speaking, confidence and self esteem.

I give the Georgia Optimists high marks for their passion, fellowship and promotion and hope that in the future they remember their club-level roots, for without an Optimist Club, none of their achievements are possible.

Eco-friendly fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:47:00 +0000

The Breakfast Optimist Club of Sacramento, California is planning for the new year with their first fundraiser and community service project all wrapped up into one.

The Sacramento Breakfast Optimist Club and Kohls will hold an E-Waste and Shredding Event on Saturday, January 7th, 2012 between 8 and 5 pm. at the Kohls Store Parking Lot: 1896 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95815.

Shredding is scheduled for 10 to 2 pm. and a donation of $5/banker box is welcomed. This event is held as a fundraiser to help finance youth projects in our community.

E-waste is the fastest-growing waste in the country and frequently contains hazardous materials like lead and mercury, which can adversely affect the environment. Everything from laptops and desktops, televisions and cell phones are collected at the event.

Following the event, equipment is property disassembled and recycled into raw materials to be reused to manufacture new items. All equipment is destroyed and recycled in an environmentally sound manner by a fully permitted recycling facility.

"Why not kick-start the year by giving your old electrical items a new lease of life and recycling them at our community event?" asked David Komar, Event Coordinator. "Last year, residents participated in this free opportunity to safely and securely dispose of their electronics, and we are please to continue to offer this service to the community and help, protect the balance of our environment," he concluded.

For more information, please click on the flyer or visit the Optimist Club event partners Viking Shred or Advanced Computer Recycling.

Love and friendship through the seasons

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 22:19:00 +0000

It's Christmas Day, and although I am not religious I have noticed a public outcry this year to "remember the reason for the season" and "put the 'Christ' back in Christmas. To me, such sentiments so often seem intolerant of others who share different faiths and beliefs.

For me, I believe the reason if the season is to remember others, those we know and those we don't, with kindness and goodwill. Only then is it appropriate to celebrate our own personal treasures of health, family and friends.

For Music Sunday at Experience Optimism today I offer a diversion from the typical Christmas fare. In this scene from the movie "The Holiday," two women find love and friendship. I wish both for you during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Please enjoy Aretha Franklin in "You Send Me."

Boise Optimists among many who support children with cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:22:00 +0000

The Boise Noon Optimist Club recently welcomed guests from the Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) at St. Luke's Regional Hospital, Boise, Idaho. Attending were Jessica Harding and Kelsey Breeding to discuss the child-life activities of which the Boise Noon Optimists are involved.

Jessica and Kelsey from MSTI

As part of their commitment to Optimist International's Cure Childhood Cancer Campaign, the Boise Noon Optimists helped start the Beads of Optimism program at the hospital. The beads are given to the children as a way to mark milestones in their treatment that helps cheer them at difficult times; and later, the kids and their parents use the beads as a way to tell their story. According the Kelsey, about thirty children are in active treatment for cancer at MSTI. Most are in and out of hospital care so the hospital reserves fifty beds just for them.

While many Optimist Clubs care for kids with cancer and their families on a local level, earlier this month Optimist International President Jack Creswell pledged an additional $500,000 to be raised for John Hopkins University Research Hospital in order to continue research into the eradication of childhood cancer.

Please click on the the link to find out more:
Optimist International and John Hopkins Partner in Cancer Research Initiative

Our own network of optimism

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:56:00 +0000

The beauty of social media is that you can be your own publisher, public relations director and marketing manager all in one. The challenge, of course, is to produce an abundance of content that people want to read or learn more about. It's a daunting task and I accept that some days I do it better than I do on other days.

However, infographics like the one I'm sharing here today tell me that creating and publishing your own content is more important than ever before. According to Frugal Dad , six media giants control 90% of all content that is available for consumption. Whether you read, listen or watch, chances are your media is being filtered by "The Big Six:" General Electric, News Corporation, Disney, Viacom, Time Warner or CBS. All told, 232 media executives determine the media made available to 277 million Americans.

This post isn't to ask how did we as an American public let this happen.

This post isn't to teach you how to get the big guys to notice you.

This post is to encourage you not be discouraged when your local media representatives seem uninterested in what you, a small service club made of of community volunteers, are doing. Chances are, your small concern does not have the wherewithal to feed the money-driven industry that dominates them.

This post is to encourage you to keep writing. Post articles on your blog and website and post stories on Facebook. Post your videos on YouTube. Tweet about them. Talk about them. And please, send me a message about your project and a link to your post and I will highlight them here.

Let's create our own network of optimism. Together, we can do it!

Source: Frugal dad

Celebrate your service, yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:33:00 +0000

The Optimist Club of Cerritos, California collected more than 7,000 pounds of food this season to distribute to, among others, families they have adopted for the season through the "Needy Families" program that they coordinate with the Soroptimist Club. Annually, 25 families are identified through the Parks and Recs Department. This year they added 2 additional families.

With the needs so profound this year, many Optimist Clubs are doing even more, or as Optimist International President Jack Creswell would say, "Optimists are giving 100% and then some."

Giving time, talent and treasure through your Optimist Club, other service club, church or community organization is an important aspect of our own personal development.

We can do so much more to make a difference when we work together. It's just as important that we celebrate together and as the holiday season offers ample opportunities to serve others, it also offers similar opportunities to nourish our families and friendships.

That is exactly what the Cerritos Optimist Club did with their Annual Christmas Party. I think you'll agree, the pictures provided by David J. DeKriek show that the celebration is just as meaningful for the adults as the children.

Please use this post as reminder to do the same. Work hard, share your strengths, and take time to celebrate each other, the greatest gifts of all.

Photos courtesy of the Cerritos Optimist Club.

Sharing the sheep

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 20:03:00 +0000

Yes, it's an advertisement for Brooks Brothers, but I don't care. It is the cutest holiday video that I have seen this year and that makes it my pick for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism and my wish to you for the holiday season.

In a world of orchestrated flash mobs that record songs that are too long to be enjoyed (not to mention the last one emailed to me crashed my computer), I found the 47 seconds of these adorable lambs to be just right.

So go on and do it now. Dash right on through the snow and enjoy the holidays. Many cheers to you and yours as we count down to the big day now only one week away.

Thank you Brooks Brothers for sharing the sheep.

How to get more people to show up to the game

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:12:00 +0000

According to New York Times technology columnist David Pogue, communications today are two-way and conducted in real time and if your business is doing anything different, you risk losing the attention of those in the millennial generation.

Although this video was aimed at those who wish to connect with the millennial generation, as a communicator, you can't stop there. Sure, individuals may have different communication styles based on their ages, but everyone wants to be included, have their voice heard, and know that what they contribute to the discussion matters.

It's called sharing and my friends, whether you are two or ninety-two, sharing never goes out of style. If your service club is perhaps noticing that fewer members seem to be involved lately, please take a look at the video and apply its message across all generations.

Even out that playing field and more people will show up to the game.

Thanks to Ragan.com for the tip: "How to grab millennials attention."

Angel Tree project in Conway, Arkansas benefits more than 600 children

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 04:32:00 +0000

Six hundred and thirty-four children will open presents on Christmas morning thanks to the efforts of the Conway, Arkansas Optimist Club and area businesses who participated in the annual Angel Tree project.

According to the chairman of the project, this year the Angel Trees, decorated with names and needed gift ideas, were adopted by local businesses and employees completed the Christmas wish lists. Some businesses fulfill wishes throughout the year.

The video was taken at Hendrix Health and Wellness Center where Optimist Club and community members gathered to wrap and sort presents for distribution.

Read all about it at theCabin.net.

Why join?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:59:00 +0000

Why do you want to belong to an Optimist Club, or any service club, for that matter? This short video posted today by PhilanthropyVideo on YouTube features Neil Strauss, author of "The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists."

In it, Strauss explains that asking donors to ask others to make a contribution helps reinforce their commitment to the cause. The key: ask for three reasons that they donate that are not financially motivated.

Using this same logic, you can increase the number of members in your group, or come together with others to start a new Optimist Club. The reasons we belong are the reasons that will resonate with others and help them make the commitment to join. Talk about those reasons, a lot, and you'll be happier with your decision to belong and give your time as well as encouraging to others who want to come together with others to make a difference.

Santa says, "Join an Optimist Club"

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:26:00 +0000

Following breakfast, Santa
and Mrs. Claus prepare to meet
some Coquitlam children

The Optimist Club of Coquitlam, British Columbia has been assisting the Coast Sound Music Academy by selling Christmas Trees at IKEA. For only $20, customers can choose their tree, receive an additional $20 coupon for IKEA, and have the great spirit of Christmas provided by the Optimist Club. Their original $20 goes straight to the Academy's music program. What a deal!

In more holiday activities, the Coquitlam Optimist Club also collected nearly 600 pounds of food for the Share Food Bank during the Annual Breakfast with Santa program.

According to club spokesperson Annette Smith, more than 300 Sparks, Brownies, Beavers and Cubs, plus their siblings, parents, and leaders helped with the donations and were rewarded with "full tummies, candy canes, balloon art, and a sense of helping the less fortunate."

Yes, Christmas is for sharing, but did you know that you can join an Optimist Club and have that feeling all year-round? Santa says, "Find a club near you and join today."

Party Rock is in the house!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:07:00 +0000

I love the Kia hamsters. Or more important, I love the Kia hamster dance. It's called the Melbourne Shuffle (Remember the Running Man?) and it really is pretty easy to do if you have a little space, a lot of stamina and don't mind looking rather dorky as you learn to ~~stomp~~ shuffle it out.

But I think you'll agree that what makes the Kia hamsters rock is this totally awesome song, "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO. It's one of those songs that just begs to be played at halftime at a football game or reminds you of college, clubbing, and staying out way too late dancing or whatever you did after hours.

The videos are perfect for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know which video you dance to.

In case you haven't had enough Party Rock yet, here's a lyrics-only version. Keep dancing. It's good for your heart.

50 years of Christmas tree sales for the Deerfield Optimists

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jackson) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:26:00 +0000

Click for more pictures.

Another day brings us to another Optimist Club charitaable Christmas Tree lot.

This time we visit the Optimist Club of Deerfield, Illinois where they have been using the proceeds from tree sales to offset expenses for projects in their community for 50 years.

In fact, the Deerfield Optimists make it a point to reach out to the community with a project at least once per month with projects like Mudfest, the Halloween Hoopla and Optimist International Oratorical and Essay Contests and the Illinois District Just Say No to Drugs Poster Contest.

Please help them make even more happen in the community in 2012 by buying your tree at the Deerfield Optimist charitable Christmas Tree Sale at 836 Jewett Park Drive or get even more involved by joining them. Contact President Mary Lou Heinrichs today.