For those of you who've followed my G.U.L.P. experience you're aware of what I expected to accomplish with my project. One of my goals – the one entirely outside of my control – was to see the four week undertaking move beyond me. I was hopeful that my simple idea would resonate and that others would create a G.U.L.P. project their own.
Recently, I learned that Rachel, a 28dayG.U.L.P. Facebook "fan," and anonymous well-wisher, launched her own project. Her link is http://racheletto.blogspot.com, and I encourage you all to log on, become a “fan,” spread the word, and vote. Rachel's G.U.L.P. highlights three different, local non-profit agencies doing great, important work in our communities - and her page is much more advanced and visually appealing than mine ever was. I don't know Rachel but nonetheless feel connected, and I'm moved by her commitment.
There's a degree of personal satisfaction whenever one has a role in inspiring the generosity of others. But I'm clear that this is not about me, or my idea. It's about having the courage to step outside of our individual comfort zones and offer what we can for the benefit of others.
The torch has been passed. It is my hope - and I'm guessing Rachel's too – that yet another person who sees the significance in this personal challenge, and recognizes the value of contributing to our communities in a creative way will step into his or her own G.U.L.P. project when Rachel completes hers.
Thank you all for your support throughout the original G.U.L.P. project; there will be more to come. Please add Rachel's page to your fan list, and consider taking the step into this exilerating, often difficult, immeasurably rewarding experience for yourself - and others.
28 Days | $700 | 3 Non-profits
For the next 28 days, from November 27 through December 24, I'll significantly reduce my food choices: I'll eat only 7 foods, 5 condiments, and drink only 1 beverage (what are they? You'll have to read my blog to find out!). Lattes, fish and chips, veggie pad thai, and vino be gone--Yaaouch! By doing this, I will save approximately $700 that I will then donate to three extraordinary, greater-Denver non-profit organizations.
We've all felt the pinch of these tough economic times. Hit especially hard are organizations that function solely to help the most vulnerable among us. Click the links on the right to learn more about the great work of three such organizations, and then cast your vote. Your vote will determine the percentage of the $700 that each organization will receive. I encourage you to influence the votes of others–but please only vote once. I'll blog about my G.U.L.P. journey and update my progress daily. If you scroll down, you'll find my daily blog postings. Your comments are encouraged!
WHY FOOD, WHY NOW? I wanted my G.U.L.P. choice to be a significant but realistic sacrifice. Food seemed an obvious choice for several reasons: First, I spend a lot of money on food. Not just basic sustenance, but on brunches, dinners out, pricey markets, happy hours, and expensive take-out. When I reviewed my budget and found that I spend roughly $700 each month on eating and drinking, I realized I needed to check this luxury. Second, I think the act of eating is relatively thoughtless for many of us--it has been for me. The question isn't what will I eat, but rather, what do I want to eat. Finally, I chose this time of year for my G.U.L.P. project because the holidays tend to intensify our emotions. For those who have plenty, it’s often a time of celebration and feelings of joy can be readily identified. For those who are barely getting by, the holidays can be agonizing.
JOIN ME: What would you give up for 28 days? I have chosen to limit food choices, but that's just one idea. If each one of us gave up a non-essential item, service, or even a certain food for a manageable period of time--something that we've been conditioned to believe is a need rather than a want, and commit the money saved to an effective community organization, imagine the impact! If you decide to give something up--and I hope you do!--I'd love to hear about your experiences.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
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Ann. Your project was motivational for me on a personal level. I enjoyed reading your blogs and felt your pain and joy as you progressed on this journey. It took tremendous courage to go public with the project and to write about it everyday. It's inspired me to try my own pilot project as a way to attract positive energy and initiate change in my own life. Each month I will select one modest change and write about it at home. For January I'm giving up wine and for February I'm going to leave the TV off for the entire month (my goal is to listen...to my own inner voice, to others, to nature). I'm also going to decide on a donation that I can make to a charity each month. I am excited to see January through to fruition and then to begin this new quest for February. Thanks for your inspiration! Beverly
ReplyDeleteOh ANN! I'm so grateful for your work. Whenever someone asks me about GULP I mention you and how inspired I was and still am by your project.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your support as well and hope to meet you one day. I was thinking about having a group of people each do GULP for a month and then we could create a calendar and/or recipe book out of our experiences. I am thrilled to see the GULP family grow (and I'm sure we will) and will always remind people to see your original journey that started it all.
All the best to you,
Rach
racheletto.blogspot.com
Ann,
ReplyDeleteI first heard about this project through Rachel's link that I came across on the Same Cafe page. I have never met her.
Her page eventually led me to yours. My sister and I are going to be starting our own GULP projects on Sunday, and are encouraging our friends to join in as well. We're still in the planning stages for what we'll actually be giving up but I wanted to thank you for creating this opportunity. If you'd like to follow our progress, we have both created blogs as well.
Mine is url haleymariewhite. Hers is listentolindsay.
Warm greetings,
Haley
Thank you for starting this project. When I find time I am going to start my own GULP.
ReplyDeleteKen