TheDailyHug.com

Well I can hardly believe it. Summer is about to hit the trail and that means the magic of autumn is near. Its back to school and the annual string of holiday races are about to parade hurriedly through our days until we find ourselves out of breath and staring, wide-eyed, at a calendar that says 2010. Where do these days madly dash off to? Why the rush?

And while this can be a time of football, fabulous feasts and thoughtful reflection, it can also be a time when we find ourselves wondering where we are headed and what is it all about. Certainly, when schedules get hurried and inevitable holiday obligations and bills pile up, there can slither in the temptation to fear and doubt. The questions around work and relationships can reach their fingers up and wrap themselves firmly around our unsuspecting necks. Or, we can discover that we’ve traded in our positive thinking intentions to lazily engage in a habit of sinking into the sofa every evening, watching others have their lives, and pulling on a low-grade skin called the blues.

Now, more than ever, we need to embrace the seasonal changes in our days and in our hearts and minds. This is the beautiful time, the symbolic season, to dress our minds in colors of warmth, care and harmony. These are the days to celebrate our valuable selves and all that we have to give and share.

Here are a few motivational and inspirational things you can do by yourself, or with your friends, family and/or co-workers to seamlessly cross the season-line and enter autumn with your own, spectacular glow.

Host a Clothing Drive

As people go through the ceremony of stashing their shorts and flip-flops deeper in their closets and drawers and pulling forth their sweaters and boots, there often appears the arrival of outgrown and unwanted items that could be perfect for someone less fortunate - particularly in these trying, economic times. There are many charities that are always grateful to receive clothing, especially as the weather turns colder, and they may even offer pick-up services. You can post signs at work, around your neighborhood and even at your school (or children’s school) to encourage people to donate. And it can be a tax write-off to boot.

Deliver Lunch

This is a very inexpensive and immediately gratifying way to help others while feeling really great about yourself. For under $20, you can buy a loaf of bread, lunchmeat, mustard, cheese slices, lettuce, baggies, and bottled water. Invite your roommates, family, friends, co-workers and make a sandwich assembly line. Seal the sandwiches in baggies and place one together with a bottled water in a grocery bag from your never-ending stash. Using your sensibilities and appropriate caution, drive out at lunch time to areas that you know may have some less-fortunate folks milling about. You will be amazed at how many grateful people will receive the lunches and how quickly they go. Please keep in mind that your safety comes first. Never put yourself in a situation that you don’t have a good feeling about. The whole point is to help others and feel great about doing it.

Think About Thanksgiving Now

The web offers many resources for volunteers to set up and/or serve Thanksgiving dinners to the needy. And, I have a feeling that this season will deliver a lot more needy people and hungry youngsters. The surprising thing about volunteering is that the holidays are generally when everyone gets the inspiration to volunteer. So, the key is to plan ahead. This also gives you something very meaningful to look forward to. Check out what groups are serving Thanksgiving dinners in your area and how you can volunteer. Often times, you can cook a turkey dinner or pie, drop it off ahead of time, and still make it to your family’s place for Thanksgiving. There are many ways to serve. And when you involve your family and friends, it makes for a Thanksgiving you will never forget.

Feeling good, motivated and inspired is absolutely essential for the magnificent life you deserve. Get up and show up for the meaningful days that string before you. Your contribution is valuable beyond words and taking the first step gets you on your way to realizing your wonderful destiny.

Sunny Doench is the founder of TheDailyHug.com, a motivational and inspirational website that offers daily text messages for positive thinking. She also works as an actress in TV and Film in Los Angeles and part-time with a homeless shelter. She continues to reach out to raise the level of positive consciousness through writing and service.