The Special Olympics: Why I made the choice to donate.

Taking care of those who cannot care for themselves has sort of become a cornerstone of my existence. I am what therapists like to coin a "co-dependent". Definition:    
  
      "it refers to the dependence on the needs of or control of another.[1] It also often involves  

      placing a lower priority on one's own needs, while being excessively preoccupied with the needs 

     of others.[2] Codependency can occur in any type of relationship, including family, work, 

     friendship, and also romantic, peer or community relationships"

In the words of my mother "nobody ever called Mother Theresa a co-dependent". The fact is, taking care of others is probably the most important thing a person SHOULD focus on. I mean, what else is there? I find my life very difficult to focus on because it makes me feel selfish and there are moments where it is downright depressing! 

I am the first to admit, that I myself, and probably everyone on the planet has been selfish a time or twelve. We're only human. I'm not perfect, but I live my life in the pursuit of "selflessness". The moment where I know I have given all that I have to give to do something important in this world for someone other than myself. It's hard not to be selfish. Selfish is fun. But selfish is not happy. I've learned this the hard way I'm sure. Stop focusing on your own measly problems when there are people in this world who suffer over something so much worse. 

With all that being said, I've learned in my 30 years on this planet that helping certain people is pointless. They will never appreciate it, they will never thank you, and there are some that will downright use it as an excuse to shit all over you. So these days, before I help anyone I ask myself "does this person help themselves?" and "how much control do they have over their situation?". 

In my lifetime, I've found the most reward in helping the people who truly cannot help themselves. Those in this category include: children, plants, a stray cat (notice I say "a"...not billions of them...come on, I'm not ready to be on the next season of Animal Hoarders) and most of all the mentally challenged. 

So many of us take for granted the things we CAN DO and focus on what we CAN'T DO. I have been blessed to have have loved and been loved in return by so many wonderful individuals who taught me exactly what it means not to be able to do for yourself in the traditional sense, but to live a happier and more fulfilling life than a billion people who could do it. And for this, I am thankful and I want to show my support. 

So I will be making a one time donation of 10% of all my gross profits from the sale of this re-stock to a charity that helps the mentally challenged. Since I can't do a public donation page like I did last time (darn...it made it really easy). I will be making a donation to them via a tribute/memorial in the name of "Supporters of The Nail Junkie". I will provide screen shots and whatever I can get my electronically savvy hands on at the time of donation. 

At first I wasn't sure I wanted to pick this charity because let's be honest...I'm not the most athletic person I know. But I started to look over their page and memories came wafting back of all the wonderful times I had spent with a mentally challenged person at organized events such as these. Nothing warms your heart faster than a group of people so happy to be together. So happy to have friends. So happy to have a place in this world they belong. 

I also like that this is a global charity because I will never stop seeing myself as a part of this planet. I am a human being first, and an American second. So this is my charity of choice for this round of sales. Here is a link to their mission statement, because that's the most important part of a company is WHAT DO THEY STAND FOR! Whether you're donating, working for, investing in or starting one of your own, when it comes to a company: KNOW THE MISSION! 

A special dedication of this line goes to my brothers: Michael Russell and Brandon Harter. I love you both so very very much. You have changed my life in a way that is truly profound. 

Here is some links and info about the Special Olympics

Special Olympics: WHO WE ARE PAGE

 "Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability. We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place -- one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time."

I hope all you readers who keep asking me to open up a little more enjoy today's segment of over-writers anonymous. :)