Small Steps lead to Big Change

We have all heard the famous Gandhi quote, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world," but very rarely do we follow through.  Often times, we look at a BIG problem, and think it requires a BIG solution.  In reality, a big problem is really a series of small problems that can be fixed with small solutions.  If every person took one small step towards the change they wish to see, then eventually all the big problems will disappear.  I live firmly by the philosophy that if everyone just concentrates on making the world in their immediate surroundings better, eventually the entire world will be improved.  However, if we continually take our local resources and distribute them to the places of greatest need, we will soon find that our resources diminish and suddenly we are the "place of greatest need".  Every community, every neighborhood has someone or something that could use a little help.

I want to challenge each reader to choose one problem they see in their immediate world or community and make an honest attempt to change it.  There are so many inspirational stories, books, and even movies about how to change the world.  We watch them, cry, say "wow that was great", and continue onward with our lives as if we learned nothing!  Instead of just admiring the work of others, actually take action like the little boy in "Pay It Forward", or the mom in "The Blind Side".  Something that may seem small to you may be life-altering for someone else. Fill your life's accomplishments with meaningful actions instead of motivational words.  On that note, I leave you, and hope you keep holding out for new posts to the blog.  I'm a busy girl, out there changing the world, so I'm afraid there is little time for writing.

Just remember - the change starts with you.  You can make a difference!

Daily Decisions to Impact Danville's Economy

"Sometimes it's the smallest decision that can change your life [or community] forever."

Buy local.  It may sound easy, but 80% of your daily purchases are not from locally owned and operated businesses.  If everyone makes an effort to buy locally 20% more, I can guarantee a boost in the area's economic stability.  YOU can have a direct impact on the health of this economy.  Choose to eat lunch at Bogies instead of Applebee's, fill up your tank at Woodson's Marathon instead of Sheetz, shop at Old Dutch instead of Foodlion, Piggly Wiggly instead of Walmart, order your company's snack tray from Midtown Market instead of Sam's Club, check out FishBones Seafood Market and cook at home instead of going to Red Lobster, order promotional items or business cards from Captain Copy instead of some website you found, go see the folks at the Invitation Destination about making your birthday or wedding invitations instead of ordering them online.

Seek Culture.  A common complaint I hear is that "There's nothing to do in Danville."  Danville has many cultural activities to offer, but you do have to hunt and seek them out.  Sure, they may be occasional instead of something to do all the time, but unless we can prove that we can pack a house, no person in their right mind is going to choose Danville over Greensboro or Lynchburg to bring a  cultural exhibit.  There are oodles of fine arts performance agencies in the area: DMR Adventures, Little Theatre of Danville, Danville Concert Association, The Prizery in South Boston, Danville Area Assocation for the Arts and Humanities, Theatre Guild of Rockingham County, Galileo Theatre Guild, GWHS Theatre, just to name a few. So, the next time you're looking for something to do - skip the movie theatre and go to a performance and support local cultural activities.

Use Existing Resources. Danville has tons of grassroots organizations, government organizations, and non-profit organizations that are there to HELP the community.  Use them!  The more they can show they've helped the community, the more funding they can get to help the community further!

Volunteer. I think you all get it by now - I advocate volunteerism as a way of life.  It is my hobby, my passion, where my heart lies.  But we need more volunteers in this community.  Half of our volutneers are "voluntold" by the court.  We all have something we like to do - just figure out how you can use it to help someone else.  (hint: The Dan River Center for Voluntarism is a great place to start your search)

Preach Positively.  Danville's own citizens can't seem to speak positively about the city that they depend on.  Sure, Danville's a little slow now, but if we don't start hyping it up, it will only get slower!  When a new business is prospectively looking to move to Danville, one of their first steps is to see what its residents think.  With a general negative attitude, we're never going to draw new business.  So the next time someone asks you about your hometown, speak up proudly and share your love for Danville.