Well now it’s out there – I’m M.A.D. Well, not in the conventional sense mind you (that’s a story for another time - been there, done that, taking the meds). While lying in bed thinking about my ABC list last night, it struck me that nowhere on my list was I giving anything back. So I started playing around with acronyms and asked myself “Are you M.A.D?” – Which in case you still haven’t worked it out means “Are you Making A Difference?” I was very proud of myself for “making that up”… but something was niggling in the back of my mind, so I googled MAD and low and behold the legendary Francois Pienaar had thought of it first! So not only is he a fantastically gifted sportsman, a South African Legend and chip eating hero, he has a heart too (Was leading the 95 SA rugby team to WORLD cup victory not enough for the man?) I mean, unlike the recent Baseball World Series, the Rugby World Cup actually does involve beating teams from around the WORLD!
But back to my story, the MAD Foundation does some awesome work (www.themadbunch.com) so I figured all was not lost with my M.A.D idea, even if Francois had beaten me to naming it! Then I read further on their site and there was my sign….. each year members of ”The MAD Bunch” cycle the Argus for charity. They are currently registering cyclists for 2011 – clearly I won’t be joining them this time around – I am still “sans bike”! But since they do this every year, I have decided that in 2012, I will ride the Argus along with MAD! For a (sizeable) donation to charity you get to cycle along with “The chip eating hero” and “other celebrities” – I LOVE IT! For those who have bikes and want to sweat alongside SA Celebs sooner than 2012 have a look at their website for more details!
Anyway, for those living in the CT area we are all aware of the KFM’s LEAD SA campaign (www.leadsa.co.za) and it just made me think about what I do each day to Make A Difference. I’ve realised it’s not just about the big things. We don’t need to “Change the World”, but what we can do is make a change in our little corner of the world – no matter how small. It really is the little things that count – smiling at a stranger (even if they look dodge), letting someone into the traffic during rush hour (yes, even a taxi), waving to a sticky bored child in the car next to yours, picking up an empty coke tin thrown on the pavement – the little things do Make A Difference.
No matter how busy you are… and I know how we moms like to moan about ALL THE THINGS WE HAVE TO DO… but I challenge you today, to step back and think about what YOU have done to make a difference. So, when you’re buying your morning coffee today, pay for the person next to you, smile (and mean it) when the cashier gives you your change, Laugh with your child, thank your child’s teacher for all that they do, the list really and truly is endless.
Starting today, I’m going to say “I’m M.A.D” with pride! Because each day when I go to bed I want to be able to say “Been there, done that, Made A Difference!”
ARE YOU M.A.D?
My word remains the same "INSPIRED" You really have something going here - don't stop inspiring me and many others. I have already done a couple of things on the list above today and many more on a daily basis, without realising the positive impact one's actions have on someone else.
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