INSPIRE | Operation Shower • Party. Support. Love. Campaign

As we are preparing for Thanksgiving next week...

I'm sure we have all taken a small moment to reflect on what we are grateful for.

Perhaps the devastating tornados that touched down in Illinois this week have caused you to pause for a minute and pull your littles close to you? Or maybe you reached out to your family and friends?

Wherever you are with regards to the approaching holiday season, "gratitude" is in the air - or at least it should be.

There's nothing that motivates me more to do good in the world than after I've taken inventory of the blessings I have in my life. A grateful heart opens my eyes to the beautiful things around me. If you haven't taken a personal inventory lately, I encourage you to do so.

The holidays really ARE magical.

They are intended to be filled with feelings of gratitude and giving so if you aren't quite at that point yet, (even after having taken a personal inventory of all the good in your life), I've got something to help you get there.

Operation Shower is a non-profit organization that hosts beautiful baby showers for military families as a way to honor and lift them through the stress that comes from separation through deployment.

I was honored to have participated in one of these baby showers and I can tell you it's a magical experience to be part of. It's a room filled with 40+ expectant mothers who have been alone through much of their pregnancies and may even be facing the birthing and delivery process without their husbands. The amazing and courageous expectant moms are showered with beautiful gifts to celebrate the arrival of their new little ones. It's emotional...to say the least.

Right now, Operation Shower is hosting an online fundraising campaign to reach more families in 2014.... “Operation: Party. Support. Love.” 

I can't think of a better way to show my gratitude for those who give so much...and in some cases who have given everything, for the freedom we enjoy as a nation. Honoring the strong women these men-in-uniform love and leave behind to defend our country is a privilege.

If you feel moved to help, here's how:

1. Go to the "Operation: Party. Support. Love" page and donate. Any little bit helps!!
2. Encourage your friends, family and co-workers to do the same.
3. Help spread the word through social media and use the hashtag #partysupportlove
4. Check out the Operation Shower Facebook Fan Page to see more photos of the intimate moments captured as these moms-to-be are sprinkled with love.

I hope you are inspired to help.

I'll leave you with some of the photos of the decorations and dessert table at the "Celebration FORE Baby" golf themed Operation Shower I was honored to participate in...

Now go….do something good today! *wink*

KEEPiNG it REAL
I'm grateful to have been able to work on this post.
I needed a gentle reminder as to what the holidays are all about.