herpinusa's Journal, 15 Apr 15

I'm in. I'm sure the money I wasted on Mountain Dew could help someone. I refuse to spend it on my demon water now. In fact, I hardly ever carry cash anymore since I quit visiting vending machines. I have no idea on how to get such a grass roots idea off the ground; but I'm smart enough to know I've been blessed. So I am more than happy to pay something forward. 

New Jon, I'm thinking in my head about worldly things of course...because what's in my head is always way larger than what I'd ask of anyone here for fear of a spamming reputation. But we can all contribute a sandwich to someone in lieu of the junk that's at our disposal. Thanks for reading my journal. I so appreciate you. 

I had a thought last night, if you can count 5 hours ago as last night; as I am at work EARLY today. What if the people took a portion of the money that was spent on a vice they defeated; overeating, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, the possibilities are endless, because you can become addicted to anything. Just of portion of that former "vice" money & donated to the greater good. I don't have a clue if such an organization exists, but imagine what if. Imagine the power of turning "demon" dollars into "saint" dollars. Imagine the good that could come from people turning a bad habit into a solution that may deliver another person, or a family through a trial they are experiencing in their life. You have struck on a powerful concept. I spent at least $50 a week on Mountain Dew. That's at least $200 a month; $2,400 a year wasted. And I did it for years. I could of done a lot of good with that money. This journey is going to go way beyond weight loss for me. I'm no saint, but I have a big heart; especially when I see kids who grew up in an environment like I did. I am going to climb this mountain & that is going to make me happy. This could not only make my soul happy, but may be beneficial to someone in ways I could never ever begin to appreciate. I am going to be a better man for this; no a better human for this.  

New Jon, you just made my day! 

One way we made a difference once (we don't do it right now), was to work at the Food Bank--a place that collects food, boxes it up and distributes it. It's a night out dedicated to helping others who are hungry, you can't eat the food, you get exercise (it's work) and you're with good people. Another way would be to donate your time to the elderly--delivering meals to them or donating time to a nursing home. My daughter volunteers at Little Sister's of the Poor. She does various things--working in the kitchen, talking to them, helping them with games, going the Mass with them--an assortment of things. She absolutely loves it and I think it's not so much her donating her time as much as the resident's and Sister's donating their time to her. It's a fun experience.