My first year in the online world, I watched and observed the work Epic Thanks was doing. This year, I’m taking part.
The idea behind Epic Thanks, like so many wonderful ideas, is simple and pure, 100% concentrated power. Its engine is gratitude. Its motivation is getting everyone to be on that same plane of fortune.
This year, Epic Thanks is working to raise money for a new intermediate school for Mama Lucy and her Tanzanian school children, whom the Twitter world helped so marvelously two years ago. A $10 donation buys a brick. How much more tangible can you get?
But this Epic Thanks fundraiser is not just about raising money. It’s about filling the online world with love, hope, and gratitude. And so, before I embed the widget that will enable you to donate if you like, I’m going to tell you some things I’m thankful for. Even if you don’t donate, I would love it if you wrote a post of gratitude yourself. Maybe even include the widget on your site. That would make me grateful indeed.
What I’m thankful for
On a personal level, a dream came true – I got to visit Springfield, Illinois. I got to walk inside Abraham Lincoln’s house. I even got to walk by his outhouse. And yes, that made me feel joyful.
I’m also thankful that I was able to buy my first piece of real furniture, a couch that is difficult to get out of, especially as the weather grows colder.
I’m thankful for the new lives that have entered the world in my little circle of friends and family – Lily, Malcolm, and Leon are all gorgeous and healthy.
I am missing my Bubbin, Rose, but I am thankful that her fear and suffering are over.
I am thankful that I got to talk to amazing people on the phone this year whom I had previously only talked to online – people like Peg Fitzpatrick, Mark Babbitt, Mark Schaefer, Aaron Biebert, John Boyle, Cindy King, Dan Newman, and many others.
I am thankful that I got to meet my darling friends, Sean McGinnis, Lisa Petrilli, and Lisa Diomede for a fun-filled dinner. I am thankful that I got to give Geoff Livingston and Amber Naslund real-time hugs.
I am thankful that I have found a direction for my online presence that I believe can add some light and hope to the world. I am grateful to people like Chris Brogan, Estrella Rosenberg, Marc Pitman, and Stacey Monk who led me down this path.
I am thankful to David McGraw, who planted the idea in my head that gratitude is far too rare a species in the online world.
I am thankful that Gini Dietrich found me, liked me, and introduced me to other fabulous people like Kaarina, Amber-Lee, and Bill.
I am thankful to Jay Baer, who has done so much to support me online over the last year.
I am thankful for 12Most and all of the people associated with it.
I am grateful that my day-to-day existence is not hanging on the edge of a cliff like so many people are experiencing.
I am thankful that my past is merely a foundation for my future.
I am grateful that I can write this post and know that you, yes you, will embrace it and me warmly.
I am sending my gratitude out into the world. This is only the tip of the iceberg. And I use my gratitude to say, Hey, let’s get this school built so that Tanzanian kids can look back and say, “Wow, people really do care and they used social media to prove it.”
What could be better than that?
A thousand times over, I send warm wishes and hopeful thoughts to you and yours. Let’s spread this good word and bask in thankfulness.
Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eekim/2691580307 via Creative Commons
“I am grateful that my day-to-day existence is not hanging on the edge of a cliff like so many people are experiencing.”—Isn’t that the truth Majorie. I love post like these. There is never enough talk of gratitude in this world, so this was really great. 🙂
Smiles,
Marcus
@Marcus_Sheridan thanks, Marcus! I have a lot to be thankful for, and if I can voice that and help raise some money for a great cause, all the better!
I am thankful that Margie is creating content and still active online… You really make a difference. Have an awesome week!
@RaulColon thanks so much sir. ((hugs))
I am thankful on an epic level for you, Margie. What makes you so special is how radiant you are, and I mean this in so many ways. You radiate love to so many of us in this online world and you radiate your light through your writing and your incomparable “smushes.” You call it like you see it, which radiates truth and integrity, and you radiate warmth in person – which is the best! You are a blessing to me and I am honored and so grateful to have you in my life!
@LisaPetrilli well, as I told you on Twitter, this brought tears to my eyes. Darn it! Thanks, Lisa. See everyone? This is why I’m happy I met her 🙂
I’m thankful that Gini provided the intro for us to get connected, because I’m so very thankful to call you my friend:) I love your writing, your wisdom and your wonderful spirit! When I was in Japan many years ago, we were at a temple that had been destroyed, and in order to rebuild their roof, they took donations to “buy” a roof tile, upon which we were able to write a message of hope. So cool. I shall be checking out Epic Thanks. You are a wonderful bright light, and I’m always inspired by the glow you cast:) Cheers! Kaarina
@KDillabough likewise, my dear. That means a lot coming from you!! Thank you so very much 🙂
It is I that is thankful to have gotten to know you Margie. You blog inspired me from the very beginning of my time on Twitter. You are gracious, loving and insightful in each and every conversation I see on every platform. You are unique in the most special sense of the word.
You make the world a better place with your beautiful spirit.
Smushes to you!
Positively,
Peggy
@PegFitzpatrick you say the nicest things. I hope I never let you down!! *smush* 🙂
I Love that You say Epic Thanks “Its engine is gratitude” – and on that note – Human Race – “Start Your Engines” – vroom 🙂
@CateTV you know it! 🙂
Thank you SO much for your continuing support! I could do nothing without you friends. It’s amazing to see the POWER of love. Our shared love and gratitude has made us have a primary school, library, technology lab, school bus, computers, home for children and so much more! This is incredible! Thank you everyone!
@LucyKampton thanks for stopping by. You are a woman to be admired!
Hey, I made a list……at least I think I did; Bill can be pretty generic but I’m the only ‘real Bill’ you know, right?
You are one for the causes; keep up the good work. And yes, you do have a lot to be thankful for.
@bdorman264 is one for the causes the same as one for the ages? If so, I need oil of olay 🙂
In case I haven’t told you lately…I am grateful for YOU! What a beautiful post, my friend with a heart I adore.
@charityestrella thanks, special lady. that’s a great honor. 🙂
Margie, you are an inspiration and excellent role model for others! I’m thankful for you! Plus DITTO with all the other’s comments! Sending you bunch of {{{{{{hugs}}}}}}…
I’m not sure how I missed this, but thank you! I’m grateful for you and for your amazing writing. I love to read you because you are one of a handful of bloggers who can really write. I’ve always admired that about you…and that’s why I enjoy sending people your way.
Hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving!