How We Spend Our Days

I absolutely love this time of year.

It’s finally summer in Southern California (IYKYK).

When I walk my dog, I love feeling the warm sun on my arms and legs. I love the (more) frequent runs to get frozen yogurt with my kids. I love the weekend afternoons in my backyard reading The New Yorker (#favoritemagazine). I love the change in routine when school is not in session. I love the earlier sunrise in the mornings.

I think summer gives me a chance to notice things differently. Maybe it’s the summer slow-down. Maybe it’s just that I’m happier in all the sunshine.

Whatever it is, I’m not going to overthink it. Instead, this English major turns to the Annie Dillard poem, “How We Spend Our Days.” I’ll leave it right here for you:

With love and appreciation,

Sarah

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📔 INSPIRATIONAL JOURNALS FROM AN INSPIRATIONAL FRIEND

My friend Nicole R. Smith does it ALL. She’s a human capital strategist, CVA (Certified in Volunteer Administration), and the Executive Director of AL!VE — plus she’s a published author, motivational speaker, and podcast host. She’s spent 20 years making volunteer engagement and human capital work smarter, and I’m lucky to have met her (where else?) on LinkedIn.

Nicole also writes note-taking affirmation journals; there are versions for entrepreneurs, nonprofit pros, volunteers, single moms, and more. And she gives 10% of every sale to a nonprofit. Check them out here.

🍲 A GRANT FOR BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER, IRL

The Workday Foundation recently launched its Human Connection Microgrant Program, funding grassroots projects that get neighbors off their screens and into the same room. Think block parties, potlucks, trivia nights, run clubs, and more. Small nonprofits (under $500k budget) in select cities are eligible. Applications, which are fairly simple, close July 31.

Learn more here.

#️⃣ ON THE PRESSURE TO WEIGH IN

I do like organizational psychologist Adam Grant, ever since I read his 2013 book Give and Take. About a month ago, Grant published this Substack post, in which he pushes back on the idea that you’re complicit if you stay quiet about every cause.

His take: we all have to make tough choices about where we put our finite energy, and shaming people for their silence usually backfires anyway. Worth a read, especially if you’ve ever felt guilty for not posting about something.

💘 NONPROFIT LOVE

Farming has never been easy, but it’s especially brutal right now. The U.S. loses farms every day, family farm bankruptcies are on the rise, and the average farmer is now 58.1 years old.

So, when a farmer or rancher also gets hit with an injury, illness, or natural disaster, there’s often no cushion left…and unfortunately, no one else in line to take over.

That’s where Farm Rescue comes in. Since 2005, this organization has sent skilled volunteers to handle the planting, haying, harvesting, or livestock feeding that can’t wait for someone to recover. The organization has aided more than 1,300 families since 2005 across an 11-state Midwest footprint.

I think this is SUCH an incredible organization. There is no other nonprofit out there that does what Farm Rescue does. And we know how critical our farms — and farmers — are.

If you know a farmer, share this organization with them. And if you want to get involved, visit this page.