Living in a Purpose Economy

We are living in a purpose economy. And I am here for it.

I am loving the rise in socially conscious consumers, social entrepreneurship and innovation, and social impact.

So many people the world over -- all of you, for sure! -- are living on and in and with purpose.

This shift towards a purpose-driven mindset is not just a trend; it’s a transformative movement reshaping how we think about work, business, and community. Every day, we see inspiring examples of individuals and organizations making meaningful contributions that go beyond profit margins.

As consumers, our choices are powerful. By supporting brands that align with our values, we can influence the market and encourage more businesses to adopt ethical and sustainable practices. Our purchasing decisions become a form of activism, pushing for a better, fairer world.

Living with purpose means finding fulfillment in our work and daily lives. It means knowing that our actions contribute to something greater than ourselves. 

Let’s celebrate this purpose economy and continue to push its boundaries. Let’s back businesses that prioritize people and the planet, innovate with intention, and build partnerships that amplify our collective impact. 

Bring on more purpose! :)

With love and appreciation,

Sarah

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🥇A GROUNDBREAKING RACE IN 1984

The year 1984 was the first time women marathoners were allowed to compete at the Olympic Games – just 40 years ago. On May 12, 1984, more than 230 women ran in the first-ever Marathon Trials in Olympia, Washington. Joan Benoit Samuelson won the Trials, and later won gold at the Olympics marathon that year in LA, making her the first women’s Olympic marathon champion. 

These marathon runners were trailblazers; they played a pivotal role in advocating for women’s sports. Can you believe that, prior to 1984, the longest official track distance for women was 3000 meters? The women who ran the 1984 Trials fought for the inclusion of the marathon. Many of them went on to write books and become motivational speakers, attorneys, and activists.

Last month, 60 of the runners returned to Olympia for a 40th anniversary celebration. There are so many good story lines (a running nun! an ambulance trailing a pregnant runner!) in this Seattle Times article; it’s definitely worth a read.

🎞️ARE WE DOING RIGHT BY NONPROFITS? | WATCH THIS FILM

Everyone everywhere should watch “UnCharitable,” a powerful 90-minute documentary that dives deep into the world of philanthropy and advocates for radical change in charitable practices. The film is inspired by a book and then a famous TED Talk given by Dan Pallotta, an entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to revolutionizing the nonprofit sector. Check out this movie; it just might change the way you think about nonprofits and giving. (I am STILL so fired up after watching!)

🎧MAKE US LAUGH, DAVID SEDARIS

I started reading David Sedaris in my mid-20s and haven’t stopped. His acerbic humor and social commentary cannot be beat. If you’re looking for a break from the news or just want to laugh out loud, listen to this 11-minute Honestly podcast where David reads an essay he wrote for The Free Press: ‘Small Talk.’

💘NONPROFIT LOVE

About a year ago, I happened across the nonprofit Let Grow. If you haven’t heard of this organization, Let Grow is leading the movement for childhood independence. 

After her newspaper column, “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone,” created a media firestorm in 2008, Let Grow co-founder Lenore Skenazy went on to write Free-Range Kids, the book-turned-movement. From that book, and conversations with three friends, Let Grow launched. 

Looking to promote childhood freedom, free time, and unstructured play at your house or school? Jump onto the Let Grow website for a million ideas and assurances.