3) Contribute Contribute is the third of the 4Cs: the Fierce Kindness philosophy that helps us lead a joyful and meaning-filled life. It’s about getting out there and consciously making a difference in the world! CONTRIBUTE adds a deeper purpose and meaning to our lives. 3) CONTRIBUTE The state of the world affects our well-being. So, if we want to be happy and feel a sense of purpose, we must do something that helps create the kind of world we want to live in. I believe we all yearn to make a difference—and many of us are already doing more than we realise. So, Contribute first acknowledges what you’re already doing, whether it’s your work, raising thoughtful children, volunteering, donations or small daily actions like supporting local. Beyond that, for true purpose and meaning, our efforts should make a difference about something that bothers you in your community or world. And you can start small. Bigger actions can come later—if and when you get fired up enough. But for now, just get started! The Big Takeaway Consciously doing something (however small) to make a difference gives our lives meaning and purpose, especially when we become part of the change we wish to see. And the key to Contribute is mentally connecting what we do with making our world a better place—and keeping this in our hearts when life gets tough… What CONTRIBUTE looks like Over and over I see people feeling frustrated or empty, wondering what the point of life is. It’s easy to get caught up feeling sad and helpless about the state of the world. But not you! Your life has meaning and purpose. You wake up knowing you make a difference. You have consciously connected what you do—and the choices you make—with the world that you want to see. You know you’re making a difference to others and/or the planet, however small. You know little things add up. When you feel down, you remember the butterfly effect—that small actions can have huge impacts. You remember when a teacher, friend or stranger said something that changed your life. And you know that you have also been that person for someone else. Core Practices for CONTRIBUTE INSTANT A GENUINE SMILE: This is an instant way to make the world a better, kinder place. Really see someone and smile right up to your eyes. It’s not always easy but remember that smiling is good for us too, releasing endorphins that can reduce our blood pressure, lower stress and boost our immune system. So a genuine smile makes you look confident, spreads joy and boosts your health and vitality. START A HABIT GREAT NEW HABITS: Here are some ideas to contribute to a better, kinder world: Get in the habit of using reusable grocery bags. Set up a small monthly donation to a charity you believe in. Use the THINK acronym1 before posting online. Share it with others. Speak up when you see something wrong (and when it’s safe to do so). 1 links to The Coaching Tools Company A NEW WAY TO BE CHOOSE SMALL and/or LOCAL: Whether it’s food, gifts or something else, when you support local you’re literally supporting your neighbours and helping your community stay vibrant. Remember that small businesses don’t have the buying power of giants like Amazon or Walmart. These big companies focus on profits, and cut costs like staff wages and benefits—so we can buy more cheaply. FUN DAILY PRACTICE Nightly, as you clean your teeth, make a mental note of what you did today that made the world better. Now, Get Started! What one thing will you do to contribute? What Next? You’ve just learned about: C – CONNECT: Connect to yourself, others—and something bigger than yourself. C – CREATE a life you love and learn to love the life you already have… C – CONTRIBUTE. Do something (however small) to make a difference. Coming up next: C- CHOOSE (Fierce) Kindness always—which sits underneath everything we do. Do you want a life of meaning? Are you willing to commit to yourself? To help make our world a better place? Well, these 4 Cs are at the heart of Fierce Kindness. I am always working towards them, and I hope you will too.