Choose The Light

        With everything negative you see happening around the world, in the news and even
in Northern Nevada, I choose to be a light.  I’m certainly not turning a blind eye or ignoring
all the issues, I’m just choosing to bring joy and hopefully inspire others to do the same.  
I DO- because I can’t be one of those people that do not DO.

      I learned a long time ago that the hard way is the best way.  It’s EASIER to focus on the negative
in your world and your life.  It’s easier to worry about things you have no control over. It’s easier
to  compare yourself to others.  It’s easier to have self-doubt. It’s easier.   It’s harder to be brave.  
It’s harder to stand up for what you believe in.  It’s harder to open your heart and love everyone
for whom they are. Its harder to have the confidence to go after your dreams without
letting setbacks discourage you.

        If my life was on the news and it was a constant negative, I would hope the people watching
would think of ways to make a positive impact, instead of feeling helpless.   I tell my kids to not
fall in love with “sameness”, but instead to be in love with “uniqueness”.  Because it’s EASIER
to go along with the crowd and be a follower. Its HARDER to be a leader and make a difference.  

       Our community is AMAZING at coming together in crisis, but I challenge all of you to
help in a positive way daily.   Here are some ideas to get you going.

1. Be of service- volunteer.   RISE & Dine is a hands-on giving project that mirrors the true spirit of Reno!  Three Saturdays a month, a team invites volunteers throughout the community to cook their favorite recipes, and together they serve dinner and distribute clothing to hundreds of locals without a home. With the help of our supporters, RISE feeds thousands of Reno’s most poverty-stricken throughout the year.  I personally have done these many times and just having conversations with the homeless is more appreciated than the food because they are just like us, and the have stories that need to be heard. Visit the Rise and Dine Website for more info ---> Rise and Dine
2. Random acts of kindness.  A little goes a long way to bring joy to others.  Next time you see your neighbors’ trash can out after its been emptied, bring it up for them.  Send an encouraging text or better yet, mail a letter to someone who you think could use the love.  Drop off a care package to our local heroes! Smile at everyone you see. The magic of a smile goes a long way.    Here is a fun idea for a local police officer care package! 
3. GIVE. Giving is SO good for you. It’s good for your own happiness, your health and your gratitude.   I’m not making this up, it’s science folks! Show up and give your time. Give your money or resources.  Give credit where it’s due.   

​It really is up to us. Which is great, because we’re capable of
changing everything if we choose. Because we can.

So next time you are at home relaxing, turn the TV on and see a local story on the news that is
breaking your heart; put that pen to paper and see how you can do something to help, or plan out
your following day to spread the joy and love.

      I love Northern Nevada with a passion! Whatever I can do to make our wonderful community
a better place to live, grow, learn and succeed, I’m going to put in the work.  
 
Be Unique. Choose the light.
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Xoxo
Kristin Gandolfo
Positive Reno

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