Michelle Beckham Stays Inspired With Gratitude Journal
When I posted my image asking, “When was the last time you stopped to smell the flowers?” on LinkedIn, Michelle Beckham shared that she keeps a Gratitude Journal. Michelle is such a positive person, and this is such a great idea, that I wanted to ask her some questions about it. Learn more about her Gratitude Journal below.
GTGA: How long have you been writing your Journal?
Michelle: I have kept a Gratitude Journal for over 10 years. In fact, at this point I have quite a few filled books. I begin each morning by making a list of 5 things that I am grateful for each day. Some days, the list reads more like a journal or diary entry- full of paragraphs for each item. Other days consist of a simple list of 5 bulleted items. Despite my profession in digital media, I still keep an old fashioned hand-written journal.
GTGA: What inspired you to begin?
Michelle: I am a writer and have belonged to local writing group, Women Writing for (a) Change for many years. One of the women in my writing circle mentioned her practice of keeping a gratitude journal and I was hooked. I have kept diaries/journals since I was ten years old, so the art of writing daily was not a problem for me.
GTGA: What are some things for which you are grateful?
Michelle: Here are a few random entries from this year.
I am grateful for:
Gorgeous weekend weather
A chance to FaceTime with my college freshman while she is away at school
Listening to beautiful music from a Chinese Zither
Flexibility
The falling rain, so I don’t have to water my garden
GTGA: How has keeping a Gratitude List made an impact on your life?
Michelle: Keeping the journal allows me to start my day in meditation and to take the time to notice the people, places, things, and circumstances that affect my very existence. I am more aware of the world around me and am so thankful for the experiences of each day. We are never guaranteed tomorrow, so taking the time to notice today makes all the difference in my life.
CINspirational People: Pat Frew
CINspirational People is a new feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!
In this feature we are profiling Pat Frew.
GTGA: What is an accomplishment you achieved that you are proud of?
Pat: I am grateful to have founded a free job transition support group that has met monthly for the past 15 years helping hundreds of people “between jobs” in sales, marketing and public relations find employment. I know for a fact that lives have been not only helped but changed through this process. I’ve found myself 
jobless many times in the past and this is my way of giving back. In fact for me it’s a ministry.
GTGA: Tell us about someone who has been a positive influence in your life.
Pat: There are many people. But right now I’d say it’s one of my best friends in the business world—Tom Tilmes, a commercial loan officer for Republic Bank. Tom knows probably more people in the Greater Cincinnati area than anyone. And he is a great example of someone who uses his relationship-building skills for good as he is one of the kindest, most helpful, most encouraging individuals I know.
GTGA: What is a motto you live by and why or how has it impact you?
Pat: My personal branding statement is Respected and Connected Communicator. I try to use my skills as a connector to be a blessing to others whether it’s at work, home, church or other avocational interests. And I enjoy being a part of a greater cause. I have a quote printed from motivational leader and author John Maxwell by my computer at work that sums it up pretty well: “I want to make a difference with people who want to make a difference doing something that makes a difference.”
GTGA: What is your biggest motivator?
Pat: I truly believe God has a purpose for my life, and I love people. And I am compelled by God’s Word to love others in the same way Christ demonstrated His love for me by dying on the cross for my sins. I try to model that in my family, to my loving wife Melanie of 30 years, to my four beautiful daughters, to work colleagues and to all my other contacts and friends. I was reading a passage in the Bible just today that speaks to this:
Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind. Proverbs 8: 30-31
GTGA: Tell us about an act of kindness you have done, witnessed or been the recipient of and how that made you feel.
Pat: About 15 years ago I had a chance to compete in an iron man competition that was a 14-hour endurance event combining swimming, cycling and running. In training for that I decided to raise funds and support from friends to benefit a little ten year old NKY girl dying of cancer. In the end $10,000 was raised so little “Julia” could go on a memorable vacation with her parents and sister. She died about a year after the trip. I felt a strong sense of blessing in that God used me to shower love over that family in a time of intense sadness and loss that the family was already beginning to sense.
Pat is executive director of the Covington Business Council.
A Reminder To Appreciate Simple Pleasures
CINspirational People: Caleigh Willis
CINspirational People is a new feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!
Today we are featuring Caleigh Willis, director of marketing for the Anthony Munoz Foundation.
GTGA: What is an accomplishment you achieved that you are proud of?
Caleigh: I don’t think I have had a singular moment in my life that has made me the most proud. As I reflect, I’m proud of the journey I took to get to where I am today. I am a mother, a wife and a member of one of the greatest communities around. I get to come to work and help make our city better; while in the process, work with some amazing people. I couldn’t imagine being in a better place.
GTGA: Tell us about someone who has been a positive influence in your life.
Caleigh: My mom has made such a positive impact on my life. She is the most hardworking person I have ever met, but is also equally the kindest. She has always unselfishly given and helped others. I think that’s where my passion for making a difference comes from. She always taught me to strive to be the best person I can be, in every aspect of my life.
GTGA: What is a motto you live by and why or how has it impact you?
Caleigh: I have two. My first is on my computer screen at work and says “ I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples-Mother Teresa”. I try to remember that every little act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s day, or even life. Where there is an opportunity to make someone smile, you should always do so!
The second is “Live with intent, and not out of habit”. This is my morning mantra. It’s so easy to get caught up in the repetitiveness of life. Sometimes I have to consciously make an effort to get out of my daily routine and try something new, see old friends, or visit a new place in our city. If I don’t, I feel like I’ll look back on life and regret the memories I didn’t make.
GTGA: What is your biggest motivator?
Caleigh: On a personal level it’s definitely my daughter. I find that I push myself to be a better person because I want to be the best role model I can be for her.
In a work atmosphere, it’s the kids that we meet and become part of our little Muñoz Foundation family. We have scholarship winners that have overcome such adversities, but never let that define them. Those kids motivate me to continue to do all that I can at the foundation in order to help more youth like them. I hope one day they all realize that they have made just as big of an impact in my life, as I may have made in theirs.
GTGA: Tell us about an act of kindness you have done, witnessed or been the recipient of and how that made you feel.
Caleigh: This was the last question I ended up answering because it’s truly the most difficult. I’m constantly surrounded by people who give tirelessly to others and think nothing of it. They don’t do it for the recognition or awards. They help our youth and surrounding communities because they care about the betterment of them. Every act of kindness I see from our volunteers, the youth we impact, or just general supporters makes me realize that there is so much positive in the world and every person is capable of adding to that.
GTGA: Tell us about what you do and what are some of the reasons why you enjoy it.
Caleigh: My title at the Anthony Muñoz Foundation is a little deceiving. I get to wear several different hats. I manage our internship program, develop and coordinate several of our Impact Programs including Whiz Kids and our two scholarship opportunities, as well as implement all program marketing plans. I feel truly blessed to be able to come to work for this foundation every day. This job gives me the opportunity to help make a difference in our community, while also pursuing my passion for marketing and communications. I would say that the one singular thing that I enjoy most is meeting the amazing people we have in our community. I’ve been impacted and become a better person by so many people I have met while working here. The foundation has made me realize what an amazing city we live in and I am so proud to call Cincinnati my home.
Through Magnified Giving, Greater Cincinnati Students Learn Philanthropy
Students from Wyoming High School presented their grant check of $1500 to their chose charity, Childhood Food Solutions.
It is one of the most unique and broad reaching efforts to inspire lifelong wise and generous philanthropists. In its seventh year, nonprofit Magnified Giving kicked off the 2014-2015 school year by giving money to groups of students from a record 52 regional schools, with the charge of extensively researching, debating, discussing, and ultimately investing it wisely into causes of value to them. It all culminated with those more than 2,500 students collectively granting nearly $100,000 to 70 diverse charities in a series of awards ceremonies.
This is the second year that I have helped Magnified Giving spread the word about its impact. (You will probably be reading about it in a community paper near you soon.)
Four students were also recognized with Roger Grein Spirit of Philanthropy Award, nominated by teachers and selected for exemplifying the meaning of philanthropy as expressed through essays. Honorees included: Julie Gyure from Perry High School, Alex Deters from St. Xavier High School, Becca Faeth from Holy Cross High School and Katie Perry from Roger Bacon High School.
Katie Perry and Roger Grein
To truly understand the power of this organization is to read what these honorees had to say about how participating has changed their outlook, changed their life. Below are excerpts from their essays.
“This program has shown me that philanthropy is all about fixing our society’s problem of inequality from its roots, not just with monetary donations, but with time. Volunteering at organizations and taking your own time to get to know them and make personal connections. Using your talents, finding what you personally do well and then applying that to an organization, such as using an eye for fashion at Dress for Success, or culinary skills at a soup kitchen. A quote that my dad always says is ‘If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ The meaning of philanthropy is use your time, talent, and treasures to do something you love that the common good can benefit from. Magnified Giving taught me that philanthropy isn’t just a definition written in my notebook, but it is a feeling that you demonstrate through giving back to the community.” – Katie Perry
Roger Grein and Alex Deters
“Mr. Grein came to speak to my service class at St. X, and I paid close attention to every word of his life’s story, especially the parts concerning his service and work for the common good. He was describing a particular moment in his life, in which he came to realize his love of service and the call he felt to serve, and realizing it or not, Mr. Grein articulated the exact conversion that was taking place in my heart….Deep within my heart, I began to feel a call to selflessness, a call to help my fellow man, but more than anything, a call to service. This call has changed my life irreversibly. I will never be able to see the world the way I did before, and I have decided I will live out this call to service wherever it may take me in my life, following Mr. Grein’s example.” – Alex Deters
Roger Grein and Becca Faeth
“Roger (Grein)’s story touched my heart and I want to do something good for the world just like Roger did! The Magnified Giving program is just my first step! The program gives me the opportunity to go out in the world and lend a helping hand to those who need it. I can give my time, support, and love to people who struggle every day. Magnified giving has raised my confidence in becoming a better person. The program has helped me to see how easy it is just to help someone out whether by money, time, etc. I feel like I am an important part in this world because of this program. It helped me see that I want to help people and have a passion for helping others. The program has brought me closer to the outside world, it has brought my school community closer, and it even brought my family together.” – Becca Faeth
“By participating in civic and volunteer activities, I found my niche. I absolutely love working with people, especially when it is for the betterment of society. This has led me to an undergraduate degree at the University of Cincinnati in organizational leadership with a minor in human resources and nonprofit work. Now I believe that as long as one follows their passion; the size of a paycheck does not seem so important. Fast forward ten years. I plan to be working at a nonprofit such as Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or Make-a-Wish. I’ll be working alongside individuals who are all there for the same reason; to address an issue occurring in the community, working for justice. My team should consist of human resource gurus that not only focus on community needs, but the needs of their fellow co-workers. Together we will be able to apply our skills and talents to create a positive environment in the workplace and for the people we serve. Magnified Giving has set the path for my future and I will forever be indebted to this amazing organization for doing so.” – Julie Gyure
2014-2015 Participating Schools:
Participating Schools include Aiken High School, Anderson High School, Aurora, Badin High School, Bellevue High School, Bethel-Tate High School, Bishop Brossart High School, Bishop Fenwick High School, Catholic Central High School, Chaminade Julienne High School, Cincinnati Country Day High School, Colerain High School, Covington Catholic High School, Dater high School, Deer Park High School, DePaul Cristo Rey, East Clinton high School, Elder High School, Highlands High School, Holmes High School, Holy Cross High School, Indian Hill High School, Lakota East Freshman School, LaSalle High School, Loveland High School, Madeira Middle School, McAuley High School, McNicholas High School, Mother of Mercy High School, Milford High School, Mt. Notre Dame High School, Moeller High School, New Bremen High School, Notre Dame Academy, Perry High School, Purcell Marian High School, Reading High School, Roger Bacon high School, School for Creative & Performing Arts, Seton High School, Seven Hills High School, Shroder High School, Springer School, St. Henry High School, St. Xavier High School, Summit Country Day, Taft Information Technology High School, Taylor High School, Villa Madonna high School and Wyoming High School.
Cincinnati Bell, a partner of Taft Information Technology High School, donated the seed money for Taft’s grant funding.
