One of my favorite authors once wrote that if everyone chose just one cause to support, and then supported it wholeheartedly, most every cause in the world would be covered.

So this year, instead of juggling between homeless people and homeless animals, between saving the rainforest and cancer research, choose just one cause that you can really believe in and support it as best you can. It doesn’t have to be with money. You can volunteer, too. In fact, a gift of time and talent is often the most valuable. Just do what you can - but focus your efforts and resources.

And then, when other charities come asking for a donation, you can honestly say, “I’ve already made my charitable commitment for the year.” And you won’t feel guilty about it.

 P.S. Not all charities are created equal. And some organizations that pass themselves off as charities aren’t at all. To make sure that you are donating your time, money and energy to a group that is worthy of it, check them out first. Here are a couple of websites that can help: Charity Navigator and Charity Watch. You can also contact your local Better Business Bureau.

Every time you turn around, there’s another appeal or demand on your time and energy to give, save, donate, recycle, volunteer. You need to be eco-friendly while saving the children, helping the homeless, curing cancer and building homes for humanity. And that’s all before 9:00 AM in the morning.

The truth is that no one person can do everything. Very few of us are given to being a Mother Teresa. We also have our lives to live.

Just for this week, tune out on all the demands for your charitable time and energy, and take care of your own little corner of the world. Now, I’m not advocating extreme selfishness or completely tuning out of everything. If you’ve always recycled, don’t stop. But take the time to appreciate what you can do (and do do) in your own backyard. Without feeling guilty about not doing more.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. We’re all Irish tomorrow!

The word for the month (or what’s left of it) is charity.

The American Heritage Dictionary offers six different definitions for the word “charity.” Besides the obvious ones about donating time or money, the two that appeal to me most are, “An act or feeling of benevolence, good will or affection” and “Indulgence or forbearance in judging others; leniency.”

In other words, charity includes donations of spirit, love, tolerance and good will from the heart and soul, and not just money from your wallet.

This week, and appropriately enough for St. Patrick’s Day, explore the intangible side of charity. How does it show up in your life? How are you charitable?

We’ve been looking at your negative traits, emotions, prejudices, etc., for the past couple of weeks, identifying them and recognizing what a prevalent part they play in your life. They are all a part of you, and you cannot “weed them out.” They are necessary and essential to who you are.

Instead, spend some time appreciating these “negative” traits, and recognizing how they serve you. A hot temper might get you in hot water, but it also makes it easier for you to stand up against injustice. Your shyness might make you uncomfortable in a group of strangers, but it also allows you to step back and observe.

How has your dark side served you well in the past? How can you - and do you - use it positively today?

Last week, I asked you to become aware of the traits, attitudes, emotions, etc. that you don’t like about yourself. This week, I want you to pay attention to just how strong they are, and how often they show up in your life.