Why 50 Good Deeds?

Welcome! Here’s a brief introduction for those who are new to the 50 Good Deeds story. It starts like this: Back in 2006, I made up my mind to do 50 good deeds in 50 days.

It’s not like I didn’t already have enough to do. Like most of you who are reading this, I’m crammed-busy with the considerable responsibilities of family, work and household. But I wanted to give it a try. I wanted to prove that it doesn’t take a lot of time, energy or money (I’m often short on all three!) to make a difference to others.

My daughter was turning seven that year, and I was also hoping this personal project could become a kind of learning lesson for her. I never imagined just how much of an impact this would make on her. Every day over dinner, we’d talk about the good deed I’d done. We did this for 50 days straight. My daughter started going out of her way to do good deeds. It changed her. And it changed me. I wasn’t prepared for that either. Trust me, the personal payoff is huge once you get going.

I love talking, hearing and writing about good deeds. I love inspiring others, and being inspired. I believe most everyone wants to make a positive difference, we just don’t always realize how simple it can be. My hope is that this blog will spark ideas in all those who stop by for a visit.

If you’d like to know more about my 50 Good Deeds story, I encourage you to read my articles in Canadian Living magazine (December 2008) and Reader’s Digest (December 2009; that’s my beautiful daughter on the cover!). Or visit my website, www.lisabendall.com, and drop me a line.