The older I get, the less interested I am in staying out late and partying with my friends. Don’t get me wrong..I love to go out with my friends, but it’s rare for me to want to stay out past 10PM. I like my sleep, and I like waking up feeling refreshed, not dead. Last year on NYE I went to my first hot yoga class, played bingo with some fellow old souls, and was back home by 9:45PM. All I was missing was some prune juice and pants up to my waist.
I thought that was great, until this year.
This year I went with my dad, and my two younger siblings to help package enough food to feed 57 children for an entire year in the Philippians. As Ron Weasley would say, that’s pretty wicked.
A non-profit organization called Feed My Starving Children has multiple locations, with one location out of Tempe, AZ. I had never done this before, but my copilots had and said it was a lot of fun. For two hours we swapped stations and packaged around 20,000 meals.
I started with the rice and soy station, then moved to the bagging station, then found my way to the packaging station. We were tucked into a warehouse with music blasting and laughter all around. It was quite an experience and I would love to do it again.
This experience challenged me to step outside of myself and think about other people. I’ve never been one for resolutions, and the last two years I only set small goals (2012 was the year I would run my first half marathon, and 2013 I wanted to run four. I ran three in 2013 and I am so pleased with that) that I knew were attainable.
This year I want to not only continue to better myself in my fitness/nutrition endeavors, but I want to put my focus onto those around me. I started to focus on others throughout December and it was very rewarding..the perfect way to end one year and start another. My goal for 2014 is to adapt a lifestyle where I am more selfless, helping others whenever I can. The range for this is endless, anything from helping a family in need of Christmas dinner, to helping my mom clean the dishes when she feels tired. Anything that helps.
2013 was the year I started to discover who I am, it was a roller-coaster of emotions for me and I was challenged to persevere when I felt like I was falling down a black hole. 2013 opened the door to many new adventures I have yet to discover, and I learned how to find peace withing myself when my mind felt like a stormy sea.
I have a lot more to learn about myself, but 2013 was the push I needed to start thinking about how I want to live my life. I want to better myself as a person, and to accomplish this I want to take the focus off of me. I don’t mean putting my needs, desires, or goals to the side, but when I feel the internal “me, me, me” monster flaring up at any moment I want to handle myself better and think about those around me too.
The more I take myself out of the center, the happier I feel. The less I worry, the happier I feel. The more I give, the richer I feel. Cheers to 2014.
Q: What’s ONE big goal you have for 2014?
55 thoughts on “57 Children”
Laura
That is so amazing – I’d love to find something like that around here as well!
Nicole Marie Story
LOVE. Me? My new blog explains it all. 😉 happy new year!
Catherine @ A Two Storey Home
I love this. What an awesome way to spend NYE and a great goal for 2014. I think we’re insanely happier when we put others before ourselves–like you said, not in the sense that put ourselves down or ignore our own needs, but as a way to get beyond the me-monster!
Erin Salisbury
I know for sure we are soul sisters! I have been enjoying your site for around 6 months now and enjoy your posts on running, and have started running again myself (you inspired me)! From coffee to cats, we just have a lot in common. But just a mere few days ago, in the midst of feeling that I would make no resolutions this year, I too decided to “do more for others.” I think it’s the most important thing we can do as a people, and it is an example I need to set for my kids too.
Cheers!
P.S. I posed the question to you the other day about to drain or not to drain the tofu for the pie (I already had) so it turned out a little too dry, although it was still good. Next time I’ll get it just right!
Brittany
I am so glad you’ve decided to stick around these parts for 6 months, I am very appreciative! I think our new goals for 2014 will create a whole new outlook on life. As for the pie, I do hope it was still edible!! I suppose drying it out really made a difference then!! You must try it again without drying, you’ll be able to perfect it then!
Alex @ therunwithin
wow now this is the best way to ring in the new year. what an awesome thing to do, I would have never thought of doing something like this but I totally dig it. I have to say, while I did stay up with friends I tend to stay pretty low key because I like waking up refreshed and ready to go for the new year
kadeecramer
Perfect! You are such a beautiful person inside and out!! I would loooove to do find something like this in my town!
Soooo many “cool points” (or something like that) for the Ron Weasley reference.
Brittany
I’ve been partaking in a Harry Potter marathon this week..it’s been amazing.
kathy@vodka and soda
yes to all of this! when i was at my darkest point in my depression, i was also running a blog geared towards helping desperate mothers who were also feeling alone with their struggles and that in itself was a huge part of my healing….my psychiatrist told me that helping others will also help (and heal) yourself. when you provide happiness, you also gain it.
so here’s to 2014 being even more amazing for you! NOW WHEN ARE WE GOING TO MEET FOR REAL?!
Brittany
SEND ME INFO ABOUT BBM!!
kerrycooks
Great post, and an amazing way to spend NYE!
Jane C.
I admire you so much!
Brittany
Your comment made me smile, thank you!
An Unrefined Vegan
I can’t think of a better way to ring in the New Year. xoxo
pickyrunner
Wow, this is a really amazing way to spend new years eve! It sounds like a really rewarding experience, way better than going crazy. For the record, I was asleep by 10 last night after spending the night with my family. No crazy nights out for me. Not my scene. This is such a great idea!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Freaking.awesome. I -love- your goal of becoming more selfless. I definitely find that I’m the happiest when I do things for others — it helps keep me from engaging in the inevitable pity party that sometimes hits when I spend too much time focusing on myself. I have a feeling that 2014 is going to be a pretty awesome year. Happy New Year, lady!
katalysthealth
THIS is why you are freaking amazeballs. I mean seriously, what a great way to spend your new years eve. I can’t wait to see you rock 2014 girl!
Life's a Bowl
Easiest way to say it is… You’re awesome! You’ve got so much ahead to look forward to and I can’t wait to read about your adventures. Or if you come out to the east coast we can share stories over a Starbucks 😉
Brittany
This must happen…I do want to visit the east coast eventually (I’ve been, but not enough) and when I do we MUST GET TOGETHER!
Change of Pace
What a great way to spend the end of 2013! I love your new goal, especially that it might mean something big or small like helping your mom out.
I think I’m going to wait a bit to make any big goals- I’m getting lots of great ideas from bloggers!!
Amy
Brittany, you are so inspiring. You’re already selfless as it is — it comes across through your writing and stories — and you’re passing that light to others through your blog. So proud of you and even happier to be your friend!
My family celebrates New Years Eve a similar way… We cheer at 9 pm when the ball drops on the East Coast and head to bed right after! Some call it lame, but I definitely don’t mind the next morning when I wake up refreshed instead of groggy. 😉 Happy New Year, dear friend!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Happy New Year!! I think you are on track to have a wonderful 2014. Doing things for others can be so incredibly rewarding. I think it’s something we could actually do more of as a society. I’m thrilled to see you finding yourself and I really do see you becoming more and more at peace with who you are and who you want to be. I think you are fabulous!!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
So when you come to visit and I think we are going to wear those hair nets and we will wear some depends on the outside of our pants and walk around like it ain’t no thang, because I mean… We don’t need to falsly advertise, we need to simply be who we are – 20 something GRANDMAS!!!!! 😀
Brittany
Deal..and I couldn’t have said the last sentence better myself! TRUTH!
sincerelylily
yessss!!! love this!!!! i love that hat on you too…… but love the goal of being selfless and doing more for others. please become a GOTR coach and then you can understand what being a volunteer is all about and getting kicked in the shins.
im kidding. that only happened when i forgot snack. KIDDING…. BUT NOT REALLY.
and i love your 2013 half goals and how you basically creamed it. whoot whoot here is to 2014!
A Tablespoon of Liz
I’m not a huge fan of staying out late either.. and I’m totally over going out for NYE. I always stay home and Skype with my best friend, haha. I always try and plan goals for the year, but it normally takes me a few weeks into January to start thinking about it.
Rach @ This Italian Family
I’ve never heard of Feed My Children before. I am looking into the website now! I love how you are desiring to be more giving of yourself this year. You are such a sweet lady. Also, I’m all about that 10pm bedtime. This girl needs her rest! 🙂
PNWRunner
Wow! I bet you felt so happy after helping so many people! I have never participated in an event like this before, but I would like to one day. It would be so rewarding. I also want to focus on being a better me in 2014. I need to work on myself and continue stepping outside of my comfort zone. 2014 will be a better and brighter year. I cannot wait to get together with you this year and run some more races! 🙂
Brittany
I can’t wait for our play date whoooo!!
PNWRunner
😀 I hope you had a great holiday in AZ!
Nicole @ FruitnFitness
What a great way to spend New Years helping others! It sounds like a great resolution to help others more. I think I would like to try to do that too!
Amy @ A Desert Girl
Love it!! You started the new year out right, my friend. Keep up the good work – YOU are making a difference. I was in bed by 10:00 on the eve. Heck yeah.
Christina Does It All
Aww I loveeeee this! Making a difference is the best, ain’t it!? 🙂 Ps: You look super adorable in that hairnet.
Brittany
I’m thinking about wearing that hair net at Starbucks..what do you think?? Maybe I’ll meet my soul mate that way eh? HAHAHA.
Davida @The Healthy Maven
You are way too adorable and amazing! I succumbed to partying but next year I’m saying no to the tequila! Much better uses of my time. A very happy New Year to you my beautiful and thoughtful friend!
allieksmith
Love, love, love this. I think having the goal of being selfless and looking outwards is so wonderful!
kelly @ racesrepsramblings
So FUN! I actually did this with a work group a few months ago and it was pretty inspiring. It was a different organization, but the same concept. Cheers to a very giving start to your New Year! 🙂
Katy @ iFuckingLoveFitness
Omigosh I totally feel ya! I love going out with my friends too but I get tired by 10pm. We were worried that we wouldn’t last until midnight on new years and had to slow down on the drinking. LOL.
Anyway that’s a great thing you did. I recently volunteered at a soup kitchen and it saddens me to hear the stories of the less fortunate. I think I will make more of an effort to do more volunteering next year.
P
Thanks for linking to the organization! This sounds like a fantastic way to not just spend New Year’s Eve, but any day of the year. And the fact that you made it a family event makes it sound even better 😀
Life After Swimming
You are honestly the best person on the planet. You are an amazing girl, Britt! Wishing you all the best this year! You deserve it 🙂
Brittany
Aww shucks..you always make me blush!! ❤
Meghan @ fitnesscrEATures
What an amazing thing to do Brittany – and to have those sorts of feelings and reactions! You are truly a humble and beautiful person, inside and out. I love the hair nets,you need to totally start wearing those on the regular and make it a trend, k thanks? 🙂 You and your family are precious, I’m so glad you’re having an awesome time!
jessielovestorun
you.are.an incredible.sweet.caring.thoughtful.admirable person, Brittany!
brickhousechick
How gratifying, Brittany! You look adorable in the shower cap. Here’s to a wonderful 2014!
apartmentwife
“The more I take myself out of the center, the happier I feel.” – What a perfect theme for 2014. Your NYE looks perfect (even though i love hot yoga) and definitely takes-the-cake for most selfless 🙂 happy new year to you!!
alexvegginout
This sounds like the best possible way to celebrate the New Year. You are such an amazing person to care so much about others! I would love to do something like this sometime. There are so many people in need, and even a few hours of our time can go so far in helping the lives of others.
My big goal for 2014 is to stress less. I get wayyyy too stressed about grades and school, and I need to remember that there are other important things in life too! Hopefully I will be able to find myself a bit in 2014 like you did in 2013.
P.S. I was in bed by 9:30 NYE… grannies of the world unite 😉 Happy New Year, Brittany!!! ❤
Brittany
One thing I learned over the last few years was that life is wayyyy too short to stress all the time. Grades are important, as they help propel you to your future, but don’t let them take over your life!! You only get to be young once! There is NO timeline that says you must do things a certain way! You have a bright future ahead of you my friend!
Britta
Oh I just LOVE YOU! What a wonderful thing to do on NYE, something like that just makes you feel so GOOD, and satisfied.. not to mention happy… I partied my face off and now feel 100000 worse for doing so. Jk, but what you did is definitely more my thing. Last year I was in bed at 930..
What a crazy year 2013 was. SO many emotions, changes, adjustments, everything. I think we are both in the same place when it comes to finding ourselves, focusing on the things that really matter – the things that make us happy, and enjoying life. We’re on the right track – cannot wait to see what 2014 has in store for you. You are wonderful.
GOAL FOR 2014: WE MUST MEET! done and done.
Lauren
My New Year’s resolution is to be more like you. Seriously. This is amazing! Kudos!
Kristina at damntenpounds
I love this. Everything about it. What an amazing way to bring in the new year with fulfillment and good karma. I didn’t see any locations in California, but I’m inspired to look for other ways to give back. Thanks for being a wonderful person, Britt. Happy New Year!! xo
itsthecookiemonster
britt, youre an angel! spending nye to help others is so selfless ! 🙂
youre not the only one, i’ve never been one to enjoy going out ever. on any given day i would choose to stay home alone on my couch, in front of my tv and curled with a blanket than go out. lately ive been feeling more and more social pressure to go out and club and do things normal 21 year olds do, but i’ve been fighting that pressure by staying true to myself. don’t care if people think im uncool, im gonna do what makes me most happy.
i felt a surge of happiness for you to hear that youre learning more and more about yourself. i know it hasn;t been the easiest year for you, but it is through challenge where you grow strong and built resilience. smile through it all 🙂
Melissa @ Al Forno Mementos
you go girl! helping those in need! 🙂 I’m the same way. homebody! haha and I’m happy you’re happy and finding more about yourself!
Kim
I am completely uninterested in staying out late these days! I love my sleep! I usually go to bed around 9! I do get up at about 5:15 during the week though…I was in bed at 10:45 on New Year’s Eve…Ha
Missy
That is awesome! You are awesome, though so it all makes sense.
Like you,… my 2013 was …well you know what? Lets not dwell. Im leaving it at that, It was.
(It ended on an up-tick though)
SO in 2014 my one goal is that it is better, I am better, than 2013. All the things need to be better because all the things in 2013 were …they were. #refusetodwell.
Cheers to you and I continuing momentum and OWNING 2014. Amen?
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