Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. When we lived in NYC our apartment was on 81St. and Central Park West…the very epicenter and beginning of The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For our family and friends Thanksgiving was an evening and day long celebration of all the great things we all treasured and enjoyed. As I think back to those chilly and up-lifting  days I am inspired by all the wonderful things that everyday people do everyday to help make peoples’ lives better. Especially the youngsters…they enjoyed it most. Asset-Based Thinkers doing what they do best. Here’s a current example of “next generation” young adults doing great things and inspiring me. (More and more I find myself looking to teens and young adults for my inspiration). Molly and Carly Houlahan and their Honey would be welcome at our Thanksgiving table anytime!! Here’s their story.

When these sisters, were 9 and 11, their grandfather died suddenly from throat cancer. It was devastating to them because he was so young. They wanted to do something not only to remember him, but to make sure others would not be stricken by cancer like he was.

They started reminiscing about their grandfather’s love for his bee hives and the harvest he completed ever year, when they realized they could sell honey and donate the procedes to charities that help fight cancer. They started Hives for Lives with 23 hives, selling raw honey at farmers markets, craft stores and Whole Foods. Five years later, they have donated more than $150,000 to cancer charities.

Wow. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when passion is the essence of one’s power.  We all have it in us. Our passion and the good deeds inspired and motivated by its energy is especially needed at this time of year and in these challenging times. Tap into it!.  Have a great Thanksgiving.

Hank Wasiak