To do it or not to do it.  That is the question?

I'm torn.  

I made a deal with myself when starting the Yellow Envelope Project that the our weekly winners would be unsuspecting people who are tucked away in their corners of the world working hard, but receiving no accolades.  They are the teachers, soccer coaches, doormen, bus drivers, barista's, and other everyday folks who brighten their corners of their world by living the principles of our Shine Manifesto.  

Betty was discovered by one of our readers who saw an article about her on the internet.  Apparently, our nominee saw the movie Julie and Julia and decided to come up with her own project.  The premise of her year long project titled, What Gives? 365 Days of Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is, is to award $100.00 a day to a person, cause, or organization she believes is doing work that is worthy of her support.  Simple, generous, and creative.  Right up our alley.

An article on the internet about her blog site.  I can't decide if that constitutes accolades or bells and whistles.

Problem is, we only have 52 slots a year.  If we flood Betty's mailbox with yellow envelopes, but she in turn receives all kinds of other fan mail, then our chance to recognize someone who would otherwise would go unnoticed is lost.  A whole week down the drain.

On the other hand, if Betty is one of us - and I think she is, because she used the word "shine" in the article forwarded to me - then our gesture will be genuinely appreciated.  She will receive our notes and a wave of relief will wash over her.  She will realize that there is another body of people comparably dedicated to recognizing the contributions and excellence of others.  She can rest easy knowing that, while her Project ends in December, the work of our House of Shine will persist indefinitely.  She will deserve and appreciate the mail because she is living the same tiring challenge of sustaining an initiative over a long period of time.  Same as we are.

I think we should do it.  

She is deserving.  Betty has created a venue for helping other people pursue their passions and interests and, in turn, she is helping to make the world a better place.  That covers at least four of our Shine principles.

If you are in on flooding Betty's mailbox with Shine, then you know the drill.  Write a short note thanking Betty for making the world a better place.  Place it in a yellow envelope (or a white envelope decorated with yellow markers).  Write, "Yellow Envelope Project" in the return address and commit to mailing it sometime before next Saturday when we honor our next recipient.

If you think that air time on the internet was enough pomp and circumstance for Betty, then use this week to recognize someone in your own corner of the world.

I hope you will join me in sending your letter to Atlanta.

Shining off until tomorrow...