Don't Watch the Parade in 2011!

If you're read A Million Miles, you know the story of the Goff family of San Diego, and about their New Years Day Parade. More than a decade ago, when the kids were young, the family sat around bored on New Years Day. Dad decided boredom wasn't fitting for a day that God made, so he asked the kids for suggestions, and they decided to have a family parade down their small street. And as they notified neighbors, the family decided NOBODY could watch their parade, that people could only participate. And now the parade is huge. It's an annual, street tradition, complete with a Grand Marshal and Queen. And nobody is allowed to watch. Nobody can sit on the curb. Everybody marches in the parade.

It's a wonderful, true story about how much better life is when we participate. If you've not made a resolution yet in 2011, make this one with me: I will not watch 2011, I will participate. Here's a little video Richard Goff made celebrating this years parade (just a few days ago) and a reminder of how meaningful life can be when we get up off the curb and join in:

Here are some suggestions for participating in 2011:

1. Find out three of your neighbors birthdays. Mark the dates on a calendar or set a reminder on your phone. Bake a cake with their name on top and deliver it to them on their birthday.

2. Scout your community for some kids without money and ask their parent or parents if you can help send them to camp. Have a big dinner with all your friends and tell them about the kids. Brainstorm how you are going to come up with the money. It will cost about $500 per kid, but you can do it.

3. Invite everybody you work with, one by one or two by two, to your place for dinner.

4. Give a speech.

5. Audition for a play.

6. Join a kickball league. Dominate.

7. Write a children's book and have it printed through Amazon's self-publishing program.

Any other suggestions? What crazy things did you do in 2010?

My favorites: Trying to climb a mountain and getting turned back in a hail/snow/rain storm at 3AM. Hosting the Storyline conference (may have been a decade hilight) and having our movie funded by you guys! Helping to start a non-profit in Denver (way to go Lori!) and working with a friend to get their book published (way to go, Bob!). Lots more. Amazing year.

2011 is more than a new year, it's the start of a new decade. Take some risks and live a great story this year, sacrifice for somebody else, and you'll set the tone for the next ten years.

Have fun and happy new year!