Happy New Year! I love to focus on the "good stuff" in life and then share it, because it's a reminder that when one lives from the heart and touches the life of another, enriching changes happen. So here's my list of 2012 events which made, and will continue to make, a difference in our community:

• For the homeless and individuals without medical insurance, a Mobile Medical Bus, parked every Sunday in the center of downtown Eugene, is an amazing outcome of our local Occupy movement. The renovations of a "blood mobile" were funded through donations of time and equipment, skilled talent, and generous financial donations. Community Alliance of Lane County (CALC) receives donations and administers the funding to help support the bus.
• An initiative to reduce child abuse and neglect 90% by 2030 (called 90 by 30), was developed with a collective impact model to bring together organizations that focus on this devastating problem.
• Awareness and implementation of early childhood education made it onto the agenda in the Governor's office.
• Great strides have been made for economic development in downtown Springfield.
• Resources for youth programs focused on mentoring, group activities, restorative justice, and community engagement are readily available.
• And here's a special one: a group walking in the Eugene Celebration Parade gave over 4,000 free hugs to everyone they could wrap their arms around! I am proud to say that I was a hugger and it was amazing!

I know there's so much more to share about the past, but it's a new year. What will your list look like at the end of 2013? Will you witness or create the "good stuff" which makes up your list?  

Best wishes for a wonderful 2013!