We are starting a new topic and a new trend every Sunday right here on Whippy Cake. As much as I love fashion, makeup and hair I’ve learned enough to know that it doesn’t matter how perfect you look on the outside if you are a complete mess on the inside. I believe that as women we have been trained to constantly fuss over the way we look, what we are wearing and how much we weigh, that it can easily become nearly impossible to think about anything else at times. I for one admit that it’s a constant struggle to find balance. What I can say is that when I do manage to divert my energy and thoughts to things that are of more substance, not only do I forget about all the terrible things I’ve eaten that day but I consequently feel like a better person, more confident, happy and even beautiful. Let’s be honest, usually the reason we spend hours nitpicking ourselves head to toe is because we think if we look perfect we will feel like a better person, more confident, happy and even beautiful. I hope I don’t sound hypocritical because I certainly get happiness from makeovers and finding the perfect outfit and who doesn’t grin at the scale when the load it bares is two pounds lighter? I know I am at risk of  getting carried away if I don’t keep my wants in check. Of course this is easier said then done. I think it’s a basic principle that when you do things for other people you feel great in return, but I think we can all agree that it’s the simplest of things that can prove to be the hardest to do.  The result? The start of something great, a weekly reminder of the big and little things we can do to improve the way we look/feel on the inside.

I’ve asked Wendy  to join me in finding your special stories so I can share them here and use them to motivate us every week to do better and to be better. I kind of had a feeling (and secretly hoped) that we would get to share about a handsome, happy, fellow named Barton Brooks, who happens to be Wendy’s cousin. From the first day on the job Wen has been gushing about Barton and telling me about his extraordinary life. In her words “He is just an ordinary guy that has done some extraordinary things with the life he has been given. His work has transformed him into one of the most outstanding individuals on the Planet! I have known Barton my whole life, he happens to be my cousin, but he is also one of my very best friends”. I think it’s safe to say she thinks incredibly highly of the guy but why don’t we provide you with the facts so you can form your own conclusion.

Barton Brooks founded a non-profit organization called Global Colors. Barton does a swell job illustrating how he was inspired to organize Global Colors and his mission in doing so.

“I founded Global Colors after years of volunteer work and international travel, starting with a couple of years in London before studying political history and theology in Israel and the Middle East. I developed an insatiable case of wanderlust and explored Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Africa – and in the process, became acutely aware of the individual needs that plague our world. Traveling to take pictures and collect souveniers started feeling a bit hollow, and it was in Cambodia where I finally was inspired to make a difference.  I changed my life to reflect my new understanding, and started my little organization to create projects through random acts of service around the world. I started back at Angkor Wat, and to make it all happen sold my only asset (a Shelby Cobra replica that I built by hand) to personally fund the first GC projects. I’ll still cry about that car if you catch me on the wrong day, but that beautiful hunk of metal became an education for kids in Cambodia, and changed the lives of some beautiful women in Kenya. So in reality, it was a no-brainer…

If someone is going to change the world, why shouldn’t it be me?”

There’s nothing I can say or write to give the appropriate credit to this guy. He is basically living an RAOK birthday 365 days a year. He sets so many admirable examples with his amazing attitude, his drive to give service, his effort to raise money to help humanity, the sacrifice of his time and I yet I still can’t get over the fact that he sold his car. A Shelby Cobra? REALLY!?!? That cost more than all of my favorite possessions combined! I could never. I only hope I get to meet Barton one day and express my intense gratitude and adoration to him face to face.  Bottom line, this post could go on for ages so I think the appropriate strategy is to break it up and do a “Barton Update”  at least once a month. (I doubt many of you will mind that handsome face making regular appearances on the blog).

Your assignment today:

1. Watch this video and fall in love with Barton.

2. Visit GlobalColors.org today. You can visit the site to be inspired and uplifted or take it a step further and find out what you can do to help directly.

3. Remember what Barton said. You don’t have to be Oprah, you don’t have to travel to another country and you don’t have to be rich to make a difference.

4. Pray that Barton’s efforts will be successful.

Coming soon:

1. More on Guerilla Aid.

2. More on the accident.

3. More on how we can contribute to Global Colors and Guerrilla Aid.