This holiday season, we teamed up with the Denver Fire Department to participate in a “Toys for Tots” drive benefitting kids at Children’s Hospital. In the midst of everybody’s harried and hurried quest to get ready for the season, this event reminded us of the importance of going beyond ourselves to help others.

Between our workdays, families, the daily challenges of a modern-day metropolis (seen a construction zone lately?) and a seemingly never-ending checklist of chores, it’s easy to get trapped in a self-absorbed cocoon of frustration and sadness. There’s too much to do, too little time to get it all done, and many of us wind up throwing ourselves a pity party every now and then.

Want to get out of that cocoon? Do something meaningful for people whose daily challenges focus on getting through the next chemo session without too much nausea. Find ways to support those who,like you, have too little time…only their schedule is being dictated by a terminal illness.

In addition to the ill children at Children’s Hospital, we discovered that our Toys for Tots drive brought some added joy to those participating—including firefighter and Marine reservist Danny Ly, who coordinated delivery of the toys to the kids.

For us at Plumb Marketing, it was fun, fulfilling, a bit teary, and a reminder to take joy in what we do have. It was also a poignant message about the importance of not sweating the small stuff hitting us every day. And, when you really stop and think about it, most of it is small stuff. Concentrate on what’s truly important, and let go of the rest as best you can.

And, anytime you feel the cocoon closing around you once again, perform a random or not-so-random act of kindness. It doesn’t have to be grandiose, just heartfelt. It will open up new perspectives for you, as well as improve your community.

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2015, Lynndell, Briana and the rest of the Plumb Marketing team.