Here is what I find dismaying about anti-Olympic protests. At the moment I am watching the Torch Relay wind through West Hastings Street, re-routed because of protesters. Ironically enough, a man named Matt Lee lit his torch in the heart of the downtown Eastside, a recovering addict, and a great story. A way the Games can have a positive impact on ANYBODY, whatever opinion you hold regarding their existence in Vancouver.

Alright, moving on, today is the big day. To be honest, I am a whole lot of excited with a little bit of anxious. After weeks of rehearsal, and practicing, waiting and imagining, the moment is here.

Just don’t trip Callum, just don’t trip. Apparently a lot of people will be watching this on TV. Haha, I’m kidding, I am a now an excellent walker. Watch for me halfway through the parade, it’s the closest I’ll ever get to membership in an Opening Ceremonies parade so I’m going to enjoy every part of the experience.

Stoked to start Callum's CCCCC!

Alright so last week I was quietly sitting in my car at a traffic light, and after having been thinking for a few minutes, I turned to a friend and said, “Hey, this year I’m going to really enjoy Christmas, y’know, I’m going to get into the Christmas spirit.” Ha! That’s one of those comments, so typical this time of year that pretty much everyone responds by nodding their head. So, I got a bobbing head in reply.

Over the next few days, I thought about what this meant, “getting into the Christmas spirit.” It can mean many things, to many people, depending upon religion, family, personal values and a host of other variables. It might involve decorations, egg nog, egg nog and bailey’s, secret Santa, Christmas sweaters, egg nog and bailey’s and vodka. You get the point, “holiday cheer”.

I think that’s all great. I do. However, I wondered if my pursuit of “holiday cheer” might seem a bit self-serving if all it included was a trip to the BCLC and some ill advised sartorial decisions.

To be honest, this issue speaks to a larger struggle I’ve been addressing in my personal conscience over the past few months. A great deal of my life is centered on personal development. I work hard to build businesses for my future, when I get some spare time I read business books and philosophy to keep an open mind and stay inspired. I work out or play hockey a handful of times a week to feel healthy and have fun. Seriously, the battle to better myself on a daily basis isn’t just difficult, quite frankly, it’s exhausting.

I remembered some good advice from an old friend. She used to tell me that no matter how hard I worked, life would seem tiring if it was too self-focused. Sometimes, looking outward from yourself is the best way to stop spinning the tires. Therefore, I decided to challenge myself on this point.

Introducing “Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge”

Today is December 13^th, twelve full days until Christmas. Every single day until then, I am going to do something that has a positive and meaningful impact on my community.

Here are the rules:

1. It has to take something that was bad and make it good, or something that was good and make it better
2. It has to directly affect one or more person(s) in a great way
3. I have to take a photo for proof
4. I have to do at least three of the days based on reader’s suggestions, (see how to contact me below)
5. It can’t cost one single penny. I have to pull this off with either my time or some other superpower.

If you’d like to make a suggestion, e-mail me: callumng AT shaw DOT ca OR comment on this post below.

Follow my CCCCCC adventures on Twitter @callumng

If you’d like to join in, please send me your photos and stories and they’ll be published at www.callumng.com!

Wish me luck folks, I’ve started brainstorming, but to be honest, I have no idea how I’m going to make this happen. I just believe that somehow, I will!