Blog - Kevin Guest

Build Joy Through These 5 Meaningful Acts of Generosity

December 2, 2024/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

Create joy, spread kindness, and uplift our communities through acts of generosity, whether big or small. I’m encouraging each of us to promote compassion and connection as we celebrate National Build Joy Day. This special day is a powerful reminder of the impact thoughtful actions can have on individuals and society.

National Build Joy Day, which takes place each Dec. 2, is an incredible opportunity to reflect on the positive changes we can create. It doesn’t take a monumental effort to make someone’s day brighter. Even the smallest gesture of kindness can leave a lasting impact.

My call to action is simple — look for ways to lift others. In doing so, we also lift ourselves.

Look within your circles for examples of kindness. In the ways that really count, my parents were truly extraordinary. They lived their lives serving and teaching others, not the least of whom were their children. Virtue meant something to my mom and dad, and threads of kindness, hard work, and integrity wove the strong cords of character in their lives.

My parents’ lessons, both spoken and lived, shaped the man I have become and the person I still hope to be.

5 Ways to Build Joy in Your Communities

To support this call to action, here are five ways to build joy in your community.

1. Volunteer Your Time

Offer your time to local shelters, food banks, or non-profits. A few hours donated can provide much-needed support to organizations serving those in need.

2. Perform Random Acts of Kindness

Pay for someone’s lunch, leave a thoughtful note, or help a neighbor with errands. These small acts can brighten someone’s day.

3. Express Gratitude Publicly

Recognize the hard work of frontline workers or thank someone whose kindness inspires you. Gratitude creates ripples of positivity.

4. Organize a Community Event

Bring neighbors together by hosting a park clean-up, a food drive, or a donation swap. Shared efforts foster unity and connection.

5. Donate to a Worthy Cause

Contribute financially or donate items, such as clothes or non-perishable food, to organizations making a difference in your area.

#BuildJoyDay

National Build Joy Day amplifies these kinds of efforts. It’s a chance for individuals and groups alike to think creatively about making life better for others.

Joy is contagious. When you give to others, you also give to yourself. You create a cycle of positivity that strengthens individuals, families, and entire communities.

I invite everyone to share their acts of kindness using #BuildJoyDay on social media to inspire others and celebrate the day together. By working collectively, we can make National Build Joy Day a memorable and impactful occasion.

I shared these thoughts in a news release published on National Build Joy Day, Dec. 2, 2024. More inspiring examples of joy and kindness are found throughout All the Right Reasons, where all proceeds go to feeding hungry children. Each book purchase provides 40 meals.

Recipes Roundup: From the USANA Kitchen

November 29, 2024/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

USANA Kitchen is a What’s Up, USANA? blog series featuring easy-to-make, nutritious recipes. Led by Shelli Baxter, USANA’s Executive Director of Global Nutrition Programs, the entire series of recipes can be found at https://whatsupusana.com/tag/usana-kitchen/

Here are a few highlights…

Protein Acai Bowl

1 frozen banana, chopped into chunks
1 cup (140 g) frozen mixed berries
½ cup (120 g) plant-based milk
1 tablespoon (10 g) acai powder
2 scoops of whey protein isolate
Sliced fruit, nuts, seeds, granola to top (optional)

Add the banana, berries, and milk to a blender.
Blend on low until smooth and creamy.
Add whey protein isolate and stir in on the lowest blend speed.
Pour into a bowl.
Top with fruit, nuts, seeds, and/or granola as desired.

Originally published Sept. 30, 2024, with full recipe, detailed step-by-step instructions, and nutrition information.

Protein Powered Green Drink

12 ounces (375 g) of chilled coconut water
1 cup (180 g) of spinach
2 small kiwis or 1 large kiwi, peeled
2 scoops of Whey Protein Isolate

Add coconut water, kiwi, and spinach to a blender.
Blend well at medium speed until desired consistency.
Add whey protein isolate and stir at the lowest speed to mix.
Pour into a tall glass.
Add ice if desired.

Originally published Aug. 22, 2024, with full recipe, detailed step-by-step instructions, and nutrition information.

Digestive Health Berry Parfait

This USANA Kitchen recipe comes from Russ Barton, Ask the Scientists nutritionist.

8 ounces (240 g) high protein vanilla Greek yogurt
½ cup (65 g) raspberries
½ cup (75 g) blueberries
½ cup (56 g) granola
2 ounces (21 g) of chopped pecans
1 rounded teaspoon (5 g) of Fibergy Active

Add raspberries to the bottom of a stemmed glass.
Top with ¼ cup granola and 1 ounce of chopped pecans.
In a bowl, mix 1 rounded teaspoon of Fibergy Active into the yogurt.
Scoop into glass on top of raspberries and nuts.
Top with blueberries, ¼ cup granola, and 1 ounce chopped pecans.

Originally published June 26, 2024, with full recipe, detailed step-by-step instructions, and nutrition information.

For more health and nutrition information, including additional recipes, bookmark the What’s Up, USANA? blog.

Harmony for the Holidays

November 14, 2024/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

As the holiday season unfolds, it brings an unparalleled opportunity to embrace harmony in our lives. This time of year, which is often filled with joy and reflection, serves as a perfect backdrop to revisit the principles of harmony I cite in my book, All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony. Among these, the “Dorothy Principle” is a favorite.

It goes like this. Years ago, a college professor taught his class a profound lesson about the importance of relationships through a pop quiz. The test included an odd question: “What is the name of the woman who cleans this building?” Despite frequently seeing her, the students didn’t know. The professor emphasized that everyone we encounter matters and deserves recognition, illustrating that acknowledging others—even with a simple greeting or by knowing their name—can make a huge impact. The cleaning lady’s name was Dorothy, and that one lesson underscored the value of connection.

Let’s take this to heart and strive to appreciate and acknowledge those around us—family, friends, colleagues—recognizing the power that comes from truly seeing each person we meet.

Harmony and the Beatles

The other favorite involves one of the Beatles, so you know that’s a favorite. Meeting Ringo Starr before his Las Vegas concert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a group of fans, myself included. The excitement in the room was palpable as we waited backstage, each of us realizing a dream we had likely held for decades.

When Ringo entered, he defied our expectations of a quick encounter by spending genuine, quality time with each fan. Even though we were told he would keep his distance, he made us all feel special by chatting, laughing, and posing for photos with his signature peace and love gestures. Observing everyone’s joy—especially a professional drummer meeting his idol—added to the magic of the moment.

Unlike many famous people who maintain a distant demeanor, Ringo radiated kindness and warmth, making everyone feel comfortable and valued. Despite his global fame and decades in the spotlight, he chose to connect with us as if we were old friends. That encounter revealed that Ringo’s impact goes beyond his music; he spreads happiness simply by treating others with respect and compassion. By choosing to be gracious and humble, Ringo left each of us with an even greater admiration for him, showing that true influence lies not only in talent but in the positive, uplifting way we treat others.

Just as Ringo’s music has touched millions, so too can our actions during this festive season.

5 Practical Tips to Thrive During the Holidays

Cherish What You Have: Start each day with gratitude. Reflect on the people who make your life meaningful and tell them thanks. Or be brave and say, “I appreciate you.” A heartfelt note or a simple thank you can strengthen connections.
Foster Connections: Use this season as an opportunity to reach out to family and friends. Organize a virtual gathering or a small get-together to catch up and celebrate the bonds you share. You can never go wrong when you put others first.
Give the Gift of Presence: Rather than focusing solely on material gifts, offer your time and attention. Listen actively, engage sincerely, and be present in the moment. Show others that you see them and hear them.
Spread Love and Peace: Take a cue from Ringo and let your actions be guided by love. Volunteer your time and skills, share acts of kindness, and encourage others to join in.
Create New Traditions: Whether it’s a new recipe, a family game night, or a holiday walk, start a new tradition and enhance the sense of unity, harmony, and joy in your celebrations. You’ll be even more cool for doing it!

Harmony, Love, & Peace

As we navigate the hustle and bustle of the season, let’s remember that the true essence of the holidays lies in harmony, love, and peace. By remembering that relationships are the most important thing, we can transform this festive season into a time of connection and joy.

Let’s carry these principles through the holidays, creating a life that is harmonious and richly fulfilling.

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