I've done the farewell 2011, hello 2012 already. This is not that post. Today, I want to talk about moving ahead and paying it forward.

Despite the craziness of 2011, I'm still a lucky beyotch. I have advantages. I am privileged. I am educated. I have fabulous family and friends. I have many outlets for my creativity.

For others, that's not always the case.

There's a lot of hurting in our shared world today, from blasted economies, to natural disasters, to the freak show that is the Republican race for presidential candidacy and lots in between. I can't fix these things, no matter how much I want to. I want people to have the chance at happiness, to not have to know where their next meal is coming from, to be able to get a job and support themselves. I want each and every person on this earth to know that s/he is worthwhile and that they are awesome and special. I want everyone who wants to be creative to be able to express that creativity.

I may not be poor, but I'm not rich, nor am I a supreme being. I can't make the above happen for everyone in every way.

Frustrating? Yes, of course. But that doesn't mean I can sit back in my comfy chair and simply bemoan the facts or be all emo.

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Thanks to the Intarwebz, social media and the power of others (e.g., friends who pimp out their favorite worthy causes), I can always find ways to give my .02.

In 2011, I:

helped fund various and sundry Kickstarter projects, including a couple for fellow writers, C.E. Murphy and Laura Anne Gilman
donated money to women's businesses via Kiva.org
helped out The Trevor project
gave money to Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders
donated books for various charitable efforts for disaster relief.

They're not all charities. Heck, I don't even get to deduct my charitable donations, as I can't itemize on my tax return. That's not important. Being able to do this little bit, to lend a helping hand for something creative, something that can truly assist others reach their potential? That's what matters. Even though my budget is tight, I can pay it forward.

It's not all monetary, either.

Sometimes, it's something small, such as listening to a friend or offering to read a fellow author's short story. Making an introduction to someone else who can help, sending an email. Little gestures add up.

I'm far from saintly. I'm just me: someone who wants to do something to better the world I live in.

What can you do in 2012 to make a difference?