At Ipex I talked about how you ought to give back what you get. I offered mentorship during my presentation, but wanted to do more. (btw the Ipex video and presentation should be available soon, keep an eye out for their communication. And my offer still stands.)

So for this year's good cause, I decided to sponsor print:

1. I'm a big fan of fantasy. So I supported an aspiring novelist who wants to see her story in print. And it's a children's book, no less. Anyone who's trying to motivate the youth to read and learn, needs to stay motivated too. Can't wait for my hard copy.

2. A local charity initiative offering the coolest textile print. Every year, Belgian radio station Studio Brussel hosts "De Warmste Week" ("The warmest week") during which anyone can put in an extra effort to help those less fortunate. My home town launched the "Nienofs veer au lauif" initiative where they print token phrases in the local dialect on applications, like a sweater, lanyard, tote bag. Combining local dialect #wordlove with a cool application? How can I not support? This is downright brilliant, kudos to the marketing genius that came up with this. (To be fair Mister T started it) You'll soon see me sporting my "Lèrre" sweater or running errands with my "kommisjes" tote bag! (Lèrre is a local affectionate dialect term for a scoundrel, kommisjes means groceries)

Textile Lèrre printed sweaters for De Warmste Week.

Up next - practice what I preach. Improve my own SEO for a change. Stay tuned.

So tell me, are you paying it forward and if so, what are your 2018 resolutions?