In my recent article on happiness — Is The Pursuit Of Happiness A Bunch Of Bullshit? — I highlighted the importance of having a sense of purpose. From what I’ve seen, it’s difficult to feel consistently good about yourself if you don’t feel that you are of service in some way.

Of course, there are no accidents! When I heard about the Lady GODIVA Program, I immediately knew that I had to share it with you.

The Lady GODIVA Program celebrates “inspirational women around the world who embody the attributes of Lady Godiva through selflessness, generosity, leadership & the spirit of giving back to the community.” There are nine finalists detailed below for the Fall Season (there are three seasons in 2012 –- Winter nominations are being accepted now), & GODIVA will contribute $1,000 to the three causes or organisations of the women with the most votes.  At the end of the year, one woman will receive a $10,000 grant toward her cause.

These women are doing such amazing things. Vote for your favourite!

Patty Hillkirk — Patty founded an organization which provides free therapeutic programs to HIV/AIDS impacted youth.

Joyce Gugel — Joyce Gugel, who is legally blind, educates and empowers visually impaired individuals.

Jerri Rosen — Jerri founded Working Wardrobes, a Southern California nonprofit organization.

Heidi Markow — Heidi helps domestic violence victims take back their lives, and lobbied for Kimberly’s law signed 11/10.

Cheryl Jackson — Cheryl’s only focus is to feed the hungry with a passion that is unmatched! She has fed over 96,000.

Tammy Tibbetts — Tammy created She’s the First, a nonprofit to help the first girls in their families to go to high school.

Cora White — Non-profit organization to fill the gap between gov. agencies to provide services for foster children.

Rachel Reynolds — Rachel helps raise funds for families of children facing chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

Sam — Sam’s passion for accessibility makes a difference in the lives of these special needs adult actors.

Click through & read some of these stories! They’re absolutely amazing, & some of them give me goosebumps all over my body. These women are incredible; inspirational indeed! They make me want to go out & make a difference.

(Honestly though, if I was nominated for something like this, I would happily take my payment in a lifetime supply of GODIVA milk chocolate truffles. It’s sad but true!)

Be sure to vote for your favourite!

This post was sponsored by the sweet people at GODIVA. Thanks!