Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

I recently discovered and joined Squidoo a very cool place I might add. Squidoo gives people a way to raise awareness and money for their favorite causes, painlessly and for free, just by building a web page or "lense" about any topic. Millions of people volunteer in our communities every day. We adopt abandoned animals. We check in on elderly neighbors. We spend a few hours laying down carpet for a homeless shelter. We read to kids down at the school. We hold the door... These moments of human kindness and generosity happen countless times a day. And when we notice them, and especially when we play a part, the good feeling that's generated isn't just powerful. It's down-right contagious. Which is why VolunteerMatch and Squidoo.com are inviting you to share your favorite photos showing the impact of giving back. This is your chance to inspire others with images of every kindness and the spirit of volunteerism and community. And we want to hear the story that lies

Do you believe that your thoughts have power? Be it meditation, prayer, or simply focused intention, the power of thought can change your attitude, emotions, your physical body, and even the physical world around us. Wouldn't it be nice to have 10,000 people helping you? I found this new website that is designed to help you focus your thoughts on what is important while maintaining a positive attitude through gratitude, inspiration, and helping others. 10,000 Thoughts is an online community of people helping each other get what they want most. It doesn’t matter if you believe in the power of thought, the power of positive thinking, power of prayer, or simply the power of the internet to connect people – 10,000 Thoughts might be the place to help you fulfill your dreams and wishes. Here is how it works; you write down what you want as an intention. Other members view and read your intention, then send their focused thoughts, positive energy, prayers, comments, and e-mails o

What do you do to prevent boredom? You could take a nap... or do a good deed. This cute photo courtesy of i Stock Photo

Strength and determination are good things to have but flexibility is important too. You can't always have your own way, this humorous video clip shows why it's important to be flexible and when to recognise the opportune times.

Imagine a world where no one complains! Are we in the habit of complaining too much? Think of all the ways people express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness. They complain, kick, plain, sound off, quetch, or kvetch, and show unhappiness or critical attitude; they grouch, grumble, scold, gripe, b1tch, grouse, crab, beef, squawk, bellyache, and holler. Oh, my! There is a time and place when it's appropriate to complain but it can almost always be done in a pleasant way! What if we looked at everything with a more positive attitude, would it make a difference? Would we be happier, and would the people around us be happier? A Complaint Free World has started a complaint-free movement and they are giving away bracelets to help people learn new habit by reminding them not to complain. It takes 21 days to create new neuro-pathways in our brain and new habits. So perhaps by stopping ourselves from complaining, gossiping and criticizing it is possible to shift our outloo

Pay it forward or paying it forward refers to repaying the good deeds one has received by doing good things for other unrelated people. I did a bit of research and according to Wikipedia the idea of "paying it forward" appeared in a letter from Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Webb, dated April 22, 1784. The phrase "pay it forward" as a moral philosophy appeared in Catherine Ryan Hyde 's novel "Pay It Forward", which was also adapted into a movie of the same name. Science fiction author Robert A. Heinlein, used the phrase in "Between Planets," a book published in 1951, some 50 years before Ryan Hyde's novel. I haven't read Ryan Hyde's book but I loved the movie. "Pay it Forward" is described as an obligation to do three good deeds for others in repayment of a good deed that one receives, and that such good deeds should be things that the person cannot accomplish on their own. The recipient of such acts of kindness is the

Don't you just love lazy Sundays? I was relaxing on the couch yesterday reading the latest copy of Reader's Digest when I came across the section titled "Everyday Heroes" and it struck me that this would be another good topic for this blog. Thanks, RD for sparking the idea. So I thought I'd share few interesting sites I found with you. My Hero invites your family, school, or organization to take part in this not-for profit educational project. Add your vision by sharing your words, images and short films celebrating all types of heroes; angels, animals, artists, business, child, community, earth keepers, explorers, faith, family, freedom, hero's hero, lifesavers, literary, musician, peacemakers, poets, scientists, sports, teachers, women, and writers from around the world on this ever-growing internet archive. The ThinkQuest team ran a school essay contest and here are some of the winning essays Everyday Heroes ThinkQuest inspires students to think, connec

I've been receiving an e-mail newsletter for ages, I don't know how long, usually I delete it but sometimes I read it which I did today and I decided to click the link to visit the website. To be honest, I'd forgotten all about Care2.com and I must say I'm pretty impressed. Here's what they are all about, in their own words: Care2 is a special place. With more than 6 million members, Care2.com is the largest online community for people who want to make a difference. We're about values. If you care about health, human rights and protecting the environment, and if you believe individuals have the power to change the world, you're going to love Care2. Our goal: Make the world a better place. The plan: Connect people who care (that's you!) with the organizations, responsible businesses and individuals getting results. It's a big plan that touches on health, the environment, women's rights, spirituality, children's welfare, human rights and much

I came across this quote in a magazine and I just had to share it with you as I feel it's so well said! Some people have a real gift with words, unlike me! "People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But People will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou Isn't that the truth? Good feelings stay with us forever! This quote lead me on a quest to find out who is this woman with the wise words? If you are curious too, visit Dr. Maya Angelou's web site. It's not surprising to find out that she is a writer. I found some more of her quotes: How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded. Love is that condition in the human spirit so profound that it allows me to survive, and better than that, to thrive with passion, compassion, and style. One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. With

I just found this site and thought it looks pretty interesting. It's nice to see that people care and big companies are trying to do the right thing too. Here's what they say about themselves: dotherightthing is a place online where you can get unfiltered information about the impacts of companies on people and the world and make it worth their while to "do the right thing." * Consumers can learn about which companies will spend their hard-earned dollars in ways that make the world better * Investors can learn about which companies focus on doing the right thing today so that they'll be, or continue to be leaders in their markets tomorrow * Employees can learn about which companies share their passion for wanting to create more than just financial returns, and truly care about their well-being On dotherightthing, the community rules. You determine: * Which companies get the focus * What is relevant * Which companies are recognized for doing the right

I found this video on YouTube and I though it was an interesting idea. Why not create your own free hugs campaign in your own community? It could be fun, think of all the hugs you'd give and receive.

Here are three stories I heard this past week about people doing nice things for others and thought you'd enjoy. The first story is about a couple that have been together for 30 years and in all that time the husband has never given his wife a gift or even a card on Valentine's day. Over the years she has given him many cards and small gifts to express her affection for him, and this year was no different. He received a tiny box of heart shaped chocolates from her. What was different was that he thought of giving her a something and then he actually did it! The wife was surprised and delighted to receive a Valentines card and her favorite chocolates. I don't know if the husband fully realizes how much that small act touched his wife's heart. My second story is about a young couple who are living apart as one of them is going to school. They only see each other every other weekend since it's a 3 hour drive between their homes. After work on Valentine's day he dr

Are you wondering what a random act of kindness is? According to Wikipedia: A random act of kindness is a purportedly selfless act performed by someone to either help or cheer up a stranger, for no reason other than to make people happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, RAoKs are encouraged by various communities. February 12-18, 2007 I also didn't realize that the second week of February is Random Act of Kindness week. Talk about good timing! In the words of William Wordsworth, " The little unremembered acts of kindness and love are the best parts of a person's life." And a quote from Charles Lamb, "The greatest pleasure I know is to do a good action by stealth, and to have it found out by accident."

Do you believe that ordinary people can do extraordinary things? If you look, you may very well see people doing random acts of kindness all around you! However, if you aren't looking you might not notice them ! The purpose of this site is to highlight the goodness of mankind and the nice things people do, those random acts of kindness we might not see otherwise. Valentine's Day, the "day of love" seems to be a fitting day to start this blog. Changing one thing for the better is worth more than proving a thousand things are wrong.