Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

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...