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...