Tag Archives: positive

The Power of Gratitude

Posted in Gratitude

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

— Melody Beattie

This quote reminded me of an exercise I did a few years back. At the end of each day I wrote down a lists of 10 things that I was grateful for that day. My list ranged from “I am grateful for the guy who held the door open for me at the market” to “the lady who slowed down so I could change lanes” to “the fresh juicy peach I ate after lunch”. I think you get the idea. Try this for one week and see how it feels. What are you grateful for? Please share in the comments.

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Happiness is Contagious

Posted in Happiness

Happiness isn’t something ready made. It comes from our own actions.

— Dalai Lama

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Words to live by from Walter Breuning

Posted in Life

This morning I read a headline that Walter Breuning, the worlds oldest man, had passed away yesterday at age 114. It reminded me of this video that I saw last year where he talks about his life, spanning 3 centuries, and some of the lessons he had learned. Here are two of my favorite, so simple and straightforward:

Be good to everybody…the more you do for other people the better you are going to help yourself.

and

Every day is a good day, that’s what you should think about, everyday is a good day and make it that way.

Rest in peace, Walter Breuning.

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You Have the Power to Be Happy Today

Posted in Happiness

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.

— Groucho Marx, comedian and film star

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Don’t Wait to Be a Hero

Posted in Kindness

Don’t wait til you make your first million to make a difference in somebody’s life.  If you have something to give, give it now. Serve food to a food kitchen, clean up a neighborhood park, be a mentor. Not every day is going to offer us a chance to save somebody’s life, but every day offers us an opportunity to affect one.

It’s funny, we had a different post ready to go this morning until I stumbled upon this TED talk. Not only does it have an inspiring and motivational message, a reminder that every bit counts, but it also ties in nicely with One Day Without Shoes, which is today.
By the simple act of taking off your shoes today, you will help raise awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life and affect the lives of millions of children around the world.

How will you affect somebody’s life today?

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Random Acts of Niceness

Posted in Kindness

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

—Aesop, Greek fabulist

Never underestimate the impact of a single act of kindness. Back in 2008, a small gesture by a stranger inspired Melissa Morris Ivone to remind all of us that “a little NICE goes a long way” by sharing wonderful reader-submitted stories of random acts of kindness on her blog Operation NICE. Kindness is contagious and if every one of us was a little bit nicer to the people we encounter each day, perhaps the world would be a much better place.

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Listen to Your Heart

Posted in Philanthropy

At age 18 Maggie Doyne set out on a backpacking trip around the world.  Where this journey led her is amazing and inspiring.

I have come so far from that girl, with the backpack, but most of all, now more than ever, I know that anything is possible. My heart is full and the future is exciting. There is so much, still, to do.

Hear more of her story after the jump.

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Meet Patrick, the Incurable Optimist

Posted in Optimism

Patrick is truly an inspiration.  He has motor neurone disease (MND).

I’m gradually losing the ability to walk, talk, eat and breathe. I won’t see my daughter go to primary school and she won’t remember me. I am dying – MND is killing me.

I’m determined to use what’s left of my life and my diminishing artistic skill to encourage others to do something optimistic every day.

Be sure to check out his website, blog and portraits.

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Our Hearts Go Out to the People of Japan

Posted in Kindness

When we wish and seek to help others, our attitude is more positive and relationships become easier. We are less afraid and have less anxiety. Otherwise we remain shy and hesitant, and feel the need to take a thousand precautions before we approach people. When our intentions are good, we have greater self-confidence and are stronger. This is how we learn to understand how precious and valuable kindness is.

— Dalai Lama

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Just Do It, You’ll be Happier For It

Posted in Motivation

If you want to do something with your life, if you really want to do it, just do it. I promise that you can. You just have to do it. And when you do, you’ll be happier for it.

— Ben Davis

Learn more about Ben and his journey at Ben Does Life.

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