Monday, June 25, 2007

Bridge to Terabithia

BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA described as a fantasy/adventure story of friendship, family and the power of imagination.

We watched the movie last tonight and of course cried. Not only for the loss of the little girl but the realization of loosing ourselves as we get older. We don’t dream anymore…we just try to get through the day. Now I just have to read the book! Let my imagination run wild! Lol

Skyler had a rough night of sleep so I think the movie was too much for her. But CK was interested in the movie, even with his tears, he checked out the book today the library.

People are so quick to judge. I challenge you to think about that bully in your life. Even as adults we still deal with the bullies! Many are bullies because of their own insecurities and dishonesty with themselves…I know that describes my bully. Some are bullies because they are being bullied. There was an 8th grade girl in the movie, that was the bus bully. Later it was found she was a bully because she was bullied and beaten by her dad at home.

The two stars of the movie, a young boy and girl, lost themselves in their own made up world as an escape from the bullies and bad things happening to them it seemed at every turn.

I thought about Jennifer. She told her CK that when things get bad…write! No one can judge you in your thoughts or what you write for yourself. Or like the little boy in the story…sketch!

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Make an Extraordinary Difference

Seems like impossible doesn't it?

Ordinary People Can Make an Extraordinary Difference! Deep within each one of us lies the ability to step up and make a difference, even though we often feel overwhelmed by a complex world.

I believe that this is why we’re here…to make a difference. It seems hard, but I think it doesn’t necessarily take a lot . We can’t all be Nobel Prize winners.

Think about this -

What difference do I make?
What kind of impression do I leave?
What kind of impact do I make?

To me, it’s not about impacting the world. It’s about making a difference in the lives of the people around you.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Do Unto Others

Matthew 7:12: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

As a child my understanding of this verse was simple. Be nice. I heard this verse telling me to be nice, 'cause that was how nice people act'.

I know many faiths have variations of this "Golden Rule". I know many people have their own interpretations of it as well.

For me, We should treat others as we want to be treated. It is about putting others first in our lives.

How do you like to be treated? With respect, listened to, not interrupted, loved, share things with, treated fairly, honest with, follow through on promises. If we like these things from others, it is only natural that others would like us to treat them the same.

Think about how you like to be treated. Now choose one person you will make an effort to treat like this in the coming week.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Random Act of Kindness

Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you. Princess Diana


Think about it. You can make a difference. Your one act of kindness can bring someone out of despair. Your one act of kindness can bring a smile to some one's face. Your one act of kindness could be contagious!

Among the non-stop hustle and bustle of our lives, it is easy to forget about the small acts that make life so meaningful.

We pass by so many each day without a single smile; rush through lines and the drive thru for our morning coffee while forgetting to say "please" and "thank you," and we see dozens of individuals facing everyday difficulties, but never stop to offer help. Are we becoming an insensitive, careless society of people? Have we really forgotten what it means to be nice?

Even the smallest, most simple act of kindness can make a difference in some one's life in a very big way. What are you waiting for? Act now....do a random act of kindness! Pass it on!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Magic Words

It's the little things that count. Remember what your "mama" said....always say "please and thank you".

Working with the kindergarteners this last year I was amazed at the courteousness they displayed. When asking for things, it was always followed by please. Ask any child "What is the magic word" and they will most likely say to you "please". Why is something that was so engrained in our early teachings from parents and teachers so quickly forgotten?

“Thank you.” It is highly under-rated. We teach our children to make that the first thing out of their mouths when someone gives them something or does something for them. We know it is important, but we can forget just how valuable it is as teenagers and as adults.

Children are taught the words, "please" and "thank you" very early in life. Yet by the time they reach adolescence, they seldom use them.

A simple skill, that can make a really big difference. It is really that simple….say Please and Thank you. But be prepared for what will happen. First, people will be shocked and you will get some funny looks. Second, people will smile and be nice to you. Third, your please and thank you will be passed on. Courtesy is contagious.

My husband’s, “Thank you,” when he finishes the dinner I prepare for him each night, motivates me to do it the next night too, and to do it well! My, “Thank you,” when he opens a door for me or brings me a glass of tea, lets him see I appreciate him as a gentleman.

Today, old-time courtesies help you stand out. As an individual or as a business it has become a competitive advantage. So few people express appreciation that remembering to do so can make all the difference! It also goes a long way toward forming the relationships that can turn into opportunities.

How often do you say ‘please and thank you’? There is a whole world out there in need of a kind word, a friendly face, a moment of your time. Are we becoming so rushed, busy and pressured as a society that we no longer have or take the time for these simple words? I hope not.

Why not start today?

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Bad News Overload

Due to an excess of bad news (9 firefighters killed in a warehouse in South Carolina, record breaking drought in the south east and oh yeah, all that stuff happening here), my brain is about to shift into Emergency Mode.

This means that I will make efforts to read/write about positive events and people.

Check out the header "You may only be a person in this world, but for someone, you’re the world!". I really believe that we as individuals can make this world a better place...even if it is only a small piece of the bigger picture.

Think about your day today. I will wait for a moment while you think about it. Maybe you had a business meeting today? Maybe you ran an errand? Maybe you were at your child's soccer game? Maybe you were traveling?

Each of these present opportunities to make a difference in the life of another person. No matter your age, your position in life...whatever..you make today a better for someone else.

The last 24 hours have been horrible for our family...but do you know that my youngest daughter had the biggest smile?

We sat outside where she asked me to paint her nails. After all we had been through....who was I to refuse her this delight? So as we are painting her nails she starts talking...
'your flowers sure are pretty mom',
'did you know God made today a beautiful day?' how many kids would say that on a such a rainy day as today?
'I sure hope the boys are having fun' - they were at cub scout camp,
'Storm is spoiled rotton...as she laughs' Storm is our dog...who is spoiled rotton!
She made a difference in my day.

For now...I will leave it in your thoughts to determine how you can make a difference in the life of another.