Everyone has a story

You see a man at the grocery store yelling at the clerk. You may think he is this way because he was treated unfairly, maybe it is because of something in his past and that maybe it is not his fault. Maybe it is. Either way, there is a story. And because there is a story it is a chance to show grace and compassion.

You see a woman scream at her child for picking up a candy bar near the checkout. You may think she is this way because she is trying to teach her kids right from wrong, maybe she is short on time or maybe it is because she cannot afford the candy bar. Still, there is a story.

Think of someone you see casually each day but have never talked to. The waitress at the local coffee shop, the security guard or the person who eats lunch alone each day.

Even though we have never spoken to any of these people, it is human nature to make up a story in our mind about who they are, what kind of people they and what they are like.

We even do this for people we do not know very well.We are quick to judge on these stories we have created in our minds. What do you think would happen if we stopped listening to the stories as we think they are in our minds, but rather stopped and listened to the real story?

Everyone has a story to tell. We all learn from one another. We all learn from experience.Take some time to get the real story, of their experience.

Everyone wants to be heard and feel that what they have to say is meaningful to others. As you get older, you realize just how much more important these stories become. And how important it is just to be heard.

Take the opportunity to listen with open ears, open mind and an open heart to the stories of the people around you. It will greatly enrich your life and soul!

You will meet new friends, be humbled by the challenges that some people face, and be inspired and encouraged by the accomplishments they have achieved. Listen without making judgments and resist the urge to tell your own story. You will be giving a gift to everyone around you and will get some very special gifts in return.

Remember that everyone has a story and every story matters!

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.

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!

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.