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Mugs
Mouse Pads
Stamps
and more...
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Sunday, December 16, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Kindness Quotes
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
~ The Dalai Lama
In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher.
~ The Dalai Lama
It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him.
~ Abraham Lincoln
Kind words, kind looks, kind acts and warm handshakes, these are means of grace when men in trouble are fighting their unseen battles.
~ John Hall
It's your unlimited power to care and to love that can make the biggest difference in the quality of your life.
~ Anthony Robbins
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
~ Mother Teresa
Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.
~ Blaise Pascal
~ The Dalai Lama
In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher.
~ The Dalai Lama
It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him.
~ Abraham Lincoln
Kind words, kind looks, kind acts and warm handshakes, these are means of grace when men in trouble are fighting their unseen battles.
~ John Hall
It's your unlimited power to care and to love that can make the biggest difference in the quality of your life.
~ Anthony Robbins
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
~ Mother Teresa
Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.
~ Blaise Pascal
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
One Kind Act T-Shirts
In our continued effort to spread the word about
Tis the season so why not give the “Gift of Kindness” this year, and get one for yourself.
Please feel free to re-post this on your website or blog, just be sure to add a link to the T-shirt store (http://www.zazzle.com/onekindact).
Disclaimer: One kind act.com is a non-profit organization. Any and all funds raised by T-shirts sales go directly operating costs, so we can continue our mission.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Nothing Like a Helping Hand
Nothing like a Helping Hand
by Mary Avant
When I first read this article, I was glad to see Pascal get some type of recognition for his effortless kindness. Myself and the OKA Team have wanted to write an article about Pascal for quite sometime now. Since time is very limited we most re-print stories of kindness that we come across. I'll admit, we aren't very good writers as you can tell, so when it's time to write something in our own words, it can be quite time consuming.
This fantastic article first appeared on The Global Intelligencer Website in the beginning of October 2007. When we saw that the article was about Pascal, the team cheered, as Pascal is a friend, supporter, and extremely kind person, to say the least. We're lucky to know him and hope you enjoy this article as much as we did.
MURRIETA, CA - Ever wanted to start a project, or business and didn’t know how? Ever had a dream of getting those songs you’ve been writing actually onto a CD and out into the world? Ever longed to help others live better lives, but didn’t know where to start?
Ever wanted to make a difference in the world, but somehow never found the time?
Welcome to the 21st century. Our world is filled with information and we still don’t know where to turn. We have billions of pages of facts available to us on the Internet, and precious little time to do anything with them.
But hey, there’s help and inspiration out there. There are people around like Pascal Gillon.
Founder of the website infogatherer.com, Gillon has dedicated his life to answering people’s heartfelt desires for help. Since early 2006, Gillon and infogatherer.com have assisted hundreds of people to develop their dreams, find information and cut through the confusion surrounding the “how to’ of everything from starting a charity to starting a radio show.
Unlike websites like Kasamba.com with “30,000 skilled professionals ready to give you immediate advice or assistance on any conceivable topic” at a rate of anywhere from .10 to 15.00 per minute, or Yahoo Answers which is a free open source site more given to opinions than facts, infogatherer.com deals in personally researching information and giving encouragement to people in search of a dream. And it’s free.
Infogatherer.com shows people how to realize their dream by sending them one email. But that one email is a personalized reply to their query, directing them to targeted web and media connections to help jump start their dream. Infogatherer.com also gives coaching tips and motivating formulas for success. “We pump people up with information and inspiration,” says Gillon. “This formula is unique, and does help rekindle people's dreams.”
Despite the modest “we,” infogatherer.com is singular, not plural, and Gillon spends his day focused on supplying the needs of others while working part-time and playing Mr. Mom to two daughters. His wife, Claire, works outside the home to help support the family. Very much a jack of all trades, Gillon has studied law and owned businesses in the EU and the USA, mainly in service industries. Born in France, he has a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Administrative Management, speaks French, Spanish, German and English and has served in the French Army as a Drill Sergeant Instructor. From 1988 to 2004 he worked overseas in humanitarian as well as environmental promotion.
“In my many travels and business experiences I have seen many people that did lose their sparkle of hope for their dream,” he says. “I felt saddened by that. The true measure of someone is of what you do for your fellow man and woman. So, I decided to do something grand; to do a free service that would rekindle hope.”
As a private consultant, Gillon had discovered that finding the right kind of information and motivation would often make or break a dream. “Truly, the correct information can be the difference between gaining or losing precious time - months even years,” says Gillon. “The internet seemed to be the obvious delivery solution. Many can access it, even via cafés or libraries. Information via email would be very private. Yahoo! was easy to use to create a website and have it hosted for cheap.”
Gillon makes sure people know that his work is all about assisting people wishing for a better shot at their dreams – not about supporting them in making huge piles of money. The fact that Gillon walks his talk impresses people. They see that his life and chosen work is a perfect example of doing what you can to help the world. And they see that helping the world, no matter one’s personal limitations, is possible.
“Charging money is a big question in people's minds – there are many people who would also love to be of service, but who are too busy surviving in the rat-race,” says Gillon." I do not make any money from it because God is my boss and it is a privilege to serve others when I can. For me, that is the mark off someone that understands the cosmic laws of compassion, and that is my pay.
“Sure, we need money. But it is not how much you have, but how you use it that makes the difference. I do amazing cheap shopping, have all my house with fluorescent lights and turn off all unwanted lights and standbys at night. I shop in thrift shops, so I make money back like that.”
So what kind of information does Gillon send to people? On average, that “one email” runs well over 1,000 words, starts with a three part “plan of attack” outline and is crammed with promotional ideas, dozens of web links, coaching on how to start a website – whatever seems appropriate for getting that person’s particular dream off the ground. For example here’s a letter from a young man who dreams of being a country western recording artist: “Hi – I wish to have my music on the Top Charts. I have just made a good enough music CD and play country music around my town and state. I want to succeed in it to honor my mum who died of pancreatic cancer. What can I do? Here is my MySpace url where you can hear my music: http://www....... Thank you S.”
Gillon’s response: “Dear S - Well, as you must know, getting your songs on the charts is very competitive because it is a tough market. You must SHOUT OUT LOUD what you do! We are going to approach this in three ways: 1) Send your CD to cool Independent Record Labels; 2) You are going to contact key people in the recording business and; 3) Send a great intro letter and your CD to your local state TV and radio stations!
“When you send the CD tell the true story of why you did those songs: your mum! Show them your kind and strong passion. So, get a cup of coffee or tea, put on some inspiring tunes, read on and let the magic begin. 1) Send one CD to all the people on the following list …”
Ok. So that’s the practical advice. And the inspiration part? Here’s a sample Gillon-style: “If you do ALL what I said, even an hour a day, it will take you a few weeks but it can be done. You WILL reach your dream! And remember, everything takes time, even instant coffee - nothing comes right now! And the higher the goal, the longer it takes. Be patient and it shall reward you big time…. If no success, do it again. Failure is only if you do not do your best or do not try. Anything else is true success as you cannot do better.
“Go and ace'em!! Be proud and shine! Each time you feel impatient or morose, stop it! Listen to inspiring music, see an inspiring movie (you can rent them in libraries or similar places) for cheap or buy them on sale. Movies like Ray, Fame, Erin Brockovich, Rain Man, Dead Poet's Society, It's A Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Jerry Maguire. Even one of my favorites: Groundhog Day.”
Perhaps it’s not the most profound advice or the most erudite, but advice Gillon-style is warm and real and human. And it works. As one client wrote, “Pascal gave so much well thought out and heart-felt advice. Each day I look forward to taking another step in his great plan for my success. Each step I take gives me great joy, and there is no greater gift that can be given!”
Perhaps, in this hustle-bustle world filled with impersonal information, it is the personal attention, the personal contact, the personal encouragement that means the most. The information, given for free out of the simple desire to bring richness to another’s life, is only the excuse for the real gift.
© 2006 Global Intelligence Press, All Rights Reserved
Technorati Tags: one of a kind, chaning the world, giving back, helping others, helping the world, Making a Difference, one kind act, one kind act a day, the power of kindness
by Mary Avant
When I first read this article, I was glad to see Pascal get some type of recognition for his effortless kindness. Myself and the OKA Team have wanted to write an article about Pascal for quite sometime now. Since time is very limited we most re-print stories of kindness that we come across. I'll admit, we aren't very good writers as you can tell, so when it's time to write something in our own words, it can be quite time consuming.
This fantastic article first appeared on The Global Intelligencer Website in the beginning of October 2007. When we saw that the article was about Pascal, the team cheered, as Pascal is a friend, supporter, and extremely kind person, to say the least. We're lucky to know him and hope you enjoy this article as much as we did.
MURRIETA, CA - Ever wanted to start a project, or business and didn’t know how? Ever had a dream of getting those songs you’ve been writing actually onto a CD and out into the world? Ever longed to help others live better lives, but didn’t know where to start?
Ever wanted to make a difference in the world, but somehow never found the time?
Welcome to the 21st century. Our world is filled with information and we still don’t know where to turn. We have billions of pages of facts available to us on the Internet, and precious little time to do anything with them.
But hey, there’s help and inspiration out there. There are people around like Pascal Gillon.
Founder of the website infogatherer.com, Gillon has dedicated his life to answering people’s heartfelt desires for help. Since early 2006, Gillon and infogatherer.com have assisted hundreds of people to develop their dreams, find information and cut through the confusion surrounding the “how to’ of everything from starting a charity to starting a radio show.
Unlike websites like Kasamba.com with “30,000 skilled professionals ready to give you immediate advice or assistance on any conceivable topic” at a rate of anywhere from .10 to 15.00 per minute, or Yahoo Answers which is a free open source site more given to opinions than facts, infogatherer.com deals in personally researching information and giving encouragement to people in search of a dream. And it’s free.
Infogatherer.com shows people how to realize their dream by sending them one email. But that one email is a personalized reply to their query, directing them to targeted web and media connections to help jump start their dream. Infogatherer.com also gives coaching tips and motivating formulas for success. “We pump people up with information and inspiration,” says Gillon. “This formula is unique, and does help rekindle people's dreams.”
Despite the modest “we,” infogatherer.com is singular, not plural, and Gillon spends his day focused on supplying the needs of others while working part-time and playing Mr. Mom to two daughters. His wife, Claire, works outside the home to help support the family. Very much a jack of all trades, Gillon has studied law and owned businesses in the EU and the USA, mainly in service industries. Born in France, he has a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Administrative Management, speaks French, Spanish, German and English and has served in the French Army as a Drill Sergeant Instructor. From 1988 to 2004 he worked overseas in humanitarian as well as environmental promotion.“In my many travels and business experiences I have seen many people that did lose their sparkle of hope for their dream,” he says. “I felt saddened by that. The true measure of someone is of what you do for your fellow man and woman. So, I decided to do something grand; to do a free service that would rekindle hope.”
As a private consultant, Gillon had discovered that finding the right kind of information and motivation would often make or break a dream. “Truly, the correct information can be the difference between gaining or losing precious time - months even years,” says Gillon. “The internet seemed to be the obvious delivery solution. Many can access it, even via cafés or libraries. Information via email would be very private. Yahoo! was easy to use to create a website and have it hosted for cheap.”
Gillon makes sure people know that his work is all about assisting people wishing for a better shot at their dreams – not about supporting them in making huge piles of money. The fact that Gillon walks his talk impresses people. They see that his life and chosen work is a perfect example of doing what you can to help the world. And they see that helping the world, no matter one’s personal limitations, is possible.
“Charging money is a big question in people's minds – there are many people who would also love to be of service, but who are too busy surviving in the rat-race,” says Gillon." I do not make any money from it because God is my boss and it is a privilege to serve others when I can. For me, that is the mark off someone that understands the cosmic laws of compassion, and that is my pay.
“Sure, we need money. But it is not how much you have, but how you use it that makes the difference. I do amazing cheap shopping, have all my house with fluorescent lights and turn off all unwanted lights and standbys at night. I shop in thrift shops, so I make money back like that.”
So what kind of information does Gillon send to people? On average, that “one email” runs well over 1,000 words, starts with a three part “plan of attack” outline and is crammed with promotional ideas, dozens of web links, coaching on how to start a website – whatever seems appropriate for getting that person’s particular dream off the ground. For example here’s a letter from a young man who dreams of being a country western recording artist: “Hi – I wish to have my music on the Top Charts. I have just made a good enough music CD and play country music around my town and state. I want to succeed in it to honor my mum who died of pancreatic cancer. What can I do? Here is my MySpace url where you can hear my music: http://www....... Thank you S.”
Gillon’s response: “Dear S - Well, as you must know, getting your songs on the charts is very competitive because it is a tough market. You must SHOUT OUT LOUD what you do! We are going to approach this in three ways: 1) Send your CD to cool Independent Record Labels; 2) You are going to contact key people in the recording business and; 3) Send a great intro letter and your CD to your local state TV and radio stations!
“When you send the CD tell the true story of why you did those songs: your mum! Show them your kind and strong passion. So, get a cup of coffee or tea, put on some inspiring tunes, read on and let the magic begin. 1) Send one CD to all the people on the following list …”
Ok. So that’s the practical advice. And the inspiration part? Here’s a sample Gillon-style: “If you do ALL what I said, even an hour a day, it will take you a few weeks but it can be done. You WILL reach your dream! And remember, everything takes time, even instant coffee - nothing comes right now! And the higher the goal, the longer it takes. Be patient and it shall reward you big time…. If no success, do it again. Failure is only if you do not do your best or do not try. Anything else is true success as you cannot do better.
“Go and ace'em!! Be proud and shine! Each time you feel impatient or morose, stop it! Listen to inspiring music, see an inspiring movie (you can rent them in libraries or similar places) for cheap or buy them on sale. Movies like Ray, Fame, Erin Brockovich, Rain Man, Dead Poet's Society, It's A Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Jerry Maguire. Even one of my favorites: Groundhog Day.”
Perhaps it’s not the most profound advice or the most erudite, but advice Gillon-style is warm and real and human. And it works. As one client wrote, “Pascal gave so much well thought out and heart-felt advice. Each day I look forward to taking another step in his great plan for my success. Each step I take gives me great joy, and there is no greater gift that can be given!”
Perhaps, in this hustle-bustle world filled with impersonal information, it is the personal attention, the personal contact, the personal encouragement that means the most. The information, given for free out of the simple desire to bring richness to another’s life, is only the excuse for the real gift.
© 2006 Global Intelligence Press, All Rights Reserved
Technorati Tags: one of a kind, chaning the world, giving back, helping others, helping the world, Making a Difference, one kind act, one kind act a day, the power of kindness
Sunday, August 12, 2007
The Kindness Movement
One of the benefits of being a One Kind Act.com Team Member is that I get to interact and meet people from around the globe, an opportunity I might not otherwise have had. There are numerous sites and Blogs dedicated to kindness and making the world a better place for all. From time to time, I find something special that I want to share with our visitors and beyond.
Not to long ago, I was introduced to Pam Thomas, founder of Make the Most of U. Pam is a Life Coach who's passion is to help people find the assets and capabilities within themselves and around them, to move forward, accomplish goals, overcome obstacles, defeat fears, and create opportunities.
One day, while reading some of her "thought provoking" posts, I noticed a button on the side of her Blogs that read, "The Kindness Movement, Kindness is Contagious…" Needless to say, I was extremely curious and quite surprised when I clicked on this button.
Pam has created a fantastic presentation on Kindness, which will make you stop, think, and take action.
Be sure to visit The Kindness Movement, take some time and reflect on what you have seen. I am sure you'll it will motivate you to take a step in the direction of Kindness.
Thanks to Pam Thomas from Make the Most of U for allowing us to share her Kindness with everyone.
*After watching this presentation please be sure to stop back and give us some feedback, or maybe a story of how this inspired you to perform a kind act. Just the simple act of sharing your story, makes more of a difference then you'll ever know!
Your Friends at One Kind Act.com
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Kindess Quotes
"Catch a passion for helping others and a richer life will come back to you!"
~ William H. Danforth - Founder of Ralston Purina
"Do not wait; the time will never be "just right." Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along."
~ Napoleon Hill, Writer
"While you have a thing it can be taken from you... but when you give it, you have given it. No robber can take it from you. It is yours then for ever when you have given it. It will be yours always. That is to give."
~ James Joyce
"In a world where the big things have little difference - it's the little things that make a big difference."
~ Peter Thomson
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Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Kindness A Two Way Street
Kindness - A Two Way Street
by Matthew Costello
Most people who know me, know that I don't personally write a lot of the content on this site, however, I sometimes want to share a personally experience and after hours and hours of trying to make my article perfect, I finally decide to post what I've written in hopes my message is loud and clear.
The other day, I received an email from a dear friend praising this site and the goal of One Kind Act. I had to read the email a few times before it finally sunk in. My friend whom, I've never met in person, and lives in another country, was sending me a message, knowing that at that time, I was very frustrated with the growth One Kind Act, and wondering if the site and concept would actually, grow far greater than I could ever imagine.
In my mind, I was questioning if it was time to let go or to keep moving at this pace, and hope that someday things would change for the better. His powerful message filled with motivation and inspiration reminded me that kindness is a "Two Way Street," something I sometimes forget. I have spent so much time trying to be kind to others, that I was not allowing myself to see just how kind people have been to me.
I very much believe in having an Attitude of Gratitude and practice this each day. I am very grateful for many things, especially over the past two years, which has been these most challenging time in my life and continues still continues to be. I have always known that kindness, is a "two way" street; however, the message from my friend, which arrived right on time, was like a giant flashing sign, flashing the words, "look at all of the kindness that surrounds you!"
So, what I am trying to say that in our quest to be kind to others, and make the world a better place, lets also take the time to see all of the kindness that we receive, sometimes in return for our kind acts, and sometimes from another who simply wants to be kind.
Thanks to all who have been so kind.
helping others, kindness, one kind act, the power of kindness
by Matthew Costello
Most people who know me, know that I don't personally write a lot of the content on this site, however, I sometimes want to share a personally experience and after hours and hours of trying to make my article perfect, I finally decide to post what I've written in hopes my message is loud and clear.
The other day, I received an email from a dear friend praising this site and the goal of One Kind Act. I had to read the email a few times before it finally sunk in. My friend whom, I've never met in person, and lives in another country, was sending me a message, knowing that at that time, I was very frustrated with the growth One Kind Act, and wondering if the site and concept would actually, grow far greater than I could ever imagine.
In my mind, I was questioning if it was time to let go or to keep moving at this pace, and hope that someday things would change for the better. His powerful message filled with motivation and inspiration reminded me that kindness is a "Two Way Street," something I sometimes forget. I have spent so much time trying to be kind to others, that I was not allowing myself to see just how kind people have been to me.
I very much believe in having an Attitude of Gratitude and practice this each day. I am very grateful for many things, especially over the past two years, which has been these most challenging time in my life and continues still continues to be. I have always known that kindness, is a "two way" street; however, the message from my friend, which arrived right on time, was like a giant flashing sign, flashing the words, "look at all of the kindness that surrounds you!"
So, what I am trying to say that in our quest to be kind to others, and make the world a better place, lets also take the time to see all of the kindness that we receive, sometimes in return for our kind acts, and sometimes from another who simply wants to be kind.
Kindness is not only a powerful force, it is a "two way" street that we need to drive down, from time to time.
Thanks to all who have been so kind.
helping others, kindness, one kind act, the power of kindness
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The Underestimated Power of Kindness
The Underestimated Power of Kindness
By Steve Brunkhorst
It was a bright Saturday morning in the late fall. I had stopped at a cafe' to enjoy a cup of coffee and scan the morning newspaper. Suddenly, I felt a hand on the back of my jacket and heard someone say, "Hey Steve! How ya doin'?"
Looking up, I saw a boy wearing a mechanic's uniform worn by employees of the gasoline station next to the cafe'. He looked familiar, but, at first, I was unable to recall where we had met.
He also held a cup of coffee, so I asked him to join me. Very soon, his story--and probably my coffee--began to thaw out my memory.
Five years earlier, he had been traveling home late on a February night. He still had several of his friends with him. A ferocious blizzard had arrived that afternoon, and by midnight, the snowdrifts were getting deep. He recalled hitting a drift just down the road from my house.
He had walked to my house for help. I had taken my pickup and a towing rope and pulled him out of the snowdrift and up to the highway where maintenance trucks had cleaned away the snow.
This has been a common occurrence here during the winter. I cannot count the times someone has also pulled my car from a snowdrift.
However, it was an unforgettable experience for him. He was only eighteen at the time, and he described how frightened he had been. One would not want to be stuck all night in a storm like that one. Within a couple hours, my pickup would not have made it to the highway.
As it turned out, his memory and account of that snowy night was a very unexpected--and much appreciated--kindness toward me. I thanked him sincerely for stopping to chat during his break.
His memory of our unexpected meeting in a snowstorm brightened my entire day. Since then, we have had several chats over a Saturday morning cup of coffee.
Leo Buscaglia wrote, "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
Such simple actions can indeed have an underestimated power. Many people desperately need kind words, smiles, and listening ears. They need ears that will hear without judging and respond without possessing.
One simple kindness at the right moment can change the direction of a life and shine a light of hope when all light seems to have gone out. Sometimes it has the power to save a life.
Here is a great quote that I keep in my e-journal. It was written by William Penn...
"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again."
Make today a memorable day by sharing a smile or kind word with at least one other person. It is difficult to estimate the tremendous power and value that the simplest acts of kindness bring. However, they do not stop where they begin. Their underestimated power will continue to bring you a life of joy and memorable experiences.
© Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Brunkhorst
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Underestimated-Power-of-Kindness&id=57512
Technorati Tags : the power of kindness, one kind act, kindness, helping others
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Belief is a Powerful Tool
Belief is a Powerful Tool
by Matt Hatson
Belief is a powerful tool. What we believe frames our every behaviour. Noel Edmunds believes in this cosmic ordering business and this affects every choice he makes. It may not work for me but I say whatever gets you out of bed has the basics of a good belief.
An interesting view of the world can be taken by believing that every behaviour has a positive intent. That is - people do what they do because they hope that in doing so will generate good feelings in them. I remember this great episode of Friends where Joey challenges Phoebe to perform a selfless act. She tries all kinds of stuff but concludes that there isn’t such a thing as a selfless act because an apparent selfless act makes you feel good due to it’s apparent selflessness. So if that’s a case it would seem that this belief is one that holds at least some water, so let’s go with it and just pretend that it’s true. Personally I love feeling good and actively pursue things and actions that give me more of those good feelings.
Normally we consider those people to be bad - because they have annoyed us, cost us time or money. Consider the overbearing boss who is forever bugging you - or the friend who seems to put a downer on your good ideas... Well they are likely doing that to make themselves feel better. Ok so that activity might be misguided, however if you can see their actions from that perspective then perhaps their traits and activities are a little easier to take, and perhaps those actions won’t bug you so much. An interesting thought.
And another interesting idea is what happens when you do something that makes other people happy? Well I wonder whether the feeling you get is TEN TIMES the feeling you get when you just do something that makes YOU feel good? Remember the look on a friend’s face when you put yourself out for them, and remember how great it made you feel? How about the last time you let someone pull out of a junction? Or holding a door open for someone with armfuls of shopping. If you can’t remember a feeling - notice it next time you do something for someone - pay attention to that good feeling and hold on to it.
So imagine how great it feels to do that thing for someone else, and how the smallest things can make people feel better. Whether it’s an email to a friend telling them how great they are, or holding the door open for someone in a supermarket - all of these things have a positive intent at some level in your neurology which is amplified if it makes someone else feel good.
So why not find a moment tomorrow to do something for someone and feel at some level how great it feels. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture - just something good for someone else. You might feel a sense of peace, or perhaps happiness, or something entirely new that you’ve never noticed before. The important fact is that you will feel something - there’s no selfless act, and that feeling that you feel with that One Kind Act is surely something you want more and more of in your life because it’s the reason that we do everything if you believe that every behaviour has a positive intent, and in my experience it absolutely does. If all of this leaves you cold, hey that’s ok, whatever works for you is fine, and I’d love to hear your views.
About the Author:
Matt Hatson is a member of the One Kind Act team and is very passionate about changing the world. He resides in the U.K. where by day he is a highly respected and sought-after Business Advisor. In his spare time he studies and practices human potential, which is another one of his passions.
Technorati Tags: One Kind Act, Acts of Kindness, Helping Others, Change the World, Daily Acts of Kindness, One Kind Act a Day
by Matt Hatson
Belief is a powerful tool. What we believe frames our every behaviour. Noel Edmunds believes in this cosmic ordering business and this affects every choice he makes. It may not work for me but I say whatever gets you out of bed has the basics of a good belief.
An interesting view of the world can be taken by believing that every behaviour has a positive intent. That is - people do what they do because they hope that in doing so will generate good feelings in them. I remember this great episode of Friends where Joey challenges Phoebe to perform a selfless act. She tries all kinds of stuff but concludes that there isn’t such a thing as a selfless act because an apparent selfless act makes you feel good due to it’s apparent selflessness. So if that’s a case it would seem that this belief is one that holds at least some water, so let’s go with it and just pretend that it’s true. Personally I love feeling good and actively pursue things and actions that give me more of those good feelings.
However, if everyone is doing stuff to make them feel good - in the infinite possibilities of the universe it is likely that people occasionally do stuff in the pursuit of their happiness that actually hampers your own personal quest.
Normally we consider those people to be bad - because they have annoyed us, cost us time or money. Consider the overbearing boss who is forever bugging you - or the friend who seems to put a downer on your good ideas... Well they are likely doing that to make themselves feel better. Ok so that activity might be misguided, however if you can see their actions from that perspective then perhaps their traits and activities are a little easier to take, and perhaps those actions won’t bug you so much. An interesting thought.
And another interesting idea is what happens when you do something that makes other people happy? Well I wonder whether the feeling you get is TEN TIMES the feeling you get when you just do something that makes YOU feel good? Remember the look on a friend’s face when you put yourself out for them, and remember how great it made you feel? How about the last time you let someone pull out of a junction? Or holding a door open for someone with armfuls of shopping. If you can’t remember a feeling - notice it next time you do something for someone - pay attention to that good feeling and hold on to it.
So imagine how great it feels to do that thing for someone else, and how the smallest things can make people feel better. Whether it’s an email to a friend telling them how great they are, or holding the door open for someone in a supermarket - all of these things have a positive intent at some level in your neurology which is amplified if it makes someone else feel good.
So why not find a moment tomorrow to do something for someone and feel at some level how great it feels. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture - just something good for someone else. You might feel a sense of peace, or perhaps happiness, or something entirely new that you’ve never noticed before. The important fact is that you will feel something - there’s no selfless act, and that feeling that you feel with that One Kind Act is surely something you want more and more of in your life because it’s the reason that we do everything if you believe that every behaviour has a positive intent, and in my experience it absolutely does. If all of this leaves you cold, hey that’s ok, whatever works for you is fine, and I’d love to hear your views.
About the Author:
Matt Hatson is a member of the One Kind Act team and is very passionate about changing the world. He resides in the U.K. where by day he is a highly respected and sought-after Business Advisor. In his spare time he studies and practices human potential, which is another one of his passions.
Technorati Tags: One Kind Act, Acts of Kindness, Helping Others, Change the World, Daily Acts of Kindness, One Kind Act a Day
One Person at a Time
One Person at a Time
By Jon Gordon
Can I have some money so I can catch the bus home,” the woman said to me as I walked down Michigan Ave in Chicago last week. I had just spoken at a conference and was enjoying a several hour evening walk around one of my favorite cites- experiencing the energy and buzz of the big city.
I gave the woman a few dollars as she walked in step with me. “Do you know where the book store is,” I asked. “A few blocks ahead,” she said as she continued to walk with me. “I’m not really taking the bus you know,” she said.“I figured that,” I told her.“I live on the streets.”"Why,” I asked.“Because I just got out of prison for selling drugs,” she told me, “and I’m on parole so I can’t leave to be with my family who lives in another city.”
At first I wasn’t sure if I believed her but something inside me told me she was telling the truth. “I told you I was taking the bus,” she continued, “because a woman just told me I wasn’t dirty enough to give money to. So I had to come up with something else.” “It doesn’t matter to me,” I told her. “I give money all the time to homeless people. I used to ignore them thinking they would just spend it on alcohol but then one day I decided that what they do with the money I give is between them and God. I give to give and that’s between me and God.”
“Well, I’ll use it for a good purpose,” she said. “I’m trying to get my life together.” “You’re in pain, aren’t you,” I asked as we continued to walk. “Yes,” she said as tears started to well up in her eyes. “I figure I’m suffering right now for all I have done wrong.”
“Are you a preacher or something,” she asked with tears coming down her face? “No,” I responded, laughing. “Honestly,” I said, “I’ve been inspired by the life of Jesus and the way he lived. I just try to love others in the same way. Not perfect by any means but I strive.” “Well you should be a preacher,” she said, “because I’ve never listened to any other preacher before.”
We then reached the book store, stopped for a moment and I gave her twenty dollars to enjoy a nice meal. But as I was about to say goodbye I turned and asked her into the book store with me so I could buy her one of my books.
She agreed and we walked around the book store and sure enough there was one copy left. Then we walked over to the spiritual section and I had the impulse to also get her another book. As we stood there looking at all the books I heard a man and woman around the corner talking about love, forgiveness and God. Coincidence? I don’t think so. I went up to them and asked for their help in picking out a good book for this woman.
As they started sharing various books she might like I stood in complete awe of this moment. Three strangers, picking out a book for a homeless woman that could change her life forever. It was a miracle moment I’ll never forget.
The choice came down to two books and then I asked her, “Which one is speaking to you?” A huge smile came over her face as she pointed continuously to a book by Pastor TD Jakes. Then something interesting happened. I didn’t know where the checkout counter was but she did. She knew where everything in the book store was.
Then it hit me. “You’ve been here before,” I asked. “Yes,” she said. “I read a lot in the park during the day.” “So you use the money you collect from people like me to buy books,” I asked?“Yes, books and food,” she said. “But these books will always be my favorite.” We walked outside and she gave me a big spontaneous hug goodbye.
As I walked down the street back towards my beautiful, expensive hotel I felt guilty for not doing more. I felt ashamed for wanting to wash my hands after she hugged me with her dirty jacket. I thought of the look on her face and the tears in her eyes and felt both her hope and sorrow. The experience touched me in the deepest part of my soul. I stopped to sit on a park bench and broke down and cried.
Please know that I tell you this story not to shine a light on me but to hopefully inspire you to reach out to a stranger and lend a helping hand and make a difference, somehow, someway. It is so overwhelming when we think of all the pain in the world and yet if we all do something we can accomplish a lot. This experience has inspired me to do more and I will.
About the Author:
Jon Gordon is a leading authority on developing positive, engaged people, leaders, schools, businesses and teams. He is the author of The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel your Work, Live and Team with Positive Energy, The 10-Minute Energy Solution and Energy Addict: 101 Ways to Energize Your Life. Jon’s proven solutions are being put to use by people and organizations worldwide and his tips have been featured on CNN, the NBC Today Show, Men’s Health, Forbes, Positive Thinking Magazine, and more.
He is also the co-founder of PEP-The Positive Energy Program, which creates and funds programs that develop healthy, positive children around the world. Learn more and sign up for Jon’s free weekly energy tip newsletter at www.JonGordon.com
(Reprinted with Permission © Copyright 2007 The Jon Gordon Companies)
By Jon Gordon
Can I have some money so I can catch the bus home,” the woman said to me as I walked down Michigan Ave in Chicago last week. I had just spoken at a conference and was enjoying a several hour evening walk around one of my favorite cites- experiencing the energy and buzz of the big city.
I gave the woman a few dollars as she walked in step with me. “Do you know where the book store is,” I asked. “A few blocks ahead,” she said as she continued to walk with me. “I’m not really taking the bus you know,” she said.“I figured that,” I told her.“I live on the streets.”"Why,” I asked.“Because I just got out of prison for selling drugs,” she told me, “and I’m on parole so I can’t leave to be with my family who lives in another city.”
At first I wasn’t sure if I believed her but something inside me told me she was telling the truth. “I told you I was taking the bus,” she continued, “because a woman just told me I wasn’t dirty enough to give money to. So I had to come up with something else.” “It doesn’t matter to me,” I told her. “I give money all the time to homeless people. I used to ignore them thinking they would just spend it on alcohol but then one day I decided that what they do with the money I give is between them and God. I give to give and that’s between me and God.”
“Well, I’ll use it for a good purpose,” she said. “I’m trying to get my life together.” “You’re in pain, aren’t you,” I asked as we continued to walk. “Yes,” she said as tears started to well up in her eyes. “I figure I’m suffering right now for all I have done wrong.”
“No,” I said, “You don’t have to suffer. Now begins the first day of your life.You’re not meant to suffer from what you have done wrong.”You are meant to learn from the past so you can create a better life and future for yourself. You’ve suffered enough. Now it’s time to forgive yourself and ask for forgiveness.”
“Are you a preacher or something,” she asked with tears coming down her face? “No,” I responded, laughing. “Honestly,” I said, “I’ve been inspired by the life of Jesus and the way he lived. I just try to love others in the same way. Not perfect by any means but I strive.” “Well you should be a preacher,” she said, “because I’ve never listened to any other preacher before.”
We then reached the book store, stopped for a moment and I gave her twenty dollars to enjoy a nice meal. But as I was about to say goodbye I turned and asked her into the book store with me so I could buy her one of my books.
She agreed and we walked around the book store and sure enough there was one copy left. Then we walked over to the spiritual section and I had the impulse to also get her another book. As we stood there looking at all the books I heard a man and woman around the corner talking about love, forgiveness and God. Coincidence? I don’t think so. I went up to them and asked for their help in picking out a good book for this woman.
As they started sharing various books she might like I stood in complete awe of this moment. Three strangers, picking out a book for a homeless woman that could change her life forever. It was a miracle moment I’ll never forget.
The choice came down to two books and then I asked her, “Which one is speaking to you?” A huge smile came over her face as she pointed continuously to a book by Pastor TD Jakes. Then something interesting happened. I didn’t know where the checkout counter was but she did. She knew where everything in the book store was.
Then it hit me. “You’ve been here before,” I asked. “Yes,” she said. “I read a lot in the park during the day.” “So you use the money you collect from people like me to buy books,” I asked?“Yes, books and food,” she said. “But these books will always be my favorite.” We walked outside and she gave me a big spontaneous hug goodbye.
As I walked down the street back towards my beautiful, expensive hotel I felt guilty for not doing more. I felt ashamed for wanting to wash my hands after she hugged me with her dirty jacket. I thought of the look on her face and the tears in her eyes and felt both her hope and sorrow. The experience touched me in the deepest part of my soul. I stopped to sit on a park bench and broke down and cried.
Please know that I tell you this story not to shine a light on me but to hopefully inspire you to reach out to a stranger and lend a helping hand and make a difference, somehow, someway. It is so overwhelming when we think of all the pain in the world and yet if we all do something we can accomplish a lot. This experience has inspired me to do more and I will.
About the Author:
Jon Gordon is a leading authority on developing positive, engaged people, leaders, schools, businesses and teams. He is the author of The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel your Work, Live and Team with Positive Energy, The 10-Minute Energy Solution and Energy Addict: 101 Ways to Energize Your Life. Jon’s proven solutions are being put to use by people and organizations worldwide and his tips have been featured on CNN, the NBC Today Show, Men’s Health, Forbes, Positive Thinking Magazine, and more.
He is also the co-founder of PEP-The Positive Energy Program, which creates and funds programs that develop healthy, positive children around the world. Learn more and sign up for Jon’s free weekly energy tip newsletter at www.JonGordon.com
(Reprinted with Permission © Copyright 2007 The Jon Gordon Companies)
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Helping Sally Swin- A Kindness Story
Recently, we were introduced to a site called Help Others.org which is another Kindness website that shares many of the same goals as One Kind Act.com. It’s always great to meet other organizations and people and discuss opportunities for working together to help spread the message. HelpOthers.org is a wonderful organization and they offered to allow us to post stores of kindness that have been submitted to their site… So, we decided to start with this one.
Please be sure to visit HelpOthers.org and download or order your smile cards, you can read more about them at the end of the post.
Each year I volunteer at a camp for children with asthma. Having the condition myself, I went there myself as a camper, then became a counselor when I was of age. This camp is an wonderful place that I could spend days talking about - it does amazing things to the kids who go through the program. I’ve met a multitude of unforgettable individuals there, but one child definitely stands out.
One year, as a Senior Counselor, I was in charge of one Teams for games and activities. On the first day, the camp director came to talk to me, leading a small girl. For the purposes of this story, I will call her Sally. She was adorable, vivacious, smart, funny, and about 9 years old. And, in addition to asthma, she had sickle cell disease. This meant I had to keep a very, very close eye on her, particularly during games. Overexertion, dehydration, overheating, being too cold, not being able to breathe right: these were all things that could spell major trouble for Sally. They were things that could potentially be life threatening.
Because of her condition, Sally was not allowed to go swimming in the camp’s pool: the water had to be at least 80 degrees for her to swim, and that had never happened in the camp’s history. She wanted to SO bad, though. Then, worst heat wave ever hit camp. While this made most others miserable, Sally was in heaven; for the first time, the water temperature hit 80 degrees. She begged and pleaded, so I took her to one of the camp doctors. He gave her clearance, and Sally and I headed for the pool. It was there that I found out that Sally had rarely ever been swimming, and did not actually know how to swim.
Now, I’m not the world’s greatest swimmer, but I couldn’t take looking at her face as she watched all the other kids shooting through the water like dolphins. So we got to work. 15 minutes later, everyone in camp knew. She ran from person to person, bragging about the fact that she, who could never swim before, was now a regular little otter.
Sally will always have many more problems than the rest of us have to deal with. It may be years before she gets to swim again. But for that day, she was able to rise above the things that were holding her back and find that she could do anything. And knowing that I had helped put that smile on her face made me feel like I had really touched a life. It wasn’t just about learning how to swim; it was about rising above.
One college student was talking to another slightly older twenty-something guy about pranks that students do for rival football teams. The older guy says, “Isn’t it interesting that students are motivated to do such incredible acts without getting any credit?” Such acts are fun, collective, creative, and incredibly challenging. But typically, they’re not all that constructive nor do they leave anything with a lasting “wow” feeling either. So the question followed –why not do the same with kind acts?
More friends joined in the conversation. Right then, we thought up a game of doing anonymous act of kindness and leaving behind a “smile card” to keep the chain going. Over the next three months, we tested out the concept. And then, we setup this anonymous website and got started.
Starting in September of 2003, smile cards began appearing all around the world. They are markers of a newfangled game of tag, where “you’re it” because someone has done something nice for you. Then it’s your turn to do something nice for someone else and, in the process, pass the card along. This is a game of pay-it-forward: anonymously make someone smile, leave behind a card asking them to keep the ripple going. It’s easy and fun. Is kindness truly contagious?
Please be sure to visit HelpOthers.org and download or order your smile cards, you can read more about them at the end of the post.
by Optimist
Each year I volunteer at a camp for children with asthma. Having the condition myself, I went there myself as a camper, then became a counselor when I was of age. This camp is an wonderful place that I could spend days talking about - it does amazing things to the kids who go through the program. I’ve met a multitude of unforgettable individuals there, but one child definitely stands out.
They were things that could potentially be life
threatening.
One year, as a Senior Counselor, I was in charge of one Teams for games and activities. On the first day, the camp director came to talk to me, leading a small girl. For the purposes of this story, I will call her Sally. She was adorable, vivacious, smart, funny, and about 9 years old. And, in addition to asthma, she had sickle cell disease. This meant I had to keep a very, very close eye on her, particularly during games. Overexertion, dehydration, overheating, being too cold, not being able to breathe right: these were all things that could spell major trouble for Sally. They were things that could potentially be life threatening.
Because of her condition, Sally was not allowed to go swimming in the camp’s pool: the water had to be at least 80 degrees for her to swim, and that had never happened in the camp’s history. She wanted to SO bad, though. Then, worst heat wave ever hit camp. While this made most others miserable, Sally was in heaven; for the first time, the water temperature hit 80 degrees. She begged and pleaded, so I took her to one of the camp doctors. He gave her clearance, and Sally and I headed for the pool. It was there that I found out that Sally had rarely ever been swimming, and did not actually know how to swim.
Now, I’m not the world’s greatest swimmer, but I couldn’t take looking at her face as she watched all the other kids shooting through the water like dolphins. So we got to work. 15 minutes later, everyone in camp knew. She ran from person to person, bragging about the fact that she, who could never swim before, was now a regular little otter.
Sally will always have many more problems than the rest of us have to deal with. It may be years before she gets to swim again. But for that day, she was able to rise above the things that were holding her back and find that she could do anything. And knowing that I had helped put that smile on her face made me feel like I had really touched a life. It wasn’t just about learning how to swim; it was about rising above.
One college student was talking to another slightly older twenty-something guy about pranks that students do for rival football teams. The older guy says, “Isn’t it interesting that students are motivated to do such incredible acts without getting any credit?” Such acts are fun, collective, creative, and incredibly challenging. But typically, they’re not all that constructive nor do they leave anything with a lasting “wow” feeling either. So the question followed –why not do the same with kind acts?More friends joined in the conversation. Right then, we thought up a game of doing anonymous act of kindness and leaving behind a “smile card” to keep the chain going. Over the next three months, we tested out the concept. And then, we setup this anonymous website and got started.
Starting in September of 2003, smile cards began appearing all around the world. They are markers of a newfangled game of tag, where “you’re it” because someone has done something nice for you. Then it’s your turn to do something nice for someone else and, in the process, pass the card along. This is a game of pay-it-forward: anonymously make someone smile, leave behind a card asking them to keep the ripple going. It’s easy and fun. Is kindness truly contagious?
There’s only one way to find out …
Friday, March 16, 2007
Help Change the World
Help Wanted!
Apply Within
The One Kind Act.com Team is asking for bloggers, and Webmasters to lend us a hand and spread the word about One Kind Act! It requires little to no effort and the payoff could be huge…
A few starter ideas:
- Link to One Kind Act.com from your site.
- Write a little post about One Kind Act or post an idea here.
- Encourage others to link to us, or write a little post on their Blog about One Kind Act.
DISCLAIMER - Must Read!
- Your One Kind Act has the power to change the world!
- Results make take time to been seen.
- You may not receive an immediate thank you.
- The world may change and people make look at you and smile.
- Someone might let you get in line at the store.
- A driver may let you get in front of them, without getting annoyed.
- Someone may compliment you and truly mean it.
- You make someone’s day.
Thought to Ponder
“Every kind act, no matter how small, is like a pebble tossed into the pond of human caring…the rings reach out far beyond the point of impact; the action of our kind deed acts more kindly toward the people around them, those people act more kindly toward the people around them, and so it goes, on and on.”
The Fine Print
All of the above are typical results of One Kind Act. Please be sure you can handle the change, and you agree not to hold us liable for any kind act that you may receive.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Kind Quote
“Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight: always try to be a little kinder than is necessary?”
~ James Matthew Barrie 1860-1937, Author of Peter Pan
~ James Matthew Barrie 1860-1937, Author of Peter Pan
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