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
Showing posts with label One Kind Act a Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label One Kind Act a Day. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
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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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
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