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Showing posts with label the power of kindness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the power of kindness. Show all posts
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
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.
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.
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
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