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We Are What We Do
Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Louis Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson and Albert Einstein.
- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Sometimes, a simple reminder and a few inspiring examples can create a beautiful ripple effect. Thanks to my primary roles, I am fortunate to be reminded every day to take simple actions that will create positive change for others. I can’t imagine my life without these actions, especially knowing that I am contributing actively to improving the lives of others.
We are very talented at making excuses to rationalize our inability to help improve our world. We are over scheduled and are looking to drop, not add items to our calendar, especially a recurring item (Yikes!). If you fall into this category, you are probably about ready to stop reading this article. But wait! This post is not meant to make anyone feel negative; instead, I want to inspire you and simplify this so-called process of “giving.”
Before reading further, jot down five actions that you would like to take at least once a week. Keep that list close as we engage in a short and simple, yet awe-inspiring exploration of a few sites on the World Wide Web. But be careful, this little journey may leave you with a new spark of passion.
Below are four examples that will serve as your primary destinations on this journey of inspiration.
Are you ready? Then, let’s begin!
1. We Are What We Do
Motto: small actions X lots of people = BIG Change
At time of posting, individuals have completed 4,731,696 actions – yes, that is almost FIVE MILLION actions!
From the project’s website: “Our small, simple actions. Do them everyday and you might just change the world.”
Twitter: @WeAreWhatWeDo
2. The Beckoning of Lovely (An Inspiring Film Project)
This project and its introduction film will give you goose bumps. I’ve watched it multiple times and it never ceases to amaze me!
Watch the video on YouTube.
From the project’s blog – describing the project:
WHAT’S THE WHOLE POINT?
Make. The. Most. Of. Your. Time. Here.
Twitter: @MissAmyKR
3. Hope Notes
From the project’s website:
Start a hope revolution!
You don’t need much more than pen and paper and the power of hope-FULL words. Or, if you want to get fancy, get out the colored markers, construction paper or glitter. It’s up to you. Add your messages of hope, and on the back or bottom of the note, include the URL hoperevo.com!
Twitter: @HOPErevo
Below is an excerpt from the full project description. Check out the project link above or this story for more information!
Imagine you are going about your day, minding your own business, doing what you normally do here, there and far away. Imagine noticing something out of the corner of your eye, a package in a brown paper bag with the words “This is a gift for YOU” written on it. Would you know that the YOU in that message was YOU? Would you dare accept a gift from a total stranger left on the windshield of your car, in your bicycle basket or on a bus bench?
This is my experiment, an exploration of gratitude, of sharing a gift in every sense of the word.
Twitter: @swirlygirl18
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Now take a moment and review your list of weekly actions again. Is there something you would like to add? I would love for you to share your thoughts in the comments section!
You can change the world. Yes, YOU!
Related "ripples" you might enjoy:
- Tuesday Treasures: Serene Simplicity
- A New and Fun Approach to Gift Giving
- For Your Inspiration: A Gift from Kind Over Matter and Spring
This entry was posted on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 4:18 pm and is filed under Authenticity, Balance & Simplicity, Creativity & Inspiration. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
4 Responses to “We Are What We Do”
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Twitter: benspoont
says:
My Actions (before reading the entire post):
1) Work out
2) Watch TV with significant other
3) Share a glass of wine over a nice dinner
4) Go on a long walk with dog
5) Change the world in one small way.
After reading post:
1) Do something impacting for a stranger
2) Take care of those close to us
3) Be a better person
4) Lead by example
5) Change the world in one small way.
What an amazing post! You’ve realigned my beliefs on how small actions adding up produce big change in the world. While we cannot control everyone’s actions, we can control ours — and one person can make a difference.
Twitter: clrsimple2
says:
I love your before and after! However, I don’t think you even needed an “after” – your “before” list is wonderful (especially: change the world in one small way). Imagine if everyone put that on their to-do list!
Great post Carolyn, here are my 5 actions I jotted down after reading your post.
1. Spending more time with the ones I love.
2. Giving back in anyway I can.
3. Not be selfish and spread my knowledge to others that are willing to learn.
4. Be a positive influence.
5. Do anything to make a change.
Twitter: clrsimple2
says:
Thank you, Lee! What a great list of actions – very inspiring. Each one will make a difference!