The Seed That Never Grew
A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you." The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today - one very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO." One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by muruga
- Sep 6, 2009
- 35 Comments
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A Season to Renew
As the new season of autumn approaches, let us consider not only the outward changes of renewal in nature as we see the color of leaves change, but also look to the renewals in our relationships and honoring the needed changes that need to take place within them. Listen now, to the words of a revered sage, as he imparts wisdom on refreshing our relationships. Our thoughts,words, and actions often cause harm to others and to us. Renewing our relationships on a regular basis is an important practice. Without reconciliation, we cannot deepen our understanding and we only cause more suffering . Every week we have the time to go to the cinema, to go shop, but we rarely find the time to renew the relationships with the people who are close to us. " Begining Anew " is a practice of reconciliation. It involves three steps - sharing, appreciation, expressing regret ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by sethi
- Oct 8, 2009
- 9 Comments
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The Crocodile Whisperer
Whether a person likes animals, reptiles or not, this really is amazing, just goes to show what some human kindness can achieve. Rather than trying to tame wild stallions, fearless Costa Rican fisherman Chito prefers a playful wrestle in the water with his best pal Pocho -- a deadly 17ft crocodile. The 52-year-old daredevil draws gasps of amazement from onlookers by wading chest-deep into the water, then whistling for his 980lb buddy -- and giving him an affectionate hug. Crazy Chito says: "Pocho is my best friend. This is a very dangerous routine but we have a good relationship. He will look me in the eye and not attack me. "It is too dangerous for anyone else to come in the water. It is only ever the two of us." Chito made friends with the crocodile after finding him with a gunshot wound on the banks of the Central American state's Parismina ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by Nik
- Oct 20, 2009
- 4 Comments
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This Is What Christmas Is All About
You never know where kindness from strangers may appear. The snow started at 4:30 Friday evening and didn’t stop until Saturday evening. Many parts of the northeast received up to 20 inches. I had been snowed in for over 24 hours and was starting to feel cabin fever strike. The shoveling started around 11:00 Sunday morning and after an hour I felt like I had just started. I suffer from scoliosis and was starting to feel the pain so I decided to go in for a bit. Around 2:30 I threw back on my winter gear and headed back outside, thinking to myself: “This is going to take forever and boy am I’m going to be feeling it tomorrow!” In the distance I saw a man riding a small John Deere tracker and attached to the back a snow plow. He stopped and offered to plow the remaining driveway making ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by rorris02
- Dec 25, 2009
- 6 Comments
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Showing Kindness to Even the Smallest Beings
I have found that the way I treat insects acts as a reflection of my approach to kindness. Like most kids, I suppose, I mistreated bugs terribly. But many adults continue the rampage against insects, and I have often found that they do this mindlessly, killing them for no reason. With the weather getting warmer, more bugs are getting into our houses. We also spend more time in "their house," as we enjoy the great outdoors. We find ourselves reaching for the fly swatter and insecticides to get rid of them. But why do we do this? Most insects pose no threat to us, but we kill them anyway. As a young adult, I found myself questioning my treatment of bugs. It became a moral issue. I remember reading a Native American story about a mother who saw her daughter stomp on a spider. The mom simply asks the child: "Now who'll take care ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by timcollardey
- Feb 8, 2010
- 11 Comments
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Smile Deck: Ace of Spades
I recieved my new Smile Deck (a deck of cards with a unique kindness idea on each card) from HelpOthers.org. I have distributed a few of the cards (asking, of course, that they be returned to me as soon as the mission on that card is completed). I have not yet heard back any stories from the cards I sent out but I look forward to hearing them and to sharing them here with all of you. :) I drew one card myself. It was the Ace of Spades. The task on the card was to make signs about conserving water and distribute them in public places. I used 'Word' to make the signs. I put a pretty picture of a leaf with water droplets on it at the top and then listed 5 easy practical ways YOU can conserve water and then printed off a few copies. I posted one in the laundry matt near where I ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by iferlamb
- May 27, 2010
- 8 Comments
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A Generous Gesture That Made A Dream Come True
I had a dream for over a year, to attend the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December. I had even reserved a hostel room a year in advance because I so wanted to be there. I had worked very hard to arrange things, but was having trouble raising money for the trip. I asked one of my MBA professors who is connected in investing circles to ask, if I were to write an appeal letter, would he please send it to his contacts? He apologized, because he said there is not much money available right now because of the economy. Then he paused, and asked me where I was flying from. When I told him, he asked me if he could help me out with flight miles to Copenhagen for the trip. I was awestruck by the offer. I hurried to tell him that I had not mentioned this to ask ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by GreenMBAGirl
- Jun 15, 2010
- 9 Comments
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Just By Making A Little Positive Effort
It's only since I've been walking everywhere that I noticed the “grot spots” and dangerous locations in and around my town. When we are safe and snug in our cars we tend to whizz by and hardly notice what life is like for those who travel on foot! But, deprived of a car, I saw everything from the perspective of the more vulnerable pedestrian. Speaking to local residents I came to realise that other foot-travelling folk had the same concerns about litter, dog dirt, absence of street lighting, dangerous driving and impossibly placed road crossings too. I decided to do something about it, so I wrote to my local council. And do you know what? They actually thanked me for bringing these issues to their attention! I was kept informed of their progress and can happily say that they have taken action on all but one issue! I believe we should do our best ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by Jules
- Apr 12, 2011
- 14 Comments
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A Big Urge To Do A Little Bit More
This morning I went to drop of my large items to the recycling center. There was an Asian lady in the line who looked about 65-70 years old. She had 6 big black bags of recycling with her. I asked her if she wanted my items, because she was commingling and she could get money for it. She accepted them and thanked me with the most wonderful, loving hug I have ever had. After leaving the recycling center, I went to the market. I had just finished writing my book, and am hoping to get it published someday. I wanted to pick up some steaks to celebrate. It was kind of a special occasion for me, since I have been unemployed for four months and money is tight. At the market, I had the steaks in my hand, but then thought about the lady at the recycling center. I put them back ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by charmedlife9
- Jun 25, 2012
- 27 Comments
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Gardens Of Art
Our neighbor grows the most amazing gardens! They are real works of art. The beauty she creates spills out even to her neighbor's yards with amazing displays of color.
It brings me such joy to serve her and others. I hope my happiness spills out in love and joy to others who, in turn, pay if forward with goodness all around our beautiful town.
- Posted by oregonrawk
- Aug 7, 2012
- 13 Comments
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3,762 Miles Walked And 100 Tons Of Trash
On an unassuming weekday evening, Jane was at home… as usual. As her thoughts swung between what she was going to do with her life and their dinner plans for the evening, she was unexpectedly interrupted by an urgent call from her sister “get over here! Turn on NBC and check these guys out, they are just like you…” One facebook message and a phone interview later, Jane found herself on a bus with 8 strangers in the middle of the sweltering desert heat of Utah, picking up trash and raising awareness about zero-waste and climate change. Armed with a deep love of the environment and a desire to make a difference, Jane, Davey, and a group of self described “environmental pick-up artists” went on a coast to coast road side trash pick-up. As they walked, sometimes only covering 0.9 miles in an entire day, they slowly and steadily made their ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by fern514
- Feb 1, 2014
- 7 Comments
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Planting Seeds
I've learned that when you truly open your heart and try to connect with others, people will often surprise you. A few of us decided to make some sandwiches today and share them with the homeless around our neighborhood. And this is how we met Michael. Unlike your typical homeless person, Michael started a community garden on a small patch of land on the sidewalk of busy intersection. He was thrilled to show us the beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, and sunflowers that anyone is welcome to take! He said it has sprung up with the help of others who've given him seeds, plants, and soil but mostly because of the kindness of others. Michael, who can often be found playing with his dog named Red-dawg at a nearby park, has a lot to teach. Living on the streets isn't easy but he has really learned to do the most with what little he has. Planting little seeds wherever he can find the space, and watering them. :-)
- Posted by bluebuddha
- Mar 14, 2014
- 9 Comments
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Cleaning The Car And The Coast
Yesterday I helped a very busy friend clean out her car. We vacuumed and steam cleaned the upholstery. She was so happy and relieved to finally have it done!
Today was International Coastal Clean-up Day. So, my husband and I spent a very rainy morning picking up trash on the beach.
It seems like such a drop in the bucket (even though it involved many buckets) but it was a satisfying experience and one we will continue regularly on our own.
I highly recommend this experience. It may change your perspective on all things plastic!
- Posted by tsagem28
- Sep 17, 2014
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Family Harvesting
Today was a harvesting day as coolness is in the air and the garden and wood needed to be tended. So as a family we worked together, my son and his wifely one, myself and my husband.
We laid the garden to rest, thanking the soil, the sun, the rain, the seeds for growing into these amazing plants. We cut and split wood and filled our wood shed full - all working together and it felt so good.
Now we have tomatoes to ripen and can, apples and plums to process, and in the end we will give some away to people who will appreciate a fresh jar of jam or some fruit leather or....
This is one of my favorite kindnesses - to work together with my family - being warm, kind, and helpful.
- Posted by sue1
- Nov 26, 2014
- 7 Comments
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An unlikley friend helped pick-up trash
The winter thaw has revealed a lot of debris. Even hiking up the woods I came across random trash scattered along the trail. I have a habit of picking up as much of it as I can and carrying it out to throw away when I hike: I find this trait can be contagious when others witness it.
Today I picked up a few bottle caps and I saved them for a friend who is an artist and is using them for a new project ... also cans, random styrofoam packaging,and a few cups.
At one point my dog started running over to point out trash to me, please with herself and her ability to nose it out - this made me laugh. Apparently recycling is not limited to humans. Cheers to green spaces, wagging tails and laughter found in unexpected situations.
- Posted by eckyssister
- May 5, 2015
- 8 Comments
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