The "SECRET" to a better world!

"Be the change you 'WANT' TO SEE IN THIS WORLD..thought I'd share what the CraftLady and friend Michael shared with me Am hoping that their thoughts and day to day living is something we all can think about..know they would want to share....

The secret to a better world..Do You Agree? And are you up to the 'Challenge' of changing our world for the better.....

#1 Wake up each day being grateful for at least 3 things.
(this will no doubt change anything negative in your life to something positive.
Immediately! Our thoughts become our actions....( just a reminder)
Write them down and tuck them away...In time you will note
an amazing SECRET will surface ....mmmmmmm

#2 Never say anything in anger. Do not write, speak or shout for at least
24 hours. Time always has a way of healing the deepest wounds.
If you are so angry, write it down and tuck it away and 24 hours
later, look at it. You will conclude that whatever ailed you has passed
or at least diminished. Try it, be our guest!

#3 And the most important one. Last but not least.
Who's life can you enhance, excite, nourish, love this very day?
Do one nice thing for someone (1 person) each day.
Open a door, even if they don't thank you, and please no nasty
comebacks. (it will come back to you) Put money in an expired
meter. (wow, this one works, I love it when I drive up to a meter
and there is still money in it) Do something anonymously for someone,
flowers on their doorstep with a note " you make a difference".
The result :that neighbor will be nice to everyone, not knowing who
sent them flowers...I do this one often...
Mail off a note with the same kind of message...."your life matters to me"
Do one thing and begin today.

Soon you will note many wonderful things will happen. What is the SECRET?

It begins with each and everyone of us!!!!

Copy, mirror something successful people are doing and you will
mirror their success. Nothing happens overnight, but indeed something
happens....

What have you got to lose? Let's all do our part in making the world a better world for those yet to come...

You remain the light of our lives.

Can I play nice after coffee?

Sure can...

Well,

lets see. I have been known to donate 30-40 hours a week at 2 local schools; planning events, running box tops and campbells, helping in class rooms, doing fundraisers, running the school store, collecting donations for playground equipment, jogathon, etc, I was PTA VP for 3 years, turned down the P position 3 years, ....... I was in charge of all the large 400-500 in attandance service unit events for our local scouts for 5 years, I was also the community public relations rep at the same time writing all the articles and making contacts with business and officials. We have been known to have up to 15 cats at a time fostering in our home, among all the other fosters, we volunteer every year in a street cleanup on the main drag, we donate constantly to the local charities and closets, I do always add more money to the meters and open doors for people and I gave up a really good career path to be home for my kids, family and schools...I always wake up grateful and do know how good I have it and thank God daily for everything. I can't do anything properly without him. At the same time, there is always something else to work on and I am fully aware of that.

I think success is different for each person. How I measure success and how someone else measures success can be two totally different things.

But, in most areas of my life, it is exactly how I wanted it to be...so for me, we are successful. There is always room for growth ...but I think we are on the right track,,,,

I think everyone needs to stop and think about what success really means to them. Is success just money....with all the tempations that comes with it? Is success a high profile job with all the time away from family that comes with it? Is success knowing you have kids that everyone compliments you on? Is success knowing you live your life daily and try to be a good person, no matter what kind of car you drive or home you own?

Success is a very varied term and I think everyone needs to make the word success be something that really fits what they truly want in life, not what others say success means.

There are many " successful" people who are miserable and mean.

Good going Betty, see what happens when I have too much coffee? ;)

good thread...

You are so funny "GiddyMoon" ...I've been thinking a lot of late..now that could get ME into trouble...was in the restaurant and not on purpose could hear converstions around me..makes you wonder how individuals live in same world yet see the world so differently..some living within the same community as well...guess it's a conscious decision to see the positive and others see the negatives...I need very little material things in my life to make me happy..my friends all say that if there was a prize available for who has 'the most toys' I'd surely win..but they are not things I need to make me happy..I'm quite content with life..wondeful friends/family..that's really all that counts...
thanks for posting Giddy Moon, seems like I've really gotten to know many of you from our recent posts...and you are the type of person/persons I enjoy having in my life..

"makes you wonder how individuals live in same world yet see the world so differently..some living within the same community as well...guess it's a conscious decision to see the positive and others see the negatives"

Very...very true.

People probably look at my lifestyle the same way I look at others...however my lifestyle keeps my family happy and I get to be home for my kids with very little bills, a great home and a lot of free time.......you will never hear me worrying over 2 car payments, a house payment, a rental I cannot fill, a lifestyle I cannot keep up with and family I never see.

If I was reaching for riches / popularity, title.....and the world's approval, I would never reach it...because those are really never attainable in this world..you can't make everyone happy.

I measure success by happiness, low stress and being content with my world...that is success to me.


You will always see me in a tie dye.....it keeps in in vacation mode and makes people smile. A lot of people cannot stand them and it brings neg images or thoughts to their head...so be it. Those that frequently get offended are usually looking for things to get offended about.


I found it interesting that you brought this up today.

Just last week my better half mentioned something about career choice and being *successful* I think he was feeling down about something we could not afford to do...but it was a big thing..not something easily attainable by anyone.

It got the conversation started about what success is. And when we got to talking about it, he realized how successful we really are.

We are VERY happy with each other, we have a very peaceful home that we love, I have great inlaws and family, our kids are very smart, all honor roll, and we get compliments on their behavior all the time, we pay all our bills easily and have only ourselves to really account to, our work is a hobby that we love to do, we totally control 80% of our time, we get to go and do what we want when we want to....we get to meet a lot of people in our work, have forms good friends, get to pass along great things that people search for...I buy for friends and family and donate...I love to shop and I get to to it and make a living....we are healthy, happy and all of our needs are met....I am basically living a retirement age 20 years sooner! LOL

What is there not to love?

If you had asked me at the age of 20 what I really wantd out of life...this would pretty much be it...so to me, even though I do not have a 10 million in the bank and a fancy title, I am a success.

This doesn't mean this will fit everyone, of course not. But too often we measure success based on what the world tells us we should do or how others will see us.

No matter what I believe in being a benefit to society and not a drain....but there are a lot of ways to make that fit.

I just want people to be true to themselves...when you are...you are much happier all the way around.

Forgot to add...BOY do I need to put the coffee down!

I feel much as you do...I'm not a roller coaster type of person, like everything to be on even keal, everyone getting along and being helpful. I have friends who are millionaires, some middle class and those who are 'paycheck' to 'paycheck' types...and if I were to introduce you to all, you'd never know which is which..each content with their own lives...each always willing to help each other without having to be asked..they have in common their positive/giving and loving nature...a few friends I found drained me with the negative and the gossip, so I've now let them go by the wayside..it could be so easy to get caught up in the negative...

Guess we all have a responsibility to our children and their children to make the world that little bit better one step at a time, each and every one of us...if we can accomplish our part in it, them we are a 'success'

removing toxic people in one's life is the first step. lol

My mom is an even person too, however she will avoid conflict even when she should not...maybe at that moment it keeps peace, but it doesn't promote long term peace...and she is constantly battling with her inner self over lots of * I should be * issues. Maybe that is why I am such the opposite.

Filling your life with peaceful people doesn't mean everyone walks around like pollyanna all the time...it just means the ones that constantly drain us play a huge impact on one's physical and emotional health, more than I think people want to realize because usually those people are the ones hard to let go do to family or financial issues...but wow..the drain.


I guess the key is to surround one's self with healthy living people...peaceful, supportive, easy going, good natured...and everyone has to do their part.....easier said than done.

You are right about the kids...raise them to be an asset to the community, caring, to be aware of what they can do to be a help and to be simple in everything they do or go after...we will see...

We should be aware that "I am what makes the community / society" at all times.

One Rainer Maria quoted: There is only one journey... to go and look inside yourself."

Betty,

You start the loveliest threads! I have to make dinner now, but i'll be back.

Melissa

The "Secret" to a better world? BIRTH CONTROL LIZ

Hi, Betty--I was interested when I saw your thread about "the Secret" and it sounds like what you are talking about has to do with a DVD I just watched this afternoon that someone had seen promoted on Oprah and Larry King and recommended to me.

Anyway, here is the link to the 'official site' if anyone is interested in more details.

http://www.thesecret.tv/home.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_(2006_film)

The site seems a bit commercial/hokey, but I suppose the concept could be valid.

You know I often wonder how to make someone else's life better, not my own. I would rather see a husband,children,friends, family or even a stranger happy then myself.

I was at the store the other day and me and my 10 yrs daughter just ran in for a quick second and she had wanted one of those Easy Macs, the one that is in the bowl and you just throw in the micro, well i only brought in like $5 and it come to $5.21 and the lady standing behind me " said oh wait, i have it" that just made my day. Not many people left in the world like that. That little kind gesture just made my day, and i know it was only .21 cents but it was the thought.

And another quick story I have 2 daughters ages 10 and 13..They said mom, we don't have alot of money to get your something for "mothers day" I said...you know what would love.. A poem that you wrote or a picture that you drew/colored..That would mean the most to me cause you actually had to think about it and not just go into a store and buy me something.....The days were "just the thought counts" is long gone :o(

Char

Tobasco and Char..nice hearing from you both..it's the little/little things that people do for you that makes your heart sing...I have a little boy (well he must be 11 or 12) and he delivers the flyers every Friday night...he gets minimal $$$ from it I'm sure, but each Friday I have $2.00 waiting for him as I thanks him so very much for his efforts in making everyones shopping day a little more organized....lol...you can see him smile from ear to ear....now he brings it, doesn't throw in at the end of the drive and knocks at my door and hands it to me..what service..and only for $2.00

My boys are in their late 30's, but I still tell them a day doing odd jobs around my home is much more a Mother's Day gift than that purchased at a store..but, they feel they must do both...wasting their $$$$....lol...

I Wrote this for my 360 on line journal-seems to fit.
One Day at a time…
I love to watch the sun come up and smile in greeting of a new day. Especially when it rises over any body of water. As her shadow shimmers on the water ripple of her grand colors mirror her glorious reds and oranges from sky into the waters. Above her the night fading into the backround of the sky. This bringing my day into a new adventure. Wheather it be working in my gardens or walking in the woods preferrable by the waters, watching my kids do their thing, listening to the birds in the sky and critters busy in the day. I seek solice in my gardens where I might just sit and be, read a book, draw up what I envision, Or just hanging out and watch my little piece of the earth show me her magic. While I work I enjoy humming or singing to my plants. Although I make up some of my own little verse to whatever little beauty I am working on. I tend to be so excited at and new growth that I will and have Jumped for joy and I cry for those that don't make it. I like to work all over throughout the course of my day, so that all parts are tended with even just a smile. As the day winds down and I sit and admire all once again I watch the sun set and bid all a good night. I love the sunsets just as much a the rise. I am thankful for my day and all that has happened, the support I receive and the loves of my life. We have a family dinner and I can't help but go out to my bridge and watch the stars dance in perfect harmony around the moon. As I gaze in this splendid night light a new vision of what might be. Tomorrow... a new adventure. This I must see.

I enjoy being a quiet and simple person. I am the friend of many just by listening.
My Eldest Daughter has a friend, who just recently was kicked out of her house.
I was livid when her mother told me she was taking her to a homeless shelter! Alysa
Asked to please be brought to my house. The mother and father complied thinking that I would slam the door in the girls face. As soon as they said she needed a place to stay, no problem, I didn’t even think about it or ask my husband. What’s to ask right? That was two weeks ago, she is still with us. Last night we had a very interesting conversation about what she is going to do and plan for the future. During the course of the conversation she Thanked me for giving her a place to stay. This is a young lady whom I have practically forced to say hello everytime she came to the house. Since meeting my daughter, she has been to our house almost every day. We have taken her to our summer home for the weekends, She has become part of our family. I always make it a point to hang with my kids and there friends. All the friends know that I am home-they can come if ever there is a need my door is open and I will drop anything to listen if they need to talk about anything. I may not always know what to say but that am a very open hearted person and will give every body the benefit of the doubt. No matter what the issue or mistake we will talk of all the options there are and compromise on the final decision.
Alysa has offered to pay 150.00 for her stay, There is no way that I will accept money from this girl, my answer was do you know how to pull weeds? As long as she stays out of trouble, finds a job and helps keep the place orderly she can stay. Turning away just is not an option, I will help her anyway that I can. In return she told me she felt I was like a mom to her! Brought tears to my eyes…
Being successful to me means being forgiving. I forgive those who have hurt this girl,
I forgive her mistake and pray her parents take her home and love her the way she deserves.
Thanks for listening-
Judy

Now Judy, thank the Lord I DON"T wear make-up because you've made me cry! How wonderful, I loved your writtings..you are indeed what I call one of the 'earthly angels' ..some may laugh and make reference to such but we do walk with angels by our side, and you my dear friend are Alysa's earthly angel...

I always enjoy my sons get togethers where I see many of their friends who to this day still call me 'MOM' my home was as yours is..always inviting to those that needed guidance in their teens...how wonderful..thank you for sharing...there are just so many kind people around us..how anyone cannot see their true beauty is beyond me...one has only to walk, sit and look around them, and listen and see...what a glorious world it is..and if we just show this compassion to others, things will change..it starts with each one of us, a little step at a time...

You've made my day Judy..nice talking with you again...
Betty

Hi Betty and all,
Geeze Betty didn't mean to make you cry, but i am glad they were tears of compassion. Update on Alyssa, well she is still with us-Has no job but filling out apps. Talks to her folks daily and i think they are allowing her to return this weekend...
It is a wonderful thing when kids come to friends houses and feel comfortable enough to be themselves. I would rather have all the kids at my house then out somewhere doing gosh know what. Some of them just come to get away from very caotic situations-Tou know what most of the problem seems to be-There parents are NEVER home. They have no one to talk to, ask the simple how was your day? It's very sad. I am also sad that when Alyssa does return home, there is no how was your day, no family dinners, no good night see you in the morning--But I do have to say,
she now greets me with a smile a hello when I come home from work.
It is very hard to give very positive to people who only think negative, but I do keep trying.

Char - I think it was wonderful of that lady to give yiou .21 what a wonderful lesson for your young daughter.

Judy

You'll miss her for sure...but think of what you may have done for her future...she was walking a tightrope..and you guided her towards a brighter future..you are to be commended...doesn't take a whole lot to change a childs future..simple words, a smile and an I care what happens to you...simple...don't know if we have any idea as to how powerful our actions/words can be? It overwhelms me!!!!

Let us know how she makes out...