21 Pictures That Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity

This article of these amazing photos was published yesterday on Buzzfeed by Jack Shepherd.


Regardless about how you stand on certain political and social elements that some of these pictures touch upon, you have to admit that it's hard not to be moved by them.


1. This picture of Chicago Christians who showed up at a gay pride parade to apologize for homophobia in the Church.

... and the reaction from the parade.

(Michelle Gantner / Maladjusted Media

2. This story about Japanese senior citizens who volunteered to tackle the nuclear crisis at Fukushima power station so that young people wouldn't have to subject themselves to radiation.

Source: bbc.co.uk

3. This picture of two Norwegian guys rescuing a sheep from the ocean.


4. This sign at an awesome bookshop.

Source: helsinki-syndrome
5. This poll about what Snooki should name her child.

6. The moment in which this Ohio athlete stopped to help an injured competitor across the finish line during a track meet.

Image by The Daily Call, Mike Ullery / AP

17-year-old Meghan Vogel was in last place in the 3,200-meter run when she caught up to competitor Arden McMath, whose body was giving out. Instead of running past her to avoid the last-place finish, Vogel put McMath's arm around her shoulders, carried her 30 meters, and then pushed her over the finish line before crossing it.

7. This exchange between a 3-year-old girl and a shopping center.



8. This note that was handed to a waiter along with a $20 bill by an elderly lady in his restaurant.


9. This sign at an awesome Subway restaurant.


10. This picture of a villager carrying stranded kittens to dry land during floods in Cuttack City, India.

Image by Biswaranjan Rout / AP

Image by Biswaranjan Rout / AP

11. This sign at an awesome drycleaner's.
Plaza Cleaners in Portland, OR, helped over 2,000 unemployed workers who couldn't afford dry cleaning. The store's owner estimated that it cost his company $32,000 dollars.

12. This photograph of a man giving his shoes to a homeless girl in Rio de Janeiro.

13. This picture of a firefighter administering oxygen to a cat rescued from a house fire.
(TOM BAUER/Missoulian)
14. And this one.

Image by Chris Butler / AP

15. This interaction between a Guatemalan girl and a tourist she just met.


16. This gesture from a neighbor.


17. These photos of two children collaborating to rescue a dog who had fallen into a ravine.


18. This note on a young family's check.


19. This exchange between a protester and a soldier during a protest in Brazil.
(Imagens/ TVBA)
20. These pictures of a man jumping into rough waters to rescue a stranger's Shih Tzu in Melbourne.


Via: news.com.au

Sue Drummond was walking her beloved Shih Tzu, Bibi, on a pier in Melbourne, when a fierce gust of wind picked him up and hurled him into the rough waters of the bay. A passerby, Raden Soemawinata, who happened to be on the pier that day to scatter his grandmother's ashes, wasted no time in stripping down and diving into the bay to rescue the animal.

(Photos: Chris Scott)

21. And this photograph of two best friends on a swing.

Source: volobuev.me

Free Hugs Campaign

This is the story of Juan Mann, a man with a simple, yet revolutionary idea: to offer free hugs to strangers and brighten their lives.  This sparked the Free Hugs Campaign, and this viral video which has been viewed over 72 million times.  Check it out and give someone a hug today!

In what way can YOU change the world with a simple, revolutionary idea?

Muhammed Ali "Impossible is Nothing"

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."

-- Muhammad Ali

Thanks For Your Time

This story has been circulating on the internet for a while.  I don't know who wrote it, but I do know it's a great reminder of what's important in life.  Enjoy, and thanks for your time!

Thanks For Your Time

Author Unknown

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, “Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday.” Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

“Jack, did you hear me?”

“Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It’s been so long since I thought of him. I’m sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago,” Jack said.

“Well, he didn’t forget you. Every time I saw him he’d ask how you were doing. He’d reminisce about the many days you spent over ‘his side of the fence’ as he put it,” Mom told him.

“I loved that old house he lived in,” Jack said.

“You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man’s influence in your life,” she said.

“He’s the one who taught me carpentry,” he said. “I wouldn’t be in this business if it weren’t for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important… Mom, I’ll be there for the funeral,” Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser’s funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture… . Jack stopped suddenly.

“What’s wrong, Jack?” his Mom asked.

“The box is gone,” he said.

“What box? ” Mom asked.

“There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he’d ever tell me was ‘the thing I value most,’” Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

“Now I’ll never know what was so valuable to him,” Jack said. “I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom.”

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. “Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days,” the note read.

Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention.

“Mr. Harold Belser” it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack’s hands shook as he read the note inside.

“Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It’s the thing I valued most in my life.”

A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover.

Inside he found these words engraved: “Jack, Thanks for your time!  Harold Belser.”

“The thing he valued most…was…my time.”

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days.

“Why?” Janet, his assistant asked.

“I need some time to spend with my son,” he said.

“Oh, by the way, Janet…thanks for your time!”

Guide Dog Saves Blind Man's Life at the 9/11 Attacks at The World Trade Center

This is the story of Salty, the guide dog that saved his owner's life during the attacks on the Twin Towers on 9/11.  It was one of the stories featured on the National Geographic program, "Where Were You?"


Salty was awarded an award for her bravery.  

Not all heroes are people.

Make it Happen or Make an Excuse

So the question is, what is really important to you?

Ricochet the SURFice Dog

This is the story of Ricochet, a champion surf dog.  She was raised to be a service dog, but found her true calling as a SURFice dog.  Ricochet is the only known dog in the world who surfs with special needs kids and people with disabilities as an assistive aid.

In this video, she surfs with quadriplegic surfer, Patrick Iveson.  She raised over $10,000 for Patrick, and has raised almost $150,000 for more than 150 human and animal causes.

Here is the link to her page.

While not nearly as impressive or inspiring as Ricochet's accomplishments, here's a 8 second video of our French Bulldog, Moxie learning to skateboard.  Who knows, with a little more training, maybe Moxie can start fundraising too!

The Mugging of Julio Diaz: A Story About Remarkable Generosity

Today's Inspiration Cupcake is one of the most unbelievable stories of generosity I've ever heard.

One evening, Julio Diaz stepped off the subway onto an empty platform in the Bronx and was approached by a teenage boy with a knife demanding his wallet.

Julio handed over his wallet, and as the boy started walking away, Julio stopped him.  He said, "Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something. If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm."  

The boy stopped dead in his tracks and asked, "Why are you doing this?"

Julio responded, "If you're willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must really need the money. I mean, all I wanted to do was get dinner and if you really want to join me ... hey, you're more than welcome."  The boy took him up on his offer and they ate dinner at Julio's favorite diner. 


When the waitress left the bill, Julio said to the boy, "Look, I guess you're going to have to pay for this bill 'cause you have my money and I can't pay for this. So if you give me my wallet back, I'll gladly treat you."  The boy returned the wallet and Julio gave him $20.  Julio asked for something in return — the knife.  The boy gave it to him.  


Listen to Julio's story in his own words on NPR's Storycorps here:

Quote of the Day: This is Your Life

I just love this.  It's hanging on my bulletin board and I am inspired by it every single day.
Hope you enjoy it too!

Finish Strong!

As this week and this year are winding to a close, here's a great Simple Truths video, reminding us all to Finish Strong!

Quote of the Day: The Grand Essentials of Happiness

Motivation Monday: Don't Wait

Hope you all had an amazing Christmas surrounded by those you love!

Today's Motivation Monday is a simple thought.  In order to live the life you deserve, you have to do more than just sit back and wait.  Sometimes you have to break out of your comfortable habits and make it happen

Photo courtesy of http://noeeeee.tumblr.com/

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Happy Monday!  

Quote of the Day: What Makes You Come Alive?

Today's inspirational quote of the day.

Photo courtesy of Julian Bialowas.

Motivation Monday: A Quick Reminder

Photo courtesy of workisnotajob.

Quote of the Day: Let go!

Continuing with yesterday's theme, here's today's inspirational quote of the day.

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Trust me, there something amazing waiting for you!

TED Talk Tuesday: SARK and How I Almost Became a Lawyer

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, I just found out that SARK, one of my favorite artists/muses/inspirations/women in the whole world just did a TED Talk!  And I am Snoopy-dance happy to share it (and her) with you.

For those of you who haven't been introduced to SARK yet, SARK stands for Susan Arial Rainbow Kennedy.  She is a best-selling author who has published a whopping 16 books, she is the CEO and founder of Planet Sark, this amazing website that supports empowered living, and most importantly, a huge role model that encourages living creatively and authentically.

SARK's website is www.planetsark.com - you MUST check it out!

I can't even remember who first introduced me to SARK.  All I know is that she was a HUGE influence on my life.  I got her book, Inspiration Sandwich right around the time I was leaving Michigan to move to Hawaii.  Have you ever read one of those books that speaks so perfectly to you at the exact time you needed to hear what it has to say? That's what her book was to me.

SARK makes awesome posters like this.  How can you not love her?

You see, a year before that, my entire life was "set."  I had graduated college and was getting ready to head off to a prestigious law school.  I was well on my way to becoming that high-powered corporate attorney in New York City that I knew I was going to be since the fifth grade.  Things were working out as planned, and life was good.

Except, underneath all that puffed-up bravado, there was my little nagging voice that whispered that law school wasn't what I really wanted to do.  I pushed aside that voice, drowning it out with thoughts of how powerful I was going to be, how important, how rich.  I  pushed the fear aside with images of my corner office overlooking Manhattan skyscrapers.

But then my little voice turned into a roar.

The day I was supposed to mail in my non-refundable deposit to law school, I decided to walk to the post office and drop it off.  Half-way there, I started hyperventilating.  I broke out into a cold sweat, and started feeling like I was going to pass out.  I thought I was going to die.  I must have looked insane as I crumpled down on the lawn of someone's house and stared at the clouds through a big tree.

I now realize that was a panic attack, but at the time, I totally thought I was having a stroke.  Regardless of the label, that incident was my body telling, screaming at me, what my mind was not willing to hear.  I did NOT want to go to law school.

The next year was a really dark one for me.  I had to tell my parents I wasn't going to law school, and worse, I didn't have a clue of what I  wanted to do.  I had to shed all those labels that I hid behind for so long.  I was lost, and I felt like a total failure.

And then I found SARK.  Her writing was like a colorful, bright light that illuminated my bleak gray outlook.  She wrote about living juicy and being true to your authentic self, and her writing helped me not only accept, but celebrate my choice to be true to myself, no matter how scary it was.  Months later, I made the decision to move to Hawaii, which was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  And my life just started to fall into place.  My authentic life, this time.

Needless to say, I adore SARK.  Here is her recent TED Talk.  I totally hope you enjoy it!

Here are more awesome SARK posters:

Photo of the Day: Be Unique

In a sea of mediocrity and sameness, sometimes it's good to be unique.

Today's photo of the day was shot by Alex Tattersall, and was a winner of the 2009 National Geographic International Photo Contest.

Shara's Journey

Yesterday's quote of the day on courage inspired me to share the story about one person and her courageous journey.

Shara Enay had a pretty close to a perfect life here in Hawaii.  She had a blossoming career in news as a writer for Hawaii Business.  She had a weekly segment on the KHON morning news.  She kicked my butt every week in kickboxing and weightlifting class at Honolulu Club.  And she just got engaged.

And then she went on a trip and everything changed.

Shara's company offers this incredible program that sends some of their employees throughout the world  to volunteer and experience different cultures (How cool is that? I think if more companies offered programs like that, the world would be a better place).  She spent two weeks in Ethiopia with the non-government organization, Global Health Network International and had a "life-changing" experience.

Here's the story of her first adventure in Ethiopia (in two parts):

So what is Shara doing now?

This, to me, is the incredible part of the story.  Three months after returning home from Ethiopia, Shara resigned from her job, packed up her safe, comfortable life in Hawaii and moved to Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.  She's volunteering with an orphanage for children with HIV or who have lost parents to HIV.

I am blown away by Shara's courage on so many levels.  I think it's easy to say we want to do something, go someplace, change something.  Shara actually did it.  Twice.

I am also inspired by how she listened to her heart and to her calling.  How often do we quiet that little voice because what it's whispering "isn't practical" or "isn't safe" or "isn't something anyone would understand"?  Shara honored her spirit.  That is true courage.

Shara, you are my hero!

Please check out her blog and follow her courageous journey in Ethiopia.

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