My Turn To Share Goodness

My son is very picky so I go to the same pizza place several times each week before I pick him up from school, so he can eat while we drive home. It's right across from his school so I usually stop just minutes before pick up time. I was running a bit behind when I made my stop yesterday but I'm usually in and out in under a minute so I wasn't too worried. That is until I realized that the customer ahead of me had a very complex order. After a couple minutes of discussing the special order with this customer, the man behind the counter told her he would like to get hers right so was going to quickly ring me up for my usual order and get right back with her. She happily agreed.

By this time I had realized that one of the issues with her order was that she wanted extra toppings but had only brought enough money to cover a basic pizza. She had to keep adjusting her pizza to fit into her budget but she really wanted all the toppings so she was struggling. I noticed that she had a cast on her leg and her arm and I knew this little lady was not having her best day.

While the man was ringing up my sale I turned to the lady and asked if she would like to trade my Ten dollar bill for her 8 dollars?  I didn't want to insult her but I knew she wanted her yummy pizza. She was not offended by my offer but more shocked. Yet another reminder that we often forget to "share goodness" in our daily lives. She happily traded with me and we agreed that it would be much more delicious with all of her toppings :).

She was so grateful for my tiny gesture and I felt great knowing that she would truly enjoy her dinner. I always look for small ways to compliment people or say a kind word but this was a situation that fell right into my lap and I loved the outcome.

Finally, it was my turn to share goodness!

The Giving Gift

When I was around 8 years old my parents wanted to learn about meditation. I remember the experience like it was yesterday because we were included in the process and there were steps involved that we had to complete by ourselves. The only details I remember as far as the actual program we were learning was that it was founded by Maharishi. I remember his photo on the wall at the facility that we went to. We learned how to mediate with the Transcendental Meditation program or TM. Over the years my dad did keep up his practice of meditation and I would do it from time to time when I felt overwhelmed but I really did not do it as much as I should have or would have liked to.

I recently started adding this meditation practice to my daily routine and I already feel it working. I absolutely love that my parents thought to include us in this process all those years ago because even though it's been almost 25 years, I still remember the TM technique.

The other day I was watching Oprah's new show and was surprised to see that there is actually a community inIowathat is filled with people who are actively practicing TM and it is part of their everyday lifestyle. They even  have a Maharishi school where they are teaching young kids to practice just like I was taught. They did interviews with high school and college students and they were saying how much more successful they were than so many of the kids they meet their age because they are more centered.

I had no idea the gift my parents were giving to me all of those years ago but now I do and I am so grateful!

I live in a chaotic world with a full plate and a great deal of weight on my shoulders. This lesson they shared with me is the perfect way to keep my busy life in order and my stress at a low level. Thanks Mom and Dad!

To learn more about TM check out http://www.tm.org/maharishi

The Good News is..Entry #1

 

 

News stories are mostly based on crime and saddness, but there is sooooooooo much goodness out there so this new section will highlight good news around the world.

Story #1-The Good News is..

From Aol/Huffington Post World News 4/11/12

This is AMAZING!

Argentina Baby Alive After 12 Hours In Morgue

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — A mother in Argentina says she fell to her knees in shock after finding her baby alive in a coffin in the morgue nearly 12 hours after the girl had been declared dead.

Analia Bouter named her newborn Luz Milagros, or "Miracle Light." The tiny girl, born three months premature, was in critical but improving condition Wednesday in the same hospital where the staff pronounced her stillborn on April 3.

The case became public Tuesday when Rafael Sabatinelli, the deputy health minister in the northern province of Chaco, announced in a news conference that five medical professionals involved have been suspended pending an official investigation.

Bouter told the TeleNoticias TV channel in an interview Tuesday night that doctors gave her the death certificate just 20 minutes after the baby was born, and that she still hasn't received a birth certificate for her tiny girl.

Bouter said the baby was quickly put in a coffin and taken to the morgue's refrigeration room. Twelve hours passed before she and her husband were able to open the coffin to say their last goodbyes.

She said that's when the baby trembled. She thought it was her imagination – then she realized the little girl was alive, and dropped to her knees on the morgue floor in shock.

A morgue worker quickly picked up the girl and confirmed she was alive. Then, Bouter's brother grabbed the baby and ran to the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, shouting for the doctors. The baby was so cold, Bouter said, that "it was like carrying a bottle of ice."

A week later, the baby is improving. Bouter said she still has many unanswered questions about what happened. She said she had given birth normally to four other children and doesn't understand why doctors gave her general anesthesia this time. She said she also doesn't know why she wasn't allowed to see her baby before it was put into a coffin.

She said she had to insist on going to the morgue's refrigeration room, where she brought her sister's cell phone to take a picture of the newborn for the funeral. Her husband struggled to open the lid, and then stepped aside to let her see inside.

"I moved the coverings aside and saw the tiny hand, with all five fingers, and I touched her hand and then uncovered her face," she said in the TeleNoticias interview. "That's where I heard a tiny little cry. I told myself I was imagining it – it was my imagination. And then I stepped back and saw her waking up. It was as if she was saying `Mama, you came for me!'

"That was when I fell to my knees. My husband didn't know what to do. We were just crying and I laughed and cried, cries and laughter. We must have seemed crazy."

She says the family plans to sue the staff at Hospital Perrando in the city of Resistencia for malpractice, and still wants answers. But they've been focused for now on their little girl, whom she described as amazingly healthy despite being born after just 26 weeks of gestation. So far, she hasn't needed oxygen or other support commonly provided to preemies, she said.

"I'm a believer. All of this was a miracle from God," she told Telam, Argentina's state news agency.

An Amazing Day of Giving-Receiving

As part of our sharing goodness mission, my sisters my mom and I spent a couple hours with the girls at Vista Maria. Vista Maria is a wonderful organization that's mission is to, in their words " heal Michigan's victimized girls and women with best-practice treatment programs designed to meet their unique needs while serving other vulnerable children and families within Southeast Michigan." We originally planned to gift several of the girls with some of the adorable products offered by www.Darceeshope.com but as we began to plan it more with the amazing coordinator Becky, the event evolved into an inspirational crafting session as well.

 I was referred to this wonderful place by my friend Terry of Enchanted Makeovers when I told her my mission but was unsure of exactly where to begin. Terry told me about Vista Maria and this was the absolute perfect match! The 4 of us headed to the Miriam House which is an on campus home for several girls. We brought along crafting supplies, tons of inspirational quotes that we printed and blank wall hanging boards for the girls to decorate. We thought the girls would quickly do the project but we were so excited and surprised that they took their time and really created such beautiful designs. We all spent time together crafting and chatting and it was such an unbelievable experience. There was so much talent in all of these girls that the little collages we had anticipated were instead works of art. We all loved getting to know these special girls and I believe our mission of sharing goodness and brightening their day was absolutely accomplished.

At the end of the event, we handed out tote bags filled with jewelry and accessories, to each girl. Each bag had a name tag on it and said "you are a star." I have never witnessed such gratitude and apprecation for a gift and because of that, we received so much more than we gave. Each girl loved that their bag was personalized for them and they were just over the moon with the goodies inside. They thanked us over and over and we knew that they were so truly grateful and in awe. We went to Vista Maria today to spend time with these wonderful girls and give back with our time and goodies. We ended up leaving Vista Maria so fulfilled and happy knowing that we all had an affect on each other today and everyones day was brighter because we got to spend it together. We will absolutely go  back again and see the girls of Vista Maria. It is so inspiring to see an organization that literally can state that they have been "rebuilding lives since 1883." Share goodness!

 

The warmest welcome

 

  

 

 

 

So much talent in each of these girls!

The girls loved their goodies!

Sweet girls showing off their new rings

Watching such grateful girls admire all of their new trinkets was the best!

 

 The greatest way to spend the day with mom, sisters and new friend Becky!

 

Give Good, Get Good, Feel Good!

We donated about 13 bags of clothes and toys to Purple Heart last year. It felt so great not only to give wonderful things to others but also to clean out our home. Today we are on operation Purple Heart round 2! The kids are growing up fast and these 2 boys have always had enough toys for at least 5 boys! My little one and I cleaned out all of the toy bins in our basement and it was so great watching him happily hand over toys that he still would enjoy playing with but simply didn't need anymore. Their interests have become a bit more sophisticated these days so we are all thrilled to offer our VERY gently used goodies up and make some other cute babies happy! This is the best of Give Good, Get Good, Feel Good because not only do we know that we will make others happy, we also get to have a better organized toy room. All of this combined makes everyone FEEL GOOD!

It can't get easier than putting your goods on your porch and setting up a pick up time with Purple Heart. So jump on http://zc.purpleheartpickup.org/ and do your own give good, get good, feel good plan!

~A Reminder Post~ An Important Memo Regarding Bullying

Dear Bully,

I know you are hurting inside. I know that the little gratification you get from hurting others doesn’t last long enough to sustain you so you have to hurt others over and over again. Please hear me loud and clear when I tell you to go get help immediately. The decisions you are making today will affect you and those you are hurting for years to come. If you don’t feel you have the resources around you to get the help you need, email me and I will either help you find it or I will do everything I can to help you but your bullying ways must stop! Today!

Dear Person Being Bullied,

I know it sucks. I know that you believe entirely that the way you feel today will be the way that you feel always. I know that some of you have considered ending it all just to escape the pain and misery you endure daily. I know that getting through another moment often seems like an impossible task. I know, I know. I also know that it’s so important that you believe me when I say it will pass. It will get easier, it will get better and you will again be in control of your own life. I remember like it was yesterday the way it felt when my very best friend in the whole world decided that she wanted to be mean to me and helped to encourage all of her other friends and mine to join in the teasing and bullying. I remember how it hurt my parents who were best friends with her parents and my sister who was best friends with her sister. I remember wondering how someone could change so much and how people could be so mean. I also remember 3 years after the constant teasing, long after the healing began and I had many new friends to lift me up. I remember being in homeroom with my ex best friend/ex bully. I remember when we slowly started to talk again and I remember seeing the looks on her face and knowing that she truly regretted the fact that she ever hurt me. I remember the year book she signed for me that year with a full apology and a note taking full responsibility for everything that happened. I remember thinking fond thoughts about her and keeping her as a friend but not a close friend for years to come. I remember running into her around town and saying each time how we just had to make the time to get together and both of us genuinely meaning it. I remember that we never did clear our schedules enough to do that. I remember hearing that she was sick and then when she passed away. I did attend her memorial service and I did and still do mourn the loss of her. You never know how things will pan out.  Every year that passes it will get easier and easier to control your own life and decide your own destiny. Hang in there and do not give up. I was careful not to use the word “victim” and I am sincere when I say that everyday you are a survivor. Life won’t always be this way and know with certainty that it is very much a temporary situation even though it is one of the hardest things in the world to endure. Kids can be so cruel but remember they won’t always be kids and neither will you.

Dear Friends of Bullies,

Be very careful not to follow your bully friends just because it seems like the fun and easy thing to do. Always know that situations change and there is a strong possibility that the bully friend of yours and the kid they are teasing, will someday become friends and you will be stuck as the enemy. You, who jumped on the mean ship just because you didn’t want to have your own opinion, are left looking like a fool. I forgave my bully with everything in me because I knew how good she really was, but some of the people that joined her team did not hold such a warm place in my heart. I forgive them all because I’m an adult and because I had the support of friends and family while I was going through it, but I think deep down you don’t really forget. The truth is I have become friendly with almost everyone that started the fights with me either in person or on Facebook, but there are still a couple that I just don’t think deserve to have the gifts I have to share.  They happen to be the friends of the bullies.  These were just friends who didn’t have any idea why anyone was fighting but teased the hardest and fought the meanest anyway.  Be strong and be your own person and if you see your friend behaving in an unfavorable way, tell them so or walk away but don’t you dare join them.

Dear Families of Bullies,

What your loved one is going through today seems like the hardest and most unfair thing that they could ever have to be put through. When it is all said and done though, I want you to know that all they will really remember is your support. One morning before I went to school I found a little card from my dad on the table addressed to me. He had left it before he went to work and it was a letter telling me how great I am and how much he loves and supports me. It still sucked getting on that school bus but not like it usually did. If someone you love is being bullied, do try to take on the bully if you can but the most important thing you can do is bring love, support and a shoulder to lean on. Life goes on and they will thrive and become wonderful people but your help is very much needed.  I look forward to the day that bullying is a thing of the past for everyone but for now just support them and be the rock that they need you to be.

It is never too soon to put out what you want to get back. You must give good to get good and the responsibility lies with everyone when it comes to bullying.

Cute Neighbors

So I don't know, know any of my neighbors but based on the cuteness I have seen around the neighborhood there are some really good people around here so I decided to share. The lady to the right is very sweet and goes back into her house on Halloween when she sees a neighbor so she can get out the secret stash of giant candy bars to put on top of the candy bowl in the "neighbors only" section. That's not the cutest part about her though. My favorite thing is that everyday after school, the Dominos delivery car shows up at their house. I love that she tells her house full of teenage boys to order a pizza instead of find something in the fridge. Cute parenting if ya ask me.

Another neighbor who I know a tiny bit better was cleaning out her kids toys. She had her 13 year old son haul over giant buckets filled with Thomas trains. Tons of trains. Told me she wants them back when she has grandchildren so that gives my kids plenty of time to enjoy them.

When sonic came to town it was a big deal. Scary I know, but I stood in line holding my then 4 year old for 30 minutes just so I could try the diet limeade. Clearly it was a slow summer ;). While in line, a man in front of me asked me where I lived and then went on to say the he lives 3 houses over and recognized me from the neighborhood. I chatted with him and his wife for the whole wait and we always are happy to bump into each other now.

Today though, I am ready to give out the cutest neighbor award. My family came over for lunch and after they left, my sister called me to tell me that I had to go outside and look down the street at the giant cake on the neighbors lawn.I took my 3 year old to the end of the driveway and we saw the GIANT blow up cake. After dinner I did a drive by to see it up close and it was adorable. It had a sign in front of it saying happy 10th birthday. That is serious cuteness.

There are cute people everywhere you go and everywhere you look. Find the goodness!

In order to avoid stalking charges I thought a nighttime photo would be best ;).

Really it was the only time I wouldn't have to pack two kids in the car to drive 4 houses over but look how amazing this is! Are these the cutest parents ever?!

Give Good Get Good

In honor of The Good Karma Campaign I thought it would be fun to do a little "Give good, Get good" series. It's sort of a do for others and reward yourself deal.

Starting today, count the cars that you let cross in front of you or merge in easily etc. Go out of your way to show kindness in this way and if enough of us start doing this, the roads will be a lovely place to be. Each time you reach ten cars that you stopped to let in, pull over and get yourself a treat. A yummy coffee, a new trinket etc. This is the epitome of "Give Good, Get Good" because you feel great letting others have an easy drive but you also get a little reward the more you do it. How many times can you get to ten?