Remember that movie? Remember how perfect everything was, before those obnoxious little teenagers showed up and started screwing around with everyone’s hearts and minds? Alright, sure, you could technically say that even though everything “seemed” perfect on the surface, it really wasn’t, and that’s the true lesson of the movie, but then you’d be just like those annoying little teenagers. They didn’t KNOW it wasn’t perfect, so they were perfectly happy in their imperfect lives. Ignorance is bliss and all that, right?
Whatever…the point is that they were unaware of the “bad stuff” and focused only on the good. Living in today’s society, it is easy to imagine how living in a “perfect”, Pleasantville like world might seem tempting.
But since we don’t really have the option of crossing over into that world, and since we’d probably screw it all up like those obnoxious little teenagers anyway, I suppose it’s up to us to make THIS world a little more pleasant instead. Don’t you think?
Shelly at “This Eclectic Life” seems to think so, and she’s trying to spread this optimism virus through these here interwebs. And I’ve decided to join the cause.
So, starting today, every Friday here at Candid Karina will be “Only the Good Friday” and I will post only something good, something positive, something uplifting…something pleasant.
If you would like to join us in spreading the positive vibe, please visit Shelly’s blog and let her know you’re joining in.
It’s so easy to spread negativity throughout the world wide web…let’s focus on spreading the positive stuff instead.
Because I just decided to jump on this party wagon last minute, my good for today is going to be a series of random thoughts, tidbits, and information.
1. For some seriously uplifting posts, by a fabulous group of women who inspire and amaze me every day, take a moment and peruse Inspired Bliss (of which I happen to be a contributor), won’t you?
2. Like music? Like free music? Like free music legally? I discovered this website, Spiral Frog, a few weeks ago that lets you download music completely legally, due to some agreement or other they have with certain record labels. I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely sure how it all works, besides the fact that it has something to do with advertising revenue, but hey, it’s free. They don’t have “everything”, but poke around a bit and you’ll see that they’re selection is not bad at all.
3. Like to laugh? Do yourself a favor and click this link…watch this “skit” of Dennis Quaid on the Ellen DeGeneres show. I can’t post the actual video here for some reason, but trust me, you WANT to watch this. Probably the funniest bit I’ve ever seen on her show. I seriously laughed so much I nearly peed my pants. I know you didn’t need to know that, but seriously….go watch it: Ellen (there are two parts to the video, and it just gets funnier and funnier, so do yourself a favor and watch this one too: Ellen2. You will not regret it…
That’s it, that’s my good for today…Hope you enjoyed!
Showing posts with label passing it on. Show all posts
Showing posts with label passing it on. Show all posts
Friday, October 17, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Passing it on again
I haven't really been doing a great job of keeping track of my "good deeds" the last few weeks, mostly because I've added the little things I started to do at the beginning of Lent as a part of my daily routines. It's actually nice to realize that I'm beginning to unconsciously do the things I was making a conscious effort to performing. Letting others go in front of me at the grocery store when they only have a handful of items and I've got a cart-full, letting others by in traffic, those sorts of things.
Still, I feel like a bit of a cop-out, because I feel like I should be doing more, that was the whole point after all, wasn't it? I'll have to step it up this week, I guess.
This past Friday, however, I did volunteer to help my cousin out with a presentation of the Stations of the Cross she was putting together for the confirmation class at our church. It was a wonderful version of the stations she put together, geared toward the youth, and I was glad to be a part of it.
It was also a bit of a gift to me...I'd never quite experienced the stations in that manner, and it touched me in a way I didn't expect. Mysterious ways they say...mysterious ways.
Still, I feel like a bit of a cop-out, because I feel like I should be doing more, that was the whole point after all, wasn't it? I'll have to step it up this week, I guess.
This past Friday, however, I did volunteer to help my cousin out with a presentation of the Stations of the Cross she was putting together for the confirmation class at our church. It was a wonderful version of the stations she put together, geared toward the youth, and I was glad to be a part of it.
It was also a bit of a gift to me...I'd never quite experienced the stations in that manner, and it touched me in a way I didn't expect. Mysterious ways they say...mysterious ways.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Pass It On - Part 4
Another week of Lent, another opportunity to do good and pass on the positive feelings.
Monday, February 25th - Started off the week in a wonderful mood, and extended my help to someone who may need it in the future. I made my telephone number available for her to call me whenever she feels the need.
Tuesday, February 26th - Received a telephone call from the local Fire Fighters Association, as I do every year, asking for donations. As much as I'd love to help, most years I say no, because I simly can't spare the money for every organization that calls and asks for it. I was on my way to my usual "No, I'm sorry, I can't help" when I remembered my decision to do for others. I pledged a mere $10, but every bit counts, and truly, what's $10 to me? A pair of shoes I don't need, another purse I have no place for in my closet, a martini I can do without.
Wednesday, February 27th - Thursday, February 28th - Two of those days when a specific good deed doesn't stand out to me, but I do know I continue on with my efforts to be pleasant to strangers, let others go in front of me in traffic, and not reacting negatively to my coworker's incessant need to whisper and gossip within my line of hearing.
Friday, February 29th - Gave a fish a home (hey, every one of God's creatures counts, right?) While at the pet store trying to select my fish, a poor guy standing next to me looked lost and confused, I offered a smile and started a conversation, and helped him by advising him on he finer points of raising Beta Fish. Small thing, but he was grateful, and left the store with a little friend...so he also gave a fish a home.
Saturday, March 1st - Had dinner with two of my college girlfriends that night. One of my girlfriends hates to drive at night, so I always make the trek, a bit out of my way, to pick her up and drive her to our dinners. Not a huge sacrifice, but with the price of gas nowadays, every extra mile is an extra hit in the wallet. Still, I know it takes quite a bit of stress away from her when she knows she does not need to drive, and she has enough stress in her life as it is. I'm glad to help.
Sunday, March 2nd - Is it considered a good deed when you benefit greatly by feeding your inner glutton? Stopped at a Girl Scout table today and bought a ox of cookies. Oh how I love those Samoas. Also, lent my internet access, and therefore my home office, desk and computer, to my friend Shopaholic, who needed it to complete some trainng for her new job. As I write this, she sits at my desk on my desktop, while I type away on my laptop. I had quite a bit of blog work I wanted to get done today, and a lot of that is more easily accomplished on my desktop than my laptop, but she needed it for work, so I gave her the more comfortable workspace. Hey, I'm lucky to have two computers at the moment, so I can't really complain, can I? Also, am about to go out to buy dinner for the both of us (because I've been too caught up in blog world to cook tonight), while I leave her to her training. That's what friends are for, right?
Another great week, one with a spiritual gift for me. How was your week?
Monday, February 25th - Started off the week in a wonderful mood, and extended my help to someone who may need it in the future. I made my telephone number available for her to call me whenever she feels the need.
Tuesday, February 26th - Received a telephone call from the local Fire Fighters Association, as I do every year, asking for donations. As much as I'd love to help, most years I say no, because I simly can't spare the money for every organization that calls and asks for it. I was on my way to my usual "No, I'm sorry, I can't help" when I remembered my decision to do for others. I pledged a mere $10, but every bit counts, and truly, what's $10 to me? A pair of shoes I don't need, another purse I have no place for in my closet, a martini I can do without.
Wednesday, February 27th - Thursday, February 28th - Two of those days when a specific good deed doesn't stand out to me, but I do know I continue on with my efforts to be pleasant to strangers, let others go in front of me in traffic, and not reacting negatively to my coworker's incessant need to whisper and gossip within my line of hearing.
Friday, February 29th - Gave a fish a home (hey, every one of God's creatures counts, right?) While at the pet store trying to select my fish, a poor guy standing next to me looked lost and confused, I offered a smile and started a conversation, and helped him by advising him on he finer points of raising Beta Fish. Small thing, but he was grateful, and left the store with a little friend...so he also gave a fish a home.
Saturday, March 1st - Had dinner with two of my college girlfriends that night. One of my girlfriends hates to drive at night, so I always make the trek, a bit out of my way, to pick her up and drive her to our dinners. Not a huge sacrifice, but with the price of gas nowadays, every extra mile is an extra hit in the wallet. Still, I know it takes quite a bit of stress away from her when she knows she does not need to drive, and she has enough stress in her life as it is. I'm glad to help.
Sunday, March 2nd - Is it considered a good deed when you benefit greatly by feeding your inner glutton? Stopped at a Girl Scout table today and bought a ox of cookies. Oh how I love those Samoas. Also, lent my internet access, and therefore my home office, desk and computer, to my friend Shopaholic, who needed it to complete some trainng for her new job. As I write this, she sits at my desk on my desktop, while I type away on my laptop. I had quite a bit of blog work I wanted to get done today, and a lot of that is more easily accomplished on my desktop than my laptop, but she needed it for work, so I gave her the more comfortable workspace. Hey, I'm lucky to have two computers at the moment, so I can't really complain, can I? Also, am about to go out to buy dinner for the both of us (because I've been too caught up in blog world to cook tonight), while I leave her to her training. That's what friends are for, right?
Another great week, one with a spiritual gift for me. How was your week?
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Pass It On - Part 3
Another Lenten week, another opportunity to spread the love and good will.
Monday, February 18th - A day I had decided would be for myself, but since I wasn't working, my mother wanted me to visit. May not seem like much, and I love my parents and always love to see them, but really had a wide range of "alone" plans that day. Still, I made sure to spend some time with them that day, putting aside my "alone" plans for a bit.
Tuesday, February 19th - I continued my new venture of sending out books to complete strangers.
Wednesday, February 20th - Friday, February 21st - I'm realizing I need to step things up a bit here, because I have made an honest effort to be a overall, a more positive person, smiling at strangers, letting other drivers go before me etc., but it is now becoming commonplace for me, so I can't single out any specific event for any one day...therefore, this coming week, I plan to step it up.
Sunday, February 24th - The final day of the Sunday School program I have been volunteering with. Also did a more personal deed later in the day...made a small difference, which turned into possibly a big difference in someone's life. In turn, I received a personal and deep spiritual gift myself.
Tonight I will lay my head on my pillow with a lighter feeling in my heart. It was a good week.
Monday, February 18th - A day I had decided would be for myself, but since I wasn't working, my mother wanted me to visit. May not seem like much, and I love my parents and always love to see them, but really had a wide range of "alone" plans that day. Still, I made sure to spend some time with them that day, putting aside my "alone" plans for a bit.
Tuesday, February 19th - I continued my new venture of sending out books to complete strangers.
Wednesday, February 20th - Friday, February 21st - I'm realizing I need to step things up a bit here, because I have made an honest effort to be a overall, a more positive person, smiling at strangers, letting other drivers go before me etc., but it is now becoming commonplace for me, so I can't single out any specific event for any one day...therefore, this coming week, I plan to step it up.
Sunday, February 24th - The final day of the Sunday School program I have been volunteering with. Also did a more personal deed later in the day...made a small difference, which turned into possibly a big difference in someone's life. In turn, I received a personal and deep spiritual gift myself.
Tonight I will lay my head on my pillow with a lighter feeling in my heart. It was a good week.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Pass It On - Part 2
Continuing with my Lentent Resolution to do good things each day. I didn't do as good a job this week of keeping track of the acts of goodwill I performed, but I did stay focused daily on carrying a positive attitude and relating with others with kindness in my heart.
2/11/08 - Many instances where I realized I was driving a lot more courteously, letting others go, not driving so fast, not cutting folks off (I tend to road rage a bit, so this is a vast improvement in my driving etiquette). Made it a point to wait patiently while someone crossed the grocery store parking lot to put away their carriage. At the register at the grocery store the person in front of me (an employee at the store) was short 5 cents and the cashier let it go, being promissed she'd get paid before she cashed out her drawer. She showed concern that her drawer would be off at the end of the night because he might forget. I gave her the 5 cents when it was my turn to pay.
2/11/08 - Many instances where I realized I was driving a lot more courteously, letting others go, not driving so fast, not cutting folks off (I tend to road rage a bit, so this is a vast improvement in my driving etiquette). Made it a point to wait patiently while someone crossed the grocery store parking lot to put away their carriage. At the register at the grocery store the person in front of me (an employee at the store) was short 5 cents and the cashier let it go, being promissed she'd get paid before she cashed out her drawer. She showed concern that her drawer would be off at the end of the night because he might forget. I gave her the 5 cents when it was my turn to pay.
2/12/08 - On the way to work, letting car cut in front of me. At work, not completely flipping out on dumb co-worker (trust me, this one was a TRUE act of good will, she deserved to get smacked, wasted 2 hours of my day on something completely unnecessary).
2/13/08 - Again, I actually can't recall any specific things, but know that several times throughout the day I made it a point to smile when someone was rude, and to let others go in front of me. OH, and I called a florist for my dad, to have flowers delivered for my mom. A nice thing to do considering I would NOT be getting any myself for Valentine's day.
2/14/08 - Valentine's Day, reached out to friends who I know don't enjoy the holiday because they spend it alone.
2/15/08 - I realize this will sound funny and not nice at all, but I managed to sincerely wish the cashier who rang up my lunch a "good day", even though she was perhaps one of the most unpleasent cashiers I have come across in recent history. I didn't even mumble anything rude under my breath. No really, I mean it. I also mailed out a book to a complete stranger again. Oh, and my boss got it in his head that he was going to throw out a perfectly good "bulk sized" box of sugar packets (noone really knows why), so I salvaged it, to donate to our church for the YMCA feeding of the homeless program.
2/16/08 - I spent most of the day helping a friend while she bought a new car. I was there for moral support, as well as to use my "legal" expertise in making sure she didn't get bamboozled. We spent HOURS at the dealership, but she needed me, and it was good to know I could help.
2/17/08 - Again spent the morning helping with the youth for the Sunday school program my uncle is heading up. Also, my brother very sweetly bought me a cup of coffee this morning from Dunkin' Donuts, but knowing he's unemployed I asked him if he wanted money for it and when he said yes, I gave him all them money I had in my wallet, instaed of just the $1.50 the coffee cost (I only had $5 in my wallet, but still).
Now, let me again that I am not listing these things for a pat on the back, or for any of those self-serving reasons. Listing these things here just remind me that I need to do more, and to be aware of how I Pass It On daily.
Hope you are all having a lovely Sunday.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Passing it On
Earlier in the week I talked about Lent and making the decision to forgo the typical "I'm giving up soda" sacrifice (not that there's anything wrong with that) in lieu of focusing on doing positive things. I decided that for this Lenten season, I was going to make a concerted effort to do good deeds. In general I try to be a good person and do good things anyway, but the focus during this time will be to actually "consciously" decide to do them. They can be as small as smiling at a stranger, as big as donating money to charity, and anything in between.
I've also decided to keep track of these actions on my blog, simply for the fact that in doing so, I will be sure to remember to keep doing it, day after day. And who knows, I may just inspire you to do the same.
So, starting last Wednesday, Ash Wednesday... here are a few things I've been doing:
2/6/08 - Went to grocery store for lunch, at the register started a conversation with elderly cashier, brought a huge smile to her face. It's amazing how many people will completely ignore the clerks ringing up their groceries and not even acknowledge that a human being is on the other side of the counter.
2/7/08 - Sent a book to a stranger.
2/8/08 - Sent various book to strangers. Cleaning up the bookshelves and donating books feels fantastic.
2/9/08 - Despite having absolutely NO desire to spend an afternoon surrounded by screaming toddlers and friends who are married with kids, as the SOLE single girl in the room...I went to my friend BFF's 3 year old son's birthday party, and stayed the whole time. It was worth the headache and barrage of "any new guy in your life" questions just for the smile and hug I received from BFF when I arrived, and again the gratitude before I left. Friends like BFF are a blessing, and worth all the sacrifices.
2/10/07 - Spent the morning (into early afternoon) volunteering at the church with the Sunday school kids in a program my uncle is heading. Two days in a row of screaming children...quite the headache tonight as a result. But I'm glad I'm doing it.
Pass it on folks...
I've also decided to keep track of these actions on my blog, simply for the fact that in doing so, I will be sure to remember to keep doing it, day after day. And who knows, I may just inspire you to do the same.
So, starting last Wednesday, Ash Wednesday... here are a few things I've been doing:
2/6/08 - Went to grocery store for lunch, at the register started a conversation with elderly cashier, brought a huge smile to her face. It's amazing how many people will completely ignore the clerks ringing up their groceries and not even acknowledge that a human being is on the other side of the counter.
2/7/08 - Sent a book to a stranger.
2/8/08 - Sent various book to strangers. Cleaning up the bookshelves and donating books feels fantastic.
2/9/08 - Despite having absolutely NO desire to spend an afternoon surrounded by screaming toddlers and friends who are married with kids, as the SOLE single girl in the room...I went to my friend BFF's 3 year old son's birthday party, and stayed the whole time. It was worth the headache and barrage of "any new guy in your life" questions just for the smile and hug I received from BFF when I arrived, and again the gratitude before I left. Friends like BFF are a blessing, and worth all the sacrifices.
2/10/07 - Spent the morning (into early afternoon) volunteering at the church with the Sunday school kids in a program my uncle is heading. Two days in a row of screaming children...quite the headache tonight as a result. But I'm glad I'm doing it.
Pass it on folks...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)