A Taste of ...

I believe we are put on this earth to care for one another − plain and simple, that is
our purpose. After all, Jesus emphasized and commanded his disciples to "love one another." 

The connectivity in knowing Jesus, bonded his followers to each other, just as I think there is a great deal of proof of our own connectivity with all humanity. The strange things that happen to many of us are part of that proof, and why my book, If It Hadn't Happened to Me, was written. (It should be published in September). 

In my last blog, I promised a glimpse of the contents in my future articles. Following is from the Author's Note section: 

When I decided to write this book, I requested stories only from trusted individuals whom I knew, or from others who were trusted by those individuals. Some of the stories are from fellow authors who have previously written about their experiences, and some are from the most unlikely sources − people I never really expected to respond. What I also discovered in requesting stories is, even many of those who had not had experiences to relate, often knew stories about other people who had. And there were some who never encountered or knew of anyone who had experienced such events, yet were still open to and believed such things happen.

It was also interesting that some people had only one story to tell and others had many. Strangely, one of those individuals said she had once read these types of “unbelievable” experiences run in families. With a few submissions in this book, that seems to be correct, but due to respect for anonymity, I can’t disclose which writers are related.

As a final note, I appreciate the willingness of all who shared their stories with me for this book. There are accounts where the reader may still question the validity of what someone wrote, but that is the point of the book. Those who shared their experiences, too, would not have believed what happened if it hadn’t happened to them.

Week 15 - The Final Week

This week has no assignment or suggestion because you have hopefully begun your own journey to make this world a better place. By now, you should also see how easy it is to do, but it does take a concerted effort to do something daily.

It's easy to go through life, rather than living it. The first part means that we don't make a difference; the second part is what allows us to affect change for the better. If our attitude each day is positive with a desire to make this world better, we will do it. That's where the journal comes in by helping us to track our progress toward that goal, and make sure we do it each and every day.

You should now also see what you do doesn't require anything on the epic scale, cost a lot of money, or even time. It's easy. You just have to do it (apologies to Nike).

Next week, I'll post some excerpts from my book, If It Hadn't Happened to Me. I'll also give updates on another book I'm finishing which will be published first, and information regarding two stories which will appear in two Chicken Soup for the Soul books due out in September and October. (And by the way, I count much of what I write toward my personal goal to make this world a better place.)

A few of my journal entries this week: Wrote 3 condolences to families who lost loved ones (I always include a personal note in a card and try to mention something positive about the deceased)*, checked on a friend who was home from the hospital, and helped another friend with a project. 

*My book, Simple Things to Make This World a Better Place, lists more than 20 things you can do for someone who has lost a loved one as well as other ways to help in other circumstances.. "If there is anything I can do" is a kind offer, but it's more meaningful when you can actually do something without being asked. 

Week 14 to Make This World a Better Place

This is number 14 of my articles to make this world a better place, and I want to give you just a few more ideas to do while you vacation or enjoy a "staycation." (And by the way, you can type, for example, "staycation kansas city" into your computer's search engine, and it will give you a multitude of things to do. It works for other major cities too.)

While on vacation or taking a staycation:

• If you need to pay to park at events or amusement parks, pay for the car behind you as well
• If you receive extra coupons or booklets with things to do, leave unused or extras with the hotel front desk, or leave where other tourists might find them
• Shop local stores as much as possible − many depend upon tourism to keep them in business
• If you have two-for-one price tickets, and only need 3, go ahead and get 4 so you can gift it to someone in line
• If you stay at a hotel, leave a tip each day as there are often different people providing the daily service to your room
• Make a point to engage in conversation with a local resident. This could be the waitress at the restaurant, theme park security, etc. Learning about and showing interest in your location can be beneficial to you and lets those who serve you feel more important
• If you ask about places to go, see, or do, take the advice and then let the individual who made the recommendation know you enjoyed the experience
• Put a bag in your vehicle for trash and then dispose of it in a proper receptacle
• If you bought a book to read and finish it, leave it in a conspicuous place for someone else to pick up and enjoy. (You might want to put a note on it, or make a note visibly apparent inside to say it's free)
• Offer to share sunscreen if someone doesn't have any

 These are just some simple ideas that you can do most anywhere. Summer makes it easier to be outside and enjoy nature, events, and to interact with our fellowman. Let's make ours and their world a little better place!

A few things from my journal this week: Helped a few individuals write their stories for inclusion in my next book; checked on a friend recently out of the hospital and offered her rides to the doctor, etc.; shared information with a neighbor to prevent her from being assessed a fine for a Home Owner Association (HOA) violation; and gave stickers (from a junk mail solicitation) to friends for their granddaughter.

Make This World a Better Summer!

There are many opportunities to make this world a better place, especially this summer. Try picking a few of these to do this week, or better yet, pick something to do each day!

• Buy a summer or day pass to the swimming pool for someone (maybe a child)
• Greet your mail carrier with a popcicle or cold drink
• Do the above for a neighbor mowing his/her lawn
• Mow your neighbor's lawn while doing your own
• Buy cold treats to share with neighborhood kids (or even adults)
• Invite someone to your home for a Bar-B-Que
• Help a neighbor weed his/her garden
• Share produce from your own garden and maybe give to a food pantry that serves those in need
• Take an elderly or disabled friend for a car ride to see or attend a nearby attraction 

I'm sure you can think of many more, and by now, I hope you are doing something nearly everyday. If so, you've probably noticed that it isn't difficult to make this world a better place, but it does make a conscious effort. Next week, I'll provide you with ideas to do while on vacation.

A few items from my journal last week: Clipped two coupons for someone I knew used the products; bought pizza for a neighbor and invited relatives to share mine; and bid farewell to our mail carrier with a card, cookies, and a gift certificate.

Choices to Make This World a Better Place

This week has several options for you to make this world a better place. Choose one, or better yet, do them all!

• If you have extra coupons, give them to someone you know who needs one, or maybe take them to a senior center or other facility that assists people in need
• Offer a ride to a neighbor or maybe someone who doesn't drive. If the person has difficulty being out in the heat, offer to pick something up from the store for them
• Show your spirit and appreciation for living in the USA -- decorate your home and lawn with a patriotic theme, do something nice for someone in the armed services or for their family, visit a war memorial and leave flowers or some other memento
• Offer to take someone with you to a fireworks show or invite them to share your own pyrotechnics 
• Watch a movie such as 1776  or other patriotic movie, and invite someone to join you

It's simple this week, so see how much you can add to your journal of ways you made a difference in the world.

A few of my journal entries this week: Shared a sack of Mandarin oranges with a neighbor, shared a tasty recipe with someone, offered respite to a family whose air conditioning went out, and clipped a coupon for someone whom I know uses that particular product.