by Lori Deschene
One of my favorite parts of blogging in this niche is the opportunity to connect with people who believe in possibilities and happiness, and put their hearts into sharing things they’ve learned.
Men and women who aren’t afraid to live out loud, and understand failing is an opportunity to grow. People who don’t mind being vulnerable if it helps someone else become stronger or more self-aware.
Those people hold me up when I have trouble practicing what I preach.
I imagine you already know some of them; they all create the kind of work that makes a difference in people’s lives. I’m honored to share their thoughts here, and possibly introduce you to some bloggers you don’t yet know.
Belinda Munoz of The Halfway Point has quickly become one of my favorites. I was instantly impressed by her willingness to initiate philosophical conversations while providing practical tips. Also, I have to admit, she’s one of the best writers I’ve found in the blogosphere—clear, concise, and specific. In a recent post she suggested 50 ideas to do something nice and unexpected for a stranger. The list includes:
- Put a quarter in a meter, any meter, that’s about to expire.
- Leave a copy of a really great book you’ve read in a cafe for someone else to enjoy.
- Be nice to the customer service people who are trying to help you with your technological difficulties.
- Tip your restaurant server generously.
- Thank the cooks, waitstaff and bussers personally.
- Say something nice or funny or goofy to the toll booth attendant (like, “Don’t drive too fast, now” or “Glad to have encountered you today”, or something less hokey.)
- Forgive a driver directing road rage at you.
- Buy or pack a meal for a homeless person (or give him/her your to-go box from a restaurant)
- Give a warm coat to a homeless person.
- Offer to do pro bono work on a project where your skills are needed.
We all know at least one hardcore people pleaser. You know the signs: She sleeps in the rain and gets the flu so her friend’s dog can fit in the tent. She’s 100% republican but lied about her vote because the nation had Obama fever. If a friend calls her stupid, she whips up a batch of cookies, and makes a card that reads, “I’m sorry for disappointing you.” And despite all her over-the-top efforts to be liked by everyone, many people disrespect her. Maybe that’s you, maybe it’s not–but odds are, you can relate at least a little to the desire to be well-liked. Who doesn’t want to feel accepted, respected, and appreciated?
In my unemployment I’ve become a bit of an Internet addict. Between Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, StumbleUpon, Digg, my blog, and the fifty others in my Google Reader, I could easily fill an entire work week seeking and sharing information. As I’ve trolled the net these past couple months, I’ve realized the digital era feeds into the collective discontent that defines us as a nation—this idea that no matter what heights we reach, there is still something missing. 10 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power; 15 Ways to Shrink Your Waistline; 20 Ideas to Make More Money—these posts just remind us we can always be smarter, thinner, stronger, richer, happier, or just plain better than we are now.
