Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Need new inspiration.
I could use some inspiration right now. I feel like as the days drag on, I'm losing that inquisitive and optimistic part of myself. I'm forced to become more of a cynic from all the experiences of these past couple of years.
But then...I read this story, and my heart is lifted up all over again. How amazing is this man? I don't know if I would be able to do the same if I were placed in that situation (granted I am a horrible swimmer). I hope this story touches your heart, too!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
1000 Awesome Things
Recently, I've received a few of my own blows from life. A couple emergency room visits at two o'clock in the morning and a fire that devoured my workplace completely threw me off my track. And on top of normal life things like trying to maintain sanity and balance in my relationship, apply to nursing school, find a new job in a suffering economy, and all the little hiccups in between, life has been nothing short of distressful.
All of that in hand though, I'm not the type to sulk and be negative all day. I'd rather find something to be happy about. Usually, for me, that happiness is future-focused: I find something to look forward to. Today, however, I stumbled across a blog/soon-to-be-book that celebrates the simple concept that joy can be found in normal everyday events. It has inspired me to look for now-focused happiness and to enjoy the little things in life even in times of despair.
It's called 1000 Awesome Things. Each post describes the awesomeness that radiates from simple, silly things like taking your shoes and socks off after a really long day or getting the milk to cereal ratio just right . There's a new post every weekday and The Book of Awesome is due out in April. Enjoy!
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Life of Y
Just this morning, a friend sent me a link to a site called The Life of Y, with a little blurb that this was a project done by her sister's friend who was getting married this weekend. I clicked on the link, saw the homepage, and thought, "Oh, I hope this is not one of those wedding websites," and was prepared to file it to my backlog of websites to check out later. (The homepage picture is of a pregnant woman, so it only made sense I thought it was another personal exploitation page.)
But something caught my eye, and thirty minutes later, I am sitting here at the computer desk, delaying going into work even further, writing this entry because something on her website struck a chord in me.
You could think of the project as a PostSecret, except the creator, Erin Ruffin, asks the generation Y kids one question: "If you could say one sentence, knowing the whole world is listening, what would you say?" And the results make us hopeful once again in our generation. Because we are "ridiculously, irrationally, undeservingly talented."
Of course, Erin, a writer, is very eloquent and says everything I want to say but can't formulate in my muddled brain. After perusing her site, I was instantly reminded of why we started this Something Inspirational blog in the first place: to help us "DREAM BIGGER."
I highly recommend you read the stories that accompany some of the photos. Then you'll understand from where these quotes came. Unfortunately, there's not very much content on the site as of this moment, but she promises a massive update in the near future.
On a personal note, I think it's time for me to step it up a notch.
P.S. I leave you with this photo that made me chuckle. Sure, if I were to leave a one-line legacy, why not my phone number?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Fifty People. One Question.
So far, two questions have been asked in three cities: New Orleans, Brooklyn and New York City. They are working to release the fourth video filmed in London pretty soon. But in the meantime, watch these (and in HD, too!):
New Orleans:
Fifty People, One Question: New Orleans from Benjamin Reece on Vimeo.
New York City:
Fifty People, One Question: New York from Crush & Lovely on Vimeo.
Brooklyn:
Fifty People, One Question: Brooklyn from Crush & Lovely on Vimeo.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Seize The World
It's been a decade since I ever knew Stephen. But now I am back, living and working in Telluride, and, as chance would have it, I see him almost every day at the bakery. He's always friendly, funny, a nice customer. I'm not sure he remembers me, but we re-introduced ourselves to each other, so we always greet each other by name and say Hi on the street.
Anyway. A few days ago, I noticed an article about Stephen in the local newspaper, saying that he's preparing to leave on a 2-year bicycle tour of the WORLD, starting and ending in Telluride. At first, I was just impressed with this very cool adventure idea. But the past few days I have been learning more and more about the motivation and story behind this trip.
Stephen has Epilepsy. And this bike tour is a special event funded by the non-profit foundation that he founded! It's called Seize The World, and exists in order to promote epilepsy awareness and research. Stephen wants to show the world that people living with epilepsy can live happy, healthy, active lifestyles. He has already done so much with his life, but I think this trip will do wonders to inspire not only other people living with epilepsy, but anyone who needs a reminder that disabilities/adversities are no excuse for not living life to its fullest.
Stephen is leaving tomorrow, actually. So let's wish him safe travels and good luck with the publicity! And definitely check out the website for more information about the STW foundation and Stephen's trip.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
the last lecture
but i cracked it open and gave it a chance, because after all, it was a gift, and i cannot disregard a gift like that. and to my surprise, the book was not a transcript of the lecture, but it was EVERYTHING i needed right then. i was going through some tough times again, trying to figure out some of my life decisions, and the book put into words the encouragement and advice i needed to hear and accept. i know the book wasn't written directly for me, but i feel that anyone could use it to help them keep inspired. the days i read this book and the days following my finish, i became more patient, because i got to a clearer place in my head where i could reflect on my thoughts and actions.
i highly recommend you pick up the book and read it all the way through. maybe three times over. it shouldn't be a very long read (i just had no time so i had to sneak it in between little gaps in my days).
and also, sorry for not keeping this post up-to-date. i will try harder.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Age is just a number
Check him out in the news. And on YouTube (this will amaze you and make you laugh).
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Seeing Without Eyes
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Persepolis
"Persepolis" is an autobiography of Marjane Satrapi about her childhood in Iran during the 1970's and the 1980's. Satrapi's progressive family was involved with the communist and socialist movement in Iran, and "Persepolis" describes her experiences during her stay as she witnessed the corruption and oppression in the Iranian government. At the age of 14, she was sent to Vienna, Austria, because her parents feared for her safety and her future. But she soon returned to Iran for college and struggled to balance the two cultures in which she grew up. Satrapi currently resides in Paris where she launched her career.
"Persepolis" is a beautifully written and drawn graphic novel. It documents the life of an outspoken and hard-headed child during the revolution very well. I highly recommend having a go with it. It's very humorous and touching. Additionally, this novel set has recently been turned into a feature-length movie and is being shown at selected theaters around the country.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Three Cups of Tea
Well, Greg kept his promise. And since then, he has dedicated his life to building 61 schools in rural areas of
When the
Over the years, and especially since 9/11, Greg has received much opposition and scrutiny, being criticized and hated for offering aid and education to Muslim children. But he has persevered and never lost sight of that life-changing moment when he made a promise to a group of children on the side of a mountain. He has received several humanitarian awards for his work, and recently finished a book about his experiences which has received international fame and literary praise. It is called Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time and has been on the New York Times Bestsellers List for nine months. I just ordered mine from Amazon, and hope to be even more inspired by reading his own words. I’ll let you borrow it when I’m done!
Greg is a hero, and a beautiful example of how successful compassion can be.
Read more about Greg and his book here.