We see them on TV doing heroic feats; few of us would be capable of doing. Crawling into unsafe buildings after an earthquake, rushing into a smoke filled home to rescue someone trapped inside. The search and rescue work in Haiti is dangerous work, but there they are again, risking their lives to save others. We owe them all of our respect even when we are not the one being rescued. They are there when we need them. It gives us comfort to be able to go about our day knowing they are there for us. Think about how fortunate we are to have someone willing to put his or her lives on the line for us. A million thanks to our first responders. 

Seeing the various charitable organizations in Haiti, one thing comes to mind. There are so many college age kids and older, giving of their time to help others. This generation is very caring. They get involved in so many ways. The internet can create wonderful possibilities. The world has become much smaller than it was just a generation ago. Kids from the United States are literally spread all throughout the world as they learn of human suffering and how they can help to alleviate some of that suffering. They know of parts of the world where their skills are needed. As I travel to colleges, I see lots of this on their campuses; they are involved in issues in which they feel passionate. Kids from the United States are showing the world how noble of a nation we are.

Seeing the images on TV, of all the devastation on this island nation, it makes you realize how much these people are going to need the rest of the world. They are isolated on an island with such poverty that they are more or less helpless. So much damage to property, so much injury …so much need for assistance. The people of Haiti need us. Please be generous.

It used to be that when kids were young, you raised them and when parents grew old, you cared for them. In today’s world, those rules still apply but there are now many more scenarios. There is such a need for all of us to look after each other. More and more we are seeing grandparents caring for grandchildren. In these tough economic times, we see adult children moving back in with parents. Seniors are relying on their adult children for support. The important thing is, we are looking after each other. Look for the bright spot in the economic downturn in your life. If you aren’t working, get involved in helping others. Re-invent yourself. Do something you have been putting off doing. Challenge yourself to be a better person than you already are. Step outside your normal comfort zone. Look back at your life and challenge yourself to do more. Get involved in bringing comfort to others. We were all meant to be here for each other.

I have a great friend who has the biggest of hearts…she has no money, but the biggest of hearts. My friend works with a girl who has two very young children and a live-in boyfriend. He has been trying to find a job doing anything, but to no avail. He is at the point where, financially, he needs to do something, anything to make money for the family. During the recent series of snowstorms, he decided he would shovel people’s walks and driveways in the neighborhood, to dig them out and help dig himself out. He then realized that the shovel he thought was in the garage wasn’t. My friend got wind of this and decided she would buy him a shovel. I was with her when she went shopping for a shovel. It was a Monday and she wasn’t being paid until Friday. The shovel cost twenty dollars and change. She had twenty-two dollars to her name. How many of us would have spent the last of our money for the benefit of someone else?  I am blessed to have a friend such as her.

A great organization I learned of recently is Ben’s Bells. A mother who lost her 3yr old son unexpectedly started this group. Seeing all of the support of neighbors, friends and family during her time of need, she decided to give back to the community in honor of her son…what a beautiful mom she is! The statement on her website says it all; Our mission is to inspire, educate and motivate each other to realize the impact of intentional kindness and to empower individuals to act according to that awareness, thereby changing the world. The website is a must visit  www.bensbells.org 

Every one of us has a huge stake in this. The ultimate direction that this world heads is influenced by your actions. Everything  you do during your life has an impact, a big impact. It is time for millions of us to make an impact. The world is ready. The world is watching. It is time to lead by example. It is time to show everyone the caring people we are. Are you ready for quite possibly the coolest goal in your life?

  I had an opportunity in August to begin The Kindness Bus Tour. A vision which initially grew out of 9/11 with my grass-roots campaign of Sow Only Seeds Of Love and then for nearly three years the planning of One Million Acts Of Kindness movement, which was in direct response to the Virginia Tech tragedy. I had no idea of how much of an impact a guy with a dog in a painted up bus can have. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think how popular this movement would become in such a short amount of time. Clearly, the want for a better world is on the top of everyone’s list…kindness will make a better world.

  Never did I dream another opportunity would present itself in such a big way, so soon. A way to grow this movement on campuses across the country as One Million Acts Of Kindness Week. Tomorrow we begin a month-long calling/e-mail campaign to create an awareness of One Million Acts Of Kindness Week on campuses across the country. One Million Acts Of Kindness Week will be, February 8-14, 2010. Please join us in this weeklong event by letting your professors, teachers, PTA’s, and administrators know to contact us. Each person individually deciding to embrace the lifelong goal of performing one million acts of kindness culminates the week of kindness.

   Are you ready for quite possibly the coolest goal in your life?  You, personally performing one million acts of kindness in your life.