Rising early this morning I took an extra shot of caffeine, but being able to be interviewed by three radio stations was well worth the extra jolt. Bobbi, Shel, a local pastor and I did the around the horn at a complex of radio stations.
Bobbi talked of her passion of the Minn-Kota Auction for World Relief. Shel spoke about the Mennonite Central Committee and it’s involvement for the past 90 years in issues of those in need across the world. I, of course, spoke of One Million Acts Of Kindness.
The bookend to my day was being the keynote speaker to those who attended the opening of the auction this evening. I was thrilled that many people talked with me after my 45 minute talk and thanked me for traveling to this very important local event which helps people in need worldwide.
Thank you to the many people who have been so welcoming during my stay.
A picture of Bogart was sent to me as he anxiously awaits my return to The Kindness Bus.

The Kindness Tour has the honor of being a part of the Minn-Kota Festival for World Relief this upcoming weekend. Bogart and The Kindness Bus remained behind as I flew to Sioux Falls. The Red Carpet treatment is in full effect with the hospitality I am being shown. Several people have given their time and resources to make my visit happen. This is a wonderful group of people who give of their time to help with issues worldwide.
Talk Radio hosts Rick Knobe and Ruth, at KSOO radio, did a great job interviewing festival volunteer Bobbi Waltner and me about the upcoming festival and my keynote speech to the community. Thank you for helping to get my message to others over the radio waves. This is one friendly town.

Two months from today, September 21st, will mark the tenth time this annual celebration of peace will take place. Jeremy Gilley had a dream in 1999 to try and convince leaders around the world to try and have a day of peace, he worked tirelessly to reach his objective. In two years time, he convinced all 192 member nations of the UN to take part in a worldwide cease fire. The power of one is amazing to me.
Peace One Day also promotes non-violence in our communities, homes and schools. Jeremy’s near-term goal is to have 3 billion people get involved with peace and non-violence by the 2012 Peace Day.
As I travel to campuses I am finding a generation of kids involved with all sorts of human rights issues. Kids giving of themselves to help others across the world. If you have extra time to dedicate to a great movement, PeaceOneDay.org would be a good place to start.

“There’s such untold beauty inside of you,
Who are you planning to show it to?”

These are two lines in a poem I wrote 6 years ago, to inspire people to find the good in themselves and offer it to everyone. I’m convinced it is the only way to live one’s life. Don’t wait to show everyone the good you can do. It is time to act on it. There is never a time like the present, to start on a new, inspired journey. If you have to re-invent yourself, do so now.
Look for every opportunity which presents itself, to do only good for everyone. You have the power to positively affect millions of people, don’t wait another moment.
Make your mantra be:  “May my hands, my voice and my thoughts be instruments of peace.”

On two separate occasions during my month-long stay in the New York City area, I was told how perfect The Kindness Bus would look in the parade. Not being one who shies away from an opportunity to promote One Million Acts Of Kindness, I immediately embraced the idea. What great nationwide exposure it would be for The Kindness Bus Tour.
Now, all we have to do is convince the right person, no small matter I’m sure. I’m hoping that one year in the next ten years of my mission, this will happen. With that said, if anyone reading this, has any business or personal relationship with the powers that be, or know anyone who does, I would be forever indebted if you could somehow help me make this happen. BV

It is so easy to get mired down in the little stuff. Living day to day, life becomes a routine of the usual stuff.  Daily, weekly and monthly routines which make up our lives, become our lives. Months, even years can slip by leaving one to wonder, where did all the time go? What did I really do with my life? That is your inner voice challenging you to do something about it. Listen to it, it is what will define you if you choose to follow it. I call it The Big Picture voice. It is an awakening, a realization that you are meant for something bigger.
It is easy to prefer to stay in one’s comfort zone, it is the routine you are accustomed to. You like it there, it is safe. It takes a lot to inspire most of us to dedicate the remainder of our lives to a “cause.”  It takes a “Tipping Point;” some occurrence which shakes us to our very core. It is then you hear the Big Picture voice, reminding you once again, to do good for others, for the sake of your “cause.” Listen to the good inside you, it is telling you that you are meant for something bigger. You are.

Working to make a community event a reality takes a big effort. Creating a sense of community is the reason for most events; it brings people together. This annual event in Bedford, Ohio was just the right place  to be to enable me to talk with families. There was a “buzz” about the bus as people stopped by to learn of The Kindness Bus Tour. Teachers, parents and community leaders were just a few who comprised this group.
Bogart was MIA as it was too much to ask of him with as hot as it was late in to the evening. Many people were asking for him by name, he is becoming the force which keeps the interest in this mission. If Bogart somehow learned to drive the bus, I would be out of the picture.
A very energetic 93 year old local man, named Shorty, was a crowd favorite. He loved the idea of spreading kindness across the world. Given what he has witnessed in his life, he knows how treating people with respect can have a powerful impact.