Day 26 to 28 – Hallowed Ground

A few years ago on a sunny Sunday afternoon, I was returning to Bicester from Church in Banbury along the B4100. As I approached the Hardwick turning, just prior to a sharp right hand bend, I could see ahead of me a road accident.

I pulled over, put on a fluorescent jacket that I kept in the boot of my car, and walked over to see if I could help. The road was completely blocked and I notice that the scene was unusually quiet; even though there were quite a few people standing around. I could see that a motorcycle and car had been involved and as I walked over to the motorcycle I saw a man kneeling next to the body of a young women. I’m not sure how or why, but I immediate knew she was dead and this was confirmed to me by the man with her. There was nothing we could do.

I often pass the scene of that accident and at times see flowers tied to a road sign; as members of her family and friends remember her. I consider that ground hallowed and a place for people to come and pay their respects.

As Gill and I were driving to church on Christmas Day we past that spot and I could see, as we approached, that someone had dropped a bag of rubbish and the content was strewn all over the area. I felt so sad and emotional and in a way felt that this spot had been desecrated. I’m sure this was an irrational reaction and I’m sure the person who dropped the litter had no idea as to what had happened at that spot a few years ago.

Well, the area has been cleared of the rubbish and restored to its unofficial status as ‘hallowed ground’.

Other activities this Christmas season have included:

2 x Gave cash to a charity
1 x Help a stranger with her shopping
5 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
2 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian
2 x Put neighbours bin back after the bin men had been
1 x Voluntary work in the community

Sub total: 13
Running total: 352

Target: 3000+ random acts of kindness in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 25 – Mince Pies are Beckoning!!!

This will be my last entry before Christmas and Gill has just informed me that the mince pies have just come out of the oven!!

May I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and may we all continue to look-out for others this festive season.

My final gifts before Christmas included:

2 x Gave cash to a charity
9 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
2 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian
1 x Gave a hello/good morning to a stranger
2 x Wrote a letter of appreciation to someone

Sub total: 16
Running total: 339

Target: 3000+ random acts of kindness in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 22 to 24 – The Goth & The Mod

A very warm welcome to Mitzi who has joined my little band of followers … its nice to have you onboard.

Ever since being introduced to Paul Weller and The Jam in 1978 I have always enjoyed wearing Mod clothes. Even though I am in my late forties I still like wearing my Merc tank-tops, the polo shirts, desert boots and the black Harrington jackets … I know its sad, but I do enjoy the style of my youth; nostalgia can be a very powerful emotion.

Anyway, I was in Oxford on Wednesday when I saw a Goth. He was dressed in the traditional black outfit and boots, but he also had a very handsome top hat on. I must say he looked really good; like a wealthy/clean artful dodger. I pointed him out to Gill and then caught up with him and let him know how cool I thought he looked, to which he showed appreciation and a smile … The Mod met The Goth … although he didn’t say anything about what I was wearing?!?! … probably just as well … ha, ha!!

The last three day’s stylish successes included:

1 x Said something nice to a stranger
2 x Gave cash to a charity
27 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
6 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian
8 x Gave a hello/good morning to a stranger
7 x Gave money to a street beggar
1 x Stopped and had a chat with a stranger
1 x Cleared/picked-up rubbish in the neighbourhood
1x Gave-up my seat in a restaurant to someone else
1 x Voluntary work in the community

Sub total: 55
Running total: 323

Target: 3000+ random acts of kindness in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 20 to 21 – Team Tactics!

Over the past two days I have been out with my sweetheart Gilly. We have been out Christmas shopping and visiting family … I love being with my wife during the Christmas season.

I have discovered that Gill makes a brilliant ‘partner in crime’ in identifying opportunities to bless other people’s lives; she also makes a wonderful scribe.

However, as I reviewed the scrap of paper she had used to record all the acts of kindness achieved I discovered the following sentence … “nearly knocked old man over on crossing!” … I’m not sure she needed to record that!!! … ha, ha!!!

The past two days haul included:

1 x Gave cash to a charity
13 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
6 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian
2 x Gave a hello/good morning to a stranger
1 x Replaced store’s merchandise that had fallen off the display
1 x Stopped and had a long chat with a stranger
1x Gave-up my place in a queue for someone else
1 x Helped someone in a wheelchair
1 x Retrieved a supermarket trolley and put it in the trolley park
1 x Put neighbours bin back after the bin men had been
1 x Voluntary work in the community

Sub total: 29
Running total: 268

Target: 3000+ random acts of kindness in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 18 to 19 – Sitting on the Shoulders of my Hero!

Many Christmas’ ago I remember being carried on the shoulders of my father through the thick snow as we walked home from church. I remember my feelings of 'home and family' and the feelings of excitement and mystery during the Christmas season.
 
Time has passed, and my circumstances have change, and I now enjoy providing the same feelings for my family. I also enjoy looking for opportunities to show others the true meaning of Christmas by showing them love and kindness during this special season.

However, I sometimes miss being that child, the excitement and mystery of Christmas eve and sitting on the shoulders of my father … in fact, I mostly miss my father … Merry Christmas Dad!

The opportunities to hand out some Christmas gifts (acts of kindness) this weekend were limited, but nevertheless heartfelt:

2 x Gave cash to a charity
2 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver

Sub total: 4
Running total: 239

Target: 3000+ random acts of kindness in 12 months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 16 to 17 - Loose Change

I have noticed that there are charity collection tins in most shops these days. What a great way to contribute to a good cause by simply putting a few pennies in a tin. If everyone did that it raise millions of pounds for good causes.

Got any loose change?

The past two days random acts of kindness included:

1 x Gave money to a street beggar
1 x Let someone know I care about them
3 x Gave cash to a charity
2 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian
6 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
1 x Voluntary work in the community

Sub total: 14
Running total: 235

Target: 3000+ random acts of kindness in 12 months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

 Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing".

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 15 - Lighting Candles

I was thinking ….. in an ever increasingly dark and chaotic world it is so easy to become indifferent and cynical to the plight of others.

We may not be able to resolve everyone’s problems or replace all the hatred in people’s hearts with feelings of tenderness. But what we can do is keep ‘lighting candles’. Each act of kindness we do for a stranger, family member or a friend is like lighting candles; especially when we do it in response to someone being unkind to us.

Light has a tendency to make us feel safe and peaceful; and will always keep the darkness away.

Today’s 'lighted candles' included:

1 x Gave money to a street beggar
1 x Let someone know I care about them
1 x Gave cash to a charity
1 x Paid for a friend’s dinner
2 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian
9 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
2 x Voluntary work in the community
Sub total: 17
Running total: 221

Target: 3000+ random acts of kindness in 12 months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 14 - Litter Picking!!

Outside my house is Jubilee Lake. It is a great place to walk and feed the ducks and has become a recreational area for my family; especially my grandson Miles.
There is often rubbish dropped in the area and this has often been the subject of complaints to the local District Council.

Unfortunately this has not dealt with the problem, so for a few years ago I have began to conducted my own litter-picks. I really enjoy the experience and find it so satisfying. I have often been mistaken as the local ‘bin-man’ by kids feeding ducks with their mums … ha, ha.

Sometimes direct action is the best way of getting things done.

Today’s random ‘acts of kindness’ included:

1 x Proactively volunteered to help out a colleague
1 x Let someone know I care about them
1 x Gave cash to a charity
4 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
1 x Cleared/picked-up rubbish in the neighbourhood
1 x Put neighbours bin back after the bin men had been
1 x Voluntary work in the community

Sub total: 10
Running total: 204

Target: 3000+ random acts of kindness in 12 months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 13 - Let Someone Know You Care

One of the advantages of being part of this endeavour is that I am beginning to think about different ways I can make a positive impact on someone’s life. 
 
One area I have been pondering is ways of communicating to someone to let them l know I love them and care about them. This could be by phone, e-mail or letter.

To do this successfully I need to be sensitive to impressions and prompts I experience, in my mind and my heart, and then  act upon them.

I had two such impressions today.

Today’s random ‘acts of kindness’ included:

2 x Voluntary work in the community
2 x Let someone know I care about them
2 x Gave cash to a charity
19 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
1 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian

Sub total: 28

Running total: 194

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 12 - Life's Foundations

I decided quite early on that I would not count any acts of kindness I do for my family or for my faith.

Like foundations of a house, that you know are there but cannot see, so it is with my family and faith. They are the foundations of my life and all service and 'acts of kindness' are built upon them.

However, I did not want to waste this Blog so I found a wonderful quote to share with you:

“Many small people, in many small places, do many small things, which can alter the face of the world.”

Anonymous

Sub total: 0
Running total: 166

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 11 - Harry's Day

A couple of years ago I volunteered as a respite carer and was linked with Harry. Since that time I have spent one day every month taking him out on shopping trips, bowling, swimming and other activities.
Harry is autistic and has limited communication skills and has become one of the most important people in my life. He is an extraordinary person and has the ability of getting the best out of the people who come into contact with him.

My love for him, and his family, has developed over the years and I am a better person for being with him.

(Kind permission granted by his parents to mention my care of Harry)

 Today’s random ‘acts of kindness’ included:

1 x Voluntary work in the community
2 x Stopped and had a long chat with a stranger
2 x Gave cash to a charity
21 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
4 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian
2 x Held the door open for someone

Sub total: 34
Running total: 166

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 10 - A Chat with Julia

I was chatting with Gill about what should I do on the days I fall short of my target. I felt that doing an act of kindness just to get my ‘Ten-a-Day’ was not in keeping with the spirit of the venture. I also felt that doing things for Gill, my immediate family or the church should not be included. I really want to do something for strangers/friends motivated by love. 
 
Gill is very supportive, and a lot wiser than me, and just encourages me to do my best … I think that is the key.

Whilst out Christmas shopping today I got chatting to a women named Julia. It is truly a wonderful thing to engage with a complete stranger and share a part of your day with them. I spent about half-an-hour talking about her family and mine … it was truly a special moment and further testifies to me that we are all truly brothers and sisters.

I have two more supports joining my Blog … welcome Luke and Anneke; it is good to have you on board.

Today’s random ‘acts of kindness’ included:
3 x Voluntary work in the community
1 x Stopped and had a long chat with a stranger at the garden centre
1 x Gave cash to a charity
2 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver whilst driving
3 x Gave a hello/good morning to a stranger

Sub total: 10
Running total: 132

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 9 - Losing Yourself

I know that most of my acts of kindness relate to driving situations. The obvious reason being is that I spend most of my working day in a car driving clients from place to place.
One thing that I feel is slowly changing is my propensity to get angry on account of someone else’s bad or aggressive driving. My anger is now one of … “I would have let in if only you had given me a chance!!!!” … “and now you’ve robbed me of one of my ‘ten-a-day’!!!! … ha, ha!!

I have found that I am a lot calmer whilst I drive, especially in London. I feel as you focus more on others you tend to lose yourself; and that is a wonderful and happy state to be in.

Today’s random 'acts of kindness’ included:

5 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver whilst driving
1 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian
3 x Gave a hello/good morning to a stranger
1 x Proactively volunteered to help out a colleague

Sub total: 10
Running total: 122

Target: 3000+ in 12 months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 8 - The Broomstick Race

Going to ‘Toys R Us’ with Miles is such a treat … but I’m not too sure if Gill and Charlie would agree. I spotted a Harry Potter broomstick, I’m not sure if it was a Nimbus 2000 as advertised at the Quidditch Word Cup or not, but anyway, I proceeded to race down the aisles in an attempt to make Miles, Gill and Charlie laugh.
They, of course, turned away in embarrassment and ignored me as I bumped into two previously unseen ladies, who thought the spectacle hilarious … so it’s got to be included in today's ‘Ten-a-Day’.

Today’s random ‘acts of kindness’ included:

1 x Put a smile on someone’s face!
2 x Put neighbours bin back after the bin-men had been
2 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver whilst driving
3 x Replaced store’s merchandise that had fallen off a display
1 x Proactively volunteered to help out a colleague
1 x Gave a cash donation to charity

Sub total: 10
Running total: 112

Target: 3000+ in 12months

 Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!"

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 7 - Letter to a Hero!

Community service is a wonderful way of making a difference to a large number of people. I love doing my spontaneous litter picks, my voluntary respite care and working with community groups. Today I joined a Patient Participation Group at my local medical practice … its good to be involved!

I also wrote a letter of appreciation to my doctor who diagnosed my sickness earlier this year. I had already thanked him face-to-face on a number of occasions, but I felt a letter would be a nice thing for him to receive. Without his inspired and thoughtful consideration of my clinical signs, my sickness would have gone undetected and would have had serious consequences to me and my family … what a hero!!

Welcome to Donna who joined my recently joined my Blog … it is really good to have you on board.

Today’s haul included:

1 x Gave money to a street beggar
17 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver whilst driving
7 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to a pedestrian whilst driving
1 x Voluntary work in the community
1 x Wrote a letter of appreciation to someone

Sub total: 27
Running total: 102
Target: 3000+ in 12months

 Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 6 - The Wolf-Wistle

Today in the supermarket I spotted an old neighbour, and friend of mine, and I approached her unseen and gave her a loud ‘wolf-whistle’!
She turned towards me with a big smile on her face and let me know how much she appreciated the gesture … she then went on to tell me that I should count it as one of my ‘Ten-a-Day’.

Now I’m not encouraging married men to give a ‘whip woo’  to all the pretty ladies in the supermarket, but in these circumstances, where both parties know each other well, I think it was appropriate.

So Gilly … this Blog is dedicated to you and the ‘wolf-whistle’!!

May I also offer a warm welcome to Jamie and Sarah, I really appreciate you signing up on my Blog.

Today’s successes included:

1 x Wolf-whistle!!!
1 x Cleared/picked-up rubbish in the neighbourhood
1x Gave-up my place in a queue for someone who needs appeared greater than mine
2 x Proactively ‘gave-way’ to another driver
2 x Held the door open for someone
12 x Gave a hello/good morning to a stranger/neighbour

Sub total: 19
Running total: 75

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 5 - Family & Faith

Hi to Mary & Jenny ... thank you for your support.

Today for me was a day of service and worship. I had great joy in involving myself in Church service and spending time with my family. I feel it would be inappropriate to claim any of this service for my ‘Ten-a-Day’.

I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s opportunities … as for today I submit a zero return.

Sub total: 0
Running total: 56

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 4 - Meagre Pickings!!

What a day!!! … I honestly thought it would be easy to find at least 10 opportunities to make a positive difference to someone’s life everyday … after today’s experience I’m not too sure.
Perhaps I wasn’t looking hard enough whilst I was out, whatever the reason I am going to have to think a little smarter about ways of touching people's lives and concentrate a little harder when I am out-and-about.

Today’s haul consisted of:

1 x Proactively gave-way to another driver
1 x Gave a hello/good morning to a stranger

Today’s total: 2
Running total: 56

Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 3 - Curry Night

I am finding it difficult, as the day progresses, to keep a mental note of the ‘acts of kindness’ I achieve … it must be my age … I’m having to write them down on scrapes of paper; how sad am I?!
Therefore I may well be under reporting my successes; but I would rather be doing that, then claiming for things not done.

I was thinking about whether ‘acts of kindness’ to family members should count or should they be a non-negotiable … or what about service in the church?
I can feel a rule being announced!! … ha, ha … it was bound to happen!!!

I think I will resist and leave it to my conscious. The bottom line is to make a positive difference to someone … whether related to you or not!! … no rules!!!!!!

Day 3’s random 'acts of kindness' included: 

2 x Went out for a curry tonight and paid the bill for two of my friends
8 x Proactively gave-way to another driver
3 x Proactively gave-way to a pedestrian
2 x Held the door open for someone
2 x Gave a hello/good morning to a stranger
1 x Helped a guy at the supermarket pickup some change he dropped

Sub total: 18
Running total: 54
Target: 3000+ in 12months

Commenced 30^th November 2011

Motivation for ‘’My Ten-a-day’

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

Day 2 - Driving in London

… one of the good things about my ‘Ten-a-Day’ is that it lifts your horizons as you look-out for opportunities to do some good.

I noticed today a colleague at work who valets our cars, she is a foreign nation and doesn’t speak good English, and does not appear to be acknowledged by the other drivers … it was good to change that situation and I will be please to do so from now on.

Thank you Ivana and Donna for signing up to my Blog and another big thank you to Liz for your encouraging comments … xx

Day 2’s figures are:

2 x Gave money to street beggars

13 x Proactively gave-way to another driver

3 x Proactively gave-way to a pedestrian

2 x Held the door open for someone

1 x Gave a hello/good morning to a stranger

1 x Proactively phoned someone and offered to help them out

Sub total: 22

Running total: 36

Target: 3000+ in 12 months

Commenced 30^th November 2011