In association with hhdlstudycirclemontreal.org
Archive for April, 2011
You’re receiving this email because you are a DailyGood subscriber.
Trouble reading this email? View it in your browser. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe. |
|
|
 |
What I would really like to do is to be able to change the lives of a group of people, with the same materials they deal with everyday.
– Vik Muniz –
|
|
|
Portraits of Hope
In the world’s largest garbage dump, Artist Vik Muniz finds beauty in resilience, art in compassion. Returning to his native Brazil, he finds himself along the outskirts of Rio de Jeneiro, amidst the garbage pickers of the Jardim Gramacho landfill. Determined to help, Muniz creates wildly creative, intimate portraits of the garbage pickers to sell back in New York. All the money earned goes to his subjects. “Think about what you are going to do when you get out of Jardim Gramacho,” he tells one woman from behind the camera lens. Her hard stare cracks into a smile. { read more }
Be The Change
Make an extra effort to recycle and reduce waste. Here are ten easy ways: { more } |
|
|
|
|
|
You’re receiving this email because you are a DailyGood subscriber.
Trouble reading this email? View it in your browser. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe. |
|
|
 |
It takes generosity to discover the whole through others. If you realize you are only a violin, you can open yourself up to the world by playing your role in the concert.
– Jacques Yves Cousteau –
|
|
|
Retailing With Heart
Venture into a Panera Cares cafe and you’ll see the same menu and racks of freshly baked breads that are staples at the 1,400 Panera Bread restaurants across the United States. The only thing missing is the cash register. Instead, there’s a donation box where customers pay on the honor system. Since opening its first “restaurant of shared responsibility” last May, Panera Bread is poised to take its new model nationwide. “We tell you the suggested price but the choice is yours,” explains Panera co-founder Ron Shaich. “If you’ve got a few extra bucks, the right thing is to leave it. If you’re feeling pressure, you can take a discount. If you’ve got nothing, you’re free to enjoy your meal with dignity.” { read more }
Be The Change
Explore the psychology of pay-what-you-can and pay-it-forward experiences. { more } |
|
|
|
|
|
You’re receiving this email because you are a DailyGood subscriber.
Trouble reading this email? View it in your browser. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe. |
|
|
 |
I have the view… that the human being was not made for pleasure, was not made to gratify the ego, was not made to make money, was not made to have babies: it was made to serve something bigger than oneself. We are built to serve.
– Jacob Needleman –
|
|
|
Why Can’t We Be Good?
Philosopher and professor Jacob Needleman maintains that humans have the capacity for great good. In his book “Why Can’t We Be Good”, he explores what causes us to go astray, and what can help us to stay focused on what he believes is our purpose: to serve. In his book and the interview, offers one practical way of keeping on track–deep listening. Based on experience with many groups of students, he maintains that listening, without evaluation, judgement, or response, is the beginning of letting go of the ego and finding connection with other human beings. { read more }
Be The Change
Deeply listen to one person today: not to agree or disagree, but simply to let their thought into your mind. { more } |
|
|
|
|
|
You’re receiving this email because you are a DailyGood subscriber.
Trouble reading this email? View it in your browser. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe. |
|
|
 |
That’s why I’m helping you, because we’re brothers.
– David Ross –
|
|
|
75-Year-Old Retiree Brings Smiles to Street Corners
Hundreds of people sleep on San Diego’s streets each night, on corners, beneath the interstate and across from the public library. They hang out in small groups or sit alone, watching the time pass. But when a wiry man with dark glasses approaches, everyone seems to perk up. The man is David Ross, better known as Waterman Dave. For years, he’s handed out hundreds of bottles of water each day to the homeless. He’s a 75-year-old retiree who’s made it his mission to help the homeless– even if it’s just with a hug or a kind word. { read more }
Be The Change
Offer kindness in a greeting. Take a moment to stop and say hello. { more } |
|
|
|
|
|
You’re receiving this email because you are a DailyGood subscriber.
Trouble reading this email? View it in your browser. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe. |
|
|
 |
Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads.
– Erica Jong –
|
|
|
Nursery Rhymes Bring Down the House
Over the weekend, Edward Reid became an instant celebrity when he brought down the house on “Britain’s Got Talent” — with nursery rhymes! The crowd laughed and jeered when 35-year-old school teacher opened with “Old MacDonald.” But his undulating voice won them over as he moved into “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” By the time he concluded with “If You’re Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands,” every pair of hands in the room was, indeed, applauding wildly. Watch the full video: { read more }
Be The Change
Explore you hidden talents. Do something unexpected today, that you’ve always wanted to do. |
|
|
|
|
|
You’re receiving this email because you are a DailyGood subscriber.
Trouble reading this email? View it in your browser. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe. |
|
|
 |
Those who wish to sing, always find a song.
– Swedish Proverb –
|
|
|
I Wish This Was …
At first glance, it looks like someone plastered “Hello, My Name is” name tags all over the city. Take a step closer, and the tag reads, “I Wish This Was…” A public installation artist, designer, and urban planner, Candy Chang likes to make cities more comfortable for people. She came up with the project, ideal for its super low barrier of entry, to allow her fellow citizens to express their ideas on how empty lots and store fronts may be rebuilt and used. The responses — from Disneyland to a bike rack, heaven to an art supply store — reflect “the hopes, dreams, and colorful imaginations of different neighborhoods.” { read more }
Be The Change
Express your wishes for the enhancement and betterment of your city. { more } |
|
|
|
|
|
You’re receiving this email because you are a DailyGood subscriber.
Trouble reading this email? View it in your browser. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe. |
|
|
 |
In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find, and continue to find, grounds for marriage.
– Robert Anderson –
|
|
|
Love, Honor, and Thank
If you’ve ever lived with anyone else –from a spouse to a college roommate –you’ve probably had conflicts over doing the dishes, the laundry, and countless other household chores. But researchers Jess Alberts and Angela Trethewey have found that a successful relationship doesn’t just depend on how partners divide their household chores; it also depends on how they each express gratitude for the work the other one puts in. In this article, they explain how understanding the “economy of gratitude” can help us appreciate the subtle, everyday gifts we receive from our partner — and make our home a happy one. { read more }
Be The Change
Tell your partner or roommate how much you appreciate a chore they’ve done around the house. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Apr 23, 2011 |
People never forget that helping hand especially when times are tough. — Catherine Pulsifer |
 |
“I was at McDonalds the other day and I was trying to decide what snack would tide me over until I rode the bus home. I noticed a young lady looking at the menu but she just got a small soda. I decided to help and got two breakfast burritos for $1 each and two apple pies which are two for $1.
I shared a burrito and a pie with her and she was so happy that you would have thought it was the best meal of all time. I was happy too because I was able to share a meal with someone. I told her I never like to eat alone and was happy for the company.
Who knows, maybe I will see her there again some day. I found out she had lost her job and didn’t have much money for food. I suggested that she go to my church and they would help her with some groceries. So I knew she will have something else to eat later on that day too. It’s a blessing to help someone in need.” — bookworm58″
[ share your story >> ] |

You can also contribute comments on each story! |
|
 |
“I originally came across HelpOthers.org accidentally… Now, I look forward to reading it each day and I have found that it deeply inspires me… Each day, it is still a conscious effort to create and carry out acts of kindness. Today I offered a cupcake to a homeless man… I felt uncomfortable randomly walking up to a stranger but I thought about the stories I have read on this website and remembered the importance of being kind to everyone. Thank you for providing me with the inspiration and courage to be truly kind every day.” — Ashley S |
What is a “smile card”? It’s a game of kindness — do something nice for someone and leave a card behind asking them to pay it forward. To date, 914,833 cards have been shipped without any charge.
The ‘Smiles’ newsletter is emailed to 80,565 subscribers with the intent of spreading more smiles in the world. You can unsubscribe anytime.
get smile cards | donate | write to us |
|

You’re receiving this email because you are a DailyGood subscriber.
Trouble reading this email? View it in your browser. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe. |
|
|
 |
Just like the many colours of roses, we may be of different nationalities, ethnicities, religions or race. But no matter what colour a rose may be, it is still a rose, and likewise we are all human beings first.
– Sushil Koirala –
|
|
|
Roses of Peace Bloom
“The rose is a universal symbol, liked by everyone. It appeals equally to everyone’s heart. The exchange of roses, the shaking of hands and extending goodwill between people of different races, religions or parties in conflict, helps to create a more conducive and positive atmosphere.” A 28 year-old peace activist in Nepal is bringing people in conflict areas together through one simple act: giving a rose to a stranger. { read more }
Be The Change
Take a moment to think of some types of people whom you wouldn’t likely greet on the street. Say hello to 10 such people today. |
|
|
|
|
|