Coincidence? I think so!

The part that I wanted to blog about is at the end of this long clip, but I hope that you enjoy the whole thing :)



I'm actually going to discuss one of my strongest core beliefs. No, it wasn't formed by watching Dexter's Lab, but it deals with actions and chain reactions.

One reason I feel so strongly about doing good is because I believe every person is capable of it every moment of every day. Think about the little coincidences in life that had big consequences. I always love those romantic stories of how John and Jane met by reaching for the same glass at a dinner party, or somesuch thing. Chance, and many interactions built up to that moment. Perhaps if someone hadn't held the elevator for John, he would have been late to the party and never met her at all. The thing is, each of our actions has a ripple effect. Because there are so many factors, we don't know what those consequences will be. But if we at least try to do good, we've done our best, and maybe if there are enough of us out there, our ripples will send waves in the right direction, instead of deflecting each other into frothy noise.

Fund & games

There's often this idea that there has to be a separation between fun and good. Obviously some people don't think so. (That blog and this other one by Britt Bravo helped me get started on this project.)

The good people at Penny Arcade have also proven that games and good will can go hand in hand. (note, here's a good opportunity to hit item 9 from the daily good list!) They are breaking the stereotypes of gamers and comic fans being selfish and secluding themselves from the world. J. Jacques, for example, has witnessed the power of (the Internet) community. He's won over fans with his wry sense of humor and dedication to comicking (3 years and currently 5 updates/week!). He's living the dream now, supporting himself by drawing and selling merchandise.

10 ideas for daily do-gooding

It's not quite the new year yet, but I've decided on a resolution for myself. I've spent months feeling guilty for not volunteering. Sure, I cut a check to a local group a few weeks ago, but there was no feeling of fulfillment (does that sound selfish?). SO, my thought today was to do something good every day. Sounds a bit ambitious, but otherwise my life will pass in mediocrity one opportunity-filled day at a time. But really, if I don't even have time to volunteer a few hours per week, how will I do good Every Day? Thus started an impromptu brainstorm, and the push to get me going on this idea of doing a blog. My hope is that this blog will become part of something good. I haven't considered myself a writer in years though, and sometimes have trouble sticking to regimens (like getting up early every day to exercise...yeah, that's worked out real well..), so I could use your help to keep me going.

Without further ado, the quick list of good things to fit into your busy day:

1. Give someone a genuine compliment.
2. Walk the extra few feet to recycle that bottle or return that shopping cart.
3. Read about something completely new to you.
4. Challenge yourself to get out of the shower 30 seconds, 60 seconds sooner.
5. Carry around a To-Do list. You can improve your follow-through on promises (to yourself and others) by writing down ideas as they come, or using spare moments in the day to check things off.
   
6. Hit the road a little sooner or later so that your car doesn't spend as long idling in traffic. (Extra credit! Use that extra time at the office to do some reading - revisit item 3.)
7. Even if you're the only one who realizes it, be sincere when you ask someone how their weekend was. Don't let it be code for, "Just tell me the good stuff."
8. On the other side, be kind. Open up to establish rapport, but some stories should be saved for happy hour, not lunch hour.
9. Donate (can easily be a dollar or less) to a charity or entrepreneur - made even simpler by PayPal.
10. Reflect on all the good things about today.