Jul 31
Acts Of Change
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Everyone can be a part of the Be the Change Movement! People all over our globe are submitting their Acts of Change – share what you are doing to make a positive impact in our world! An Act of Change is the answer for putting the “formula for change” into action:
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Notice: What needs to change in my community?
Take the Keeping It Real Challenge! |
Be the Change Cards
Print out and copy or send to a printer! |
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November 19th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Today while getting gas a man asked me for money. I gave him a 20 and he looked at me in disbelief. Then he said ” you are going to be blessed”. For the rest of the day I thought to myself all the ways I already am. I figure we reminded eachother….
November 18th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I went out of my way to spend special time with my god kids! It was a great adventure!
November 18th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
challenge day i can say made a positive infulence in my life. I learned so much.
thank you
November 18th, 2008 at 9:31 am
I collected money for Hoops for Heart, I earned $55
November 18th, 2008 at 9:30 am
i saw someone in the hall being bullied so i haelped them she was very happy and she gave me a hug
and walked way
November 18th, 2008 at 9:29 am
BE THE CHANGE”:) Today we played a game called “Guess Who?” You put a blank peice paper on each
person’s back then you write a nice thing on each of their backs. LMS BE THE CHANGE ROCKS!!!!
November 18th, 2008 at 9:28 am
i helped clean an elderly neighbors yard
November 18th, 2008 at 9:28 am
BE THE CHANGE”:) Today we played a game called “Guess Who?” YUo put a balnk peice paper on each
person’s back then you write a nice thing on each of their backs. LMS BE THE CHANGE ROCKS!!!!
November 18th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Today my students each had a paper taped to their back. They went around the room and wrote a positive comment on everyone’s paper! They came up with some great messages. My favorite was “You have a beautiful soul!” Good job LMS 5th grade!
November 18th, 2008 at 9:25 am
one time i was walking down the hallway and i saw someone being bulled. i went over there and asked
what was going on and they said that they were going to beat she or he up. i asked what she did and
they said that she had done nothing ,and i said why
November 18th, 2008 at 9:24 am
i cut 18 inches off of my hair and sent it to locks of love AND MADE THEM WIGS.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:23 am
I earned “prizes” for being the change:->
November 18th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Please stop bullying at school! If I see someone bullying, I’m going to tell them to stop!
November 18th, 2008 at 9:21 am
My friends fight a lot at lunch and I’m going to start telling them to stop fighting and think of nice things to say.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I wrote nice stuff on other peeps back in the classroom and they wrote nice stuff back. :):):):):):):):):)::):):):)
November 18th, 2008 at 9:19 am
I have wrote complements about people today!!!!!!!!!!
November 17th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I don’t know if my act of change is really relevant to another person but it is to me. My mother’s brother is in town. For a long time til probably this moment i feel he could really careless for me. I also feel that we have no connection whatsoever except in blood. I can remember a time when i admired him and was glad to have an uncle. Then there was a fallout and it seems since then that there is no uncle in him for me. Well i still feel that BUT, i could hear my aunty Nola in my heart. so, he is here in hawaii visiting and I went to go see him. Now here on this island 30-40 miles is far. Anyway i went out to the other side of the island to say hi. Exactly what i thought would happen, he said hi, i said hi, he asked how i was and vice versa then we said bye. All of 3 mins. Now here is the change….. before i would never go. I would think why go there? he doesn’t care? He talks to the other cousins more… yada yada just downing myself. Not this time no downing on Elizabeth. I went and for 3 mins it was ok. Nothing extravagant just ok. I am good with ok. I was the change for me. Something that is sometimes harder than making a change in someone elses life. I hope the minutes get longer next time.
November 17th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
We started a Be the Change Club at my son’s school today!
November 17th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I was feeling really tired and a little down today, so I bought myself some flowers! When I got home, I realized that my bright yellow, happy daisies had sparkles on them - BONUS!
November 17th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I saw a word war on the doors at work today, one person’s door said “Fat” under the name. The other said “Stupid”. When nobody was around I crossed them both out and re-wrote them to say,”Perfect” and “Brilliant”.
November 17th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I just gor home from the Be the Change workshop and I gave my parents the card I wrote for them at the workshop and I bouhgt my mother flowers. I have never been close with my parents or told them how much I appreciate them and love them and I finally DID IT!!!!!! And I FEEL FABULOUS ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Yvonne, Rich and everyone at the workshop in Concord.
November 17th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Rich, you deserve your birthday wish. 5000 Acts of Change blogged on this page, comming right up! ARE YOU READY?!! GET READY!!! Because here they come!!!
November 16th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I was standing in line to get dinner, and struck up a conversation with the woman in line behind me. I offered to buy her dinner. She was completely surprised, flabbergasted–and thankful. She didn’t quite know what to say. I paid and we stood chatting, waiting for our food. Then she said, “You know, it’s kind of amazing that I would be standing in line behind you tonight. You see, I’m gay and my partner and I got married a few months ago. We’ve been pretty heartbroken and sort of ‘down on’ humanity since Proposition 8 was passed. I don’t understand why there would be so much hatred in the world; that people would hate me just for being gay.” We talked for awhile longer. I felt convinced that it was no accident (there are no accidents!) that I would be standing in line next to someone who needed that little reminder that there are people in the world who are about love, love, love.
November 16th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Challenge Day is awesome, ^__^!
These guys come to my high school just about every year, and it was awesome. I wish I was still in high school. HPHS, Class of ‘08
Keep it real people, ^__^! Be down with the real you and always show respect, =)!!
November 16th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
When my two best friends and I went out to dinner last night, we wrote a note to our waiter saying how he was so accomodating,and just appreciated what he does on a daily basis. Right before we left, we tucked the note in with our tip.
November 14th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
hey guys ! to whoever reads this, I am a senior in a school in Long Island, NY. we have a class called “Lead” and it is basically a class full of leaders and people who are willing to change something in society for the better. we tackle important issues through doing skits, and today we were brainstorming, and we LOVED the idea of Challenge Day. We are thinking of putting it in our own perspective to change it up a bit, but we really think it is going to be ground breaking. I just am typing away because I think it’s amazing you guys are stepping up in the world. We need people like you<3
November 14th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
So many wonderful changes here is a few….. I live in a home with my sister and parents. We are all adults and we have assigned chore days. Normally i get upset when i have to pick up the slack. Well, i did dishes without being asked on a day that was not mine…. I have this neighbor who i really did not like, or so i thought. Well, long story short we were both waiting downstairs at the apartment building for our rides, she asked me how my daughter was. I said fine. Like i said i at the time did not like her. Anyhow, i for some reason smiled at her and decided to continue the conversation. 10 mins. later we were laughing. In 10 Mins I made a person i thought was a “Meanie” a friend. I say hi to her everytime we run into each other.
November 14th, 2008 at 8:47 am
I intentionally stopped looked my wife in the eyes and told her how much I love her and how incrediably beautiful I think she is.
November 14th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I played tag with my GodSon even though I really didn’t have time
November 14th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I took my daughter to dinner and just listened and loved
November 14th, 2008 at 8:44 am
I collected toilet paper and paper towel rolls for a co-workers daughter who was building log cabins at school
November 14th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I made an extra effort to stop and really listen to co-workers
November 14th, 2008 at 8:42 am
I smiled and acknowledged everyone I passed for a full day - It felt great!
November 14th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Today I picked up glass that was dangerously close to a nother persons tire
November 13th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I have had the blessing of being a part of the Challenge Day Community for almost 10 years now. I was inspired by my first Challenge Day, and then I went to my first Next Step Training and I realized that my passion in life was to improve the world for young people. The last ten years have been bumpy but the passion I found in Challenge Day stays with me. I recently had a complete stranger, a 16 year old girl, find me on Facebook when I asked her if I knew her she said, “No, but I saw you in the Challenge Day group so I knew you gad to be great!” I had forgotten the influence and affect that Challenge Day can have on your life. Challenge Day truly was the first Community that I ever found that I fit into perfectly.
R&Y, thank you for your passion, love, dedication, and support over the years.
To My Challenge Day Community…thank you for showing a 14 year old girl at the time what her passion in life would be. I have been working with kids ever since, and am currently getting ready to get my Masters in Education.
Much love to all~Iz~
November 13th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Today my sister Yvonne(bonnie) sent me a email thanking me for making sure that our Mother finished some very inportant papers that hade to get done. Thank you Bonnie that made me feel very supported. This weekend my husband James and I are taking our oldest granddaughter so to give her mother a break. Thank you again Yvonne and we love and miss you bunches!!!!Kim and James..Hi Rich we love you too!!!!!!!!!!
November 13th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I brought my freind over to use my washer and dryer.
November 13th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
You know when it is around 5:30 pm and you loading your groceries in your car and that same homeless person comes to ask you for $$$ ? We are always in choice. Being busy and getting on with our lives or stopping taking the time to do an act of kindness. That’s just what I did today. I took him to the Burger king just in front of the Safeway I was shopping & treated him (whatever he wanted). He had that kid @ a Candie store look… He might be 50, 55. I left him and he said : ” God bless you ” To what I answered: ” He just did “.
November 13th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Challenge day was a great experienced. I was able to tell my peers and my teachers about how hard my life is. I was able to let everything out because i hold in everything. I absolutely loved challenge day. It was an awesome experience and it challenged me to make changes around my school. Ken and Jay Jay were awesome.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I learned so much from Katie and Randy they made me think long and hard about some of the things i have done and the things i want to do. I think every teenager should experince this program. I never new what students my age have gone through and have to go through every day. I will take this with me the rest of my life and i thank god that i am healty and have time to change the person i have been and be the young lady i want to be. Thank you so much katie and randy and all of the team that take there time and go school to school and do this.
Love, Peace, & Happiness to everyone all around the world.
-Ashley-
Mott High School
waterford, Michigan
November 13th, 2008 at 12:43 am
I took my first ever “mental health day” off from work. I slept, read the Bible, read a book, and made some over due doctor appointments. Now I can go back to serving the children I love.
November 12th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
After my moms birthday party my BIG BRO and my BIL. washed ALL the dishes and cleaned the kitchen! It was a party for over 100 people. :0)
November 12th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
My cousin is struggling and trying to get back on her feet and she needed a place for her son to live. So my husband and I offered to house him so he didn’t have to transfer schools. YUP he lives with me now.
November 12th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
My baby brother GEE bought dinner for a homeless guy who was asking for a dollar to get him something to eat. Instead of my baby bro. giving him just the dollar he actually took the guy to the taco truck and bought him how ever many he wanted. WHAT AN AWESOME BABY BRO.!!!
November 12th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I was on my bicycle on roadway when my back rack disconnected, spilling out my backpack and the bag I carry my rainsuit in. The stuff fell to the side of the road, away from traffic, but still the car behind me slowed down to a stop, stopping traffic behind him so that I could safely I retrieved my things. As I finished, cars stated to slowly go and another one slowed down. The driver leaned over and said, “I think there’s something else back there.” I checked and there wasn’t, but I am thankful for him beind kind. Dear drivers, I don’t know you, but thank you!
November 11th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
We are doing many kind acts here at CMS Be The Change Club.
We are celebrating Mix It Up Day this Thursday, November 13th.
Ambika held the door for 4 members of the staff and read stories to preschoolers.
Rashika helped a student peer edit their work.
Alina comforted an upset classmate.
Kaivalya helped someone pick up their books.
Mrs.Scibienski picked up trash that she saw.
Kristal spread the word about Be The Change and made sure her friends did the daily challenges.
November 10th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
This experience has taught me that life throws many problems at you just to see how you can overcome them. When people of many different situations come together and help eachother and just sit and listen, someones life can be changed. Today, i changed into a more understanding and non-judgemental person. I know i can be who i want to be and not have to please everyone else. I learned that expressing feelings need to be a part in each of our lives and that there is always someone who will listen to your story. Thank you challenge day team, thank you.
November 9th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
In my Challenge Day follow-up class my students write in their learning journals at the end of class. One young boy wrote that he had cold feet and needed new shoes. Nothing fancy. I realized how blessed I was to live a life where my kids always have warm feet, so I went shopping and bought shoes for my student.
November 8th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I have bought lunch for a few of my co-workers more than once this past week.
I paid for someone’s toll on the bay brige twice and I got my step-mom a gift for no reason. She really liked it.
Then because I work on the weekends at night I often have to find a place to sleep thats not too far from my work because I get off so late. Well there have been 3 people who are making me keys to their house so I can crash on their couch or guest bedroom if I need to. I think that that’s the nicest thing EVER.
November 8th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Donated a lot of beautiful clothes from Brazil. Yes ! I am 43 and it is time to dress accordingly. Making room for the new me and the NEW in my life
November 8th, 2008 at 8:50 am
After my surgery on Thursday I had to drive to a pharmacy to get prescribed meds. It was rush hour & I was a little tired and driving fast (not a good combination). I “cut” another driver on the traffic light(I really did not see him). It turns out that he was also going to the same pharmacy. I apologized to him & gave him my place in line even though I was in pain.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
challenge day at VMS ROCKS!!!!
November 6th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I saw someone being bullied in the hallway and stood up for that person. They thanked me with a hug and said I was a great person. It felt awesome! (:
November 6th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I saw that someone in my class was struggling with the assignment the teacher had given. I asked him if he’d like me to help him, in the end he said I was a really great person and friend, its felt really good! (:
November 6th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
i let someone go before me at the grocery store - she was really grateful.
November 4th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
To You SHIANELE from England… The best of luck and support. We start a journey taking one step… you Just did it !
Connect with the Challenge Day office and ask for ideas in how to bring your dream to fruition.
Blessings
Nadia from Brazil, living 15 minutes from the Challenge Day office aka ” HUG CENTER ”
November 4th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I just got back from school where Challenge Day was held. It really made me realize how much people can hurt, and no matter how ‘popular’ or ‘cool’ they are, deep down inside they could be hurting very badly. During challenge day, I let out all of my feelings, and cried very much. It’s ok to cry though. There are times when you’re NOT able to cry, which holds in it, and can hurt you emotionally and physically. We spent a quanity of time in family groups. Groups of 5 or 6. We then each shared each emotion and feeling amongst our group. But Challenge Day is not all about crying and sadness. It’s also fun. We played games and got to know the people we normally don’t talk to, which is a really great feeling. There was alot of hugging, and as for me, hugging is not a daily thing, so this sort of felt akward at first, but later, i got so used to it i almost want to hug my friends whenever i see them. Challenge Day is a great experience, and i can tell you right now that it has already made the change.
November 4th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Two challenge days back to back was an awesome thing. I spent so much of the first one crying and left with a terrific headache. Yeah not enough water. for me the tears began with Aunty Nola’s talk about her life. and they hardly stopped all day. I made the decision to change my habit of talking badly about people I don’t agree with when my friend stood up and spoke at the second day and made his decision to come clean with his sister after 40 yrs. It hurts knowing how long she went without her brother’s love. He is a great guy and I learned so much about him. He is a good listener and a great friend. Thank you Aunty Nola, Sean, Jon and Chris and of course Amanda and Cathy the two school contacts for allowing us to serve the youth as adult facilitators… I do think we learned as much if not more than the youth. BE THE CHANGE…hey guys are we ready to play another GAME?
You guys ROCK! Aloha Aunty Nola. thank you
November 4th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
We are doing many kind acts here at CMS Be The Change Club.
We are celebrating Mix It Up Day on November 13th.
Ayushi held doors for people out of the act of kindness, not for recognition.
Priyanka held doors for several people, helped her friend with her homework, and talked to her friend’s teacher because her friend was shy.
Mikhaela said thank you to her bus driver, said nice things to people in between classes, gave random people high-fives, and held doors for people.
Ambika held a door for an elderly lady, nine children, and an elevator door for an elderly man.
Ciara helped pick up someone’s books when they dropped them.
Julia held the door for someone with a walker and helped make PB&J sandwiches for kids.
Alina held doors, and helped a teacher get up that had slipped on a puddle.
Rashika held a door for someone who was carrying a lot of boxes and helped her friend carry her books.
Ebria heald doors for peple at the fire drill and said thank you to her bus driver,helped peple pick up there books.
Shiv held doors for kids during fire drill.
Jonathan held doors for lots of people.
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I’m from England, and in the UK, unfortunately there are no Challenge Days like in America, so I am willing to talk to my teachers about it, and hopefully be the first School in our county or, even better, the country to do something like this. Being inspired by Oprah’s show on Challenge Day made me think that if it worked in Monroe High School, and so many others, then why wouldn’t it work for my school?
So soon I’m hoping that our school does make a change.
Wish me Luck!
November 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 pm
I voted!!! Yeah!!
November 2nd, 2008 at 11:05 pm
I am so proud of my niece Elizabeth (Liz) from Hawaii and for her Act of Change. Huuuiiii!!! Aloha!!
My cheeks are hurting ’cause I am smiling so BIG!!! I love you all.
Blessings on everyone who are creating Acts of Change and especially on those who take the time to share it here with others.
Aloha
Aunty Nola
November 2nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
At the middle school in Yoder, WY on 31 October Jon gave me the microphone and I told the kids that 40 years ago I had a fight with my middle sister and have not talked with her since. I found out a couple days earlier that she was in the hospital in Illinois with a problem with her heart and had a 50-50 chance of making it out alive. I told them that I was going to call and make things right between us which I did on the following day. She accepted and told me that when I had my motorcycle accident in Arizona that she was with me in the operating room watching the surgery and that when I came out of recovery the first thing I asked my father was “Where was my sister, Pat”? He said she was not here but when he called her in IL. she told him that she was there watching me in spirit. That was spooky. I am glad I did this and my Commander of the Squadron has also said that she will treat the Wing Commander with more respect from now on and will ask our cadets to do the same. We are changed people now. Still with our baloons but working on deflating them and coming out of the box a little more often. Thanks to Chris and Jon.
October 31st, 2008 at 7:21 am
My aunty lost her car keys and I found them and put them in her purse with a Pay it Forward Card!
October 31st, 2008 at 7:20 am
My school counselor gave me Pay it Forward cards and challenged me to do random acts of kindness. I helped my next door neighbor fix her bed and left her a Pay it Forward card on it. When she went to lay down in her bed she said “it feels so much better!” and found her Pay it Forward card. I felt happy for helping my neighbor.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Elizabeth “Liz” from Hawaii, you made me cry with hope & Joy.
Take care care
spread ALOHA
October 29th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I gave my comfy seat at a coffe shop to an older woman so she could be comfortable. It made me feel GREAT!
October 29th, 2008 at 5:39 am
We started a Be the Change Team at the high school where I teach. We showed the video from the website and got over 120 students signed up to come to the first meeting!! I can’t wait to get started! We have been spreading the word and now it is time for ACTION!
October 28th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Aloha, I am from Oahu, Hawaii. I had attended a challenge day with my ohana. It was really nice and to me started an awakening that took some time to blossom. It planted a seed. If you thought you knew who i was i was a troubled child. But if you really knew me, today I want to step outside the box even though i may get lazy. I believe in a higher power(hp) greater than myself and with my new seed blossoming and my hp this is my act of change: Here in Hawaii the weather has been really junk so on Mon oct. 20th, I bought a nice DC jacket, i recently gave my niece my old one when she came to visit in July, on Sat. oct 25th i went out in the rain to get some things for my nephew. His birthday party was that afternoon. Any way there was a homeless man in chinatown who was getting poured on, i noticed him. I then heard something inside to give my jacket to him. Now at the time i was like “your kidding right.” However the more i looked at the guy i seen he must be in his late 20’s, too young to be homeless right. Then i remembered my seed growing in me… i had a choice. So what did i choose i chose to give this man my new jacket. I have others at home. I have a home. These thoughts raced. I acted… I gave him my jacket. At first the man would not accepted it, i insisted. He finally took it and i made my way home. I was cold and wet but warm inside. I noticed, chose and acted. Yes, i was hard and i was at first like your joking but i stepped out of the box and remembered an act of kindness can really help someone in a way you may not understand. I have not seen that man since. I am back to wearing my old walmart blue sweater jacket. I am warm today in it. And i hope he is warm in his jacket.
October 28th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
for the past couple of week i have hung out with diffrent people and when my friends start to make fun of some one i tell them to please stop saying stuff like that and then i go say hi to the person that they were making fun of
October 27th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I am going to one of the teachers that organize the events that go on in my school and try to bring the challenge day to my fellow classmates and peers.
October 27th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Posted NEXT STEP info (flyers) @ Borders, PANERA, Jamba Juice , @ the Gym, and talked to other “soccer & Karate moms” about it.
October 26th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I recieved a phone call from my niece who was having a particularly stress-filled moment. I gave her the gift of listening and validated her for reaching out. She is an amazing young woman and a very loving mama for Krystal. I’m so glad that she called ME and allowed me to encourage her and lift her up. She shared a story with me of an Act of Change that she did and I encouraged her to log it in here. We ended the phone call both smiling from the heart.
October 25th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Yesterday was our daughters best friends birthday. I believe some of the best acts of change happen when they seem impossible to do. Our weekend was totally full, and we had our weekly datenight, but we knew how much it would mean for our daughter and her friend to have the entire night together to celebrate. So Rich and I took our grandson for a sleep over. We got very little sleep, yet felt good inside to give that gift.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I attend Swartz Creek schools, there is a lot of name calling, bullying and teasing going on. When i heard about Challenge Day I knew it was something i wanted to be involved in. It deffinitly got me out of my comfort zone. I am a very social person, and I’m not gonna lie, I’m in one of those groups who used to tease people. After having Kyrie and Auntie come to our school, I never will judge anyone again. It was a life changing event, and i wish eveyrone could experience it. What they do is amazing, and its good to meet knew people and find out that maybe your not the only one going through something! Keep doing what your doing, your really changing peoples lives!
We love you all.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Yvonne and I moved our date night so we could take care of our grandson. Not only was it a gift to our daughter and her friend Natalie who was celebrating her birthday, it was also a gift to ourselves
October 24th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I went out of may way to intentionally call and appreciate my family members - It felt great to hear their reactions.
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I treated myself to a candlelit bubble-bath and a long hot soak after completeing 3 Challenge Days andd a 4 hour drive home. It was delicious and so extravagant… and I’m so worth it. ;o)
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:37 pm
I just signed up for the Next Step to Being the Change workshop, after participating in two challenge days. I’m SO SO SO excited to go to this, and possibly learn more about myself, and how I relate to the world around me. I’m truly looking forward to taking all of this new knowledge and bringing it back to my school community to show them how Challenge Day could really help us change some of the issues on campus. And undoubtedly, missing a day of school to gather with like minded people for the weekend will be great!
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
My change is to help change the world.i want violence,crime,racism,bulling,drugs,drinking,and a whole lot more to be stopped.For me to accomplish this i will do all in my power and pass on the word.Ill make speechs to make communitys understand that we are in the state of being that this world is out of control!! We all need to act now and help take back control.A world without any wrong is safe world help me make it that way.Its for the greater good of this world to make it better place for everyone.
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
One of my daughter’s high school teachers sent an email to the class parents notifying them of a Challenge Day next week. I have been looking for a way to give back to the community, particularly kids/teens. Her AOC was a gift to me! I have signed up to be part of the Challenge Day and will encourage my friends to join me as well.
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Challenge was one of the best days of my life! I was so lucky to be able to participate in this great program. I was changed for the better and i know most of the school was too. The days and weeks after the event was strange, but it was strange because people had changed and it was out of manys comfort zone. That day I thought was going to be dumb full of people telling us to change with no reasons why. I was wrong and i beleive i wasn’t the only one. The emotion that i felt was felt by the people i had hurt and the ones who hurt me and that day almost felt like i was getting a fresh new start and thats what i have done since that day. No longer will you see me putting someone down and no longer will you see me doing the things that make someone question the reason they are here with us. I am a changed person i I give all that to the Challenge Day program. Thank you PEACE LOVE HAPPINESS!
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:45 am
Although I’m in between jobs right now, I gave a homeless man all the change I had so that he could get himself something to eat. It felt good.
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:21 pm
im very happy that challenge day came to our school it really made me realize just how much each of us have in common i hope now that i can be a better person to everyone in my life love you auntie nola and rayray
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I thought that challenge day would be dumb, but when i was finished i came out as a new person. I look at people differently and i just wanna say thank you. The people that came to my school (Kalaheo High School) were awesome. They were Sean and Pam. They really are just good people.
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I have been teased like many of you have been. I have been through tough times and I am putting a stop to it. I challenge you guys to be a friend to one another. To not be afraid to talk and show emotion… to know you’re not alone. Challenge day was a great experience and I think it is just what our schools need. You see things from a different perspective, it is a breath of fresh air. And it is true that tears don’t mean a person is weak, it shows that we are all humans. You realize that you have more in common with people that you have never really gotten the chance to know. And like they say it is all about… Notice, Choose, and Act. (: Love and Peace!
October 22nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I let a little boy have some money so that he could cover his meal at McDonalds.
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:33 am
We had our second Be The Change Team meeting today and started planning our first big AOC for our school. Everyone is so excited!
October 21st, 2008 at 11:27 pm
I payed dinner for a co worker and was present listening to her worries and doubts. She is decided to take the NEXT STEP
October 20th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
I stopped and helped a couple take a photo so they can both be in the picture - they were very happy
October 20th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I just wanted to say thank you and i’m really glad Challenge Day happened to me because it was one of the most positive and greatest days of my life. It really opend up my eyes and changed my life. I’ve come to realise how much we all have in common and that in this life,i’m not alone even if i’ve believed so for a long time. I was always afraid to cry or open up before and i just let all the pain of everyday life get trapped inside me. At challenge day i let it all out and it felt amazing! From feeling lonely and left out,from feeling like an outcast i went to feeling loved for a change. And i want to give that feeling BACK! I’ll do anything to stop the teasing,violence and so on. I’ll d anything to stop the tears because i know how bad it is to deal with horrible things and not have any friends to be there and support you through it. I don’t want anybody to feel what i felt and i’ll do my best to help others in any way they need me too.
October 20th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I just wanted to Say That Challenge Day Changed My Outlook On Life. I never looked at People The way I will From now On. I experienced Compassion from People I didnt even think would give me a second look. Come to find out Many of The People That Expressed themselves Are going through similar things. I just wanted to Say Thank You to John and Katie.. They came to Stoney Creek High school ( Rochester Michigan)and Made a huge HUGE mark On the Students Who participated in challenge day.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rachael Peace…. lOVE…Happiness.
October 20th, 2008 at 9:29 am
After watching a woman struggle with her bags and baby - I helped her roll her baby stroller and carry bags at the airport
October 18th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I was on the way to the high school where I teach to volunteer at an evening event when I was approached by a man on his broken-down motorcycle. My children and I were at the drive thru at McDonald’s and he was in need of a tow to a nearby garage. His coverage would not allow the mileage to reach the garage and he had no money. He was clearly distraught and at the point of tears. He was a proud man and did not want anyone seeing him like this. Fortunately, I happened to have some money with me and I gave him what I had and he wanted to give me his license and credit card as collateral. I just knew it was an opportunity for me to help another person that I would most likely never see again but would make his day better and could help my children see that there is more than simply making our own lives better each day.
October 17th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Khayree and I validated our waitress in Michigan for being so sweet and pleasant and we both surprised her with 50% tip instead of the usual 15 to 20%!!!
October 17th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I wrote a letter to the producer of the Teen Files video to thank him for giving us that wonderful tool that we can use to share Challenge Day with the world!
October 17th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I stole Rich’s idea and gave my housekeeper & her husband $100 and told them to pay it forward. Fun!
October 17th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
My friend Peter is noctorious for loosing his house key. I told him that I would go get a new one for him. He insisted that he do it… so I paid for it.
October 17th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I got a new refidgerator donated to Challenge Day. My dad was kind enough to let us have it. Thanks DAD! You are the best… I guess it’s more of his act of change than mine.
October 17th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
My friend was in Maui for 10 days. I told her that I would feed, water, and make sure her cats box was clean. In addition to that, I cleaned her bathrooms, swept the floor, straightened her room, did her laundry, and wrote her a really nice note on her bathroom mirror. She is an incredibe friend and I wanted her to know how much she means to me. She also did an act of change by letting me stay there on the weekends so when I get off of work, really early in the morning, I wouldn’t have to drive all the way to Oakland. Thanks Linds.
October 17th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
On Monday I watched my godson with last minute notice so his mom could get some “personal” time in. I washed all the dishes in the sink and straightened up the kitchen just to make her life that much easier.
October 17th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Our coaching staff and area coaches donated all our baseball camp proceeds to our our high school Challenge Day (Defiance, OH). We were able to donate over $1500.
October 17th, 2008 at 5:42 am
When I walked into the Teacher’s lounge this morning there was a gentleman who has just put his only dollar into the pop machine only to lose it. He was sooo bummed and said it “ruined his day.” No worries! I snuck off into my office and found $1 in change in my purse, tried it (in the same machine) and it worked! When I walked into his classroom and handed him the pop, he said “You’re awesome!!! Now I’m not depressed!” How easy was that?!
October 16th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
It is DV Awareness month and we held a Domestic Violence Awareness Training at the Challenge Day Office today. Let’s create a safe world for everyone.
October 15th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I opened the door for an elderly woman yesterday and when she saw that I was pregnant, she then opened the door for me. Then I saw a woman with a stroller and opened the door for her and her partner then opened the door for someone else. It was a sweet exchange of Acts of Change that left everyone smiling.
October 15th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
A co-worker in my office was selling cookies for her child’s schooling, so I bought four and gave them to people in the office.
October 15th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I saw that Adam from challenge day had no where to sit at lunch today, so I invited him to come sit with me and my friends. He is a really nice guy and I plan to have lunch with him in the future.
October 15th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I said to my little brother I love him. I stop calling people names, starting rumors, and have a better relationship with my mom now that i have been in Challenge Day.
It is really helpful for everyone. They show you that you are not the only one that suffers.
October 14th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I went out of my way to give my housemates an emotional release session
October 14th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I brought a shopping cart all across the lot to help the staff at the local grocery store
October 14th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
I am inplementing to 5th graders to make the change because they can comprehend and are aware of the judgements and prejudice daily in elementary school. So, my daughter being a part of student council is aware ot the teachings of Challenge Day and will start this and share with her friends at an earlier age to promote understanding at an age that may prevent the torture ot torment from ever occuring later in the future grades and this act of change is necessary as some children do not have the necessary teachings that will prevent the acts. Hugs are necessary and should be honored but already are misunderstood. Thanks for listening to our attempt to make a change…All it takes is a day and a group of people to change this world!!! We are ready to do it!
October 14th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
I let students hang out in my classroom during their lunch hour/my prep hour because they don’t want to get in trouble. I’ve given them food items and money for lunch when they didn’t have any.
October 14th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Acts of Change
Change is hard to do
It’s something new
Most work toward it
Yet others throw a fit
I learned to show all of myself
…
I’m a person who likes to love
And doesn’t like to shove
But I wouldn’t show it
I would just be invisible and sit
In my little dark corner; invisible
Trying my hardest to act civil
Ignoring all the put-downs
And all of the frowns
Now I’m just myself
…
I am now a living being
Everyone’s opening their eyes and are seeing
All the hurt they put on us
And that we wouldn’t even fuss
We take it and move on
But no longer
Now there’s no reason to hurt
No reason to hate
Nothing but love
Compasion
And change
by Victoria Romes Challenge Day 14 of October
October 14th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Community Middle School stdents are doing good deeds everyday to help others.
Stanford has dedicated more than 60 hours of community service at Mercer County Community College.
Jonathan helped his younger brother with difficult homework.
Alina helped her sister out when she was sick.
Shiv helped his friend open his locker.
Jey saw someone in the hallway who was depressed so he decided to hug her to make her feel better.
Ciara babysat a little baby for 6 hours and gave half of the money she earned to charity.
Matt played American Girl dolls with his younger sister despite the fact that he was busy.
Colin helped his mom take in the groceries.
These are just some of the hundreds of phenomenal things students are doing.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:11 am
I’m a school counselor and had lunch with a student that no one would let sit with them.
October 13th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
we had a challenge day at our school today and honestly it was a self motivating activitie
this activity really broudend my eyes to relize others have problems such as i do and i feel bad for those who dont have people to go to talk to … but right after i was dont with the challenge day i text my cousin telling him thanks for everything he has done for me and when i got home i gave my mom a hug and thanked her too …. so thank you
October 13th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I went out of my way to make sure to reach out to old friends.
October 13th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I am advising the first Be the Change club at Community Middle School. We will be promoting School Violence Awareness Week starting next Monday with daily announcements, posters, and challenges to students and teachers. Our club will work to change the culture at our school with baby steps so that all students feel safe, loved and celebrated. Stay tuned for more about our baby steps…!
October 13th, 2008 at 9:52 am
what I have done to be the change is not judging people when i first meet them. i always try to be nice and treat people the way i want to be treated sometimes i know it is hard to do but it can be done. When I went to challenge day this year I just let all of my bottled up emotions go and i felt so much better cause i made friends i thought i would never be friends with so i enjoy going to challenge day because i have more to let go than the year before and this year Ray Ray and Pam helped me step out of my comfort zone.
October 12th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Yvonne and I offered to watch both our grandson and godson to give their parents a break - Not to mention we love it ourselves!
October 12th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Yvonne and I prepared birthday meals for two of our closest friends and made sure they recieved special attention
October 11th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Yvonne and I decorated the house with candles - music for a friends birthday party - It was fun to see their reactions
October 11th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I gave money to a young main trying to raise money for a leadership trip to washington - He was very grateful
October 11th, 2008 at 10:19 am
On my way back home from a challenge day I found myself in a hurry on CA-24. As I got increasingly impatient with the traffic (it was DATE NIGHT after all!) I remembered myself and for the rest of the ride home I yielded to anyone who wanted to get over in my lane. Slowing down let me get centered. I felt a lot better, and when I got home I was in a much happier mood for date night! We kept the slow pace all evening, staying on the beach a little longer, watching the sun set, enjoying life.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:30 am
well ujst a day ago i had the oppertunity to go to a workshop before challenge day, challenge day is really on friday october 18th for us but our teacher wanted to take the lucky people out and go threw what happends that day….. im so happy you made this program because it really has changed my perspective and i’ve mets many new people thank you so much <3
my change was i met this guy his name is matt… hes been threw rough time to …. i cared for him so much.. and now we never stop talking thanks so much., once again
October 10th, 2008 at 9:50 am
This is ANOTHER Act of Change that was done to me!!!! I have been selling bottled water to supplement my income here at work and Denise Staricco bought ALL the water bottles that were left, and then gave me one & all the girls in our office one!! She’s such a sweet heart.. LOVE YOU Denise!!!
October 10th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I played with a little girl on the shuttle bus so her mother could make an important phone call to her husband. It was definiately a win-win situation. I had fun!
October 10th, 2008 at 8:43 am
YVonne and I collected all teh extra food from a lunch provided for a recent Challenge Day at the Coca Cola company - We brought it to a homeless shelter.
October 10th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I tpped our maid extra big and left a pay it forward card teling her to do something nice for someone else
October 10th, 2008 at 8:38 am
I bought dinner for a homeless man who was hungry
October 10th, 2008 at 8:37 am
On our last plane flight - I lifted the bags for three different people struggling to get on a plane. I also helped an woman with her stroller and baby.
October 9th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
This whole thing, really changed my life. I can’t believe how many people I treated sooo badly!! And I didn’t have the courage to stand up and apologize to everyone, until this day. You guys changed me life! I’m so much nicer to people now, and I accept people way more then I ever did. Thank you so much!
October 9th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
What my community needs is more acts of Being kind to others.
Today I went to lunch with co-workers and on the way out of the restaurant
(Mecca Yummy) a homeless man was walking in and he held the door for me. I said “thank you very much”he d
he said “no problem little lady”.I was then standing out side with a coworker and this same man came
out side and was indicating towards my to go box of left overs. He said where is mine( in a kidding
manner)I looked at my coworker and said her “you go and have a great day”.He said thank you so much.
He was so kind to me even though he was down and out and I thought he deserved a act of kindness in
return.(SMILE).
October 9th, 2008 at 10:51 am
This is an ACT of Change that was done to me. I was selling cup cakes to help w/ the load of Day Care expenses for my baby girl and Susanne Renner and her BEAUTIFUL daughter Veronica baked a GRIP of cup cakes, decorated them oh so nicely, and then delivered them to the office to help me. They both did that on their own, and with their own money. Thank you SO much Sus & Veronica. I LovE you both!!! God Bless!!!
October 8th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Something that needs to change here in Whitehorse Yukon is the bullying and drug abuse. In my school, im going to stop the bullying.
Today was Challenge Day at me school. Today, everyone in that room realized how much this ONE kid god bullied! almost everything, including myself, made an apology to him. That is were im going to make the change! If i ever see anyone bullying him im going to stand up for him, and not put him down like i used too! I was bullied like he is when i was in elementary. Now its high school! Now, im the one making him feel bad.. I know how he feels and I just couldn’t belive what I had done to him.
That is where its gunna stop and a change begin!
October 8th, 2008 at 10:43 am
We’re hosting our 2nd annual Challenge Day this November at my son’s high school, and I’ve spoken with the Middle School administration about bringing it there as well!
October 8th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I was driving up over a highway overpass when I saw a minivan with smoke coming from the engine from hitting (and almost breaking through) a telephone pole. I remember the brief conversation that was in my mind…. “you should stop….. BUT I DON’T HAVE TIME TO STOP….” the car pulled itself off the road.
I approached the female driver and opened the door as another woman motorist who had seen the accident was on her cell phone dialing and speaking with 911. I explained to the female in the accident that she was not to move but that I was going to reach around her and turn her engine off. As I was pulling back from that act, she finally looked up at me (almost angelically!) and said, “Kerry?” I had no clue who she was bent went with her and stayed with her to help process her emotions and her thoughts.
Fortunately, she is OK. No major injuries except to the mini van!
I mentioned the work “angelic” because in a moment I understood why my car had pulled off the road. It was a God thing!
October 8th, 2008 at 3:09 am
I wrote a support to letter to a person who is in jail.
October 8th, 2008 at 2:56 am
I sent letters of appreciation to everyone in the office.
October 7th, 2008 at 8:54 am
I bought pizza for the whole varsity football team for an inner city HS in Oakland this past Saturday.
October 6th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
This weekend I helped organize a campus cleanup day at our local high school. Over 400 students, parents, staff & community members showed up to make the school sparkle. It was a beautiful thing to see people coming together for a good cause. The next night the 4 Go Green-Go Clean team members & our spouses gathered at my house for a celebration dinner! It was awesome!
October 6th, 2008 at 9:25 am
The public school system in our country needs change. There are many of us who can testify to the changes that are needed. I’m committed to getting my ideas for change into writing and to enrolling others in doing the same.
October 5th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Challenge Day came to Heron School in Sacramento (North Natomas), CA on Friday, October 3, 2008. My son (Nick)and his entire 7th grade class went through this Challenge Day. My son came home and was overwhelmed with emotions (good emotions). We talked and talked about the entire day…. I could not believe the words that were coming out of my son’s mouth… all positive remarks. He embrassed me and told me he loved me so much and appreciated everything that I do for him. He told me he was sorry for not telling me enough and not hugging me enough. I cried tears of joy. Although Nick always gave me a hug and told me he loved me…. he was always “rushed”. I guess he felt it wasn’t sincere. He told me he cried alot and hugged alot of his friends. He told me he thought alot about Sela, because she said she lost her mother to Lupus at a young age. I have Lupus and that hit home for Nick. After school that day and all evening… we talked and talked about Challenge Day. He couldn’t get enough of it. It was very good for him and I thank all those who came out to Heron School. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Tonight, my daughter Anela and I went to dinner. We noticed this women who was by herself, and asked if she would like to eat dinner with us. At first she declined, saying that she didn’t want to crowd us, but I reassured her that it would be an honor if she joined us. So Cecelia sat with us and at the end of the meal we felt like we were old freinds. When we were about to leave I asked if I could give her a hug, and she just gushed. Since she lived alone, she doesn’t have much physical contact with people. So I decided to just hold her and hug her. I kissed her cheeck and hugged her again. Then she whispered in my ear…”You never know when God is going to use you.” We exchanged numbers and I look forward to creating a new freindship.
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:28 pm
I offered to car pool to a workshop in San Leandro. “waited till was my turn to talk…” . Listened to my coworkers giving them full attention.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Hi. I went to the Challenge Day on the 1st October, 2008 in Fernie.
Once, I had really psychological problems and it helped me to see, that I’m not the only one, that I’m not alone.
I’m now talking about my problems instead of being alone with them.
I’m more open to people, I don’t know.
I huged people, I’ve never seen before.
It was a real emotional moving event and I hope, that you can help other people as you helped me.
Thank you so much.
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Being a Big Sister has changed my life in so many ways. If you have any time at all that you can spare to spend with a child in need, it is worth it. I wish I could be a big sister to three or four, but one is a good start!
Listen to him…he is there guiding you along your way!
October 1st, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Rich Dutra is the best boss in the whole world! I couldn’t imagine working for anyone else.
LOVE you Chard!
October 1st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Every time that my co-worker, Greg, goes to get water he offers to fill my glass up. It’s the nicest thing, especially because I am working on drinking more water everyday. Thank you Grar! You are an incredible soul.
PEACE man.
October 1st, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Today Andraya went and got some food that I had in the Cafe next door for me. It was really sweet because I was in meetings all day. I really appreciated her generosity.
October 1st, 2008 at 11:47 am
Being older than “Younger”, yesterday, I saw a 3rd grader walking by herself, head down, very sad looking, I went out and approched her, asked her if there was something I could do to put a happy face on her face?, her answer: no, and the sad face continued, I made sure she was not hurt, and physically OK, and then started to sing, ‘You can SMILE when you can’t say a word, YOU can SMILE when you can NOT be heard, Your SMILE if it’s cloudy or fair, YOU can SMILE anytime anywhere”,:):):) she looked up with a huge smile on that cute little face, and asked please sing that again, I did so, she skipped away singing; YOU CAN SMILE….
To make someone put a smile on their face, young or older, is a free choice to ACT out at ANYTIME.:)
It’s so easy. And it reduces the sckall lines in the forehead and cheecks. It take 72 muscles to frown, and 7 to smile!(?)! :):):)
October 1st, 2008 at 11:06 am
I filled up an ice chest this morning with waters and gatorades for the landscapers who are planting in my yard. They dont speak English, but thier smiles said a lot!
September 30th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
I thanked my neighbor (the other one, not the ones with the Rap music) for honoring my request and smoke inside her garage. They are 6 “non STOP smoking people”. I talked to her and used “I messages”. She totally understood and apologized for the 4 years that I passively put up with her smoke coming inside my home.
Amen. Awomen
September 29th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I walked to and from my hotel to the location of our Challenge Day (1/2 mile) to save gas, be kind to the environment and to get some exercise. Yeah Me!!!
September 29th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
We had come upon a 4 car accident that had just happened. A man lost control of his truck and flipped it after hitting a few other cars. He had just crawled out from the cab of his overturned truck and other people were calling 911. He was shaking, in shock and bleeding from various cuts. I grabbed a bottle of water and walked over to him and gave it to him and stayed with him, gently rubbing his back until the emergency vehicles began to arrive. Before I left, I gave him a hug.
September 29th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
One morning I got up early and went for a walk. I gave my cup of hot tea to another young homeless man and noticed that he had a guitar with him. I asked if he could play a song for me and for the next 45 minutes I had a nice visit with “Sleepy”, listening to his music and the stories of his life. I got more hot tea for him, also some danish and orange juice. It was a beautiful start to another amazing day.
September 29th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
The next morning, Ray Ray and I were finishing up breakfast when we saw Tom ( a homeless man) walking past the restaurant we were at. I quickly asked Ray Ray to invite him to breakfast. We had to leave, but I gave the waitress instructions to add extra money to my bill and give him whatever wanted to eat and I would pay the difference if it came up short.
September 29th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
After doing Challenge Days at Arcata High School in Humbolt County, California with Ray Ray, we took
the left over sandwiches and apples from the day and distributed them to the homeless people in the
area. They were really grateful. I especially was looking for one particular man that I had seen going through the dumpster behind the hotel that we were staying at. His name was Tom, and I was so happy to be ablee to give him a fresh sandwich and apples and I gave him a hug as well.
September 29th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
i learned that it’s important to not judge ppl by their first impressions and to get to learn and understand them
September 28th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I keep reminding myself that my neighbors (with whom I share a wall by my computer where I type my clients reports)that “blast” their HIP POP/RAP music, just do not know BETTER. I send them love and sometimes I just have to leave my home. I use my tools and use “I messages” when communicating with them. God give me more understanding & patience.
September 28th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Went to the Sunvalley Mall with Theo & saw a half full Starbucks cup lying on the parking garage. I picked it up and took it to the trash. My son said : “Mom, that’s another act of chance”.
September 27th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
The Girls Awareness Program at Trinity High School in Euless Texas rocks!!! They hosted their second annual pet fair today and it was amazing. 3 dogs and 1 cat got adopted from the local shelter preventing those animals from being euthanized. They also raised funds for spaying and neutering with a bake sale, pet photos, snow cone machine, and a dog wash for donations. it was a great day and I’m so proud of each and every person who contributed in some way to the pet fair!!!! Go GAP Girls!!!!
September 26th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Yesterday I had a routine meeting with my high school counselor. He asked me why I was so stressed out with school, and instead of telling him the usual laundry list of thing — hard classes, my job, a lot of extracurriculars– I actually opened up to him more and told him what was really stressing me out. I spent a solid fifteen minutes crying, but it was genuinely liberating to be able to “let air out of my balloon (that’s a Challenge Day-ism). He helped me to understand what I have control over, and is now going to work with me on finding a strategy and creating an action plan. I now feel motivated to actually have a real conversation with my mom; one that isn’t only about the surface details of my life. It’s going to be hard, but I know can do it.
I love Challenge Day! Thank you so much for the truly inspiring work all of you do on daily basis.
-A two time Challenge Day alum from CA
P.S. Big hugs to Jon and Bernice, the best leaders ever!
September 26th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Yesterday on my way to the museum I was running a little late and was caught in a crazy mess of traffic, I remembered to be patient and was courteous to the other drivers and let them into my lane if they needed to get in. I got to the exhibit right on time; the patience and courtesy really paid off.
September 26th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I paid the toll for the two cars behind me on the San Francisco Bay Bridge.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I said hello to everybody I passed by, even people I didnt know. Gave some of them high fives!
September 25th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
This Sunday I will cook a vegetarian meal for a friend who had a member of thier family just diagnosed with terminal cancer. I’ve never cooked a vegetarian meal! - I am so willing to provide support. I am ready for the vegetarian learning expierence that comes along with the gifting of a meal.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I wrote a card to my aerobics instructor thanking her for her commitment and consistent energy in providing us with a fun and motivational class. I told her I always looked forward to coming on Mondays and Wednesdays and wished she could teach Fridays as well. I included a $5 Starbuck gift card as I know that she loves Starbucks. I also included the pay it forward card!
People noticed the card while we waited for class and asked me if it was her birthday, I told them what I had done - which led to sharing about Challenge Day with 4 women from the class!
September 25th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Today I reached out to a friend who became a grandmother for the first time to celebrate her joy — the life of a new baby firl who will be part of the calsse of 2026. Imagine that! peace & blessings, sm
September 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
I helped out a lady who didn’t have money with her at Starbuck’s.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:41 am
This is going to be bit different, but please humor me. I am 42 years old and I am a survivor of
bullying. Life in Jr High and High School for me was the worst experience of my life. It has been
over twenty-five years now, but the memories are still very clear. We did not have programs such
as yours when I was in school. Boy I wish we did! I want to say to the victoms of bullying….
you can be a survivor and you can turn the experinece into something possitive.
I want to say to those who do the bullying…please remember…the person you are picking on is
is human and has feelings and needs and a desire to be accepted and to belong. Challenge Day can tech you a gret del. I would have loved the chance to show those who bullied me what I was feeling. I just want to say you have done a great job…and keep up the good work. Today I am the change I want to see. I am a social worker and I work hard every day to make other people’s lives a little better. I have risen above my pain and become a “survivor”. Thank you for all you have done!
September 24th, 2008 at 8:51 am
This weekend I went to a workshop that was in someone’s home. During a break, I went to the kitchen and the sink was full of dishes and the counters cluttered with even more dishes. So during the break I washed up all the dishes and wiped off the counters so that at lunch time, people could start in a clean space.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:35 am
After a great dinner at a local restaurant, I thanked everyone in the kitchen for putting so much care and love into the food.
September 22nd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Today, I gave the gift of listening and also the gift of eye contact.
MISS YOU RICH AND YVONNE!,
-Steph from RI<3
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I randomly called 10 friends just to send love
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I pulled over and spent 10 minutes cleaning up the garden outside the local park
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I again paid the toll for the person behind me on the bridge - This time I left a pay it forward card - The person jetted up beside my car honking and holding up the card - With a thumbs us she agreed to pay it forward!
September 22nd, 2008 at 8:07 am
Carla & I went to see “Simon Buccaneer” and after that we went to “ESPETUS” the best Brazilian Restaurant in San Francisco. We had so much fun with the waiters (5,6 handsome Brazilian men bringing the skews with delicious meat). Each one of the waiters would line up and stay talking to us, bringing everything that we requested . They would leave with big smile on their faces. Even the manager came to ask what we had that everybody was not leaving our table. Turns out he also stayed talking and laughing with us. We totally over tipped the waiters. Priceless JOY. Payed the tool for the car behind me , but the boot employer refused to pass the pay forward card. I wished him a good day.
September 21st, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I had a good idea and it made EVERYONE happy…including me!
September 19th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
For Maui Hero’s we do activites related to Challenge day to keep our school connected to one another. Today On September 19, 2008 me & my maui hero family had to stand up infront of our whole 8th grade & do “If You Really New Me” you dont know how hard it was for each and everyone of us to have the guts to stand up infront of them, because as an 8th grader, you know the others are cruel. they laugh & judge about everything. But we new, if Kekoa & Sela could do it, So could we. We did it for them
there is 11 of us Maui Hero’s, i call them my second family. Today each one of us 11 Maui Heros got on that Mic & shared something deep down from the heart to our fellow peers. It was so touching & so deep, we all cried together as each one told a rough part in their life. (just like Keoka & Sela did) As we were all on stage standing hand in hand with eachother, as we looked out, there wasnt a dry face in that audience. No laughter, just Respect. Something we were willing & hoping for all along came through. We connected with our peers just by telling a little peice of our 90% under the water line. Our 8th graders showed us the international i love you sign & respect sign to us throughout our activity.
That activity made our 8th grade closer. now all you see is hugs & laughter & happiness swarming around our school. nobodys left out. were surviving together<3
i love you Kekoa & Sela.
Come back to maui, you know your in our hearts.
Love Always,
Pele
-Maui Hero.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I let everyone in who needed to get over in my lane while driving today. AND…many were sooo
touched by my generosity they gave me the “You’re #1 finger!”…at least that’s what I made it
mean
September 18th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Rejoined the GYM after a year & 1/2 of paying & not motivating myself to break a sweat. Yes ! me the greatest motivator of all. Went to the Farmer’s Market and treated myself to Teriaky Stick, churros and kettle corn (I know no act of CHANGE here). To “crown” my romantic date with myself bought flowers and “strolled” like a bride. @ the traffic light on my way to my car a homeless lady ( That I see for years everywhere, Pittsburg, Antioch, Bay Point) approaches me and asks for $$$. @ first I had the attitude OK,