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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December 19th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Yesterday at Hammonton High in New Jersey I went to challenge day thinking I would not cry and it would be dumb. Turns out I was the dumb one. It was amazing and I cried so much. I have never felt so many people for no more or less then the others around them and now know I’m not so alone. I blieve it may hve even saved my life. Thank ken and Ray Ray. I will try to be the change and won’t forget what I have learned. <3 Smile and hugs everyday =]
December 18th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
A couple of month ago i was the same old haylei i walked around the school with my head held high. And thats good to alot of people. but not for me. I walk around and i judge i look at what they look like and what there wearing before i get to know them. I gossip and i tease. A few months ago challenge day came to our school. I was involved. I walked in the gym and judged i looked around and i was ready to walk back out. I was thinking “oh wow what did i get myself into, what did i agree to” thorough out the day i hugged people who i couldn’t even tell you the names of. people i look at in the hallway and the first thing i do is judge. When i walked out of that gym at the end of the day my head was pounding from all the crying. the day was intense. and as hard as it was for me i can now say i am different. I am willing to be the change. to make a difference and stand out. I want to thank everyone at challenge day. you changed my life forever. i don’t look at people the same. I sit down at tables with people i have never talked to before. I smile at people in the hallway who i use to make fun of. Thank you . and i hope i get an experience like that again.
December 18th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Wow! Northern High School in Greensboro, NC, just finished the last of 4 days of CD. What an unbelievable experience for the student body. We are a new high school of just 1 1/2 years. Juniors, sophomores and freshman make up our student body. The parents and PTSA that helped bring this to the school have been working on it for almost 2 years. The students were amazing, the adults were fabulous and the CD instructors were phenomenal. The students cannot wait for CD to come back, especially those that were not able to attend. Hopefully it will happen sooner rather than later. What an exciting time in the short history of this new high school. I believe that this
school “can be the change we wish to see in the world”. Thanks to everyone that was a part of this wonderful experience.
December 18th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
wow…….
thats all i can say!!!
we held a Challange Day at Northern Guilford High school
I would go all over again…..
I AM THE CHANGE!!
December 18th, 2008 at 9:20 am
my school has had challenge day come here for 3 years now and all three years i went.every year my eyes open to something else.every year so far iv met up with old friends that i used to be tight with that i have gone separate ways with and now are friends with them again.its REALLY opened my eyes to everyones hurt.challenge day has taught me how to confort people when they most need it and what to look for if someone is down and they try to hide it.sence challenge day came into my life im more open with my feelings,and im more real.my school just had a challenge day recently and my girlfriend and i were in a fight.it helped us calm down and clear our minds and talk it out.im sooo thankful for this like you have no idea.its inspired me and encouraged me to not settle being the victim in my life anymore and to take control of my life.
December 18th, 2008 at 12:49 am
I volunteered to lead thre programs for a very active Circle of Change. It felt great to support them
December 17th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I am making extra special time to spend with my birthmother for Christmas this year. This will be the first Christmas since our reunion.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I wrapped ALL of our Christmas presents this year to save my mom and my sister time.
I had a blast doing so.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
David P., witnessed my car accident on Friday Dec. 12. He said that his daughter was in an accident about 6 months ago and no one stopped. He made a promise to himself that no matter what….if he ever witness a car accident, he would stop. Although he was running late to his business meeting, he still stopped for me. Thanks David. You are awesome!!!!!
December 17th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
challege day was so amazing.can’t wait for next year’s challenge day.made new friends and became a better friend.i told most of my friend that didn’t do it so they would try it next time around. =]
December 17th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
On December 16th, 2008, I was apart of challenge day at Fisher Middle School. Ill admit, when we first walked in, and everyone was cheering and jumping, i thought it was going to be something stupid and something just to get us out of class. In the beginning, we played games and everyone was just crazy but then when it came to breaking into groups and talking about our past, i felt i little weird. then once it came to that line. The first couple catergories weren’t that bad but once they got pretty serious, the tears began to flow. I witnessed so many people crying that i never would have been able to imagine. I never thought so many people around me had gone through just as much as me, and maybe even more. I hugged people and comforted people that ive never even talked to before. And i have to say thank you. Thank you for coming to our school and putting us through this new experience. When i do look back on my life, this is one moment i know im always going to remember. Challenge Day changed my life completely and changed how my outlook on everything and everyone around me. I hope this has effected everyone thats ever been through it because it is definitely something miraculous.
Love always,
Courtney from the 8th grade at Fisher Middle School.
December 17th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Last Friday I was in the Drive Thru line at Tim Hortons, getting a tea. I was thinking about different acts of kindness that I could do, and being as it is getting close to Christmas, I thought I would buy a gift card and give it to the car behind me. Well, as it turned out I think the cashier at the drive thru line was more exicted! I handed him back the gift card and the Pay it forward card and explained what I wanted him to do, (give the gift card and the pay if forward card to the car behind me), he got so excited about what I was doing and asked me how it worked and thought it was very “cool”. He was thrilled that he was going to get to be a part of this movement! I have no idea how the card behind me felt, I am hoping that they enjoyed my little gift as much as I enjoyed giving it. My gift was seeing the cashier get as excited as me in doing these acts of change!
December 17th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
The other night, my friend wanted me to come to her house and meet a potential roommate, so I did. She said that I could use her computer to do some work that I needed to get done. As the night progressed the potential roommate didn’t show. She asked me to go to dinner with her which I declined because eating out isn’t in my budget, so she offered to pay for my dinner. We went to get some dinner at a Mexican place up the road, so good, and after paying for everything, we forgot that we didn’t get our other friend her burrito. We looked at the clerk with concerned faces because it was closing time. We asked if they had a BCR back there… while they were putting together our burrito we had a really great conversation with the lady at the counter. She ended up giving us the burrito for free. Look, one act of change leads to many more.
December 17th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I called Mine and Yvonnies mother to day just to tell her how wounderful she is for taking such great care of our father and that I will always be here for her. I send prayers to my my sister Bonnie,Richy Dray , Loli, Rock, Natily and the rest of my family at challengeday!!!I love you all…KimSue : )
December 17th, 2008 at 11:48 am
baked 6 of my special ” Indo, German, Hawaiian, Brazilian coconut FLAN & delivered ( with a pay forward card) to dear unsuspecting friends. YUMMY
Nadia
December 16th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Since attending my third challenge day, I have written cards to some of my “family” members and intend to write to each one yet. I also pledged to write a card/note to someone special in my life at least once a week! It makes me feel better at the same time - yay!!
December 16th, 2008 at 12:16 am
The other day I had the best day! Everywhere I went I was positive and loving my life! I had great conversations with store clerks, and I even made some grumpy ones smile. That’s the BEST! I came home so grateful and feeling my blessings 100%. And knowing that I didn’t keep it all to myself, but rather shared it with everyone I ran across made it even “more better.”
December 16th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Friday I stopped by a construction site down the street that I drive by every day. All the neighbors have really appreciated how they have kept the site so clean and organized and created very little traffic disruption. I told the guys locking up what a great job they’ve been doing, and that I want to tell the boss how grateful we are. They were so excited that they ran after me to give me a company card. Today I spoke to the president of the company to pass all of this along, and he was so delighted and said that I made his day! I wrote a letter to the company saying all of this (so they’d have it “in writing”!), and wrote a side note telling the president about the Be the Change movement. I told him that this act of change was really EASY for me and I was excited that he said it made his day. I sent him a Pay It Forward card and told him to check out our website!
December 15th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Volunteered for Challenge Day at Dewey Academy in Oakland! Amazing, inspiring, and humbling experience today.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!
It was an honor to hold space for the students today, hear their hearts speak, and see them come together
December 15th, 2008 at 8:20 am
When I first saw the Challenge Day episode on Oprah I was very moved by the experience emotionally even if it was through the television. Despite being out of high school for almost nine years, I may suggest we have our own Challenge Day at our 10 year reunion.
December 14th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
I “adopted” a needy child from a shelter for Christmas and went to Toys R’ Us to buy some toys from their wishlist.
December 14th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
on december 10th i was prevlioused to attend challenge day in upperlake calif. it was the most reward
ingexperience an adult or child could possible have i loved it it was an emotional roller coaster all day
day i would do it again in a heartbeat i highly recommend you to check it out
December 12th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I went to Challenge Day yesterday at Warwick Vets and it was one of the best days of my life. Pam, Vinny, you guys are so inspiring and you truly moved me. I wasn’t happy with who i was or who i was going to be, but now i am because of Challenge Day. It opened my eyes to see that every person deserves a chance and no one deserves to be judged. I did so many things I was afriad of at Challenge Day, I hugged a person I’ve never talked to, I sat on my teacher’s lap! I can barley put in words how much power I feel and how much I want to do now. Challenge Day saved me. Thank you so much, I will remember it for as long as I live.
December 12th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Yesterday I printed out a huge amount of the Be The Change Movement Cards and put them in all of our staffs mail slots. I then sent around an email letting them all know what the cards were and what I asked them to do. Already, our staff is giving them out to their friends and other staff members, once they complete an act of change. I had one co-worker come up to me and tell me that she got one in her mail slot from another co-worker, just letting her know how much she was admired. Very cool. In addition, I talked to a complete stranger in the grocery store line yesterday and ended up giving her a card. I explained what they were for and the message behind them. She was very moved and then she shocked me by asking me if I would give her a hug. Well of course I did! You should have seen the faces of everyone else in the line. It was awesome. The cashier asked me for one as well! Isn’t it wonderful to see acts of change all across the world!
December 11th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
challege day was so amazing. i wish they can have it agian in a few months. i go to warwick vets memorial high shool, vinnie, pam u guys are amazing. thank you. much love.
December 11th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Yesterday I attended Challenge Day at Upper Lake High School. Wow! I feel blessed to have been part of it and grateful to have witnessed the amazing changes that took place. It was a day filled with laughter and tears, but most important it was a day filled with hope, kindness and compassion. It was day filled with love and everyone in that room became aware of one very important thing; that we are all connected equally and are more alike than we are different. It was a beautiful day that gave me reason to hope again when everything in the world feels so hopeless and the best part is that our kids, our future, really understand that now. I am so proud of everyone who attended and took part, even those that had a difficult time are sure to take all the love that filled that room and put it in their hearts. They too now know that the future is so bright we gotta wear shades. They too now know that they are never alone in this long and difficult journey called life. Thank you for all you do and a special shout out to Auntie Nola and Randy for being the most positive, loving and awesome facilitators and being vulnerable enough to share their stories.
My love to you all,
Debbie Rivera-Collins
December 10th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Challenge Day was a beautiful, amazing experience. I stepped into it shaking out of fear that I could not do the challenge, which was to open up and share who I am to complete strangers. I proved that fear wrong by just making the choice to be a part of it. I walked out of challenge day with more love and appreciation for myself and life. I want to help others as much as I can!
December 10th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I also forgot to say that Challenge Day was the BEST DAY OF MY LIFE !
December 10th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Today I had Challenge Day come to my school in Warwick, RI USA. It was a lifechanging experience for me. Me and my old worst enemy are now friends! Isnt that crazy. Vinny and Pam were the head of Challenge Day Today. And i would like to thank them with my whole heart thank you so much. I Love You! And I will start being nicer to people starting today. This has changed my life. Thanks so much!
Sincerly,
Karissa Ginaitt
Warwick, RI 02889
December 9th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Today I simply smiled at someone because I’ve learned that one smile can save a persons life.
December 9th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
My mom and I sat down and talked about all things we want to do together. The first two:
1. Look each other in the eyes for one uninterrupted minute every night.
2. Start reading a book out loud together for 15 minutes every night like we did when I was little. What a great way to let my inner child out to play!
December 9th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
i participated in challenge day today at my school, and i have got to say that it was one of the best days of my life. it was a fantastic experience, and i wish i didn’t have to wait until next year to do it again. i loved everything we did and got to say, and i felt comfortable talking about me and “lowing my water level” which really surprised me because i have always had trouble with that stuff. i was so proud of myself and everyone else there, it was something that i will always remember, but never be able to fully explain! i would like to thank everyone who made it possible, and who was there with me today. i would also love to thank the girl i got the apology from today, because you had hurt me a lot over the years, and although it stopped bugging me years ago, you still hurt me, and it was a really great thing to hear you apologize today, so thank you. i really hope all of the thank yous and apologies given today were sincere b/c they meant a lot to a lot of people.
December 9th, 2008 at 6:47 am
I left a packet of hot cocoa on my co-worker’s desk because I know she loves it!
Go CMS Be the Change! The Change is GOOD!
December 8th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Today I went to a Challenge Day for the 3 time this year. I had made a appriciation speach to someone who help make me the person I am today. I aslo challenged my high school fellow student to do the same because it means alot to people mor than we think. I felt really good today because of Challenge Day.
December 8th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Hi my name is stephanie and i go to lowerlake highschool and my act of change is that when i walked
out of that room i had resepct for other people and i made new friends even though i was to afriad before
Iam here to thank each and evryone of you cause this day today has been the greatest day of my life
and i will be the change i wish to see in this worls sicereley always stephanie trout
December 8th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Today Andraya, my best friend and co-worker did all of the dishes in the Challenge Day kitchen sink. She hates doing them and she did them so I wouldn’t have to (cuz I usually do them :))
Thanks so much Draya… you are the best in the world!
December 8th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Oops I forgot to tell you what act of of change I did today. I came to my work place where no one hugs and hugged everyone I came into contact with this morning. A couple of people even said that it made their day!
December 8th, 2008 at 10:19 am
WOW what a life changing experience that had this weekend. I miss all of you already. I never understood how difficult it would be to come back to the real world after this but it has been quite a shock. But I just keep repeating to myself, “BE the Change, Be the change, Be the change.” Love and miss all of my friends from Challenge Day Dec. 5, 6 & 7.
December 8th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I have jumped up and helped people when they needed some one to be there
December 6th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Challenge Day was simply the best day of my life. I went in there thinking oh man what did I get my self in to I dont wanna be here. I changed my opinion real quick. I didnt know why I was sad they helped me figure out what really botherd me and helped me open up to peole and see that I am not the only one has the same problems as me. Thank you Chriss and katie.
December 5th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
It’s the first day of Next Step in Oregon and took the opportunity to once again practice what I preached. I left $5.00 extra to pay for some of the groceries of a couple in line behind me - I left the pay it forward card and both the checker and the couple beamed with appreciation and promised to do the same some time! This stuff works!
December 5th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Challengeday was a great experience And i challenged everyone to go meet new friends and basically start over
December 5th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I have picked up trash to help our planet stay safe for others
December 5th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I have let people know its ok to be yous self and enjoy life
December 4th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I decided to celebrate my birthday by giving back a bit–I made some Courageous Cards, little cards with affirmations on them. They said things like, “You are Enough” and “The World Needs your gifts” and “You give the world more than you think.” I spent 45 minutes passing out these cards during rush hour at the Powell Street BART (I wore a little sign around my neck saying what I was doing). Several people HUGGED me, which was amazing and such a great gesture. Others took their affirmation and then came back and thanked me. Lots of people wished me a happy birthday. Several seemed genuinely touched. It really felt more like a gift to me than to them, because I felt connected to others in the world.
December 4th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
On my way out of my classroom last night, the janitor smiled big and said good evening. It occurred to me that he does that every week when my class is out at 9:30, and that when he does this, I always feel energized and happy even if I’m really tired. So I went over to him and acknowledged him. We introduced ourselves and it was a great, connected conversation. Then I gave him a cookie leftover from a bevy of cookies a student had brought in!
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:39 pm
challenge day really changed my life. in language class, we are writing a “stop the hate” essay, and i included challenge day.
i had a huge fight with my friend for doing something mean to her (i dont know what), and i was nice to her today.
i luv you, aunty nola!
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I just arrived home from a challenge day at my school. it was the best day of my life. so much love, so much support, so much support, so. much. change. i would recomend anyone thinking about booking a challenge day to go for it. its worth it.
~Aj
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I’ve been looking people in the eye, wherever I go. I notice that when we first make eye contact, their eyes kind of dart away and then they check back to see if I’m still looking. Then I smile. Then they smile. It’s really this nice moment of connection between myself and another human being, and it feels like giving something and receiving something all at the same time, even though it’s just this tiny little thing.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:48 am
I have encouraged my Mom to volunteer as an Adult Facilitator at a Challenge Day in WI. And a friend and I are going to Jersey next month to volunteer for at least one day, maybe two!
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I coordinated a Challenge Day yesterday and i called each adult facilitator last night to say thank you and how much i appreciated them attending the day.
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
We are doing many kind acts here at CMS Be The Change Club, espicially during Thanksgiving.
There are many students that stepped up and became the change.
Ambika made ThanksGiving cards to her parents.
Ayushi made Thanksgiving cards for her grandparents and helped make part of her Thanksgiving dinner.
Alina thanked her mom for being a great mom.
Jonathan thanked his parents for making a fabulous thanksgiving dinner.
Mikhaela thanked her mom for buying her wanted items and listening to her.
By the way,our club’s new slogan is: “Be the Change, The change is good!”
December 1st, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I babysat my five year-old brother so my parents could enjoy their date night and not have to hire a babysitter. My parents never go on dates anymore so it was a win win situation… I made my parents happy and they got to spend time together.
November 29th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
I went out of my way to make sure I called and celebrated a few people for their birthday’s this week - I knew how good it felt to me and I returned the favor!
November 29th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
I went shopping with Yvonne and bought dinner for the entire family!
November 29th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I baby sat my grand son so our kids could clean up their house from a flood - Another win win what can I say?
November 29th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I played Star Wars for hours with my godson - We both had a great time!
November 28th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
I called my best friend and told her how amazing she is, she was busy and had to go, but I didn’t let the critters come and she called back in an hour saying how much that call had meant to her.
November 27th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Today my dad, little brother and I went to visit some homebound elders at a nursing home in the city who have no one to spend thanksgiving with. We brought them each a turkey dinner, and the organization that we were working with had some extra dinners so we took two more. We brought the two extras home with us and stopped at People’s Park in Berkeley and gave them to some homeless guys. The smiles on their faces were so big because they were so grateful.
November 27th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Last night was me and my best friend’s birthday (how rare, right?) and we went out to dinner with this big boquet of balloons in tow. Turns out that there were two younger girls ages four and five also celebrating their birthday’s in the same restaurant, so at the end of the night my friend and I gave each of them a balloon from us. Loved sharing the birthday spirit.
November 27th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
sometimes ive been a bully but ive really changed in that
November 26th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I said a quick prayer for the stranger inside, as the ambulance passed me on the road.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
My Challenge Day family called me and sang me a Happy Birthday song. I love this community!!!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
My Act of Change for my family this Thanksgiving is to make Hawaiian Food for them instead of the traditional turkey.
One of the hardest things to get for our Hawaiian meal is poi. I remembered an Oriental Food store that sometimes has it frozen, which is the next best thing, so after breakfast, I went to the store. I was grateful that it was still there and when I went it, I noticed that their van was unloading food items flown in from Hawaii. And you guessed it, he had 3 bags of FRESH POI, straight off the plane from Hawaii and now all 3 bags are sitting on my kitchen counter waiting to join the Kalua Pork, Raw fish, Chicken Luau, Mac salad, Chicken Long Rice, Lomi lomi salmon and sweet potatoes that wil be part of our Celebration of Gratitude. Wahooo!!! Ummm ummmm good!!!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
On a recent trip to Orlando Florida (and being led by God,) I asked a young woman if she would allow me to hold her in my lap for a few minutes. As soon as she sat in my lap she just put her arms around my neck and laid her head on my shoulder and cried and cried. I just rocked her for a few more minutes and told her that in her young life she has to be strong for everyone (Dad in jail, Mom in Hospital, siblings in foster care) and she’s doing an excellent job of dealing with it all… but just for a few minutes, she can just be a little girl again because I’ve got her. She said that she hadn’t been rocked like that since her grandma died, and it really felt safe and loving and she hugged me really tight and said Thank You.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I had breakfast with a girlfriend today. We share the same birthdate and so for her birthday, I wrote her a “What I Love about you letter. She loved it and cried. We spent the rest of the morning listening and loving.
November 26th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I am sjowing people that its ok to be your self and you don’t have to be someone your not.
November 24th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Last week, I delivered a package to a teacher that I am not close to. It was something she had ordered and it had been in the teachers’ room all week. When I delivered it to her, she broke down unexpectedly, saying she was having trouble at home. I offered her a hug, which she accepted. Later that day, she sent me a card and a little gift.
November 24th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
I have kept really busy at work, volunteering for the Be The Change group, chaperoning the prom and homecoming dances, various other things. Friday at work, my friend and co-worker gave me a thank you card and a cute little gift of paperclips shaped liked the number 1, thanking me for all I do for the students and the school.
November 24th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I got my hair done tonight. My stylist is in her 40’s but has health issues. She has been feeling poorly for several days now. When her boyfriend called, I raised my head to the phone and told him he needed to take her to the doctor. Then I asked if she had walked to work. She lives a few blocks away from the salon. I was her last appointment, so insisted in driving her home. She did not argue. In all that, I forgot to pay her, so called and left a message for her at her station.
I do hope she gets to the doctor, but was glad I could help her in some small way.
November 24th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I received a thank you note in the mail today. Never think your acts of kindness are not worthwhile!
As you know, Amy and I planned to pay the toll for the car behind us. This we did, and he stayed behind us for quite awhile. When he passed us, he waved and smiled. The end, right? Read the below.
“Ms. —–,
Imagine my surprise and pleasure when coming up to the toll booth, preparing to pay the $4 toll, and being told my toll was paid by the driver in front of me. Police officers deal with horrendous situations weekly and become hardened and cynical over time. I am no exception to this. I wanted to take the time to tell you that your one seemingly random act of kindness had a distinct mental and emotional impact on me. It is heartening to know that there are people out there like you who do things out of the kindness of their heart just to make someone’s life easier and happier. THANK YOU.
If you ever drive through Scotts Valley, please give me a call so I can take you to coffee. In the meanwhile, please accept this Starbucks card as a token of my appreciation for your thoughtful and caring gesture. The world needs more people like you.
Sincerely,
John W.”
Enclosed was his business card, showing he was lieutenant for the Scotts Valley Police, and a Starbucks gift card. Wow, huh? You should have seen how excited I was as I read the note to my husband and son!
Keep sharing the love. It works!
November 24th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Amy and I lead a BE The Change group at our high school, Lower Lake HS in Lake County. The students came up with a logo to represent Peace, Love, and Equality. We have a teacher on staff that silk screens t-shirts. He took the design and now we have t-shirts for the group. Amy and I wore them to Next-Step and since they liked them so much, we are sending Rich and Yvonne one each.
November 24th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I made the varsity football team (Fremont HS) dinner after work and took it down to them and served as well. Paid for it and all.
November 24th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Recently my partner was diagnosed with a recurrence of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The hospital where she’s being treated is always so supportive, to both of us. Wednesday I am taking cookies for all of the doctors, nurses, secretaries in the oncology department to let them know - they are angels on earth.
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I told two new friends about Challenge DAy when they came over for dinner last night…and then showed them the 15 minute Be the Change video! They were so touched. The male friend was crying and Andy did a great “Act of Change” by admitting that he was crying, first to create some safety and get those guys out of that “Be a Man!” box. xoxo Love you guys!
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
@ the Pleasant Hill Park today my son found a cell phone on the floor. It belonged to a gentlemen that asked my son to play with his son. We did not know him. He had left and had completely forgotten about his cell phone. We waited & waited to see if he would come back. finally I picked up the phone & started calling till we talked the his wife and she said they were new to the area. I got her address and drove to deliver her husband’s cell phone <3
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:48 pm
It has been a long beautiful week. We finished leading Challenge Days in Lake Tahoe than came home to work on our book. Rich was so tired at one point his head started nodding as his eyes closed, falling asleep sitting up. I pulled him on my lap and rubbed his back and told him all the things I loved about him. I am so lucky to be his wife.
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:07 am
I paid the toll of the unsuspecting car behind me on the bridge and left a Be the Change Pay it Forward card which inspired the toll taker as well
November 22nd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I just want to say thank you to Aunty Nola and Vinny for coming to Fairmont. It has changed my life and is slowly changing the school. I have not been as judgemental since Challenge Day. I am being nicer to people. The shocking thing is that the person I thought was the annoying jock is one of the coolest people I have ever met. THANKYOU GUYS SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 22nd, 2008 at 11:29 am
I picked up a bag of spilled groceries for a woman holding a baby
November 21st, 2008 at 11:53 pm
challenge day was very inspiring and memorable.I will never forget what you guys did that helped me soo much.I saw at school today that kids were actually changing a little bit. Thank you!!
<3
November 21st, 2008 at 9:24 pm
I bought a gift card for $5 and had the cashier give it to the person behind me anonymously along with a pay it forward card.
November 21st, 2008 at 6:28 pm
After going though challenge day I learned a lot more about people then they were showing. For once I was happy to see that people were finally letting everything go and feeling better. I think it’s better to be yourself because people know more of who you are and they respect you more. I thank challenge day for letting me see the other side of people.
November 21st, 2008 at 1:18 pm
My godson has to have a heart transplant and he is only 5months old. And since my best friend has been at the hospital every single moment,and has been eating SO much fastfood, Im going to go and spend a few hours at the hospital with my godson so she can go to her familys house for Thanksgiving for some real food!
November 20th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
I e-mailed friends asking them to donate blood @ the blood drive @ NAIA GELATERIA in WALNUT CREEK this coming Sat the 22nd.
So what about you ?!
ONE PINCH of BLOOD = 1 PINCH of GELATO. I also shared this idea with COCO’S SWRILL in Pleasant hill and turns out the honor loved the idea (he also donates blood every 3months and saves 3 lives every time he donates)
November 20th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I said thank you to, (and hugged!) my boss today.
November 20th, 2008 at 10:44 am
i was at the mall at foot locker and this lady with a baby were walking through and they dropped the baies bottle the baby started crying a little bit and she couldnt find the bottle and i picked it up and gave the bottle to them and they said thank you
November 20th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I found a pair of car keys out side El Zarape when I went to eat there. I took them into a
worker at the restruant and they said, ” Thank you, a guy said he lost some yesterday.” When I got
done eating I asked the worker if they found the owner and he said, “Yes.”
November 20th, 2008 at 10:39 am
My friends were getting in a fight and I helped them come to a resolution!
November 20th, 2008 at 10:36 am
my dad gave me 20 dallers for keeping my room clean and at the end of the day i earned money for
baby sitting so i gave the money back to my dad
November 20th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I am going to start stoping the fights that go on at school and out in public.
November 20th, 2008 at 10:25 am
My name is Arie and I cleaned my teacher’s desk for him and left a Pay it Forward card for him!
November 19th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I found a organizer with someone’s credit cards and cash - I turned it in to the hotel office in Tahoe - I sure I made someones’s day
November 19th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
I bought my son a gingerbread house kit and kept him company while he put it together! It was a warm-up for when his aunt comes over to show him how to make a “real” one!
November 19th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Challenge Day was probably one of the best, if not the best, day of my life. I learned so much about all of my friends and even people I don’t know. Friendships were repaired and strengthened. I’m so glad that Challenge Day came to my school. I never thought it would actually work, but now everyone wears their shirts, we have a club (which I am proud to be a part of), and people are giving hugs left and right. Thank you so much Challenge day team. Hugs!
November 19th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
i made an effort to help stop people who bully
November 19th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Challenge Day was so Amazing. I loved it. It was just so amazing to see how many of my friends go through rough times to. My mom died when i was 9 i didnt know any of my friends mom have died but i found out so know i can be a help. i love and care for everyone now. I say hi to people all the time and most of all i come out of my COMFORT ZONE how awesome is that.
November 19th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I usually like to get off the phone and end my conversations with my father as quickly as possible to deny him of his nagging or save myself of the chance the conversation might turn ackward. When I started to actually listen, his nagging turned into what I heard as a father conserned for his son’s well being and an attempt to being included into my life. So I let him in, we started talking, it was a long time since we talked for over 20 minutes! And it felt great to let him give me his gift of carring.
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!