Archive for Do The Right Thing

18 Jan 2012
Do The Right Thing • For Discussion • Social Equality

Consider Another’s Point of View

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We all get in conflicts and disagreements. It’s part of the beauty of this universe in that we can have our own thoughts, opinions and points of view. We are free to do so.

Before you judge someone, maybe it’s a good idea to take into account what their point of view is on something. It’s okay to simply disagree on most topics. What were they taught or what experiences have they had that brought them to their conclusions? How are these different from yours and can you see their point of view when those things are considered?

Condemnation usually comes from an uneducated enforcement of beliefs. People are often taught that their way (political party, religion, etc.) is the only true/right way to live. Some go as far as saying that any deviation from the strict adherence is wrong. How could this really be so, especially with seven billion people on Earth?

Rather than creating further rips in our already torn social fabric, try to allow others to be who they are and believe what they want while accepting them for those ideals and philosophies. Leading by exampmle in this manner will create more sanity around you and, ultimately, start receiving the same treatment in return. It is a much less stressful way of living than creating your own enemies by shutting yourself off from those who are “different” from you.

Finding your individuality among the greater community of your neighborhood, town, state, country, planet and universe, and affording others the same respect you would want in return, is a valuable trait for which you will be rewarded many times over.

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01 Jan 2012
Do The Right Thing • For Discussion • Helping Others

The New Beginning

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Life happens in cycles. It’s all around us – in politics, fashion, economics and of course the days, weeks, months, years, decades, centuries and millenia.

This New Year marks a major turning point for many in our country and all over the world. There are new governments and leadership changes occurring, the loss of loved ones is replaced with new people enriching our lives, and the storms so many have weathered seem to be breaking up with sunshine peaking through.

With one helluva year behind us, it’s time to leave much of it in the past and move forward to create a better today and tomorrow for us all. The challenge is not only how to help make ourselves better, but also how to improve the lives of others with our actions. This has a ripple effect that can continue to create positive change that will carry on through a new era.

My wish is for you to have an amazing 2012 and to treat this as a new beginning in more ways that one. Resolutions aside, what can you do to create a positive and lasting impact on society?

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26 Nov 2011
Do The Right Thing • For Discussion • Helping Others

Giving Thanks – Helping Others

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Today I did something I normally don’t do – I gave money to someone on the side of the road asking for help. Usually I reserve my help and donations to working with organizations, yet today I saw a woman at an intersection with a sign. I didn’t read the whole thing, but I did she something about having four kids, and she looked sincere, as it was raining and the temperature was steadily dropping down into the forties.

I had just finished grocery shopping for the week, and had gotten $20 cash back. I reached in my pocket and pulled out that $20 bill, skipping over the single dollars I had, rolled down the window and offered it to her. She was very surprised that it was twenty bucks, and said “God bless you” and went back to the curb. To me, it was just some cash in case I needed it for something, but for her, maybe it was an extra night’s worth, or more if spent wisely, for her kids.

My eyes welled up as I drove off, not out of sadness, but instead thankfulness for what I do have. Despite any troubles or hardships I may have or have been through, I knew that I was in a good place overall. It reminded me of a conversation I had with “The Secret” author, Rhonda Byrne, a few months ago, who told me that the greatest purpose in life is to serve others in some capacity. So many great inspirational people, pastors, authors, coaches, entrepreneurs, teachers, parents and many more have proven over and again that the greatest rewards in life come not from what you get, but what you give. Ultimate success comes from this, and riches come in many forms, materially, socially and spiritually.

As the country reflected on things we are thankful for this past Thanksgiving, the absolute biggest thing I am thankful for is the inherent good in all of us and the experience of living – good times and bad. If every single one of us would figure out a way to help others in some fashion or another, our world would be a better place to live, and more people would be appreciative for what they do have while others give back after having been helped. There are times in all of our lives where we needed help and someone was there, let us not forget that as we move through the rest of the Holiday Season and on to the new year.

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15 Nov 2011
Do The Right Thing • For Discussion

Sometimes Doing the Right Thing Isn’t Popular

I’m pretty sure we’ve all been in situations before where the group agreement (i.e. peer pressure) is to do something that doesn’t sit well with you.

There are times where we have gone with the grain (counter to our own values) as well as against the grain (but staying true to ourselves), and vice versa.  I know I can think of many times where I should have done something and didn’t, or did something I later regretted.  However, as many of us get older, we become less worried about what others think and more concerned with what the overall purpose and intention is.

I recently saw Michael Moore appear as a guest on the Colbert Report, where he mentioned a time he regretted not standing up for a fellow student, and how he vowed to himself to not stand around and let unjust things happen to people without at least speaking up about it.  Now, regardless of what someone’s impression of Moore and his political and social agendas may be, I really admired this statement he made.

I have had haunting moments of not doing or saying something in defense of someone who was being harmed by another individual or group.

At some point it is worth taking a look at our own level of integrity.  According to Dictionary.com, the first definition of integrity is an adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

If there is one attribute I would like to encourage most for young people in this world, it would be integrity, because having a strong social fabric made up of people like this means less of all of the negativity we have in the world today.  This includes everything from being good sports, to not cheating on exams, not abusing alcohol or other drugs, being faithful to your spouse, taking care of both the young and the old,  not lying or stealing, working hard, and many more in a long list of ideals.

Little things on a day-to-day basis can go a long way, and while doing the right thing isn’t always comfortable, it is the best way to be able to live with yourself, hold your head up high and interact with other people.

 

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