Day 90

My friend and I were at a gas station in Northern California and this friendly man in a nice shirt started cleaning the car windows. I thought he worked at the gas station. Little did I know, he did not work there. He was actually a homeless man. He told us that a lady just bought him three new shirts, as a way to say thank you for always being nice and cleaning her car windows for her when she is at the gas station. 

This got me thinking..why do people judge a book by its cover. We probably all have been guilty of this at one time or another- I know I have before. But as I have matured and grown up into the person I am today, I now understand that under everyone's clothes lies their life story of ups and downs, along with the true reason to why they are standing where they are today.

Day 89

I find that in life people have highs and lows. That is life. I have realized in all the years I have been on this planet, that how you respond to it and decide if it is going to help teach you, mold you, hurt you, etc is what paves the path you walk on. Everyone has a path. It is up to you to make the most of your path. I know exactly what I want in life, and when something deviates from that, it leaves a scar. I always bounce back, but things affect me when I care so much about something. This is what creates people to be hard on the inside. They get hurt, so they find ways to protect themselves internally. But do not let bad things, situations, or people influence the good in life. Stay positive and know better days will come.

Day 88

I came up to San Francisco for the weekend, and yesterday, my friend's roommate came home with a fish in a small cup and a note that read: please feed and care for me. The fish and note were left in the engine room on a ship at work. 

The fish has a new home now, with a nice fresh tank and fresh food. 

Great story. I was happy to be apart of this.

Day 87

I was at my hairdresser yesterday and a sweet older gentleman in the chair said "even though my wife is gone now, she was the best wife in the world. And I know probably a lot of men say that they have the best wife, but I really had the best wife ever". 

This was very sweet to hear and I thought I should share it with all of you. True love does exist.

Day 86

Sometimes, when I think of good deeds, I think of the FRIENDS episode when Phoebe was trying to find a selfless good deed. For all you FRIENDS fans out there, you probably recall what I am referring to and have seen this episode a million times due to reruns. For those of you who have not seen it, Phoebe was trying to prove to her friends that there is such a good thing about a selfless good deed, meaning you do something for someone else and it does not benefit you in anyway. Phoebe found that every good deed she did, somehow benefited her, even though she tried really hard for it to not. However, this was for the sake of comical television because I believe there are many selfless good deeds out there. All the little things you do to help people is a selfless good deed. You do benefit from it in the sense it makes you feel good that you helped someone and did the right thing. 

Point of this story is that selfless good deeds do exist. Go out there and engage in them.

Day 85

I received this exact email: 

It might come off sounding as disapproving behavior but who hasn't had fun with friends at a club or bar? 

My son was with some friends at a club a few months back. Unbeknownst to him or his friends, someone slipped them all a "Mickey". My son doesn't remember a thing but he woke up somewhere near downtown on the side walk, having no idea how he got there. His cell phone and wallet were missing. A man wearing a suit who was out very early woke him up and asked if he was ok. Now when you live in LA, you get used to people sleeping on the streets. But I guess this guy just figured my son needed some help. He let him use his phone so that he could call his phone to see where it was. No answer. So the man (I think he was an angel :)) hailed down a cab, gave the driver $20 bucks, put my son in the cab and told the driver to take him home. The ride was a bit more than $20 dollars but the cab driver said it was ok. Seriously, I never thought anyone would do such a nice thing for someone in LA. Thank you stranger, whoever you are. This has given me some hope in humanity. 

What a great story. It was refreshing to read that this gentleman really helped out the young man, in addition to, the mom gained some faith in humanity.

Day 84

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/02/21/110-year-old-holocaust-survior-shares-something-we-should-all-hear/

This 110 year old lady, who survived the Holocaust, gave advice that could benefit society for the common good. Her key points are 1. She chooses to look at the good in the world, as opposed to focusing on the bad. 2. Be hopeful in life and try to see the beauty in your life. Be appreciative for what you do have. 

I preach this often and I hope my blog illustrates that I try to focus on all the good I see in society. I do acknowledge some of my stories might be simplistic and minor, but I still prefer to place the importance and high value on the positive, as opposed to the negative.

Day 83

Be real. One of my top favorite things to say is: be true to who you are. I firmly believe that inner truth radiates onto others. If you are honest with yourself, then you will be honest with others.

Day 82

One of my best friends told me that she was driving on Sunset Boulevard and saw a homeless women holding a sign reading "Help- I need a job". My friend was so taken back by her sign (because usually she sees more "needs money" signs) that she gave the lady twenty dollars.

Simple but great story. I am proud to have a friend like her.

Day 81

A friend of mine posted on Facebook that she was driving down a hill and saw a lady walking down the hill, so she stopped and asked if she needed a ride. The lady gladly accepted. The lady was very appreciative that some young woman gave her a ride. She mentioned it was crazy that one small and nice gesture could make someone so happy. 

It is the little things that could make someone's day.

Day 80

About a week or so ago, someone said to me that I trust too easily. Due to the context, I thought maybe it was a joke, but then it got me to thinking...do I really trust too easily? Do I believe everything of what people tell me? Do I see only the good in people? If so, is this a bad thing?

I think trust is a key component in interpersonal relationships. I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, until they do something that I can not forgive. I have been cheated on before in the past and have struggled with trusting others as a result. I have worked on my trust issues over the years and I can honestly say they have subsided; however, they do surface here and there. Overall, I am a literal person. I say what I think and feel. I always speak from my heart. I never beat around the bush. I am an open book. I like to communicate and be informed. 

All in all, I try to not generate a huge hate on people or the world due to some bad luck or experiences.

Day 79

Beauty is skin deep. I preach about this all the time. Especially living in Los Angeles, and with being integrated into the culture from birth, it comes almost natural to me that the emphasis is placed on always looking good, staying young, and being fit and skinny, etc. I do not know any different; however, I believe looks are not everything and refuse to conform to that shallow of a society. I will do errands without makeup on, heck, I usually only wear makeup at night or if I have something going on. I am notorious for waking up in the morning, brushing my teeth, and leaving. I am big on natural and inner beauty. 

As a young female, there is lots of competition, so to speak, but I still refuse to give in completely. I know who I am and I am proud of myself. I refuse to change who I am because of it. I refuse to feed into a society that places looks on top of importance charts. While it is always nice to have someone pretty to look at, just remember looks are not everything. Beautiful people are not born beautiful. They are made beautiful by the way they choose to live their life. Their heart, mind, and soul make them beautiful. Always remember that.

Day 78

I read the following article in the “Journal of The American College of Dentists” and I quote a specific part:

“The physics professor started the class on volume with a large glass jar sitting on his desk, filled to the brim with golf balls and asked the class if the jar was full. Everyone answered yes. He reached under the desk, brought out a box of small pebbles and proceeded to gently pour the pebbles into the jar, where they rolled between the golf balls. He again asked the class if the jar was full, and again, everyone answered ‘yes.’ He brought forth a box of sand and gently shook the sand into the jar where it filled the remaining spaces. He again asked the class if the jar was full and while some were leery, everyone answered ‘yes.’ The professor reached back under the desk, removed a glass of wine and poured it into the jar. I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life, the professor said. The golf balls represent the important things in your life: your family, your health, your faith, your friends, and your passions. The pebbles are the other things that matter, like your job and your house. The sand is everything else- the small stuff. If you fill the jar with the sand first, there is no room for the golf balls. The same is true of your life. If you spend your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never be able to make room for the important things. Pay attention to the important things in your life. Play with your kids and grandkids, set aside the time for a periodic medical check-up, take your spouse to dinner. Don’t worry, there will still be time to wash the car or play tennis. Take care of the golf balls first. One of the students raised her hand and asked about the wine. The professor just smiled. I’m glad you asked. It just demonstrates that there’s always time for a glass of wine with a friend. In closing, I remind you: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift-that’s why we call it the present- Celebrate it!” 

Day 77

One of my friends wrote on her Facebook: "I just waited patiently in the drive-thru at In and Out for 20 minutes and the car in front of me ended up paying for our food. Thank you whoever you are. No good deed goes unnoticed". 

I was glad to read this story, more so because her thoughts on good deeds are parallel to mine. When I hear about drive-thru good deeds, I acknowledge that they are doing it not for recognition (because chances are they have already drove away), but rather to make someone's day or with hopes that others in the drive-thru line will keep it going in that setting or context or pay it forward in other avenues of their life. 

I hope everyone engages in a drive-thru pay it forward. Try it at least once. Not only will you make someone's day, but you will feel great about yourself too.

Day 76

Kindness in words creates confidence. 

Kindness in thoughts creates profoundness. 

Kindness in giving creates love.

Day 75

One of my friends and her little girl were going to the grocery story. As they got out of the car, the little girl's favorite stuffed doll dropped on the floor. They did not realize it until they got back to the car and saw the doll was hooked on her car handle.

It is what you do for others that demonstrate the true meaning of caring and compassion. This complete stranger knew the little girl would be heartbroken if she lost her doll, so he or she did the right thing, knowing there would be no recognition or even a thank you for his or her good deed. How you live your life when no one is watching is what truly matters.

Day 74

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4867974

Great article about a 99 year old man who begs for money and does not keep one cent for himself. He donates all of it to charities and orphanages. He is such a selfless and godlike human being.

Day 73

Maybe I'm unrealistic in thinking the world has great potential to becoming a better place; maybe I'm wasting my time, maybe I'm not. Maybe I'm a hopeless romantic that wants a guy to prove and fight to be with me. Maybe I'm just like everyone else, trying to find their way in life. Whatever it may be, I am who I am, and love my honesty, vulnerableness, and passion that I have. I always stay true to myself and fight for what I believe, feel, know, love, want, and hope for.

Day 72

The other day, my dad, mom, and I were driving to dinner and there was a huge branch in the middle of the street at an intersection. He pulled over and moved the branch to the side of the road for oncoming cars. I thought that was a good deed that I wanted to share. My desire to spread the word on good humanity obviously stems from my parents, who have instilled in me that this is the norm and just how you are supposed to conduct yourself in society.

Day 71

http://youtu.be/qpMERZRuow4

Great story about a homeless guy who takes the high road as opposed to being dishonest. A lady accidentally dropped her engagement ring in the homeless guys cup of change and when the lady realized she dropped it in his cup, she went back to ask him if he had it. Instead of him lying and pawning or keeping the ring for potential cash, he said he had the ring and returned it gratefully to the lady. 

I am glad this story made the news. Not only does it demonstrate that some homeless people are decent human beings to society, but that honesty is the best policy. As a result, he earned a reward for returning the ring.

Day 70

http://m.tickld.com/x/thisiskyle

Where do I even begin with this article. It gave me the chills and as I was reading it, I thought to myself this young man was planning to commit suicide because he was taking all of his books home. Thankfully, his new friend saved him, and he did not even know it until his speech at graduation. The timing was perfect. Not only does this story have a great ending and a powerful message, but it is relatable to some people in society. I hear about bullying, mistreatment, and loneliness stories all the time, unfortunately. And when you are young and growing up, it is hard to walk through life being verbally and physically attacked. Since bullying is not going to end over night, try to do your part to make society a better place. Make friends with someone who you feel could use a friend. Do not do it out of pity, do it because deep down in the bottom of your heart, you know it is the right thing to do. I believe it is important for everyone to have a "go-to" person, someone they know will always be there for them, someone who will respect and understand them, someone who loves them unconditionally. You never know what someone is internally going through, so walk through life being considerate, compassionate, and kind to others. Make a difference in someone's live. The young man in this story not only made a difference in the other young man's life, but he saved his life.

Day 69

My mom told me this story the other day. She was walking into the grocery store and saw a homeless man outside the store. She told him she would buy him lunch, so he went into the deli section of the grocery store with her so he could have a sandwich made. His sandwich was made exactly how he wanted it. My mom paid for it and before they went their separate ways, he thanked her numerous times.

Day 68

I find it interesting that people like to put being nice in the same category as being naive. I think there is a significant difference between the two. You can be nice and friendly, and also be aware and intuitive. Do not be afraid to be nice to a stranger, as long as you feel safe in your setting. Step outside of the box and do something today that you normally would not do for someone else.

Day 67

http://topinfopost.com/2014/03/04/man-gives-homeless-guy-a-winning-lottery-ticket-this-is-what-happened

This is a great story. Watch the whole video because you will see that the homeless guy offered some of his winnings to the man who gave him the ticket. Great to see two people in on such a generous act of kindness.

Day 66

I took my grandma to her doctors appointment about two weeks ago. I was sitting with my grandma and her care giver in the waiting room, and I was telling them that I was hungry and asked them where they wanted me to take them for lunch. A nice lady overheard me say I was hungry because moments later, she opened up her purse and offered me almonds. I thanked her but told her I could wait until lunch. I thought that was nice of a complete stranger to be aware of her surroundings and then take the extra step of offering me a little snack. 

Day 65

http://www.upinspire.com/inspire/1184/this-math-teacher-kept-a-big-s

Great story. This was on the news Valentines Day week and I just saw it. I am glad to see it is still in circulation. I think this story illustrates the common notion of not to judge a book by its cover. Just because you see someone everyday in school, work, the gym, etc, does not mean you fully know or understand that person. In addition, just because someone has a hard exterior does not mean they also have a hard interior. This gentleman has a good heart and I felt for him when they mentioned he has never had his own children, because I think it is safe to say, by the footage of this video, that he would have made a great father.

Day 64

The other day, my dad was driving home, and saw a portable basketball court had fallen down into the middle of the street because of the rains and winds. So he pulled over, picked the basketball court up, and put it back in the neighbor's front yard. It is the little things in life that make a difference. Little things go unseen often and I hope my blog is spreading awareness.

Day 63

I have been told numerous times, by numerous people throughout my life, that I am a strong person. As flattering as that is, people sometimes assume I can handle anything that people say to me, that my feelings do not matter, and that I am not affected by others. Well, that is not the case. I just like to stay composed in public and not burden people with my daily thoughts, my life complications, and my sad times. And as I have matured, I have realized I am more emotional, sensitive, and sentimental than I have ever been. I do not think it is a bad thing, but when people perceive you as one way, and you act in a different way, it creates confusion. When I went through a really hard time in my life, people were so surprised to see me so affected and sad. They never figured I would get so caught up in my emotions. Just because I choose to hide my moments of sadness to most people, does not make me a person who does not get sad. 

My point to this is not to open up about myself, but to remember not to judge people throughout the day. You never know what kind of day someone is having. You never know if they just lost a loved one. You never know if they are going through a bad time. Point being, be kind to others and realize and accept that people handle sad and stressful times differently. Walk through life with gentle eyes, ears, and heart.

Day 62

Even though Valentine's Day has passed, we can still celebrate, cherish, and talk about love. 

A young man saw an older gentleman at a grocery store buying some flowers and chocolates. The young man asked if he was buying them for his wife. The older gentleman said: every Valentine's day, for the past 20 years, I take roses and her favorite chocolates to my wife's grave. She might not be with us today, but she is forever in my heart. 

True love does exist and this story demonstrates that.

Day 61

One of my friends sent me this email about a man named Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa. He bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe. 

On March 7, 2012 Lawrence Anthony died. Two days after his passing, the wild elephants showed up at his home led by two large matriarchs. Separate wild herds arrived in droves to say goodbye to their beloved 'man friend'. A total of 31 elephants walked over twelve miles to get to his South African house. The elephants demonstrated that they wanted to pay their deep respects, honoring their friend who had saved their lives. The elephants stayed for two days and two nights without eating anything, and then one morning, they left to make their long journey back home.

The elephants sensed he was gone. What a touching and heart-felt story of a man and a breed, different than his own.

Day 60

Why does it take death for people to realize life is short? Why does it take playing hard to get to make the other person notice you? Why do you not miss someone until they are gone? Why is it that it takes a fight to realize who really cares about you and will fight for you? Why is it that people feel alone in this world with so many people?

Be loving and compassionate, be gentle and understanding, be kind and considerate, be honest and real. Don't conform to societal norms. Don't be afraid to cry. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable, open up, or let people in.

I know people in my life view me as a strong person, where nothing can affect me, where I do what I want to do and do not get attached, but the truth is, I am a sensitive person and it has taken me years to realize and admit it. I care more than I ever show, I get attached to people I want in my life, I fight for what I want and believe in, I get bothered when I see hurtful things in the world, and I want nothing more for myself and others to live in love and happiness.