Day 273

http://themetapicture.com/young-boy-dedicates

Such a loving, protective, and caring older brother! She is lucky to have such a compassionate role model in her life! I loved watching this. 

What a great story! 

Day 272

http://m.newson6.com/story.aspx?story=26549645&catId=112042

I actually got goosebumps from watching this news clip. I think this sorry represents the great lengths people will go to surround themselves with genuinely kind and caring people. This story is awesome on many levels- the fact the children and parents do not want to loose this teacher and is willing to pay his salary to keep him just shows how much of a positive influence this male teacher has on the little children!

Day 271

My friend donated her time at a homeless youth center. What a great way to spend your day, helping others. 

Try to donate some time to a shelter and serve food to the homeless or help out by spending time talking to them. It will lift their spirits! 

Day 270

It is always important to be kind and loving to the people you love. Do not start fights with family and friends. Try to always take the high road and do the right thing. Try to make peace. Try to apologize, even if it is not your fault. 

Anything can happen in just one day. Today, my Uncle, would have been 60 years old. We lost him years ago and it changed my family forever. He will live in our hearts until the end of time. 

I dedicated today's blog to you Uncle Paul. We all love you and miss you very much. 

Day 269

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5824658?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000023&ir=Good+News

I love the personalization of this story. It is very sad that someone lost their life, but his best friend shows his love and respect for him by doing exactly what he asked him to do! This depicts a true friendship and may the man rest in peace. 

Day 268

It is a Jewish holiday, called Rosh Hashana, which is the Jewish new year! So to anyone and everyone who celebrates this holiday, L'Shana Tova!! May this year bring you love, health, peace, and happiness to you and your loved ones. 

Day 267

My friend and I were at Sprouts yesterday in Tucson and I was telling my friend about what olive oil to get and what not to get. This older lady standing near the olive oil heard me and said go me: you seem like you know a lot about this, do you mind if I ask you a question because I am confused about what to get. I told the lady of course she can ask me questions. She asked me many questions and I told her everything I know about olive oils. She was so appreciative that I spent time talking to her. She told me her name and asked for my name and then shook my hand. She told me how happy she was to have met me and that she wishes me the best in life. I thought that was so sweet of her. A very simple gesture on my behalf made her day. 

Day 266

A while ago, I went to Marie Calendars with my parents and some of our family friends. We had leftovers and a fresh piece of pecan pie. As we were walking out to the car, we saw this homeless man sitting on the grass floor. As we walked past him, I thought to myself, we should give him our leftovers. I told my mom and she agreed. We walked back to the man and asked him if he would like our leftover food and a piece of pie. He said he would love some. So we gave him the bag the food was in. He was very appreciative. We walked away and started heading back towards the car. I looked back and I saw him instantly starting to eat the food (might I add, the leftovers were pasta with chicken). He was eating the pasta with his hands. I decided to walk back into Marie Calendars and get some plastic silverware for him so he did not have to eat the food with his hands. I got him two sets- one for the pasta and one for the pie. I think it is important to focus on the little detail sometimes- such as that. I gave him the silverware and then got in the car. My mom and I drove past him on our way out of the parking lot and rolled down our window and saw him scarfing down the food. We waved at him and then he got up and told us again how he appreciates what we did for him more than we know and that we are a Gods sent and may God bless us. I will never forget the smile and look of happiness that I saw on his face. This happened a while back, and I find myself thinking of him often and hoping he is doing okay. I know we made his night and it made me so happy to know that we helped him out. 

Day 265

Today marks the day I only have 100 more days to blog!! Can you believe how fast time flies. It feels like just yesterday I wrote my 100th day blog, in which I stressed the importance to always give everything you do 100 percent. Well given that we only have 100 days left of this year, I want to make these final 100 stories the best yet!!! Try to make a difference in someone's life not only today or for the remainder of this year, but always. Try from here on out to be the best version of yourself. Try to always do the right thing. Try to always go to sleep at night knowing you were kind to others because you never know what battle someone is internally trying to conquer. 

Day 264

I received this follow up email from someone who was in the process of donating a kidney to a complete stranger. I wrote about the story months back, and here is the update: 

Follow your instincts.  Always.  

As you know, I was on a path to donating a kidney to a stranger.  I could only say it just felt like something I was supposed to do. 

In all of the testing (here and in Miami) to ensure I was well enough to donate, they have found that I have a malignant tumor on MY kidney.  I have met with surgeons at City of Hope today and will be having surgery within the next few weeks.  

They believe I am extremely fortunate to have found this at such an early stage and it does not appear to have metastacized, which would be the best case scenario and no chemo. 

I am completely heartbroken to have given someone hope at a new lease on life, then pull the rug out from under her.  No one could have seen this coming.  

Trying to save another persons life, ended up saving mine. 

Day 263

Yesterday, I was doing some shopping at Trader Joes, and this older mother and daughter started talking to me in the middle of the store about this pastry they had. They started to elaborate on how much they like it and that is comes from Wisconsin. After the pastry conversation ended, I said it was great talking and started to walk away, but then the mother started telling me about her son and then went on to talk about the advancements of soy products because I told her I try to stay away from dairy products. After this, when the timing was right, we ended the conversation. They were nice people and I could tell they really wanted to talk so I did not want to be rude and leave the conversation when it was clear they still wanted to talk. I know this is small, but you always have to put yourself in the other persons shoes. They were friendly to me, so of course I was going to be friendly back. 

Next time someone tries to talk to you in a public place, hear what they have to say because you never know what day they might be having in which they need to just talk to someone, even if it is about soy products. 

Day 262

http://aplus.com/a/they-quietly-judged-him-for-his-skin-color-then-they-got-a-shocking-surprise

WOW, this short video was so powerful. I would hope in this day and age we are past social profiling; however, I know it unfortunately still exists at times. I think what is key to remember is the old sang: never judge a book by its cover. Yes, there are bad individuals out there who do bad things, but they come in all shapes, forms, colors, etc; therefore, it is hard to generalize and say all of one certain race or group of people are bad. This is not possible by any means, so try to do your part to make the world a better place by simply thinking twice before you profile and/or generalize individuals. 

Day 261

I went to this restaurant in Las Vegas and because I was nice and friendly to the manager, he said my meal was on the house. Ten months later, I went back to that restaurant and brought many of my friends with me and once again, as a way to say thank you for the repeat business and for referring others to the restaurant, he remembered me and gave me my meal on the house! 

This left a lasting impression in my mind. What great customer service and hospitality. I will definitely return and refer more people to that restaurant. Kindness makes a lasting impression and will go a long way! 

Day 260

http://ckmp.buzzylikes.me/most-people-ignored-this-homeless-man-but-those-who-looked-closer-were-in-for-a-surprise

This is AWESOME!! I loved watching this man do such great things for the people who gave to him. It started off rocky, but then people started to pay attention to him and in return, they were thanked with twenty dollars. The feedback was genuine and touching to watch.

Day 259

My parents and I went to dinner at a local restaurant and my dad ran into some patients of his. As a way to say thank you for their years of business, he paid for their dinner, including tip. They were very appreciative. I thought this was very generous and sweet of my dad. He is a great human being and I was lucky to be raised with such generosity and great role models.

Day 258

Happy birthday to someone in my life who has been there for me through thick and thin. She has practically been a older sister to me and I really do not know what I would have done without her throughout all my teenage years to current day. I wish her nothing but the best today and always. I love you!! 

Day 257

Do you ever tip a generous amount to your server? I always think it is so cool when people will tip $100 on a $75 check. It definitely will make someone's day! I cannot wait to do this for others. 

Day 256

My friend goes to Farmers Markets usually ever Sunday and when she does, she buys extra produce and fruits and other items and gives them out to people who need them! What a great idea and phenomenon.

Day 255

http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/25845492/little-girl-writes-dads-employer-gets-surprise

This is such a cute story. The fact Google responded to the little girls handwritten letter, and was so sweet, thoughtful, and generous. 

Day 254

May we remember today and always all the innocent individuals who lost their lives 13 years ago. We shall keep their families and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. May we never forgot this day and what this day represented. May we never forget the true heroes of your country. May we stand united today and always. May we stay strong individually and collectively as a nation. 

Day 253

http://sfglobe.com/?id=3335&src=share_fb_new_3335

This is the best story ever. I loved watching this video clip and I am glad it made it to the news too. What a wonderful thing these young men did for their teammate. 

Day 252

Always remember it is on the inside that matters. When you demonstrate compassion and sympathize with people, they will be more receptive. Always practice that sang: do onto others as you want others to do onto you. 

Day 251

I think this is so true! The homeless man you walk past probably cannot do anything for you, but what can you do for him? Think about how your actions can impact others. Also think about how your character is molded by your actions.

Day 250

http://www.classybro.com/2014/05/20-photos-restore-faith-humanity/

These are all so awesome! Pay attention to others in life. Focus on the little detail. Listen to people. Pay it forward. Try to make someones day!!

Day 249

This time last year, I was arriving to Greece. I cannot believe it has been a year. I am so appreciative and grateful for the experience and opportunity to go for an extended amount of time. I met some amazing people, who opened their home and heart to me. I made some great friends, many who went out of their way for me to make sure I was having a good time. They were so considerate to my feelings and time. I dedicate today's blog to the many people in Greece that went out of that way for me and were selfless with their time, to ensure I was having a great time. Greek people are so welcoming, and I am so honored to have met them and to come from a great culture. 

Day 248

I love this!!! Not only should you not judge others, but try not to look down upon people. You might not know their life story, so it is not fair to judge them based on how they look or by how they are dressed. Help others always! 

Day 247

It is important to always put yourself in other people's shoes. Sometimes, people do things that are insensitive to others, but it could all be avoided if you are sensitive and considerate to other people's feelings. I think if more people engaged in this notion, then the world would be a happier place. 

Day 246

http://astoundable.com/young-man-borrows-a-homeless-mans-bucket/

This is great! So sweet for the young man to spend time out of his day to do this wonderful good gesture for this homeless guy. It was nice to see everyone pitching in and contributing.

Day 245

My friend told me this story: 

He saw a homeless person who was holding a sign that said they would work for money, so he gave the homeless person twenty dollars. What a great story!!

Day 244

Happy Labor Day America! I cannot believe it is already September. I hope everyone has a great remainder of the year and enjoys today. Be safe out there and always remember to be a good person.