Day 365

I cannot believe today is the last day of 2014. I can honestly and proudly say I have not missed any days of blogging. I have blogged for 365 consecutive days, as I said I would. I place high value and importance on my word and I am glad I did not let any of my readers down, nor myself. 

I remember, as it was yesterday, at the end of last year, I came up with my idea to blog for a whole year about good humanity stories, pay it forward stories, and inspirational stories and quotes. I am glad I have executed my idea and now can look back and reflect on how life changing this experience was. I know it has made me even more aware of how my actions affect others and how it is detrimental to walk through life with an open mind and open heart. 

I hope my blog has inspired you to be the best version of yourself, today and always. Thank you to everyone who supported me and who have sent me their wonderful stories. It has been an honor and my pleasure sharing them. This has been a wonderful experience in itself and I will never forget it. 

I want to leave with an amazing quote, that I hope all of you remember from here on out...be the change you want to see in the world. 

Day 364

"Smile and the whole world smiles with you. Cry and you cry alone".

Always remember to keep your head held high. There will always be ups and downs in life, and things might not go your way, but it is how you view and handle various situations that make you a stronger and more well- rounded individual. Always remember- Don't cry because something is over, cry because it happened! 

Day 363

Do not let the fear of being hurt stop you from playing your ball game. This is your life, your story, your ball game-go out there and play a great, honest, and epic game.

As the year comes to a close, and we prepare for 2015, always remember to give everything you do 100 percent. My parents always told me, when I was in school, that they did not care if I got a C in a class, as long as I tried my very hardest. My parents always tell me to be the best version of yourself always, and especially when no one is watching, because who you are behind closed doors, is who you are beneath all the clothes, makeup, and skin.

Day 362

I made this quote up a year ago, and thought it was meaningful:

"Smile through the tears, laugh with the ones who laugh at you, and love the ones who love you back". 

Day 361

My friend bought thirty breakfasts at McDonalds and drove downtown to feed the less fortunate. I thought this was wonderful! Always pay it forward!! 

Day 360

As we approach only five more blogging days in the year, I just wanted to say I hope I have made an impact on people's lives. I also hope your are open and more aware of seeing and engaging in greatness. We are all in this thing called life together. We can either be kind to each other and make the world a better place, or we can be rude and hurtful and make the world a painful place. The ball is always in our court. We are all humans. Lets treat each other with compassion, respect, and kindness. 

Day 359

Merry Christmas to all of you out there who celebrate Christmas. I have great memories of the holidays, but relatively recently, my grandpa passed away on Christmas. I say this because it really changed my mentally about the holidays. The holidays are a time to spend with your family and friends. Cherish every holiday you have with them, because you never know when it will be the last. Life is very short and precious, so pick your battles, never be too prideful and stubborn to say sorry, and appreciate the little things in life.

Day 358

My friend posted on Facebook: 

Today I was blessed to be able to feed the less fortunate. It was a great experience shared with a group of very special people. Be the change you want to see in the world. 

I love social media because it is a great way to read these wonderful posts!

Day 357

This is a very nice note someone left on my friend's car. What a great way to make someone's day. Try and leave notes more often! 

Day 356

My friends and I went to eat at a famous dinner called the Apple Pan. The man sitting next to us ordered a slice of apple pie and heard me talking about it as well. When he received the pie, he asked me if I would like to take the first bite to try it. I thought that was very sweet of him. He was a nice and friendly young man. 

In addition, we had left over french fries so we gave them to a homeless lady sitting outside bundled in blankets because it was very cold outside. She was appreciative and I told her to try and stay warm. As I was leaving, I looked back at her and saw she was eating the fries. It broke my heart because I felt so bad she was cold and hungry. But as I always say, be nice and remember a little goes a long way. 

Day 355

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/viral-secret-santa-story-inspires-millions/

This is a great holiday story!! I love how the Secret Santa sent out police officers to do this, especially because when you get pulled over, the last thing you think is that the officer will give you a $100! What a great pay it forward!! 

Day 354

http://www.ijreview.com/2014/12/218361-one-womans-letter-ex-husbands-new-wife-going-super-viral-hard-see/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=conservativedaily&utm_campaign=Viral

I loved reading this article! Both of these ladies are mature, understanding, and loving individuals. Their daughter is lucky to have them both in her life. This situation could be complicated at times, but both women handle it with class and respect. There are great people out there in the world- open your eyes to greatness! 

Day 353

"The best kind of people are the ones who come into your life and make you see the sun where you once saw clouds. The people that believe in you so much that you start to believe in yourself. The people who love you for simply being you. The once in a lifetime kind of people" 

I think this quote is worth repeating. As this year comes to an end, I want to thank each and every one of you who have supported me. Thank you to the ones who have shown me their true colors and walked out. Thank you to the ones who have picked me up when I was down. Thank you to the ones who turned my frown upside down. Thank you for your unconditional love and support. I am forever grateful for you.  You know who you are. And in each and every one of you, I learned something: true love and friendship never dies.

Day 352

My friend was on a mission last night to feed 600 homeless people in 60 minutes. She mentioned you can buy them a warm meal, or a coffee or drink at Starbucks, or donate money to them, or anything really. A little bit goes a long way! I thought this was an amazing and wonderful idea!! 

Day 351

Be friendly and nice, today and always!! 

Day 350

A friend was doing some Christmas shopping and started talking to this man in line. The man was telling her about all the money he had been spending lately for Christmas. When he went to buy his stuff, the lady asked if he had any coupons and he said no. My friend had some so she offered him one of her coupons and in return, he paid for her stuff too. In return again, my friends' husband paid for a little girls marshmallow candy bar because she was short some change. 

Such a great pay it forward story! I love how they kept it going!! 

Day 349

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thoughts creates profoundness. 

Kindness in giving creates love. 

I absolutely love this quote! I wrote about it a while ago, but want to stress the importance of kindness. Remember to coincide your words with your actions. It will create a more kind, tender, and gentle self. 

Day 348

It should come from the kindness of your heart, and knowing it is the right thing to do! You could make a difference and you could help change someone's life. 

Day 347

http://www.entertainmentwise.com/feature/159071/Couple-Write-The-Perfect-Note-After-Terrible-Restaurant-Experience?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=referral

This is such a great article. After working in the service and hospitality industry, I have a new respect for servers, in addition to this wonderful story. This couple saw their waitress was overwhelmed, but remained to stay friendly with all her tables. As a result, they gave her a $100 tip on a $66 check, with a note that says to pay it forward and also stating they have been there too- which made them relatable, compassionate, and understanding. 

Day 346

My friends girlfriend accidentally took $22 worth of crab from the supermarket. She remembered later in the day she did not pay for it, so she went back to the supermarket to pay for it.

What an honest person and a great story! 

Day 345

My mom and I were walking into the store and a lady was standing outside for the Salvation Army collecting money. My mom instantly took out her wallet and put some money in her bucket. I love that I have a wonderful, kind, and generous role model in my life! 

Day 344

My best friend posted this on her Facebook. I thought it was so sweet and I love reading posts on social media that illustrate kindness. They say-  you are who you hang out with and who your friends are. I'm honored to have friends like her in my life and proud to call her my best friend. 

Do good in your everyday life. Not only because it's the holidays or you want a reward for being nice. Being genuine kind and loving is a reward enough. Love one another- do onto others as you would have them do onto you. 

Day 343

http://themighty.com/2014/12/to-the-trader-joes-employee-who-noticed-my-family-in-the-parking-lot/

This is such a great story! These are great parents and this individual who approached them to give them flowers to say thank you for adopting was truly touching, especially because, in that moment, the parents needed a little sign that they are appreciated. It is funny the way the timing in life works! 

Day 342

I was in an über car and the driver was telling a story how he found a $200 check in his back seat. He contacted the owner of the check by tracing it back to his phone calls. He drove out of his way to return the check at his house. What a great example of someone doing the right thing!

Day 341

Be grateful for what you have, because someone else is wishing they had what you have. 

Day 340

An über driver left my friends phone is his car and he did the right thing by meeting up with my friend the next day to return his phone. As a way to say thank you, my friend is going to send him money to his pay pal account. What a great pay it forward story! 

Day 339

As a teacher walked out to her car to begin her holiday vacation, she saw an envelope on her car. She opened the envelope and it had a $5 gift card to Starbucks and a letter that read: Dearest Teacher, enclosed is a small token of my appreciation for you. Thank you for watching over, teaching, and protecting my little ones each day and every day. The note also asked to "pass it forward" with one simple act of kindness dedicated to the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School. The note was signed: Sincerely, A very grateful Mother. Listed below were the names and ages of the twenty first graders and six educators that were killed in Newtown, Connecticut. 

What a truly emotional, heartfelt, and touching story! 

Day 338

A group of my friends and I went to a bar last night and my friend bought a round of drinks. I did not want mine, so I tapped this guys shoulder and asked him if he would like my drink. He was caught of guard and asked me if I was being serious. I said yes, of course. He accepted enthusiastically and thanked me about five times. He was so appreciative and caught off guard. I could tell it made his night and that made me so happy!

Day 337

Always remember that sometimes the grass is not always greener on the other side. Be thankful for what you have because someone else is wishing they had that. 

Day 336

http://www.passitdown.co/acts-of-kindness-random/

My friend sent this to me and I thought it was perfect to write about. All of these good deeds made someone's else's day better. Whether it is a small or larger gesture, they are all important and relevant in someone's life. Be kind always. You never know what kind of day someone is having. 

Day 335

This elderly lady used to always bake cookies around the holidays but after her arthritis got worse, she was unable to bake. Her nieces knew the tradition was coming to an end, so they decided to show up at her house and bake for her. The family tradition lived on because her nieces went out of their way for their aunt. What a kind family and a great story.