The John Tesh Blog

What's the difference between getting further into debt, and living a life of wealth? Not as much as you might think.

Jean Chatzky is one woman who believes, even in the toughest economic times (as all of us are experiencing; some more than others) that anyone can prosper…if they possess key traits and abilities that will set them apart. She calls these traits, and her new book, The Difference, and describes how you can go from the person who lives paycheck to paycheck to the person who lives in comfort.

Do you have The Difference? And, if not—how can you get it? Jean shares the eight things that matter most to help you become financially free.

Happiness and Optimism

Some people believe money leads to happiness. Not true. Once you're living comfortably, more money doesn't buy more happiness. The reverse, however, is true: Happiness leads to money. And success. Likewise, so does optimism. Both empower you to solve problems, create new ideas, take long-range consequences into consideration and come back to try again if you miss the first time.

Resilience

People who have moved from a bad financial situation into comfort or wealth have resilience. They can overcome—on the job, in their personal lives, with their finances. They don't deny the bad things that happen, but they're able to turn their focus to things over which they have control with the belief that they have the ability to effect change. The good news is you don't have to be born with resilience—you can learn it by controlling the things you can control and letting go of the others.

Connectedness 

Ever heard of social capital? It's the asset created when relationships between people change in ways that lead to action, generally for good. It's an important component of The Difference, and the wealthy and financially comfortable not only have more of it than people living paycheck to paycheck, they know how to use it. They cast a wider net, socializing with neighbors, co-workers, people who can help them advance financially or in their careers. To get your share of social capital, you have to make time for people and put yourself forward as a leader.

Passion

This is a key element that moves people from a life of financial struggle to one of financial success. The wealthy, simply put, want it more than the rest of that. Some want it in the form of money, but most are quite passionate about the careers they choose to pursue. And, at a time where doing what you love may not seem possible, it's important to know you can learn to love what you're doing- right here, and right now.

Intuition

Over the years, your brain has scored up scads of patterns, information that tells you that if one thing happens, something else is likely to follow. We feel these signals in our gut—and we call them hunches. They are really our intuition, a sixth sense that is more developed in the wealthy than in anyone else. You can learn to bring yours forward by adopting strategies like giving your intuition a little room to breathe: Jean herself says she has the best moments of "enlightenment" when she's not searching for them.

Make savings your new, "got to" habit

The wealthy people in Chatzky's study certainly have the funds to be crazy spenders, but most aren't. Both wealthy and financially comfortable individuals say that saving more money has been an "absolutely essential" financial goal as an adult.

Invest in stocks

Jean did the research for The Difference when housing prices were cratering and the markets were falling out of the sky. Yet, one lesson emerged again and again: The wealthy understand the need to take risks in the market—in good times and in bad—in order to make their money work as hard as they do.

Gratitude

The Karma Kickback. The people who get rich—and stay rich—are not just grateful. They practice gratitude by giving back to their communities, to organizations they believe in and the people they care about. (Your place of worship may call it 'tithing.') Even if you are thinking of something you view as mundane—like your job—when you think about it as a gift, you focus on what life might be if you didn't have it.

Can you see The Difference in your life today? Tomorrow? As long as you see it, you'll live it.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Veterans Day- it's an '11th hour save' of sorts- for every US citizen.

Today is Veterans Day. First and foremost, thank you, from a nation that owes you much gratitude. Next (for us civilians!)- do you know the story behind the name, and the date of this day we pay tribute to those who have served our country in the military? History.com has the 'history' for us, so please- share this with a young person today- most definitely a story to tell over, and over, and over again.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

The Great War & Armistice Day

Though the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, November 11 remained in the public imagination as the date that marked the end of the Great War. In November 1918, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The day's observation included parades and public gatherings, as well as a brief pause in business activities at 11 a.m. On November 11, 1921, an unidentified American soldier killed in the war was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.; the U.S. Congress had declared the day a legal federal holiday in honor of all those who participated in the war. On the same day, unidentified soldiers were laid to rest at Westminster Abbey in London and at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

On June 4, 1926, Congress passed a resolution that the "recurring anniversary of [November 11, 1918] should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations" and that the president should issue an annual proclamation calling for the observance of Armistice Day. By that time, 27 state legislatures had made November 11 a legal holiday. An act approved May 13, 1938 made November 11 a legal Federal holiday, "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" In actuality, there are no U.S. national holidays because the states retain the right to designate their own, and the government can only designate holidays for federal employees and for the District of Columbia. In practice, however, states almost always follow the federal lead.

From Armistice Day to Veterans Day

The American effort during World War II (1941-1945) saw the greatest mobilization of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force in the nation's history (more than 16 million people); some 5.7 million more served in the Korean War (1950 to 1953). In 1954, after lobbying efforts by veterans' service organizations, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a holiday, striking the word "Armistice" in favor of "Veterans." President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954. From then on, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

The next development in the story of Veterans Day unfolded in 1968, when Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which sought to ensure three-day weekends for federal employees—and encourage tourism and travel—by celebrating four national holidays (Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day) on Mondays.

The observation of Veterans Day was set as the fourth Monday in October. The first Veterans Day under the new law was Monday, October 25, 1971; confusion ensued, as many states disapproved of this change, and continued to observe the holiday on its original date. In 1975, after it became evident that the actual date of Veterans Day carried historical and patriotic significance to many Americans, President Gerald R. Ford signed a new law returning the observation of Veterans Day to November 11th beginning in 1978. If November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the previous Friday or following Monday, respectively.

Celebrating Veterans Day around the World

Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World Wars I and II on or near November 11th: Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November). In Europe, Britain and the Commonwealth countries it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11.

In the United States, an official wreath-laying ceremony is held each Veterans Day at the  Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, while parades and other celebrations are held in states around the country. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day--a common misunderstanding, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans--living or dead--but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

DID YOU KNOW?

Red poppies, a symbol of World War I (from their appearance in the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae) are sold in Canada and the United Kingdom on Remembrance Day to raise money for veterans or worn in the lapel as a tribute.

From the bottom of my heart, to veterans today, and those currently serving (you will someday be our veterans- and we all pray for that day)- THANK YOU. We owe you so much.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

How to be spiritual every single day. And no, you don't have to go somewhere to do it.

Spirituality- it's not just for Sundays anymore. Have you thought about yours lately? Your level of spirituality can play an important role in each and every aspect of your life- your job, your job search, perhaps, your friends and family- in short, you.  Of course, our families move to the head of the list when it comes to safeguarding the most important relationships of your life.  While it's good to have strong relationships with all the people in your life, it's important to put your relationship with your "Source" at the top of your priority list, spiritual teacher Dr. Wayne Dyer, spiritual guru, and renowned author of "Excuses Begone! How to Change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits", tells Oprah. Your Source can be God, the Tao, Divine mind, Krishna or whatever else you call your higher power—the key is that you make this bond your number one.

Dr. Dyer shares five practices to help you become more spiritual every day.

Get Quiet

Decide to reduce the noise level in your life. Learn to take time each and every day for

quiet contemplation. For example, when you're driving alone, turn off the constant chatter bombarding your inner world. Try to make meditation a daily practice, even if it's only a few minutes each day. As Swami Sivananda reminded his students, "Silence is the language of the gods." Ask in silence, listen in silence, and let silence be the jumping-off point for becoming one with the creative force of the universe.

Reenergize Your Surroundings

The Power of Intention works when you surround yourself with people who are on the same spiritual path as you. Remember that like attracts like, so you attract Source energy to you by being like it. Similarly, when you're continually in the company of low-energy, angry, depressed, shaming, hateful people, you'll probably find life a little more challenging. Choose to be in the company of those who hold a space for you to achieve the joy of maximizing, rather then minimizing, your highest human potential. Make your surroundings a temple of love and kindness. Pay attention to the music you listen to, the art you view, even the arrangement of your furniture and flowers—all of it!

Get Back to Nature

One of the most spiritual things you can do in your life is spend time in nature. When I am in nature, it feels like God has entered my consciousness, and a rapturous feeling of contentment overwhelms me. A setting that showcases nature's beauty is pure God in action: unspoiled, untended, alive in stillness and teeming with life. When you're there, you'll begin to see the miraculousness of every cubic inch of space. You'll feel the presence of an energy that you may have lost touch with in your daily life, and that energy is in you.

Practice Yoga

The meaning of the word yoga translates to "union." The ancient rishis who gave us yoga considered stretching, balancing and flexible exercise an opportunity to experience union with God. Such a union with the Source of being wasn't a painful experience, since God was viewed as natural, peaceful and gentle. Even as you stay in a space the size of a small mat, you attain the same kind of benefit as other, more punishing exercise regiments but without the pain or exertion. Yoga is a great workout for the entire body—particularly the joints, muscles and even internal organs—but especially for the mind.

Practice Mindfulness

Truly experience all things you do during the day. Try to escape the habitual feelings and thoughts you experience and stay in the present moment. Enjoy each of your actions fully.

See if just for a few minutes today, you can truly quiet yourself- from the stresses, anxieties, unanswered questions and problems, or even anger you may harbor deep inside. Quiet your mind, and find out if a small pocket of peace- to bring you closer to the spirituality each of us holds inside.  Have a blessed, and wonderful day.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Lessons from geese. Betcha didn't know they had any to give!

OK- your standard flock of geese may not be the first idea you come up with when searching for inspiration...well, geese may very well not make it into any idea you have in seeking life's lessons.  They're pretty dirty, noisy and all.  Fair enough, but just for kicks, let's see what we can learn from THE GOOSE.  You may be surprised.

1.  Fact:  As each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow.  By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson:  People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

2.  Fact:  When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone.  It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson:  If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go, too.  We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

3.  Fact:  When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Lesson:  It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.  Like geese, we are interdependent on one another's skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, knowledge or resources.

4.  Fact:  Geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to maintain the speed.  

Lesson:  We need to make sure our honk is encouraging.  In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater.  The power of encouragement(to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

5.  Fact:  When a goose becomes ill, or is wounded and going down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it.  They stay with their fallen comrade until it dies, or is able to fly again.  Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson:  If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

It's called "teamwork", my dear friend.  And think about it:  what places or situations could this encouraging teamwork spirit work for you?  Work- I bet.  School?  Of course!  Your spiritual center committee?  Absolutely!  How about your neighborhood, or as close to home as family members.  Give a honk to those in your life you care about today! 

Happy Monday-

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Want to make the world better? You already do, because you're you.

How was your weekend?  Sometimes- I think this is so ironic-it seems like a great weekend can leave us feeling almost a sort of "letdown", like coming back from a vacation, too.  My point is- how are you on this MONDAY?  Back to work; back to the old grind, or maybe, back to the job hunt, which can be a downer, too.  Maybe you didn't sleep well last night- who knows?  For any variety of reasons, you may feel in need of some good, old fashioned powerful, positive thinking. 

That's why I love this inspiring piece from Sandra Magsamen, writing for Oprah.com, who reminds us that the greatest miracle workers are disguised as mothers, fathers, grandparents, neighbors, sisters, friends, daughters, nurses, teachers and volunteers, and a basic, wonderful truth about all people is that through our choices and actions, we can and do make the world a better place. We don't have to do huge things to make a big difference. Even the smallest kindness has the power to resonate through our sometimes difficult and troubled world; Magsamen reminds us, too, that the loving actions we share make miracles happen.

Individual acts of kindness and generosity of spirit change the world. Kindness is magical, contagious. A single smile brings on another smile; a good morning invites another greeting. Thoughtfulness, consideration and care enhance our well-being and others' too. Civility and respect are the foundation for any relationship to begin and grow.

Without kindness in our lives, our world can quickly turn cold, empty and negative. Kindness gives us hope, it connects us to each other and it reminds us of the beauty that lives in each of us.

Being kind requires only a desire to contribute to the world in a positive way. Simple acts of kindness and generosity of spirit require little effort, yet they touch our lives deeply and have a huge effect. We have all had days where nothing seems to go right, yet, then, out of the blue, someone holds open a door, yields so you can pull your car out on a busy street, or says, "You look terrific today!" These simple actions change a negative moment into a positive one. When we are shown kindness, we feel we belong, we feel connected, we feel that we matter.

Magsamen isn't talking about superheroes, or extraordinary superstars, here.  No- the focus is on many ordinary people who have accomplished extraordinary things simply because they wanted to make a difference (and believed they could). Look around and recognize friends, family members and neighbors who transform the world by their acts of thoughtfulness, compassion and care. Celebrate your own purposeful actions, as you participate in your homes, schools, communities, towns, states, country and the world. Your positive, creative responses to social issues matter—they and you and can change the world for the better.

Creative acts that positively affect our society happen all the time, everywhere—from Rosa Parks, who stood for what she believed in by sitting down on a bus, to Osceola McCarty, a cleaning woman who, over the course of her lifetime, saved and eventually donated $150,000 to the University of Mississippi for a scholarship program. Miss McCarty, who left school in sixth grade, said, "I want to help somebody's child go to college." Her act of kindness touched the hearts of people all over the world and inspired others to give.

Use these steps laid out by Magsamen as a call for creative action- a roadmap, if you will, that each of us can apply to our own lives.  Share it with someone in your school district, where you work, your church, and, of course, share it with your own family.

1. Expand the definition of a worthwhile life.
2. Engender respect for and delight in the gifts of others.
3. Increase awareness of the wide variety of choices available for all—particularly students.
4. Encourage each individual to build upon his or her own special knowledge and inner strengths.
5. Promote the use of innate intelligence, intuition, self-exploration and creative self-reliance.
6. Confirm the greatest hunger for finding out just what each of us can do best, in our own voice, at any age.
7. Empower the individual to choose to do that something really, really well.

We all have the power to make a difference in others' lives. Through our intention and actions, we choose to bring positive experiences into our lives and make them for others. We can all do something. Do what you can. Do what looks like it needs doing. Do it your own way. Do it because you want to. Do something because you know you can.

Be a mentor. Teach someone to read. Sit awhile with someone who is lonely.  Serve foodat a shelter. Make art with kids. Compliment someone. Listen to what someone has to say. Visit a friend who is sick. Wave to the women sitting in the window at a nursing home. Tell someone you are thinking about her. Be a role model. Work with Habitat for Humanity to build a house. Lend a hand at the local fire hall. Use your money generously. Walk for what you believe in—peace, breast cancer research, life. Comfort someone when he is sad. Walk your neighbor's dog. Participate in a food drive. Bake something or buy something from a bake sale. Clean your closet and donate the clothes you don't wear.  Any of these efforts will never require a larger effort than you can make.  You may feel so tapped out in your life already you may not wish to commit to anything more than an hour every other week.  That's okay- just commit!

If you feel the truth and the confidence that you can make a difference, but don't know exactly how to start- take a look at our Intelligent Kindness network- an incredible, and powerful network built by, with, and for ordinary folks making an anything-but-ordinary difference in our country, and in our world.  

PLEASE- make it a super Monday!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Wondering who you are, and what really matters to you in your life? Time to find out. Here's a hint: purpose and balance!

First things first in our quest to answer this, my friend:  if you're wondering who the "you" you are really is- you're far from alone.  From Oprah.com and WebMD, here is a little help to take those first steps of personal discovery.  Personal coach Laura Berman Fortgang,  author of "NOW WHAT? 90 Days to a New Life Direction", says getting your priorities clear is the first and most essential step toward achieving a well-balanced life. The important point here is to figure out what you want your priorities to be, not what you think they should be.

"I use an exercise for figuring out what matters most," Fortgang tells WebMD. She has her clients take a couple days off from work to contemplate the following series of questions:

1. If my life could focus on one thing and one thing only, what would that be?
2. If I could add a second thing, what would that be?
3. A third?
4. A fourth?
5. A fifth?
   

If you answer thoughtfully and honestly, the result will be a list of your top five priorities. Fortgang says a typical top-five list might include aspects such as children, spouse, satisfying career, community service, religion or spirituality, health, sports, art, hobbies such as gardening and adventure/travel.

Ismael Al-Ramahi, a graduate student at Baylor College of Medicine, says his current priorities are his wife, his 4-month-old son, and his research. He tells WebMD the key is not only knowing your priorities, but devoting your full attention to just one priority at a time. "Split your time and your mind so that you're thinking about work when you're at work and you're paying attention to the baby when you're with him."

Your purpose exists- never doubt that.  Trust yourself to know what your heart and mind are telling you.  Honesty with yourself and, perhaps, letting go of fears that might be holding you back could be the keys to bringing your purpose (or purposes!) to life!

You may think you don't have a lot to give, but you do, and it could be much more than you know to someone else.

Psychology experts say that our direct path to inner happiness is most often found when we move outside ourselves, and our own problems.  But do you sometimes find yourself doubting the gifts you have to offer to someone else?  Don't!  Each of us has so much we can share with others- talents we perhaps haven't thought about for a long time.  A little soul searching right now could be the source of incredible charitable inspiration- shine your light out to the world!  Let's get started with a few ideas from P&G Everyday Solutions - use these, or use them to craft your own ideas.

• Visit the Elderly
  Find a retirement community in your local phone book and give them a call. Ask the activities coordinator to identify a resident who would most appreciate a visit. You may meet the senior in his or her room, or perhaps in a dining area or lobby. Extend your hand, introduce yourself and then — follow your intuition. You may not get a word in edgewise, as your new friend might talk about anything from Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak in 1941 to the last episode of their favorite TV show. Or maybe you will do most of the talking. The important thing is to feel comfortable and make a connection.
• Read a Book to the Blind
  Whatever your literary tastes, if you enjoy reading aloud, you can share the pleasure of a good story by volunteering to record an audio book for the blind, since many of these groups offer audio books to their patients, clients or members. For the inner storyteller in you, this could be a match made in heaven.
• Teach
  All of us have talents and interests, and there is perhaps no better way to give of ourselves than to share what matters most to us with others. Perhaps yours is an artistic talent, such as painting, knitting or playing a musical instrument. Or maybe your hobby is more practical; you may, for example, know a thing or two about fixing a car. Whatever your interest, there is most likely someone close by — in your neighborhood, at a nearby elementary school or junior high school, in a nursing home, or at a homeless shelter (the list goes on and on) — who would appreciate your mentoring. 

Need more direction?  SO glad you asked!  My wife, Connie, and I happily invite you to join the Intelligent Kindness Network.  On this site, we're connecting people from all over the world to share their passion, their enthusiasm, and their inspiring ideas.  You'll find links to many organizations world wide as well as in your own community, and easy to use tools to locate a specific volunteer opportunity nearest you. I believe in this, because-

The power of one is never to be doubted.  And the power of many coming together is truly an awesome thing.  If you're already working in a volunteer network, or out on your own quest to bring kindness to the world around you- you know how true this is.  Please share your stories, and your ideas with us, and become part of the Intelligent Kindness Network.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

What call to serve do you hear?

I, like many of you I’m sure, feel quite inspired and so hopeful today.  The Presidential Inauguration began with the uplifting words of my friend, Rick Warren (if you’re a frequent listener to my radio show, you know how much I love Rick’s A Purpose Driven Life.)  Watching then, listening, and contemplating, as Barack H. Obama took his oath of office today to begin his term as 44^th President of the United States and called us to action and to responsibility, I believe that we're all presented with incredible opportunity!  On Monday, to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mr. Obama gave some of his day in service, and though Monday has passed, you are invited by our new President to become involved through any of the eleven thousand service projects created using USAservice.org.  Some of President Obama's words today, in essence: 

"The time for action has surely passed, and it is time to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.  Our patchwork heritage is a blessing and not a curse.  We have duties to ourselves, to our nation, and to our world.  We remember the people and actions of those who came before us, and we look forward to what we will bring to this side of history."

What would you like to bring to your side of history, and how do you hear a call to action and service for a greater good than your own?  Does it begin in your country, in your state, your community, your church, or even within your own home?  The beauty here is that it does not matter, so long as you do hear it, and are willing to extend yourself to the best of your ability.

• Are you able to to serve a meal through your local church, perhaps deliver food to homebound persons through Meals on Wheels or perhaps donate to a local food bank in your community?

•  If you would like to get some more ideas, please take a look at the Intelligent Kindness page for links to where you can discover service and volunteer opportunities near you, like The Sellecca Tesh Foundation, Life Connections International or  Soldiers' Angels, just to name a few. 

Please post your comments back on your experiences, or those of your family's.  One of the most important lessons we can help our children learn is the importance of our gifts of service, and there are volunteer opportunities for kids at the Intelligent Kindness Forum.  I'd love to hear your story and your ideas.

All my best today,

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

 

Having a Greater Impact on the Lives of Others

Anyone who has attended my concerts knows the evening is about more than just music.  You'll also hear my encouragement for everyone to live outside themselves and make a difference in the life of someone else.

When you start living outside yourself, you can't help but stick your nose into the lives of others. Of course, I am not speaking about being rude or intrusive.  I am speaking of taking on a concern for others and asking how you can make an impact on people.

For example, you don't need to travel to the other side of the world to help someone when you know the 5th grader across the street with learning disabilities could use some extra help catching up on his reading. How about the couple two houses down who just got laid off? They would be shocked if they found several grocery bags filled with food on their doorstep. 

How do you live like this?  It starts with getting the focus off yourself, appreciating what you have in life and noticing the needs of others.   

Here're several tips I offer you to get you to start making an impact on the lives of others:

•You can't wait to get all your needs met before you notice the needs of others. It should become second nature for us to take notice of the needs of others.  We get so caught up in a world where we have to get our needs taken care of first before we can move out to help those around us.

Caring for others always has some element of self-sacrifice.  If you're not inconvenienced in some way, I would wonder how much of yourself you're really giving.  I'm talking about giving your time - your most precious commodity.  How about missing your favorite Thursday night TV show to go visit a sick friend or volunteering a few hours a month on a Saturday morning instead of joining your golf buddies?

•You should be keeping track of others on a regular basis. Make serving others a routine in your life . . . not just something that happens once or twice a year.  However, be realistic about your routine. 

If you say to yourself, "I'm going to spend time volunteering at a hospital every Friday afternoon for three hours," that's a wonderful goal.  However, your goal may be unrealistic.  Set goals that can be achieved.  Perhaps you can only give two hours a month.  That's great. But in the meantime, you can let people know you're still around.  Drop off cookies for the nurses at a hospital one afternoon even when it's not your day to volunteer.

•You can use the resources you already have. When you start to think about the needs of others, you become aware of what God has given you to help others.  A family of 4-5 can easily recycle bottles, cans and plastic jars, take these items to a recycling center and give the cash the get back to their favorite charity.

•You need to leave the credit for your kindness in God's hands. It's too easy to take the pat on the back if it comes your way.  Showing kindness is an opportunity to have your good deeds point upward to God rather than back at yourself.  If He motivates you or draws you to do an act of kindness, then He deserves the credit, not you.

John

Email John:   johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.