Making the World A Little Better

[Fozzie Bear]

You already know his famous quote about leaving the world a little better than when he got here, so in continuing this sentiment I was thinking that we all need a really good challenge. Jim was one of the people working toward it, and it's really up to the rest of us to make it happen.

There are some sayings such as "Love ever, Hate never" (on the walls of the House of Blues). So, how do we spread this love?

Here is what happened today and how I felt convicted to participate:

I left a Saturday morning breakfast meeting about a very cool project and was headed to the park to shoot new video of Muley reading a poem I wrote (which should be in Issue 2 of Muley's Comix and Stories and also is directly inspired by the "Green" movement that Kermit is involved in).

On the way to the park, across the way and on the whole other side of three lanes, a median, and three more lanes I saw this young woman at her car obviously with a flat. She was hopping up and down on the bar to loosen the bolts.

I figured: She's got it all under control and I'm sure someone is on the way. I was going to ignore it and go about my own business.

But, I couldn't.

I crossed over a bypass and went back the other direction. I asked her, "Hi, can I help you?"

"My boyfriend is on the way, thanks."

"Okay," I said. "In the meantime, I'd like to try to help if you will let me."

She said okay. So, I loosened the bolts, jacked the car up, changed the tire and put on the donut. Come to find out, it was flat, too!

We talked (she wouldn't let me take her to a gas station to air the tire up and was waiting on her boyfriend) and I found out she's an artist (extremely great artist!) and had a show coming up. Now, we're networking: I'm sharing her information with the Mid-South Cartoonists Association and she's going to share more about Muley with folks she knows.

The point of all this is: she was alone, working on a flat, and it did take her boyfriend about 40 minutes to get there. I helped as much as I could and I hope to have made new friends.

It may be time consuming, and it may be a tough little job needing to be done, but I challenge everyone on MC (and anybody reading) to make that little effort to help.

And it's not just in laborious things: greet your waiters and waitresses with smiles and show them appreciation with saying please and thank you, and if you work in a service field show your customers appreciation and treat them how you want to be treated. Smiles and friendly manners go a long way.

I've been persistent with waving to people on my street where I now live and FINALLY they are waving back. It may take some time, but I think together we can make this world a lot better!

If you've done something special lately, share it here. If you have ideas how to make the world more positive for each of us, share it here.

Together, we can make a difference!

[D'Snowth]

Well, that was a very inspiring story Kev!

It may be time consuming, and it may be a tough little job needing to be done, but I challenge everyone on MC (and anybody reading) to make that little effort to help.I can do that.

And it's not just in laborious things: greet your waiters and waitresses with smiles and show them appreciation with saying please and thank you, and if you work in a service field show your customers appreciation and treat them how you want to be treated. Smiles and friendly manners go a long way.Tell that to my mom. Seriously, she once gave a waiter (who was new to the job) a nervous breakdown because she was so hateful towards him; sometimes, I hate going out to eat with her because she just humiliates me the way she is to waiters.
I've been persistent with waving to people on my street where I now live and FINALLY they are waving back. It may take some time, but I think together we can make this world a lot better!The only problem with that, in America at least, is when you do that, people think you're weird... this isn't the 50s or the 60s anymore where everybody knows everybody, but you do have a point there.

Together, we can make a difference!Too true.

[Skye]

Tell that to my mom. Seriously, she once gave a waiter (who was new to the job) a nervous breakdown because she was so hateful towards him; sometimes, I hate going out to eat with her because she just humiliates me the way she is to waiters.
I have a friend like that, too! She never thanks waiters, and she's always complaining that her food is wrong or too cold or anything. I have to admit, I often feel bad for the waiters because of the way she treats them.

But this is such a sweet story, Kevin! And it's so true. I am always smiling at people and, as I've gotten older, I've began trying to help people if I can, and if they want the help. Just being selfless and giving someone a smile or a friendly gesture can brighten up their day, make them feel good... and in turn, that makes you feel good, too. It's a wonderful domino effect! :)

[heralde]

I should have mentioned this at the time, but August 22nd was Be an Angel Day. Sort of like random acts of kindness, a day to do something kind for people, preferably anonymously. Of course, it doesn't have to be for one day. It fact it shouldn't be, it should be all the time. :)

Basically, I think it's good to sit down and think of how you would like to be treated during the day. Even things like holding doors for people and being nice to cashiers can go a long way. ;)

[Skye]

I should have mentioned this at the time, but August 22nd was Be an Angel Day. Sort of like random acts of kindness, a day to do something kind for people, preferably anonymously. Of course, it doesn't have to be for one day. It fact it shouldn't be, it should be all the time. :)
Aww, I love that! That's really sweet. "Be an Angel Day." I'm gonna remember that, hehe.

[Fozzie Bear]

Tell that to my mom. Seriously, she once gave a waiter (who was new to the job) a nervous breakdown because she was so hateful towards him; sometimes, I hate going out to eat with her because she just humiliates me the way she is to waiters.
[/QUOTE]

I also had a friend like that, and I began to hog the conversation with the waiter/waitress when we would go out. At one place, I got to know the waitress pretty good and asked her questions and she was honest about her job, low wage, tips (or lack thereof {it's a university area restaurant}), and my friend would see how I would react and behave with them, learning more about the junky job they have to do, and now my behavior was a lesson and now my friend is better toward people.

[heralde]

Good point, it's important to remember so many of this jobs are under paid and stressful; it's not there for fun, heh.

[wwfpooh]

Good point, it's important to remember so many of this jobs are under paid and stressful; it's not there for fun, heh.Sadly, most minimum wage jobs seem--and are, to some--that way.

[Ilikemuppets]

and, as I've gotten older, I've began trying to help people if I can, and if they want the help.I think that's great sweetie. But please be careful because about who you trust because you never know what crazy person might say that they need help and "forbid" do anything and who knows what might happen to you.:concern: It's just so hard to trust people these days, you know? People will not allow you to be nice to them and they want to walk all over and take advantage of other peoples niceness and generosity. That being said. It still pays to be nice and spread more of that around in the world and less meanness and cruelty that it our world every day!:)

[wwfpooh]

Where are the likes of Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Care Bears, and the like when one needs them? XD

[heralde]

All that's needed is common sense. Skye definitely has that. ;)

[Ilikemuppets]

Where are the likes of Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Care Bears, and the like when one needs them? XDI know this stuff is nice and all but they are just television shows. One need to learn how to treat other kindly in he real world.

All that's needed is common sense. Skye definitely has that. ;)I know. But I worry about my sweetie.:flirt:

[wwfpooh]

One need to learn how to treat other kindly in he real world.And in this modern world, TV should show as such.

[Ilikemuppets]

And in this modern world, TV should show as such.But TV is a reflection of reality.

[wwfpooh]

But TV is a reflection of reality.So reality really loves watching others be stupid, loves to glorify sex, and overuse potty humor? I think not. This forum is proof enough that not everyone in society is like that.

[Ilikemuppets]

So reality really loves watching others be stupid, loves to glorify sex, and overuse potty humor? I think not. This forum is proof enough that not everyone in society is like that.No, but there is an audience for that kind of stuff.

[wwfpooh]

No, but there is an audience for that kind of stuff.So? That doesn't mean everyone cares for it. Heck, I bet if you ask a lot people besides the people here, many of them would want things back to being how they were before three sole corporations owned it all.

[Ilikemuppets]

So? That doesn't mean everyone cares for it. Heck, I bet if you ask a lot people besides the people here, many of them would want things back to being how they were before three sole corporations owned it all.Yeah, but they would not even put it on if people were not watching it.

[wwfpooh]

Yeah, but they would not even put it on if people were not watching it.Good point. We need to get out there show people that not everything has to be filled with sex, potty humor, and graphic violence.

[Ilikemuppets]

Good point. We need to get out there show people that not everything has to be filled with sex, potty humor, and graphic violence.I mean you can get out there and everything, but you can not dictate what the whole world decides they want to watch on there TV whether it's you're personal preference or not.

[wwfpooh]

I know this, thank you. ^_^

[heralde]

The evils of stupidity and glorified sex existed long before Television (Heck, we're even warned against it in the Bible!). When Television today shows these things, they are tapping into what's already there. It's up to people to demand better of Television and themselves.

Although, sadly, just because a show is kept on TV, doesn't mean it has a huge audience. And just because a show is removed, doesn't mean it was unpopular.

[redBoobergurl]

That's a really nice story Kev, thanks for sharing.

[wwfpooh]

Although, sadly, just because a show is kept on TV, doesn't mean it has a huge audience. And just because a show is removed, doesn't mean it was unpopular.Can agree whole-heartedly, especially since so many of my faves were popular, but were ended prematurely.

[Ilikemuppets]

Well making money is one of their bottom lines. And bad and stuff does sell...

[wwfpooh]

Andbad and stuff does sell...

Right. Sex sells, as do products full of violence (realistic ala CSI or coreographed as per the WWE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdfx2-SfQl8)) and swears (as per your good friends in DX within the WWE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WiMnHEuwho) and other shows that use swears as attention grabbers), and that's the bottom line (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=j64NIr8UGF0).

[Ilikemuppets]

As long as there is money to be made somebody will make money off of just about anything.:p :smirk:

[wwfpooh]

Yep. As the old adage goes, "Money talks and [BS] walks."

[Ilikemuppets]

I always like the saying "monkey see, monkey do":D

[wwfpooh]

Too bad all corporate monkeys do is fling feces that they deem quality programs into people's faces. XD

[Ilikemuppets]

Too bad all corporate monkeys do is fling feces that they deem quality programs into people's faces. XDHmm... That is a very interesting way of looking at it. LOL!

[wwfpooh]

I thought so.

[Teheheman]

"I do not wanna be paralyzed by the fear of doing something wrong, rather, I wanna be emboldened by being a part of something bigger than myself."-Big Kenny
You all have heard me say this throughout the forum, and I'll say it again, LOVE EVERYBODY. All we gotta do is open the flood gates and let love flow. We need to help our fellow man, woman, children, whoever we can because we can't afford to just let people stand there in their hour of need and not reach out and tell them that they'll be ok. That help will be on the way or that we are gonna try and help them out. Some of these people DO need our help. Whether they've fallen on hard times, or just need a hug or need somebody to talk to, we can be their ears, we can be their liberators, we can be the helpers that can help them to do something bigger and better than what they're doing now. We can give them the extra nickel to buy a sandwich, we can give them a push if they need to get their car to a gas station, we can call an ambulance if somebody is in pain, or give CPR to a man who has passed out and needs resuscitation. Whatever we give, will be returned to us. Do unto others, one of the golden rules, and one day they may return the favor. LOVE EVERYBODY

Daniel

[wwfpooh]

Do unto others, one of the golden rules, and one day they may return the favor. LOVE EVERYBODY

DanielToo bad not everything thinks that way. :(

[Fozzie Bear]

Glad we're back on topic! :)

Anybody done some good work lately to share the love?

[wwfpooh]

Giving to the needy counts, right? In that case, I gave to needy via a soup kitchen.

[Teheheman]

Friday I helped somebody push their car to the tow truck

Daniel

[wwfpooh]

I helped somebody find out who [their] friends are (http://www.jrider.us/Tracy%20Lawrence%20with%20T.%20McGraw%20and%20K.%2 0Chesney-%20Find%20Out%20Who%20Your%20Friends%20Are.mp3).

[Fozzie Bear]

Yes, charitable causes are a way to keep the world headed in a better direction.

Volunteerism, too. Be sure to take time and go read a book to the kids at a children's charity! They'll love it.

[Teheheman]

Like I said, we need to all take the time to help our fellow people. LOVE EVERYBODY. We all need to be reminded of this phrase everyday because we can't live our life ignoring what's going on around us. I'll just say it one more time before I go. LOVE EVERYBODY

Daniel

[heralde]

One very important thing that I struggle with, and I'm sure everyone does, is loving even the cruel people in the world. But it is important to at least try. It's very true what Jesus said, being nice to nice people isn't a huge accomplishment. It's how you treat the ones who don't deserve it that matters.:)

[wwfpooh]

One very important thing that I struggle with, and I'm sure everyone does, is loving even the cruel people in the world. But it is important to at least try. It's very true what Jesus said, being nice to nice people isn't a huge accomplishment. It's how you treat the ones who don't deserve it that matters.:)But if Jim could do so with his work, so can we! XD

[Fozzie Bear]

That is hard to love mean people. It's so hard not to lash back at folks sometimes when they are rude!

Today, I held the door open for a few different people at different places I ran errands to, and the smiles and thank you's I got from them were awesome! I hope that leads them to do something nice. Tonight, I helped folks with some art ideas and I think taught some much needed information to a few folks that needed to know some things.

[wwfpooh]

It's been my experience that if you're nice to others, most people would be nice in return.

[heralde]

It's been my experience that if you're nice to others, most people would be nice in return.

It definitely does happen. And if it doesn't happen sometimes,"we do good because it is good, not because it will go somewhere." ;)

[D'Snowth]

It's been my experience that if you're nice to others, most people would be nice in return.
That happens HALF the time to me in real life.

[Ilikemuppets]

It's been my experience that if you're nice to others, most people would be nice in return.Or will pass the niceness on to somebody else.

[wwfpooh]

Or will pass the niceness on to somebody else.Yep. Like the FR song, "Pass it On" (http://www.gosdin.net/rebound/fraggle/pass%20it%20on.mp3).

[heralde]

Had to share this, hehe:

On camera and off, Richard Hunt says he is always fighting against the tendency of people to turn inward and to only care about themselves.

He says he helps achieve his goal, in part, through his work. "On `Sesame Street we are lucky," he said. "We can teach the kids about how to live with each other," and "the sooner you realize that, you can get onto other important things. "

[Ilikemuppets]

Yeah, I think the puppeteers had of a tendency to be kind of shy... So he helped bring them out of there shells a little bit.

[wwfpooh]

He certainly did that.

[heralde]

Yeah I think that makes sense. Someone whose outgoingness was such an asset to his career, and his willingness to be more generous than most, was clearly interested in encouraging othes (for whom it didn't come as easily) to follow suit.

[Ilikemuppets]

Yeah I think that makes sense. Someone whose outgoingness was such an asset to his career, and his willingness to be more generous than most, was clearly interested in encouraging others (for whom it didn't come as easily) to follow suit.And he succeeded in doing so.;)

[wwfpooh]

And he suceeded in doing so.That he did.

[Teheheman]

That is hard to love mean people. It's so hard not to lash back at folks sometimes when they are rude!

Today, I held the door open for a few different people at different places I ran errands to, and the smiles and thank you's I got from them were awesome! I hope that leads them to do something nice. Tonight, I helped folks with some art ideas and I think taught some much needed information to a few folks that needed to know some things.
My dad always told me that if somebody is rude to you, the best way to get em back is either do nothing, or to be extra nice to them. It just ticks em off even more lol.

Daniel

[wwfpooh]

But why do you want to further aggravate them?

[heralde]

But why do you want to further aggravate them?

Well you want to stand up yourself. :)

[wwfpooh]

Point taken.

[Teheheman]

But why do you want to further aggravate them?
Cause it fights the fire. I mean, why be mean back? That just stoops to their level. Be nice to them, and they look like the schmuck.

Daniel

[Ilikemuppets]

I know what you mean, But I don't get it. I mean do people want you to be or expect you to be mean right back so they can have a justifiable reason to keep being that way to you or something?:confused: :p

[heralde]

I know what you mean, But I don't get it. I mean do people want you to be or expect you to be mean right back so they can have a justifiable reason to keep being that way to you or something?:confused: :p

Well they want to know they got to you. But if you're nice, it means you weren't that affected.

[wwfpooh]

That they do. ^_^

[Ilikemuppets]

I agree that being nice back does make them back off. You just know inside that if you are mean to a nice person that it will come back to bite you.

[heralde]

It's also important to note that being good is always a sacrifice, that's what makes it special.:)

[wwfpooh]

It's also important to note that being good is always a sacrifice, that's what makes it special.:)Right. You just gotta spread the love, even if others may not want it!

[Ilikemuppets]

It's also important to note that being good is always a sacrifice, that's what makes it special.:)It's also not the easiest road to take either. :p

[heralde]

Nope especially if it means being ostracized,or being nice to mean people. That's why it's such an accomplishment.

[Ilikemuppets]

Well, it's funny to me how it is an accomplishment yet it's something you should be because it's the right thing to do.

[heralde]

Good point, it shouldn't be for praise.

[Ilikemuppets]

Yeah, I mean you just have to remember to stay humble and level headed witch I admit isn't always the easiest thing to do either.

[wwfpooh]

Yeah...Jim Henson and Walt Disney were key examples. Heck, even Charles Shultz--who was Atheist--was humble & level-headed enough to carve a legacy out of something he first disliked.

[Ilikemuppets]

I want to posts goo things I do for people on here. But I am conflicted as I do not want to seem like I'm showing off or bragging as if to say "Look what I did, I am high and mighty." I don't know? I know we've all done nice things for other people and I've always tried to do nice things for other people anonymously and not for attention or anything like that. People remember you for the things you do and the kind of person you are.

[wwfpooh]

Well said, Will. I applaud.

[Fozzie Bear]

I want to posts goo things I do for people on here. But I am conflicted as I do not want to seem like I'm showing off or bragging as if to say "Look what I did, I am high and mighty." I don't know? I know we've all done nice things for other people and I've always tried to do nice things for other people anonymously and not for attention or anything like that. People remember you for the things you do and the kind of person you are.

I don't think it's showing off. I think it would inspire folks and help give ideas to suggest ways each of us might better help people.

For example, I don't have money to donate to local charities, but I take Muley out and donate the time and effort to help raise money for those charities. It's a little thing I CAN do to help out.

Now, some folks might not have money to give to charities, but somebody who has time might never have thought about volunteering to help that charity without having had the suggestion. See?

I certainly won't brag about what I do to help the world be a little better, but I'll tell about it so folks can get ideas to help, too.

[heralde]

That's very true, Fozzie,you have to lead by example and let your light shine etc. If you keep it all to yourself, then you're missing the opportunity to inspire others.

[wwfpooh]

That's very true, Fozzie,you have to lead by example and let your light shine etc. If you keep it all to yourself, then you're missing the opportunity to inspire others.Good point.

[Ilikemuppets]

Yeah! But you have to lead by examples by the things you do everyday. You are not keeping it to yourself my not telling others about it. It's inspiring one person at a time and passing it on.:)

[wwfpooh]

Yeah! But you have to lead by examples by the things you do everyday. You are not keeping it to yourself my not telling others about it. It's inspiring one person at a time and passing it on.:)It's just too bad that our human mistakes often keep us from doing such good deeds.

[heralde]

There's nothing wrong to me with making mistakes per se. That is the only way you learn:

"So when you fail, fail again. Fail faster; you're doing wonders for yourself." ;)

[Ilikemuppets]

I can not get better of you don't try! You can't let mistakes get you down.:)

[wwfpooh]

I can not get better of you don't try! You can't let mistakes get you down.:)Indeed. To make mistakes is to accept the fact that we're human and as such, we're prone to make errors.

[Fozzie Bear]

Ever hear Big Bird's song: Everyone Makes Mistakes? To repeat a comic strip of mine:

To err is human, to forgive requires cookies! :)

Still, we have to press forward and do what we can to make people happy around us and make their life easier somehow.

My plan on Friday is this: I'm going to let everyone into traffic that needs in. What do I hope to accomplish by that? I hope it allows me to be let into traffic when I need it in the future. One thing I noticed as a fault of mine is aggressive driving behavior rather than defensive driving: I had become as negative as others around me. I'm going to use traffic to practice patience and also hope that, by being more concientious (again) of others around me, that they will also do the same. Memphis traffic is HORRIBLE--maybe this can be a start to get others to be more thoughtful while in traffic.

[wwfpooh]

Indeed. For all we know, one little spark of kindness could be a major difference in life.

[Ilikemuppets]

Ever hear Big Bird's song:Sure have,. Kind of with they would sing it more often these days, but that is a subject for a another time...

[wwfpooh]

Sure have,. Kind of with they would sing it more often these days, but that is a subject for a another time...Can't disagree. To err is human (and Muppet or any fictional being with human qualities, for that matter).