A Trixi, a Shmoop and a Monster by Tory Dube
A Trixi, a Shmoop and a Monster
by Tory Dube
I first met Orly in 2010 when she called me in to audition for her first film, ‘Kindness Boomerang.’ I specifically remember wearing ridiculously uncomfortable shoes that made me further question why I agreed to travel so far for a casting that was non-paying and quite possibly, a waste of my time. I even recall trying to scheme up an excuse as to why I ‘couldn’t make it,’ as I sat on the long ride from Queens to Brooklyn.
Obviously, I was way off. I was wrong because Orly gave a speech about her vision for Life Vest Inside during that audition that has since stayed with me, and.. because I have been nominated for an Oscar for my role of ‘flower vendor’ in the ‘Kindness Boomerang’ film. (Joke.) But in all honesty, while walking back to the train in my absurd footwear-- I emailed Orly and told her that regardless of her casting decision I needed to know more about Life Vest Inside and I needed to be involved.
I am still captivated every time I am in Orly’s presence. She possesses a passion that lets me wholeheartedly believe our world can be a kinder, gentler, more generous place- and what is a better feeling than that? I’ve been a volunteer with LVI since my first trek to her Brooklyn home, so when developing my next project it seemed like an obvious choice to give back to the woman and organization that has made me feel at home so far from my family in New Hampshire. With the sales of my first children’s book, A Trixi, a Shmoop and a Monster, I will be donating 20% of the profits to Life Vest Inside. Congruent to the values LVI promotes, our story is a quirky tale about three seemingly different characters who unexpectedly become friends-- all the while illuminating the power of kindness and encouraging self-empowerment.
I created A Trixi, a Shmoop and a Monster after recognizing the children I worked with became fanatical over certain characters and concepts in other children's books. Wanting to create something that was equally enjoyable for kids-- while including an embraceable and effective message for its readers to latch on to-- I composed a touching, ridiculous, silly tale that achieves it all. Marina Vasilevsky, my magnificent illustrator, has brought the characters to life more beautifully than I could have ever imagined. Written for ages 3-7, a time when young children are starting to define how they interact with their peers and the world, the book aims to instill the invaluable and forever applicable lesson that there is an undeniable and contagious power behind every act of kindness.
In addition to the book, with the help of Orly, I have created a follow-up 'Kindness Curriculum' that officially introduces and emphasizes the the concept of 'living kindness.' Through a variation of art projects, take-home 'missions' with the LVI famed Acts of Kindness Cards, and imagination-inspiring games-- children feel the rewards of a good deed while improving communication skills, confidence and self-value. We believe 'bad children,' and 'bullies,' do not exist. People who act out in hateful and hurtful ways solely lack confidence, self-value and a trusted confidant. Through kindness and the inspiration and empowerment that comes from seeing one's contribution, self-value and human connection are what will change negative behavior-- not punishment and embarrassment. It takes one act, one tiny moment of selflessness, to affect someone else and I want children everywhere to have the chance to feel the power behind their actions. Ultimately, through this lighthearted tale, I hope to show children that their strongest muscles is their heart and it can get even stronger through ‘living kindness’ and spreading love.
A Trixi, a Shmoop and a Monster will be ready for distribution in late December 2012. And, as mentioned, 20% of all proceeds will be donated to Life Vest Inside! Our website is www.LovelyThankYou.com, there you will find more information and the link to the fundraiser we are holding throughout the month of October. You may also venture directly to the fundraiser by going to http://rkthb.co/10569. We need to raise $10,000! Every contribution, small or large, is a step towards our goal. Please take a moment to look at the beautiful little faces in our informational video, I promise you’ll enjoy it.
As Orly has illuminated so vividly through her continued efforts, one can never underestimate the power of an individual and his or her ability to produce positive and effective change. I am forever thankful for my fateful meeting with Life Vest Inside, and Marina and I quite excited to reveal our efforts and get the chance to affect such a wonderful organization.
Thank you for reading! Keep it Kind, my friends. :)
Best,
Tory Dube
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Author Tory Dube hails from New Hampshire and has spent the last 5 years in NYC as a writer, actor, comedian and whatever else she can get involved with. In 2009 Tory created the annual Summer Sizzle with Charna's Kids club at the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital for patients and their families. Currently Tory volunteers with The 52nd Street Project's Smartpartner program and with Life Vest Inside.
Illustrator Marina Vasilevsky grew up in Isreal where she illustrated her first children's book. She is currently working as a fashion designer in NYC and of course, is the visual creator of the adorable Trixi, Shmoop and Monster characters! :)
The Power of Showing Appreciation
The Power of Showing Appreciation
Each day, I post an Act of the Day on the Life Vest Inside Facebook page. Today's act was inspired by a Life Vest Inside fan, Travis Dodge, who shared a wonderful story with me and in so doing triggered a memory from my childhood that truly epitomizes that act. Enjoy!
Act of the day: As you head out on your day, take the time to stop, say hello, and engage in a short conversation with the crossing guard.
They don't only protect our children but their bright smiles, as they go about their job, jump start a person's day - One things for certain, the crossing guard at my school always greeted me so warmly and made each day begin with a smile.
Today’s act of the day was inspired by Life Vest Inside fan, Travis Dodge, who shared such a phenomenal story with me. Thank you Travis for the great lesson in gratitude you taught us.
Travis wrote:
“Driving my boys to school today I realized how much we care too much about what others think. I say get out of your mind. This little girl was serving as a crossing guard at my boy’s school and it was raining really good. Still, every car that drove by she took the time to wave with passion and smile with love to each and every car coming and going. This made my day. Of course I was excited to see her waving but my first thought was do I know her? Then leaving she was waving again and I thought weird I wonder what’s up. Then I realized she was doing it to EVERY CAR!
I then felt joy for her and every car that had the opportunity to have her joyous smile and wave presented to them. I will do my best to provide such a smile and pay it forward to as many people as I can thanks to a wonderful little girl with a strong heart and passion to make others smile. I challenge you to at least do this sort of act while doing something you are not fond of doing until you get at least one smile and wave or thank you back.
Lets make this a better world by starting with the little girl waving on the corner when most would be sulking because they would come up with all kinds of bad self talk! SMILE AND HAVE A GLORIOUS DAY! HERE IS ME WAVING AND SMILING TO YOU! I LOVE YOU ALL! If you know someone who needs a smile today Share this with them! A smile goes a long way!”
_______________________________________________________________________
My story:
As a young child I was very attached to my mother and had a difficult time leaving her in the morning to go to school. I would often cry and make a scene as my mother did her very best to calm me down and get me out of the car. Day after day the same scene would occur. One day, the crossing guard, Christine, came over to the car and told my mother, “Don’t worry I’ll get her into school.” She looked at me with her very calming and warm eyes. I was still crying as my mom headed back into the car and drove away, but the crossing guard put her hand on my shoulder and led me into the building the entire time calming me down by saying, “Don’t worry you’re mom will be back to pick you up soon. School is so much fun and now that we’re friends you can always count on me to be there to wave hello when you come out of the car each morning. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Each morning there she would be, with a smile on her face. It was sort of a comfort to always see a familiar face when I would arrive at school each morning.
But the story doesn’t end there. Let’s flash forward a good 15 years later to my very first day teaching at the same school where I was once a student. I parked my car and began walking to school with that same nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach. I felt as though I was a first grader walking into school on the first day; I could barely breathe from nerves. “Would I have what it takes? What I make a difference in the lives of these children? Would I succeed?” And then suddenly as I approached the cross walk all of those anxieties miraculously faded away because there at the other side of the street was Christine, the crossing guard with her same comforting smile. A calming feeling came over me and at that moment I knew it would be ok. I smiled back, took a deep breath and headed into school with the confidence I needed to make a difference and there I remained for 7 wonderful, life-changing years. But I will never forget Christine and the fact that her smiling face was the first thing I saw on that very first day.
A few weeks into school I approached Christine and shared my story with her; let her know just how appreciative I am for her kindness. She smiled and began to tear. I did the very same. She said, “You have no idea how much that means to me to feel appreciated; to know that I mattered to someone.” I looked at her in the eye and then looked around at all the throngs of students walking to school and said, “You matter to more than just someone.” As I walked away the biggest smile came across my face. I didn’t even need to look back because I knew she was smiling as well.
She retired a few years back, but the imprint Christine left on my heart is most definitely still there.
Amazing, isn’t it? The impact that people can have on our lives. So the next time you walk by a crossing guard, shine a smile their way because they need that reassurance just as much as we all do.
An Act of Kindness by Orly Nahum
An Act of Kindness
by Orly Nahum
I absolutely love receiving emails from fans of Life Vest Inside who share their everyday stories about acts of kindness they've experienced.
Thanks so much Orly Nahum for sharing your story with me:)
Today I encountered an absolutely amazing act of kindness and I felt that I should share this story with you. It literally occurred within the last hour and I am still shaking from it. I had gone to the city, uptown, to take care of a few issues for college. I then took the train to meet my sister Ayala in midtown. I was on the train for about 15 minutes tops.
After I got off the train (which was at 6:25) I received a Facebook request from a random girl which I thought was from someone I possibly met at school. I didn't accept the friend request.
I then met up with my sister and we went shopping. At 7:50 I was waiting online to pay for a dress and Ayala called me and asked if I had lost my wallet because my other sister, Olga, had called and told her someone had found my wallet. I immediately looked into my bag and lo and behold my wallet was missing.
I called Olga and she said that a woman had called her up after finding her business card in my wallet to tell her that she had found my wallet. Olga forwarded me her number and I immediately called her up. The woman then told me that she was in the train station and saw a man pick up my wallet. She quickly ran up to the man and told him that it was her wallet that she dropped.
I was speechless. I went to her house and picked up my wallet. In the car on the way home I realized that the girl that found my wallet was the "facebook friender". I immediately accepted the friend request. A minute later I received message from this girl. I just want you to read the screen shot of the message because I am at a loss of words. This woman is the epitome of Life Vest Inside.
Kindness is all around - open your eyes and you'll be surprised by the amazing things you see!
TEN SECOND EFFORT FOR A KINDER WORLD by Stephen De Groot
Ten Second Effort
for a KINDER WORLD
…and a chance to WIN an Awesome GIFT!
I want to help you, help make the world a BETTER place in 10 seconds or less and, give you a Chance to WIN an amazing Appreciation Gift for your efforts! See below for the contents of the Appreciation Gift.
- Forward this newsletter to any number of your contacts and your name will be entered to win the AWESOME Appreciation Gift. Be sure to copy steve@gettingtobetter.ca so that we can confirm and enter your name.
- Go to Orly’s video and listen to her INSPIRING message. Make a comment on the video. Once completed, send us an e-mail at steve@gettingtobetter.ca saying “I commented” and your name will be entered 5 TIMES into the draw for the AWESOME Appreciation Gift
Regardless of whether you choose the 10 second Effort or the 5 minute Effort, we will all be Winners as we support Orly, Life Vest Inside and a KINDER, more BEAUTIFUL, BETTER world.
(All in one Great Package)
- Life Vest Inside sweatshirt
- Life Vest Inside hat
- Life Vest Inside folders
- Life Vest Inside wristband
- 25 Witness Cards
- 50 Assorted Acts of Kindness Cards
- 5 Life Vest Inside Stickers
- 5 Life Vest Inside postcards
Parenting Seminar (MP3) with Steve de Groot
This MP3 disc was recorded during Steve de Groot’s Getting to Better tour in Australia. It is exceptionally entertaining and packed with over 2 hours of hundreds of effective parenting tips and proven strategies for helping parents and their pre-teens and teens Get to Better.
- The Unofficial Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook brings together Volunteers serving from around the world to help one another through their Peace Corps service by sharing lessons, anticipating challenges and working together as a worldwide community.
- Enough: 3 years of lessons on life, love, and living in Mongolia with the Peace Corps
- Free download of Everyday Service class: a class about amazing everyday humanitarians
Click HERE for Orly’s THANK YOU!
Steve de Groot
Spreading the Message of Kindness One Person at a Time by Faizan Sheikh
Spreading the Message of Kindness
One Person at a Time
The emails, posts, and messages I receive from people who have been inspired by Life Vest Inside are by far my most valuable possessions. They remind me that the choice I have made to dedicate my time towards spreading kindness, empowering people, and hopefully giving people a glimpse of the beauty they have inside – is in fact worth every second of every minute of every hour of every day that I spend working on building up Life Vest Inside to become a world changing organization and movement that I know it can be.
Some people call me crazy for leaving my job and investing all I have in Life Vest Inside. They call me a dreamer, a foolish optimist and question me by asking, “Do you really think you’re going to make a difference?” To those people I say, “YES!” All I have to do is show them the thousands who have raised their voices in kindness – you have not simply been inspired and let that inspiration fade, as inspiration tends to do. But, who have acted upon it and made a change, even if in the smallest degree! I believe in this world, but more importantly I believe in the people who make up this world – I believe in YOU!
I recently received an email from a fan of Life Vest Inside, Faizan Sheikh, an individual with a heart of gold. I may not have physically met him, but his sincerity shines through his words. I would like to share his email with you as further proof that kindness is the key to the future.
~Orly Wahba
_________________________________________________________________________
Dear Orly,
There are times when we are in the dilemma whether to do good for others or not. But I would say, Orly, your Energy inspires me to pass on this message of Kindness and if we really bring awareness to kindness I would say that it holds tremendous uplifting power.
Here is a wonderful experience I would like to share with you.
I am working as a Fire Safety Consultant in Ceasefire Industries Limited. Last month I was supposed to impart a Fire safety Training in Mico Bosch Limited. That day I thought to bring something new to the training session. It was a wonderful experience for me when I thought to include a strong message of Kindness at the end of my training session.
As I was about to end my training session, I requested that the people settle down because I want to give a very important message over to them. I created suspense and did not tell them that what was that "very important message. Instead I played the official video of LIFE VEST INSIDE.
After the video ended I asked them if they found the important message and everyone in chorus said KINDNESS. That was the moment I really felt amazing and blessed that I successfully forwarded this message of kindness even in a corporate Training session. Orly this is because your initiative and your ultimate energy inspires me to keep going.
God Bless You Orly and I am always there for you.
Sending you Lots of Love!!
~Faizan Sheikh
_________________________________________________________________________
After taking a few moments to respond to Faizan’s great story, we quickly became friends and I am so excited that he has chosen to be a Group Leader in his region for our World Kindness Day event! (Further details on that to come)
Faizan, thank you for supporting the message of kindness! Your words have touched me!
Time "Froze" for Kindness - Singapore Kindness Movement
Time "Froze" for Kindness
Singapore Kindness Movement
They were shopping, catching up over meals, chatting and laughing. In the midst of all this normal Saturday activity, things suddenly came to a standstill at Bugis Junction’s Atrium.
Shoppers looked around with curiosity, taking in the comedic yet bizarre sight – strangers frozen in position simultaneously amidst the hustle and bustle of the shopping mall.
Individuals and groups standing still on the phone or in the midst of conversation, a young guy who looked like he was about to fall into the water fountain, two friends frozen in a high-five, another fellow feeding his girl friend some ice cream, a well-dressed woman in the midst of a sneeze, even a balloon sculptor who was as still as his creations…
It was not until five minutes later, when the audible clock ticked away to the strains of the familiar melody of “Say a little Thank You”, that shoppers realized that time was crystallized to simulate a how little it takes to create a moment of kindness. Volunteers of the Singapore Kindness Movement then emerged and handed out the iconic kindness daisies with tags that encourage the carrying out of kind acts which only take a moment.
The message? To question ourselves when we give the excuse that there is no time to practice kindness, and that it only takes a fraction of our time to carry out kind personal acts that exude warmth and break barriers. There’s always time to make someone’s day.
Watch and share the video below!
Life Vest Inside applauds the AMAZING and DEDICATED team of leaders connected with the Singapore Kindness Movement!
We are glad to call you our Kindness Partners!
To learn more about the Singapore Kindness Movement click here
Join Life Vest Inside for a Flash Mob and Movie Night in Red Bank
Join Life Vest Inside for
a Flash Mob and Movie Night in Red Bank
Please join LIFE VEST INSIDE for an awesome Movie Night and FLASH MOB!Check out Kindness Boomerang on the Big Screen, followed by a screening of Back to the Future!This event is to bring awareness to Kindness and the tremendous uplifting power it holds. People of all ages are invited to participate!
Please email lifevestinside@gmail.com Subject: FLASHMOB to receive the private link to learn the dance!
You can find event updates and info about Flash Mob rehearsal's on our Facebook page!
Be a part of this special event because KINDNESS keeps the world afloat!
Feel free to bring your family and make a night of it at
Shore Flicks outdoor movie theater!
Event details:
Date: Tuesday, July 24th
Time: 7:15pm
Location:
Riverside Gardens:
54 West Front Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Schedule:
*Flash Mob
*Founder, Orly Wahba, will give a quick intro speech about Life Vest Inside
*Kindness Boomerang screened
*Feature presentation: Back to the Future
Receive Life Vest Inside Witness Cards and
Acts of Kindness Cards at the event!
Check out Life Vest Inside’s Flash Mob held in Times Square
Dance for Kindness - Flash Mob in Times Square
Life Vest Inside Kindness Flash Mob
at Times Square
By Tory Dube
Life Vest Inside’s first flash mob hit the streets Sunday, June 10th with over 60 dancers brightly adorned in LVI’s signature orange and oversized smiles. The flash mob intended to draw attention to the organization, as well as just simply bring some happiness into the lives of those who witnessed. Choreographed by Bobbie Beyda and Tory Dube, the group managed to catch the attention of hundreds as they boogied to K’Naan’s Wavin’ Flag; a song chosen to represent the idea that everyone should be proud of who they are and ‘wave’ it with honor. At the conclusion of the performance, Orly Wahba, CEO of Life Vest Inside, stood center of the crowd and waved LVI’s big, glorious flag as the crowd cheered.
The support of Orly’s and Life Vest’s community was overwhelming. So many mothers, daughters, cousins, friends, neighbors and even strangers came out to support and dance.
Gabriela Gómez Ojeda, a Facebook fan of Life Vest Inside, had been so moved by Orly’s ‘Kindness Boomerang’ film that she travelled from New Jersey and carried her one-year-old child on her back in a carrier as they both performed!
As with any flash mob, the event only lasted a mere five minutes but numerous onlookers stuck around after the performance to ask questions and inquire about the organization. Orly and dancers handed out Acts of Kindness Cards, gave free hugs and made some new friends amongst the busy streets of Manhattan. From numerous countries such as Pakistan, Australia, Mexico, India, Brazil and more, LVI supporters have contacted Wahba to organize his/her own Life Vest Inside flash mob. There have even been branches of Life Vest Inside started around the world along with the many Kindness Ambassadors who continue to spread the message!
Special thanks to Damian Santucci from the Times Square Alliance for granting permission for the flash mob as well as Faustino and his amazing Peruvian Band for providing the music! Catch Faustino and his band in NYC on 45th street and Broadway over the weekends.
Tory Dube is a writer, performer and happy humanitarian originally from NH. She is currently publishing her first children's book that will benefit Life Vest Inside.
The POWER of Kindness by Darren Kearney
The POWER of Kindness
by Darren Kearney
I received a beautiful guest blog post from Darren Kearny, a fan of Life Vest Inside. His post warmed my heart and I know it will do the very same for you. Enjoy!
________________________________________________________________
One morning I woke up and had a craving for donuts. It's a treat that I get my wife and I when I have extra money.
This morning I went to a local donut shop to get the donuts for my wife and I; our special occasional treat. As I pulled into the parking lot I noticed a homeless man who had all of his possessions in a shopping cart. He was going through the dumpster that was there. He also sleeps right next to it. It was cold outside and I just wanted to get our stuff and go to our warm home.
As I stood there giving my order I heard myself ordering two extra donuts and a cup of coffee. I asked the clerk to put them in different bags though. I left and put our donuts in the car. And I then walked over and gave the two extra donuts and the very hot cup of coffee to the man. I looked at him and said, "Here I thought you could use something warm." He thanked me with a genuine appreciation, turned and sat on the ground next to the dumpster that had become his home.
As I drove out of the parking lot I wanted to give him one last wave,but before I could. He raised the cup and gave me a toast. That made my week.
I haven't seen him for a while and pray that he is okay.
That is the best example of the love of GOD. When GOD moves you to act and you don't even realize it.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
~Darren Kearny
Thank you Darren for sharing your story and inspiring others to follow suit!
Have a powerful story about kindness??
Share it with us!
Vote for my TED talk! Help Life Vest Inside speak at TED 2013
Help Life Vest Inside
speak at TED 2013
To all of the amazing Life Vest Inside followers - this is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!
I had the honor of presenting on the topic of Kindness at the TED Talent Search in NY. The talk just went live and can be seen below.
The speaker with the most comments and positive feedback will be invited to speak at the TED 2013 event in Long Beach! Let's bring the message of KINDNESS to the global world! We can do so with your help and feedback!
Please be KIND and WATCH the video, SHARE it with your friends and family, and take a few moments to COMMENT. This would mean a great deal to me and will help Life Vest Inside spreads its global message of Kindness, Empowerment, and Love! Click here to leave feedback!
Here's to Kindness!
~Orly Wahba
Founder/CEO Life Vest Inside
Gratitude For Our Sight by Dave Block
Gratitude For Our Sight
by Dave Block
Our eyes are a blessing to us.
Yet many of us take our eyes for granted. We do not realize how important eyesight is to our daily lives.
We have eyes so that we can read and learn, work and play, and see the beautiful earth.
Now imagine what life would be like if you couldn’t see at all.
What would that feel like?
I just recently returned from New York City and was able to find out when I visited a place called Dialog in the Dark.
Dialog in the Dark will give you what that experience is really like. Relying on blind and visually impaired guides, visitors use an authentic walking cane as they are led through a series of New York City environments, highlighted by city-centric scents, sounds, temperatures, and textures, in complete darkness.
My experience with Dialog in the Dark was really special. Being cordially invited by Orly Wahba, I was feeling a little nervous, holding a cane, as the lights went out. Making my way though the darkness, I felt very uncomfortable and helpless as I started to have thoughts of not wanting to continue.
But what propelled me to move forward was when I was being guided by Valerie, our visually impaired guide. She made me feel more comfortable, as she held my hand and guided me through. My sense of touch was truly awakened.
During the tour, Valerie shared with us what’s it like to be going to a supermarket, getting on the subway, or visiting Central Park without being able to see. This experience put a new perspective in my mind of what it is these amazing people are going through on a daily basis.
After the lights came back on, I was able to see Valerie for the first time. I felt a special connectedness with her. And a feeling of gratefulness that I was able to use my eyes to see her real beauty. It gives you a humbling perspective on how difficult life is without your eyesight.
Orly’s interpretation of the experience is really powerful. She says, “Dialog in the Dark is all about taking away our physical vision in order to awaken our inner vision. The idea is that we are all walking around in our own “i world ” completely unaware of the people who are surrounding us. What Dialog in the Dark does is it increases our awareness of the people who are around us because now your other senses are awakened. Like the sense of touch, which is so important, because in this world there is such a lack of human connection. The human touch is gone because everything is so digital, so people need this. And when you walk out of this experience, you feel really grateful for your vision. This person who has guided me through this tour can’t see, doesn’t have the benefits and privilege of being able to see all the beautiful colors and textures and everything that is around. They have been robbed of something so precious. How can I not be grateful.”
Finally, I must say that those who do have the ability to see, should say a blessing everyday of how fortunate we really for the eyesight we have. I will never again take my eyesight for granted and neither should you.
There is a beautiful world out there.
We just need to focus better.
One Kind Deed Deserves Another
One Kind Deed
Deserves Another
I absolutely love receiving emails from members of the Life Vest Inside community who not only are inspired by the organization, but also take that inspiration and turn it into action. Last week I posted the following comment on Facebook:
This past week I have received dozens of phone calls, messages, and emails from people that have lost or misplaced objects (wallet, cell phone, license). They were excited and anxious to share with me that someone went out of their way to return the object. Each message started with, "Orly, you're not going to believe this..." In matters pertaining to kindness - I will always believe in the good of others:)
Even crazier, as I was in the midst of writing this post I received a call from a friend telling me that he misplaced his cellphone - I assured him that with the energy of goodness floating in the air - it will find its way back to him:) I await his phone call letting me know that a kind-hearted person has returned it to him!
The act of the day was to take time to return a lost object. A few days later I received such a beautiful email from Eduardo Klein from Brazil who shared his story with me.
Eduardo wrote:
I read about the misplaced objects post on Facebook and would like to take the opportunity to share an experience I recently had.
Two weeks ago during my vacation I parked my car on a beach called Bertioga (São Paulo State, Brazil) and went for a walk and lunch. After two hours when I got back to my car I could not find my keys. A couple approached asking me if I was the owner. As I answered yes the man handed me the keys and told me that I had left the keys hanging on the lock of the door. Brazil is not the safest place to leave a car even unlocked but this couple waited about an hour for me while I was walking on the beach with absolutely no worries.
What a wonderful world this can be!
After the incident, I remembered that last month we found someone’s car documents on the sidewalk in front of my store. I managed to locate the owner’s phone number on the Internet as he works as a salesperson. He had been robbed a few days earlier and most probably the robber had thrown them away. I mailed him the documents, no big deal. He was so happy that the document was found and that he wouldn’t have to cross the town to get it back, that he thanked me about a thousand times. I really felt like him that day and remembering that I thanked the couple about a thousand times.
Maybe kindness is a force that once started you begin to experience both sides of it; one as the giver and the other as the receiver.
Well, thank you for your time. Thank you for the wonderful work and I am sure you will experience kindness as much as you create it.
Your fan from Brazil,
Eduardo Klein
Eduardo, thank you for sharing such a lovely story and inspiring others to become both the giver and a very grateful receiver of kindness.
Let’s keep the world afloat, one kind deed at a time!
A Race of Hope and Possibility! The Power of Applause!
A Race of Hope, Possibility
and The Power of Applause!
Last Sunday I was privileged to participate in the NY Road Runners Achilles Hope and Possibility 5 miler on behalf of the Special Children’s Center. The Special Children’s Center is an amazing organization dedicated to improving the lives and providing support for children with special needs and their families. I know that it will be a day I will never forget; not simply because it was the first race I was ever part of, but rather because of Victoria, a 9 year old girl I had the privilege to cross the finishing line with.
The day was like no other. A group of 50 volunteers headed out to NYC with a group of amazing children who in spite of the difficulties they are facing have the strength of spirit to rise above. With smiles and excitement we boarded the bus. Having been a first timer I would never have imagined what was to come. Volunteers where paired up with a child with special needs and with the sound of the bell the race began. I along with Victoria’s sister, Gigi, and a young and enthusiastic 12-year-old volunteer, Carolyn, had the honor of pushing Victoria’s wheelchair. At certain points in the race we held on tightly to the wheelchair and began running. The smile on Victoria’s face as the feeling of the wind brushed against her face and the feeling that consumed our hearts was indescribable.
The thing that struck me the most during the race were the amazing people running along side us. As we were walking, hundreds of runners passed us by and clapped their hands with such love and encouragement for Victoria. The sound of people clapping, cheering and applauding Victoria filled my heart with such happiness. “Way to go…You can do it…We’re proud of you!” I never understood the power of applause until that day. Just a simple clapping of the hands can fill someone with such an empowering and encouraging feeling. As runners clapped their hands my own spirits were lifted and I felt such unity and connection to each runner passing by.
As we approached the finish line, the applause grew louder and louder. I could feel Victoria’s energy increasing. Before we crossed the finish line the counselors brought Victoria her walker. She jumped up and with a big smile and loads of excitement I watched as Victoria ran across the finish line – stopping on the way to hug those who were there to support her. The look on her face when they placed a medal on her and applauded her strength is a look I will most certainly never forget.
As we stood by the side lines and continued cheering on those crossing the finish line I took great notice to their reaction as the crowd raised their voices in acknowledgment of their accomplishment.
I learned a great deal that day from Victoria, the other children with special needs that participated, as well as all the amazing people associated with the NYRR Achilles Race. I learned that strength of heart and determination has the ability to help you overcome any obstacles.
I’d like to thank Effie Harary, Adele Laboz and Cindy Gindi for organizing such a phenomenal day and inviting me to take part in it. The greatest thank you goes out to the Special Children’s Center for their amazing work and last but certainly not least the wonderful children and their families who allowed me to be part of their team for the day.
To learn more about the Special Children’s Center and the amazing work they do click here.
Join Me in Everyday Service!
Join Me in
Everyday Service!
Our Kindness Partner Travis Hellstrom (founder of Advance Humanity) has a wonderful worldwide online class starting up this Tuesday!
Please join me and amazing everyday humanitarians for Everyday Service on Tuesday, June 12th by signing up here! Check out this video here where I welcome you to class...
We have a terrific group of inspiring everyday humanitarians joining us who are doing amazing things to change the world - friends in organizations like Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, nonprofits, social businesses and of course Life Vest Inside!
And if that wasn't enough, proceeds from the class go to....anywhere! Everyone who signs up can visit the Everyday Service Fund to designate where they want their class fee to go including Life Vest Inside. And class is available on a pay-what-you-want scale so anyone can get involved – even for free. Cool huh?
Please join in on these calls to hear the conversations about making a difference in the world and meeting other like-minded people who are doing amazing things. We would love to see you in class!
And help us do Travis a favor by sharing the class with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. You never know who you’ll inspire!
To learn more visit everydayservice.org
Thanks everyone!
Mission Accomplished! Life Vest Inside's Mission Day is a Huge Success!
Mission Accomplished!
Life Vest Inside's Mission Day is a Huge Success!
What would happen if a group traveled through various parts of Manhattan
engaging New Yorkers in kindness?
~by Tory Dube
May 15, 2012 marked the first Mission Day of New York City non-profit Life Vest Inside. Orly Wahba, educator and kindness leader, founded Life Vest Inside in September of 2010 in response to a tragedy in her community. In a fog of panic, wondering how she could ever comfort her young students amidst the community’s hardship, Wahba was presented with the epiphany analogy of a life vest. Inherently, a life vest stays afloat regardless of forces pushing it downward. Wahba poetically reasoned, ‘Through the kindness we bestow upon others and through the kindness others bestow upon us, we keep each other afloat through life’s rough seas,’ and hence, Life Vest Inside was born.
Almost two years later, Orly is now fully dedicated to the message LVI aims to spread. The organization works to cultivate the awareness of the individual’s ability to affect real and positive change in the world by ‘living kindness.’ LVI’s first short film, ‘Kindness Boomerang,’ has spread virally worldwide and continues to touch thousands daily via the Internet. After successfully inspiring millions through social media, Wahba decided it was time again to spread some love through genuine human connection! Enter Kindness Mission Day!
Objectives of the Kindness Mission Day:
*To increase our awareness to the kindness opportunities that surrounds us every day
*To get volunteers out of the “I” world and make them realize we are part of a larger whole
*To increase our appreciation for the things we do have in our lives
*To bring joy, laughter, and kindness to others
*To bring back human connection to the world
*Above all To Have FUN and GIVE LOVE!
Thirty women convened at the LVI headquarters in Brooklyn early morning May 15th. Although rain had darkened the skies, spirits were lively and anxious as Wahba welcomed the volunteers inside for orientation before the procession began. Most women expressed apprehension as Wahba eagerly explained they’d be approaching hundreds of people throughout the day in Manhattan as part of the Mission Day. The volunteers were to hand out ‘Acts of Kindness Cards,’ food, water and numerous goodies to strangers as they trekked through the city. Despite the blank and initially mortified faces, Wahba maintained insatiable passion and uncontrollable excitement as she predicted the response of the people they’d cross throughout the day.
The festivities began with kindness in flight. Every participant attached an Acts of Kindness card (AOK card) alongside a blank postcard to a red balloon. The postcard prompted a response to the sender detailing the completion of the ‘act’ described on the balloon. In unison, the group released the balloons and watched as they flew beyond sight, illustrating that once you send kindness out into the world you never know whose life it may touch.
To awaken everyone’s awareness and perception, Wahba then led the group to South Street Seaport’s ‘Dialogue in the Dark,’ exhibit. Together the women navigated replicas of NYC’s famous landmarks while in complete darkness, solely led by a visually impaired guide and amateurly wielded canes. The experience, which lasted an hour, left the women emotional, curious, inspired and, as hoped, newly inflated in their metaphorical life vests.
Because of the rain, Orly and group were forced to veer a bit from the initial schedule that included numerous outdoor kindness activities- and instead, everyone headed to Grand Central Station. (The rain did make handing out free umbrellas that much more exciting, though!) Once in Grand Central, the volunteers were divided into teams of four and given a bag of goodies and an elaborate Kindness Scavenger Hunt.
The scavenger list included tasks ranging from buy a random stranger a cup of coffee, to sing a stranger a song- all intending to make an impact through simple human connection.
The response was overwhelming. Soaked businessmen stopped mid-rush to share stories of bestowed kindness, seemingly grouchy strangers returned enthusiastic ‘free hugs’, an MTA worker (who had received a ‘thank you’ card for her service as part of one of the challenges) even went around flaunting her story of appreciation to random people in the station.
Even more moving than the response of those receiving, was that of the volunteers who dedicated their day to giving. Andrea Falack, in reflection of the day, stated ‘Your [Orly Wahba] inspiration, devotion, enthusiasm, optimism and perseverance have enabled me to see the world differently.’
Raquel Habert, who has already signed on for another LVI event on June 10th, responded, ‘When I gave that woman an umbrella in the rain she almost passed out from excitement! You gave us the perfect tools to work with and I believe we sent a beautiful message into the world today.’ The numerous other emails and calls were equally moving and full of thanks, every person claiming to be forever changed and newly inspired.
When asked about her take on the day, Orly commented: “We may have walked into the day not knowing one another, a bit apprehensive, and questioning whether or not we can take down our guard and be open to let others in – but we ended the day as one unit; a group of people brought together through the power of kindness. I feel honored to have shared the day with so many amazing people.”
Given the spanning success of just one day of deliberate human connection, the power of kindness is truly undeniable. Given the time in which 30 women blossomed from 'friendly,' to outright confident humanitarians, the consequence of empowerment is irrefutable. Orly Wahba/Life Vest Inside is a force to be reckoned with and with each Mission Day, event, fundraiser, AOK card passed on the street, free hug given on a train, quick flash of a smile...her kindness army is rapidly growing with passion and love enough to withstand even the stormiest of life's rough seas.
________________________________________________________________________
A special thank you goes out to Adele Laboz and Raquel Habert for preparing the lunches for the day! As well as Megan Gibbons for volunteering her time to design the AOK cards, Diane Mizrahi for designing the Kindness Mission sweatshirts and to NY Popular for printing the sweatshirts. And of course to all the women who stepped outside their comfort zone for a day and made the day such a great success.
Interested in organizing a Kindness Mission Day with Life Vest Inside???
Send an email to Orly at lifevestinside@gmail.com, subject line Kindness Day for more details. Join Life Vest Inside's Facebook community and join the kindness revolution!
Thank you Tory for such an amazing recap of a phenomenal unforgettable day!
Good Karmal - Creating Gifts to Sweeten the World
Good Karmal:
Creating Gifts to Sweeten the World
If you haven’t heard of Good Karmal yet, you’ve been missing out on these delicious, inspirational treats! A couple of months ago I received the sweetest email from a member of the Good Karmal community.
Hi!
I work at a company called Good Karmal, and we think Life Vest Inside is an awesome movement! We’d love to send you a gift of Good Karmal to thank you for your efforts in spreading kindness and making the world a better place!
Sincerely,
Ronnie Ricker, CMO
Shortly after, I received the most beautiful gift box from Good Karmal. I’m a big candy lover, always have been. But when I opened the wrapping I began to see why Good Karmal stood out from all the rest. Each candy is individually wrapped with an inspiring, uplifting, and heartwarming quote. I was so touched by their generosity and as I began reading up about their company and mission, I fell in love with them even more! And so, I would like to extend my gratitude to Good Karmal not only for their generous gift, but also for creating a gift to sweeten the world from the inside out!
Here is just a taste of the motivational quotes you’ll find wrapped around each caramel candy:
“How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it” ~George Elliston
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others; it is the only thing” ~Albert Schweitzer
“What a caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly” ~Richard Bach
“To get
something you never had, you have to do something you’ve never done”
Read below for more info about Good Karmal and try it for yourself!
The following information was taken from the Good Karmal website with their consent.
What is Good Karmal?
Good Karmal was born in 2002 with the hope of creating a gift that might sweeten the world.
From our very first batch, we believed that it was not enough to create delicious, buttery caramels to delight the senses — we wanted to spark imaginations and inspire our customers and ourselves to, as Mahatma Gandhi said, “be the change we wish to see in the world.” So we wrapped each handcrafted caramel with words of wisdom, and sent them out into the world.
The response was overwhelming. From our early start in a tiny Hollywood apartment, we quickly received national attention when Oprah Winfrey featured Good Karmal on her annual “Oprah’s Favorite Things” episode, sending our message out farther than we could ever have imagined.
Inspired by lives lived with bravery, compassion, and in harmony with nature, we invest our passion and integrity into every part of our business. Our caramels are made fresh from the finest all natural ingredients, without any additives or preservatives.
Believing that giving back to the Earth is the ultimate good karma, we donate a portion of all sales to environmental charities. In addition, we strive for earth-friendly packaging, choosing either recyclable or reusable containers produced from renewable resources.
From a little idea to a thriving business, Good Karmal has grown steadily each year, earning accolades, awards, and customer loyalty for our unwavering commitment to excellence and our unique and inspiring gifts. With operations now located beneath the Big Sky of Bozeman, Montana, we’re more dedicated than ever to creating a better and sweeter world, one bite at a time.
Good Karmal Founders
Patty Triplett West was a publicity executive at Warner Bros. and wanted to create a meaningful holiday gift for friends and colleagues. In a conversation about possible ideas such as homemade caramel and the idea of gift giving as good karma, her brother Stephen Triplett threw out the pun Good Karmal and an idea was born.
Looking to convey a deeper message beyond simply a decadent sweet, Patty envisioned a “fortune” wrapped around each piece printed with a positive quotation. Close friend and award-winning graphic artist Debra Matlock conceived the Buddha logo and designed the fortune. Then, combining the best elements of several recipes, Patty concocted a homemade caramel with the perfect blend of gooey texture and rich flavor.
Currently, Patty, her husband Ryan West, and Stephen manage the operations and strategic vision, while founding partners Heather and Debra still contribute greatly to the company’s direction and success.
Check them out on twitter!
Thanks Again Good Karmal for supporting organizations such as Life Vest Inside!