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The Power of One
Time Magazine recently featured an article about Tom Henderson. Back in 1999, while watching a news story about a natural disaster, Tom became upset and frustrated by the footage of aid workers throwing loaves of bread on the ground while people scrambled after them. He got out a piece of paper and wrote down what his family would need should they be victims of such a disaster: Shelter, warmth, comfort, and dignity. Then he identified basic items that would help fulfill those needs, such as a tent, blankets, purified water, pans, utensils, and a stove that could burn anything. He approached his local Rotary Club with an idea. And, lo and behold, his Rotary Club got behind him 100% to help develop and distribute what would become known as the ShelterBox.
What's in the Box? The Box includes a 10-person tent, a water purification kit, collapsible water containers, mosquito nets, waterproof ponchos, insulated sleeping mats, thermal blankets, tools, rope, stove, cooking supplies, plus crayons and coloring books. A nonprofit organization has been formed, and 750,000 people have been helped worldwide by the ShelterBox, including 50,000 Haitians at the time the article was written, with projections of at least 100,000 Haitians ultimately being helped by the ShelterBox. The article went on to explain that ShelterBoxes don't just create tent cities, but they help to build communities and bring back a degree of normality. ShelterBoxes are ready to go and can be delivered where needed, when needed throughout the world.
One person. One little idea. And the guts to take the idea forward. As far as I can tell, there is no recession on imagination, ideas, inspiration, and guts!
This past week we joined in celebrating the lives of two loved ones. We remembered and celebrated the lives of Uncle Ivan and Grand-ma Elaine, from different sides of Our Family. Uncle Ivan was a professional Fire Fighter for the City of Los Angeles. Grand-ma Elaine was a professional Florist and owned Elaine's Flowers in a rural Missouri town. And that was just the tip of the iceberg for both of them, because they were both extremely active and had a multitude of interests. Even though they didn't know each other, they apparently had several things in common.
They each left a rich legacy of love and service.
They served persistently and creatively.
They were really good at not calling attention to themselves.
They each made a really big difference in the lives of a bunch of people.
Their lives were great examples for all of us who knew and loved them.
They lived their lives simply and very much on their own terms.
They each had a "unique sense of humor."
They were both very imaginative and creative.
We appreciated the opportunity to help celebrate the lives of Uncle Ivan and Grand-Ma Elaine. They reminded us of the Power of One Life, Well Lived. The ripples of their lives will continue for many generations to come.
"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought do to, by the Grace of God, I shall do." Edward Hale
My Mom framed this poem for my office several years ago. And, it sure seems to say it all.
And now for your coaching challenge, should you choose to accept it.
What idea have you been sitting on? What action can you take now to move it forward?
I mean, right now!!! Your imagination is darned near infinite! Just go with your gut! And enjoy the returns!
We'll see you on line next Monday. Wishing You Your Best Idea Yet!!!
Cheers! Coach Jeanne
To learn more about The ShelterBox, just do a Google search on ShelterBox.
The Quality Coach!®, Celebrating over 20 Years of Coaching Great Leaders & Teams.
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