Essays, Poems, and Reflections on Civility
Short writings by Glenn Dromgoole on kindness, gratitude, and everyday grace.
In the Spirit
A spiritual life doesn't require a detailed theological plan.
© Glenn Dromgoole
A spiritual life, it’s been shown throughout time
Doesn’t require a detailed theological plan –
It’s simply trying in all things to be kind
And doing for others whatever we can.
One-Minute Graduation Speech
A commencement address in one minute, built around a seventeen-word philosophy for life.
© Glenn Dromgoole
I have never been asked to give a commencement address and probably will never be invited, but I have given it some thought. What would I tell the graduates? What wisdom would I try to leave them with? Here are my thoughts, condensed into about one minute.
Graduates, families, and everyone else:
First off, I want to follow the two rules of graduation speeches. The first rule is: Keep It Short. The second rule is: Keep It Short.
So here’s what I have to say – in one sentence, seventeen words – describing what I consider a good working philosophy for life. A mission statement, perhaps. At least something worth striving for.
It is this:
Wherever I am, I can do something to make my corner of the world a better place.
Wherever I am, I can do something to make my corner of the world a better place.
I hope that wherever you go, whatever you do, you will try to make your corner of the world a better place. Be kind. Be generous. Be compassionate. Be honest. Be reasonable. Be thankful.
Make a difference with your life.
And then I would sit down.
Make a Difference with Your Life
Whether you are just starting out or seeking a fresh start, here are ten simple ways to make a difference with your life.
© Glenn Dromgoole
Whether you are just starting out or seeking a fresh start, you have the opportunity to make this a little better world. Here are ten simple ways to make a difference with your life.
Be kind.
Make the effort to do one little act of kindness a day. Encourage others. Praise them. Be polite. Offer to help.
Be generous.
Discover that the joy of giving is truly the joy of living. Give compliments. Give time. Give your talent. Give money. Give your best. Give credit to others. Give thanks.
Be optimistic.
Optimists see the opportunities and the possibilities in life, not just the problems.
Be a doer.
Look for ways to make things better. Suggest solutions. Offer ideas. Don’t fall into the trap of complaining about every little thing. Be a doer, not a whiner.
Be a communicator.
Develop the ability to community one on one.Listen. Smile. Be open to others’ ideas. Look for ways to bring people together. Be true to your word.
Be a participant.
Take an interest in what is going on in the workplace, the community, the world. Vote. Volunteer. Contribute. Care.
Be compassionate.
You have a heart. Listen to it. Be sensitive to those in need. Help when you can. Treat people in need the way you would want to be treated if you were in desperate circumstances.
Be reasonable.
Few things are black and white. Look for the shades of gray. Be respectful to those with whom you disagree. Be fair.
Be curious.
Be open to new experiences, ideas, people, places. Develop new interests. Be passionate about life. Don’t be afraid of change.
Be thankful.
Approach life with a thankful spirit, a grateful heart, a joyful outlook. We have benefited from someone else’s time, interest, money, encouragement, discipline. Never take these gifts for granted.
Think a Billboard Thought
If you could proclaim your message to the world in seven words or less, what would you say?
© Glenn Dromgoole
For billboards to be effective, they need to have a simple message stated in a few words.
What is your billboard thought? If you could proclaim your message to the world in seven words or less, what would you say? It’s a good way to evaluate your own priorities as well as your outlook on life.
What is your message? Is your billboard positive or cynical? Does it raise others up or put them down?
The philosopher Aldous Huxley said that after spending his entire lifetime pondering the human condition, the most profound thought he could pass on could be summarized in six words.
His billboard thought: “Try to be a little kinder.”
I expressed my own billboard thought as the title of my website: “More Civility, Please.”
Jesus’s billboard thought: “Love God. Love your neighbor.”
St. Paul’s billboard thought: “And the greatest of these is love.”
What’s yours?
101 Ways to Spread a Little Civility
The world needs a generous dose of civility. Here are 101 simple ways to make your corner of the world a little more civilized.
© Glenn Dromgoole
MoreCivilityPlease.com
The world needs a generous dose of civility. Each of us can make a difference by making our little corner of the world a little more civilized place. And in the process, we enrich our own lives by giving them a sense of purpose and meaning.
Civility is contagious. Catch it. Live it. Spread it. At home, at work, at school, at church. In the community, in the car, in the stadium. Talk about it at the dinner table, in discussion groups, with friends and business associates.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Reject the temptation to criticize someone else’s actions without first considering his or her side of the story.
Respect the dignity of those whose politics, theology or world view you disagree with. Try to find some common ground.
Whenever you’re inclined to state an adamant position, consider the possibility that “I could be wrong.”
Treat everyone with a little more respect.
Find something positive on the Internet, social media, or the newspaper – an upbeat thought, a good deed, an inspiring article. See if it doesn’t improve your outlook. Share it with someone.
Set aside one hour a week to write three notes or postcards to people who have contributed in some small way to making this a better world.
Think a billboard thought. Express in seven words or less a message you would want to put on a billboard for everyone to see. Live that message.
Make peace with someone you have had a disagreement with.
Make peace with yourself for not always living up to your own standards. We all suffer lapses of civility from time to time.
Don’t be mean. Don’t be rude. Don’t interrupt.
Teach your kids to say “please” when they want something and “thank you” when they get something. Every time.
Practice the “please” and “thank you” rule yourself.
Every day look for an opportunity to make a small difference for good. Do it.
Write a letter praising someone or something. If you write a letter critical of someone, find something to praise before getting to the criticism.
Fight road rage by being exceptionally courteous.
Tune out TV or radio talk shows when people start interrupting or shouting at each other.
Slow down a little and take time to be more courteous.
Once a month, send a small check to a charity that is helping those in need.
Give a little more to the United Way or other charities than you did last year.
Go out of your way to praise exceptional service when you encounter it.
Ask yourself whether your community, your home, your workplace, church or school would be better off or worse if everyone behaved the same, or contributed the same, as you do.
Smile more. Complain less.
Praise more. Criticize less.
Be a person who gives – time, money, concern, care, yourself.
Try to be a little more understanding of leaders at all levels. Accord them the courtesy you would want if you were in their shoes.
Pitch in. Help out. Lend a hand.
Make your home a place of acceptance and openness.
Explain to your children what it means to be civil, kind, generous, reasonable. And show them.
Communicate your values. To your children. To your spouse. To yourself.
Say “I’m sorry.” Say “I love you.”
Encourage others by taking an interest in what they have to say.
Make it a point to do something extra for someone else whenever you can – without taking or expecting any credit.
Save your change as a family or work group and give it to charity at the end of the year.
Do a community service project together as a family or group of friends.
Hold your tongue when you feel the urge to make a vicious remark.
Don’t let things become too important.
Keep your word.
Write a family book as a holiday greeting, with every member of the family contributing something – a poem, a drawing, a story, an essay.
Produce an email newsletter for your extended family so everyone can keep in touch.
Record oral histories of family members.
Give a present to a street person. It doesn’t have to be money.
Read something that inspires you to become a better person.
Keep a daily journal noting something positive or something you’re thankful for.
Read more. Write more.
Listen more. Laugh more.
Pray for peace. Advocate for peace.
Don’t feel that you always have to be right.
Use good manners – holding open a door, giving up your seat on a bus or subway, letting someone go ahead of you – as a way to say to other people that you respect them.
Know your heart. Open your heart. Follow your heart.
Find a book that you feel has something important to say and donate copies to friends, co-workers, school libraries.
Make up your own civility prize and award it to a deserving individual in your community, school, or workplace.
Even when you would rather not go, show up at important events for family, friends, community.
Take the high road.
Keep your cool
Count to three. Maybe to ten.
Accept the imperfections in others, just as you hope they will accept yours.
Look for the possibilities, not just the obstacles.
Walk through life with a thankful spirit, and others will want to walk with you.
Remind yourself that you have the power to help people. Make it a priority.
Be an advocate for reason.
Find a cause that genuinely helps people in need and throw yourself into supporting it.
Question any beliefs that put people down or try to keep them down.
Refuse to accept the one-sided ravings of ideologues and fanatics with simplistic solutions to all the world’s problems.
Don’t be blindly partisan. Be open to the possibility that there may be some right and some wrong on both sides.
Spread a little optimism wherever you can.
Choose to make the world a little better because you’re here, rather than a little worse.
Every so often, take an attitude inventory.
Don’t argue religion. Just practice it.
Practice good sportsmanship. Applaud good plays by the opposing player or team.
Have a conversation with someone from another faith or political belief. Try to learn something rather than argue the superiority of your own view.
Be known as someone who is easy to get along with.
Find a quotation that you believe has something important to say about civility and include it on your business card.
Do an act of kindness for someone you don’t particularly like.
Teach your children that the true joy of life comes from giving, not getting.
Count your blessings.
Count them again.
Cook something and take it to a neighbor or someone needing a little boost. Sharing food makes the world a little more civilized.
Take pride in where you live. Develop your own tour to show off your town or city. Make a list of 25, 50, 100 things you like about your community.
Don’t be afraid to admit that you are wrong. People make mistakes. It’s better to admit it than to try to cover it up.
Make a donation to a favorite charity in honor of someone who has been a positive influence in your life.
Don’t put off doing the good things you think about. Act on your good intentions.
Be the kind of cheerful person you enjoy being around.
Support local artists, musicians, authors, poets, actors in their creative endeavors.
Remember those who risk their lives to protect us. Send a card to your local police or fire department or military installation. Make a donation to a charity in their name.
Hug a teacher. Thank a school board or city council member. Write a note of encouragement to an elected official.
Bury a hatchet. Mend a fence. Call a truce.
Take a new person at work, school, church, in the neighborhood to lunch.
Volunteer.
Approach every day with the idea that you are going to learn something new.
Even if you don’t have children around the house, sit down and read a children’s book and see if it doesn’t brighten your outlook.
Don’t try to get out of jury duty. It’s a citizen’s right and privilege.
Every time you get the chance, vote. Never take that right for granted.
Try to be someone who votes for, rather than against. There’s a lot to be for in our towns, cities, states and in our country.
Find ways to forgive.
Be a good neighbor.
Conduct yourself in ways that show you respect the rights and feelings of others.
When you are stuck in traffic, or in the waiting room, or in line at the supermarket or post office, instead of displaying your impatience find a way to use the time constructively, if only as a moment for reflection.
Remember: This, too, shall pass. Keep your perspective.
Control your anger. Watch your language. Don’t let your words hurt others.
Laugh at yourself. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Believe in the future. Work to make things better. Realize that you can make a difference.
We Have the Power
We don't have control over everything, but we have more power than we think.
© Glenn Dromgoole
We don’t have control over a lot of things in our lives.
But it’s easy to let that be an excuse for not using all the power we do have.
We have the power to smile.
We have the power to be kind.
We have the power to be courteous and pleasant.
We have the power to praise.
We have the power to listen.
We have the power to encourage.
We have the power to treat others with respect.
We have the power to try.
We have the power to care.
We have the power to do our best.
We have the power to be truthful and honest.
We have the power to be optimistic.
We have the power to be happy.
We have the power to participate.
We have the power to give.
We have the power to vote.
We have the power to make a difference.
We do not lack for power. We just need to recognize it and make the best use of it.
Praying for Peace
A prayer for peace in a fragile world and a divided nation.
© Glenn Dromgoole
Praying for peace in our fragile world, where any day we could annihilate ourselves.
Praying for peace in our divided nation – for civility, for common sense, for hope, for good will.
Praying for peace for those in power, peace for those not in power, peace for you and yours.
Praying for peace in our families, peace where we work, peace where we worship.
For peace, we pray. Amen.
A Poem to the World
An old man imagines a world beyond war and hatred.
© Glenn Dromgoole
An old man, sitting on the shore, gazing past the ships at sea,
Pondering what might have been, wishing how the world should be.
His body bears the scars received from two wars that he believed
Would change the world and make it safe; but now he feels he was deceived.
And why was he the one so spared, blessed with children and a wife,
While others never had a prayer to carry out their dreams in life?
Brave men, no doubt, patriots too, dressed in brown and gray and blue,
Sent to kill year after year for reasons not exactly clear.
And those who died from senseless crimes during this, the best of times,
Passion, anger, greed and grime, victims cut short in their prime.
Now as he gazes from the shore, he imagines he can see
An isle, far on the horizon, people striving to be free
Of meanness and hostility, hatred, animosity,
People coming to this isle to talk together for a while.
People from all breeds and clans, faiths and nations and domains,
It must stop here, it must stop now, is their common new refrain.
With one accord they do proclaim: no more carnage, wasted might,
Sending children out to fight, while mothers cry into the night.
So on this isle of sanity, far from war’s profanity,
They offer words of hope and cheer, kindness and humanity.
They say the generation next has to find a way to cope,
Forgive, not hate, must be the text -- reason, mercy, joy, and hope.
The old man, sitting on the shore, gazes past the ships at sea,
Prays that here forevermore, an old man’s vision comes to be.
I Exam
An eye exam becomes a quiet lesson.
© Glenn Dromgoole
I was straining to make out
the letters on the bottom line
of the eye chart on the wall,
while the letters on the top line
were clearly visible.
I was reminded how our focus
too often is on the bottom line
instead of the top line,
where priorities and values
should direct our vision.
A Little Cup of Kindness
A collection of gentle verses on kindness, gratitude, and grace. Sip from a little cup of kindness and reflect on what matters most.
Gentle thoughts for today’s hectic world
©Glenn Dromgoole
“The world is too much with us,” wrote William Wordsworth. “Late and soon, getting and spending, we lay waste our powers. Little we see in nature that is ours.”
Too often, we allow the busyness and the chaos of daily living to lay waste the powers of our better selves and best intentions -- to be kind, generous, helpful, reasonable, and civil.
For a moment, let us sip from a little cup of kindness and reflect on what is ultimately important in our lives and in our world.
A Little Cup of Kindness
A little cup of kindness –
a postcard, a phone call,
a smile, or a touch –
can amount over time to so much.
Boomerang
Kindness is like a boomerang.
No matter what you do,
it keeps coming back to you.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line isn’t dollars and cents
or stock market prices or investments.
It’s how well we use the resources we’re granted,
and how many seeds of kindness we’ve planted.
Celebrate the Goodness
Look for the goodness
and brightness along the way,
and you will find something
worth celebrating today.
Conspiracy of Kindness
The world needs no less in this season
than a conspiracy of kindness,
of generosity, of reason.
Thankful Spirit
When we walk through life
with a grateful heart,
most of our troubles
simply depart.
A Gift
Smile and say thank you –
so much to be thankful for –
each day is a gift!
With Gratitude
When life is lived
always with gratitude,
we’ll find we have
a positive attitude.
The True Joy of Giving
Concentrate on what you have
and not on what you don’t.
Think of all that you can give
instead of all you want.
Happy people come to see
the true joy of living
doesn’t stem from what we get
but from what we’re giving.
Given a Chance
We’re given a chance
every day that we live
to be of some service,
to be kind and give.
Healing Touch
Kind words spoken,
kind deeds done,
time of healing
has begun.
A Word of Advice
Asked for advice,
many thoughts come to mind,
but one prevails:
above all, be kind.
Our Choice
We can choose to make the world
a little better because we’re here –
or a little worse.
A Generous Spirit
A generous spirit
doesn’t depend
on how much money
we have to spend.
Rather, it’s using
our resources and power
to make life better
wherever we are.
Raise Up a Child
Raise up a child to be kind and caring,
compassionate, generous, and sharing.
Our children will get the most out of living
if we help them cultivate a spirit of giving.
Glowing
No candle can hold a candle
to the bright glow that fills the room
when you smile.
Better World
A happy smile,
a friendly face
makes the world
a better place.
Priorities We Won’t Regret
More kindnesses done,
more friendships sought,
more sunsets savored,
more time in thought.
Civility
If we lower our voices,
respect others’ choices,
we might see in the end
each other as friend.
Dignity and Respect
We are more likely to connect
when we treat each other
with dignity and respect.
More or Less
Smile more.
Complain less.
Praise more.
Criticize less.
Listen more.
Talk less.
Together
Work together.
Sing together.
Laugh together.
Live together.
Aha!
More of our days, most of our years,
most of our lives are punctuated
with periods, commas, colons,
semi-colons, and question marks.
But when we look back,
we cherish those special moments
when the only appropriate response was,
without question, an exclamation point!
Born – Died
It’s really
all about
the dash,
isn’t it?
Gifts We Take for Granted
The Gift of Life.
The Gift of Time.
The Gift of Laughter.
The Gift of Talent.
The Gift of Work
The Gift of Generosity.
The Gift of Kindness.
The Gift of Peace.
The Gift of Forgiveness.
The Gift of Hope.
The Gift of Love.
Give the World a Smile
It’s something anyone can do,
an adult or a child.
We all have it in our power
to give the world a smile.
Three Ways to Smile
Smile first.
Smile big.
Smile often.
Smiles Matter
You think that smiles
aren’t important?
Just try living
a day without them.
Today
We cherish
each morning,
or else,
without warning,
we perish.
Longevity
You could live to be a hundred and one
and reminisce quietly on all your years,
or occupy them with generosity and joy
and experiences and laughter and tears.
Life isn’t the number of years we live,
but what we get out of them –
and what we give.
Just Four Words
“I could be wrong.”
If these four words
were taken to heart
throughout the world,
it wouldn’t take long
for conflict to cease
and healing to start.
Point of View
How could I have the audacity
to think that I love my children
more than you love your children –
love my country more than
you love your country –
love my God more than
you love your God?
Heartbeat
Your heart touched mine,
and that made all the difference
in my corner of the world.
We’re Just People
We’re just people, you and I.
We share the same space.
We breathe the same air.
We seek the same love.
We grasp the same hope.
We weep the same tears.
United. Divided. Why?
We’re just people, you and I.
The Best Exercise
A walk in the park,
a vigorous stroll.
It’s good for the heart,
and great for the soul.
All We Ask
A grateful heart.
A loving soul.
A generous will.
A humble spirit.
What Matters?
What unifies us
counts more than
what separates us –
or should!
The Power of an Hour
Day by day,
hour by hour,
minute by minute
we have the power
to make a difference.
The Time of Our Lives
If we take time
to nourish our values,
we will experience
the time of our lives.
A Religious Question
Do we want to
argue our faith,
or practice it?
The High Road
When we reflect on choices made
and routes taken,
we respect ourselves most
for those times when we took
the high road, not the shortcut.
Pass It On
If you’ve been the recipient
of a kind word or deed,
don’t let it stop there –
pass it on, plant a seed.
Trilogy of Thanks
For a slower pace.
For companionship.
For grace.
Surpluses and Shortages
Too much:
animosity
selfishness
rudeness
indifference
mediocrity.
Too little:
reason
generosity
civility
compassion
excellence.
A Blessing
May your days be filled with beauty,
your hours with joy,
your moments with peace,
and your life with grace.
Just Three Words
Most good advice can be expressed in just three words. More than a hundred bits of simple wisdom.
© Glenn Dromgoole
Tell the truth.
Always be yourself.
Be on time.
Give your best.
Spend time alone.
Go with God.
Keep it simple.
Read more books.
Love your community.
Fall in love.
Keep your promises.
Find your way.
Call your mother.
Be a hugger.
Sing out loud.
Don’t be judgmental.
Write your story.
Pray for others.
Expect the best.
Offer your support.
Praise works wonders.
Cook something delicious.
Laugh a lot.
Appreciate good jokes.
Tell your stories.
Visit relatives’ graves.
Explore your past.
Climb family trees.
Be too generous.
Support street musicians.
Always be kind.
Always be considerate.
Check the mirror.
Like your image.
Give your best.
Make it count.
See it through.
Show the way.
Take your time.
Check your pulse.
Keep hope alive.
Know your heart.
Open your heart.
Follow your heart.
Just say yes.
Just say no.
Just say maybe.
Keep looking ahead.
See the possibilities.
Focus your efforts.
Make your mark.
Embrace the future.
Take good advice.
Save your money.
Give your money.
Money isn’t everything.
Stay at home.
Explore the world.
Learn from others.
Keep your friends.
Adopt a pet.
Give someone hope.
Read the Bible.
Feed the homeless.
Put others first.
Clap your hands.
Wash your hands.
Remember to flush.
Brush your teeth.
Wash your hair.
Don’t smell bad.
Register to vote.
Pay your taxes.
Express your opinion.
Eat more fruit.
Eat more vegetables.
Savor good food.
Take more pictures.
Keep a scrapbook.
Collect more art.
Set your priorities.
Greet your neighbors.
Open your mind.
Rest your soul.
Be at peace.
Wait for inspiration.
Keep your cool.
Smile more often.
Be a friend.
Write it down.
Play it up.
Look it up.
Understand the risks.
Count the costs.
Take a chance.
Enjoy the ride.
Observe the scenery.
Open your eyes.
See their point.
Count to three.
Wait a minute.
Think it over.
Think it through.
Think you can.
Enjoy fresh vegetables.
Slice an apple.
Drink more juice.
Wait your turn.
Keep a secret.
Shake hands firmly.
Spread good cheer.
Lighten the load.
Make it happen.
Keep in touch.
You’re the greatest.
Enjoy the day.
An Attitude of Gratitude
A few thoughts on living thankfully.
© Glenn Dromgoole
An Attitude of Gratitude is an approach to life that makes life itself more enjoyable – for us and everyone we touch.
An Attitude of Gratitude is:
Being helpful rather than critical.
Seeing the possibilities rather than the objections.
Seeking out the joy in life and embracing it.
Accepting the imperfections in others the way we hope they accept ours.
Finding time for a smile, a warm thank you, a phone call, a note, a touch, a hug, a handshake.
Believing there is so much to be positive about.
Understanding that life is to be enjoyed, celebrated, lived, shared, loved, given.
Feeling good about ourselves and about others.
Appreciating the things we have rather than taking them for granted.
Hoping for the best and expecting it, from ourselves, from others, from the future.
Reaching out with a helping hand because we were helped when we were helpless.
An Attitude of Gratitude could change our lives if we gave it a chance. It could change our world.
Loving You!
A litany for lovers. A joyful celebration of loving someone through every moment, morning to evening, now and forever.
Loving you is easy because you make it easy!
Loving you is the best thing I’ve ever known!
Loving you. Oh, yes!
Loving you. Oh, my!
Loving you. Wow!
Loving you with all my heart!
Loving you with all my life!
Loving you the first thing every morning!
Loving you the last thing every evening!
Loving you all day!
Loving you today, tomorrow, next week, next year.
Loving you always!
Loving you every time I think of you!
Loving you now!
Loving you then!
Loving you forever!
Loving you more!
Loving you more than anything!
Loving you -- and thanking you for loving me!
Loving you loving me!
Loving you makes life worth living!
Loving you makes my life complete!
Loving you is comfortable!
Loving you is exciting!
Loving you is fun!
Loving you is an adventure!
Loving you is poetry!
Loving you is a song I haven’t written -- yet!
Loving you is life!
Loving you is joy!
Loving you is a gift!
Loving you makes all the difference!
Loving you is laughing with you!
Loving you is sharing with you!
Loving you is being with you!
Loving you is going out with you!
Loving you is coming home with you!
Loving you is cooking for you!
Loving you when you cook for me!
Loving you as my partner!
Loving you as my best friend!
Loving you is being your best friend!
Loving you how it began!
Loving you until the end!
Loving you is everything in between!
Loving you is, after all, why we’re here!
Loving you, I’ll never run out of words!
Loving you, I’ll never run out of exclamation marks!
Loving you the rest of our lives!
Loving you right now!
Loving you is simply saying, “I love you!”
I love loving you!
I love you!
Quotes Worth Quoting
A collection of favorite quotes on civility, kindness, generosity, and service.
On Civility, Kindness, Generosity, Service
One is not born into the world to do everything, but to do something.
Henry David Thoreau
Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.
Henry James
It’s rather embarrassing to have spent one’s entire lifetime pondering the human condition and to come toward its close and find that I really don’t have anything more profound to pass on by way of advice than, ‘Try to be a little kinder.’
Aldous Huxley
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious – if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise – think about these things.
Philippians 4:8 RSV
The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Galatians 5: 22-23 RSV
Democracy cannot be saved by supermen, but only by the unswerving devotion and goodness of millions of little men.
Adlai Stevenson
We cannot do great things on this earth. We can only do small things with great love.
Mother Teresa
The Golden Rule is of no use whatsoever unless you realize that it is your move.
Frank Crane
The real issue in life is not how many blessings we have, but what we do with our blessings. Some people have many blessings and hoard them. Some have few and give everything away.
Fred Rogers
God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you”?
William Arthur Ward
Train up a child in the way he should go – and walk there yourself once in a while.
Josh Billings
A happy life is made up of little things in which smiles and small favors are given habitually. A gift sent, a letter written, a call made, a recommendation given, transportation provided, a cake made, a book lent, a check sent – things which are done without hesitation.
Carl Holmes
Let me be a little kinder.
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those around me,
Let me praise a little more.
Edgar Albert Guest
My goal in every encounter is to leave the other enhanced.
Max Thurman
We prove our faith not by vehement declarations, not by argument. We live our faith so that it is revealed in our works of goodness and by our attitudes toward life and toward others. Faith in God and concern for others go hand in hand.
Glenn A. Dromgoole Sr.
We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.
Mother Teresa
There is no power on earth that can neutralize the influence of a high, pure, simple, and useful life.
Booker T. Washington
Civilization is a stream with banks. The stream is sometimes filled with blood from people killing, stealing, shouting and doing the things historians usually record, while on the banks, unnoticed, people build homes, make love, raise children, sing songs, write poetry and even whittle statues. The story of civilization is the story of what happened on the banks.
Will Durant
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
What this world needs is a better me.
William Arthur Ward
Work, Work, Work, Work
We love to work. We hate to work. A rhythmic litany on all the reasons we work, from earning a living to simply because.
© Glenn Dromgoole
We love to work.
We hate to work.
We work to put money in our pockets.
We work to put meaning in our lives.
We work to support our families.
We work to support our egos.
We work at home.
We work to get away from home.
We work hard.
We work harder.
We work hardest.
We work hardly.
We work to get ahead.
We work to get by.
We work to stay put.
We work to move on.
We work to accomplish something.
We work to get credit.
We work to make a difference.
We work to eat.
We work to learn.
We work to be with people.
We work in spite of people.
We work out.
We work around.
We work until.
We work for.
We work toward.
We work on.
We work up.
We work to be satisfied.
We work to satisfy someone else.
We work to succeed.
We work to hang on.
We work to earn a living.
We work to get on with living.
We work to earn a rest.
We work while we’re resting.
We work too much.
We work too long.
We work too little.
We work for fun.
We work to pay the bills.
We work to be respectable.
We work to be responsible.
We work to be rewarded.
We work together.
We work in teams.
We work alone.
We work for them.
We work for us.
We work because we have to.
We work because we want to.
We work because we ought to.
We work because we need to.
We work just because.