I hope that my achievements in life shall be these-that I will have fought for what was right and fair, that I will have risked for that which mattered, and that I will have given help to those who were in need, that I will have left the earth a better place for what I have done and who I’ve been.
~C. Hoppe
Making a positive difference in the lives of others is one of the key cornerstones of Life’s Little Inspirations. Inspiring ourselves and others to be the best we can be is another. Every now and then I come across a person or two that just amazes me in their relentless and unselfish ability to give of themselves in their time and their talent and their willingness to help others.
I read their words and ideas and I think, “Gosh, this is so valuable, I am really grateful for this information, this person has really made a difference to me and they probably don’t even realize it”
Other times, it is just the kindness that strikes me, that makes something stand out, apart from the many articles and blogs I read every day. What does it for you? What sets one particular blogger or post apart and makes you feel that the writer really gave you something that was a gift?
There are a few writers lately who have been so helpful either to myself personally or to the blogging community for one reason or another that I want to give something back by just saying thank and acknowledging them by saying I think they live up to the quote above by C. Hobb- That they are leaving the earth a better place for their contribution.
Michael Martine -Remarkablogger: Did a recent post inviting new bloggers to post their blogs on his site and get some new traffic. He asked those of us who were his subscribers to help out and go visit those new places and make some comments. I was more than happy to help out with his generous request. It was the least I could do. He is constantly coming up with new ways and new informative posts to help the new blogging community and since the day I started blogging his posts have been a guiding light to show me the way. I am not sure I have ever properly said thank you. But I have read every word. Thank you Michael.
Barbara Swafford-Blogging Without a Blog: Barbara has a very generous weekly feature on her blog called New Blog of the Week. She was gracious enough to host Life’s Little Inspiration as one of her New Blogs early on when we were just starting out and it was a tremendous boost to the readership for which I have been very grateful. But it is also the endless amount of information and help that she provides week after week that truly makes her special. She is always on the look out for ways to be of help and to provide the resources that will give her community what they need to prosper.
Naomi Dunford-IttyBiz: I don’t swear. Not on the Internet anyway. Hardly ever I don’t think. SO it might seem unlikely that I would be such a huge fan of this Firecracker of Marketing. However I can’t think of a single individual that I have learned more from in a shorter period of time. And I am NOT talking about an off color vocabulary. I knew those words…I just don’t say them…here. Being around Naomi is like enrolling back in school only funner. When she writes, I take notes. I can’t believe how much information she is generously willing to write on her blog FOR FREE. When she wrote her E-BOOK I bought it the first day. I didn’t even know what the subject was about. I didn’t care. I hate e-books. Hers is the one and only that I have ever bought. But I appreciate how much she had given away already. And then her book had so much MORE in it that I learned a ton. She is a giver.
They all are. The world is a better place because of them in it.
I wish I had more to give these generous people than my thanks and to tell you how much of a difference they are making out there. Go check them out if you don’t know them.
Now it’s your turn. It’s give back to YOUR GIVERS DAY. Who are the people out there who are making an impression on you? Tell us about them. You can post a link about them in the comments so we can all go check them out. Let’s shine a light on the ones who have been been giving of themselves to others.
There are SO MANY. I have lots more. But since we all hang out in the same community, I bet some of my other favorites are yours too so don’t be shy. Lets shine that bright lighthouse light on them!
Wendy,
This is the first website that I have read that pushes the “pay it forward” concept.. Continue to see the good in people
BTW since you mentioned her, I also plan to visit Ms. Swafford’s blog.
(this visit courtesy of Remarkablogger)
Valerie’s last blog post..Caregivers and Blogging
Valorie, Thank you for dropping by, I would love to have you come agin and often! I know you will get a lot out of your visit with Barbara as well.
I am sure I won’ t be the only one to agree with this but you and your blog are my nomination for Best Giver! Your posts and committment to inspiring people is completely amazing! I just wish I was a fraction as talented as you are!
You make a huge impression on me and everyone you know and have since the day I met you!
Jenny’s last blog post..Holy Macaroni!
Jenny,
Speaking of givers….:)
you are such a good friend…
Hey..I’m ready to read a new post. Seeing that macaroni there is making me hungry!
I have to say, in terms of learning, Itty Biz ranks and rocks! I’ve learned the most from ProBlogger, but Naomi is right up there in terms of the information she shares on her blog.
But when it comes to inspiration Wendi, your blog is number one 😉
Melissa Donovan’s last blog post..September News & Announcements
Hi Wendi, there are many so many people including you who belong on the list. I will take a moment to mention a couple everyone may not know, Connie Reece who is not only a smart marketer with a depth of knowledge but she generously gives her time, and money to help so many in need. She is a wonderful example of using social media for good. She blogs at Every Dot Connects. Trisha of Ideas For Women is an unsung hero. She is such a generous, kind soul who really wants to make a difference in the lives of women.
Melissa and Karen, You are both nice to include me!
Problogger is one I would also include. I have learned a ton there too!
Karen thanks for giving us some new people to learn about. In the morning I will check out these folks and try to get their links here if I can figure it out ( Such a techie genious) If I can’t I’ll come find you to help me OK?
Oh, I’m having fun now. I love this. I really do.
Giving what you asked for!!
Jenny’s last blog post..Laughter is the Best Medicine
The problem with the question is that I have too many options… Well over half my feed reader list would qualify and i don’t think people want to scroll through 50 or more blogs in the comments here.
I really need to come up with a blogroll…
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome’s last blog post..Practicing Flexibility to Remain Steady – Full Text Answers
Look at you with your sexy new blog!!
Thanks for the shout out. As for what I’ve gotten the most from, Charlie Gilkey from Productive Flourishing, Dave Navarro from Rock Your Day and Steve Pavlina. (Say what you want about that guy, he lays it out there.)
Naomi Dunford’s last blog post..Happy Birthday to the Reason IttyBiz Exists
Naomi,
Yahoo! Nice to have you here, sexy?? That’s the first time me or my blog was called that…woohoo…!
Thanks for those new names to give back to. I have to say absolutly for me on Dave Navarro and Steve Pavlina, they are a must read as soon as they show up in my reader. I just figured out how to put their links in, ( GO me, I’m learning something new here every day~) so I added them to your comment. Now I am off to go learn about Charlie GIlkey and add him in so we can all learn from him too.
Thanks!
Naomi,
Guess, where I found Charlie? In my Google reader. I have had him in there since I found him from you. I had never read his about page and never knew his name! I have been reading and never processed that…guess I’ll pay closer attention now! Thanks!
Karen,
I found their links and checked out their blogs. They both look like very committed and energetic women! Thank you for giving back to them here.
Hi Wendi – it’s great that you found three great bloggers to help you out so early on in blogging.
Barbara Swafford helped me a lot earlier on too. She started blogging not long before me and she has given me heaps of help and support.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..10 Stockmarket Investment Tips For Beginners
Hi Wendi,
I am humbled and honored by your kind words. Thank you!
It was through my new blog of the week series I found you, and since then visiting your blog has always been a great joy. I love how you share freely with others and in the process make the world a better place.
You shine too, my friend. Keep up the good work.
Other bloggers who deserve a mention are Lorelle VanFossen (of Lorelle on WordPress) and Liz Strauss /(of Successful Blog).
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Open Mic – The Need For Speed
Barbara,
Thanks for those great suggestions and for giving back to two great women. I have both of them in my feedreader so they were very easy to find!
I am enjoying this very much, it’s great to see everyone highlighting others that they enjoy.I hope everyone can tell how much they are appreciated.
Cath,
Thanks for your additional thoughts about Barbara. Is there anyone else you would like to add? The more the merrier!
What a warm and fuzzy post today. I love it! There are many bloggers that inspire me (I actually updated my blog roll this week with blogs that inspire me). Life’s Little Inspirations is on my list.
For me I’ll have to shout my stage light onto Lance at jungleoflife.com. His topics make me think, his writing style inspires the writer inside me, and he generously comments on my blog. Today he even Stumbled one of my posts (goodness how I love watching those Stumble Upon hits on my site meter).
I have “met” so many amazing people via my blog. That alone is a priceless reward.
Stacey / Create a Balance’s last blog post..How to Synchronize Your Authentic Voice
Wendi, what a wonderful way to lift up those who’ve been an inspiration to you here! Barbara, at bloggingwithoutablog.com also holds a special place in my heart. She has been so helpful in helping to getting me going – I can’t thank her enough.
I have many bloggers who inspire me as well. And, you are on that list Wendi! I’ve only recently discovered you site, but you really do provide a connection with your readers – and that’s important to me. I always feel you care – and that’s powerful.
I see Stacey of createabalance.com mentioned me above – thank you Stacey! I am humbled. I am humbled, because I didn’t expect this, or the visitors I get, or the people who really care so much about what they write. And, Stacey is on my list of inspiring blogs as well. And, I’m not just saying that because she mentioned me. I really mean it. I visit her blog, I comment, and then I always leave there with more to think about. Stacey challenges me to understand myself better, to dig into places I don’t think about, and to really get to the core of who I am. Read her latest piece about synchronizing you authentic voice. I left with a homework assignment! But one I consider myself lucky to be able to do.
There are many more. I could go on and on. Let me just finish by saying that the genuineness I find through the blogs I visit really leave me with a belief that there is much that is right in this world. And wonderful voices are being heard all throughout the globe!
Lance’s last blog post..Lost In This Great Big World
Hi Wendi – I still remember that weekend when Barbara visited my unknown blog and left an uplifting comment. She featured my blog soon after and that was my first breakthrough. I’ve looked back since then. I will be thankful to Barbara for the rest of my life.
-Shilpan
Shilpan | successsoul.com’s last blog post..Charlie Chaplin’s Guide to Picking Yourself Up When Life Knocks You Down
Blessings to you, Wendi, an all you hold dear,
CG
CG Walters’s last blog post..Synchronicity and my Playful Mentor
Hi Shilpan,
Me too, She has helped so many. It’s nice to have you here. I am so happy that your blog is doing so well. I really enjoy it.
Stacey,
Oh, I think Lance deserves to be on here as well! I especially enjoy waking up to his Sunday morning inspirations! He also reminds me to stay in the moment and focus on being aware. That’s priceless because when we do that we can make every day and all of our relationships a gift.
And I agree with him about you! The two of you are really doing wonderful work in the area of helping the community to get in the corners of their spirits and really take it a step further and to reach out to others.
Lance…
YES…there may be a lot of craziness out there…but we can shine our light on what is good, what is working, what is beautiful to behold and be grateful for it and give something back.
CG,
Welcome to Life’s Little Inspirations. I just went and checked out your website and I got so immersed in it and then off on Dewitt’s site that I didn’t make it back to leave a comment. But I will be back again, it was very interesting to say the least!
I hope you will come and visit us often and share your wonderful perspective.