The World Where You Live

An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
- Martin Luther King

Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. - Albert Einstein

It's time for greatness -- not for greed. It's a time for idealism -- not ideology. It is a time not just for compassionate words, but compassionate action.
- Marian Wright Edelman

This friday I'm off to the wilderness for the 17th Young Men's Adventure Weekend www.ymaw.com
We have been preparing for the last 2-3 months and now we are just days away from producing an incredible event for these young men between 12-17 years old. This will be my third year and I'm truly looking forward to it. As my good friend Dorian says, "it's an incredible weekend of fun, competition and witnessing profound change."

This weekend marks a definitive break in the year for me. I return from the adventure each time simply beaming and full of renewed energy and excitement about life. I return with a spark of hope and faith in this world after reconnecting with the land and with fellow earth men giving back to the community. The time spent with the Room to Read charity and with YMAW ignites a fire within me that I look forward to keeping lit for a long time. Somedays it is a struggle, as we all know, to keep near what is truely important in this life. Let's simply not give up, let's keep trying, keep doing and don't settle for anything less than a peaceful and compassionate world to live in.


Our fearless leader at YMAW sent this little piece around today and it really resonated with me so I thought I'd share it with you all. I wish you all a great weekend and may you all continue on your great adventure on planet earth

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The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the"Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are nosecond-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applausedies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificatesare buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the oneswith the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are theones that care.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrowin Australia." (Charles Schultz)