What does making a difference really mean?

I hear a lot of people, a lot of the time, saying they want to make a difference. What does this really mean? How much “different” does something have to be to be counted as a difference – and how much effort is needed to make that difference?

I truly believe small acts of kindness can have an enormous impact. I think the smallest bit of effort, the smallest big of intent can make a huge difference when it’s combined with a huge amount of sincerity and expectations for the best.

I read somewhere, years ago, that instead of looking at the ground when you walk down the street, make a point to smile at people you pass. Not like a scary crazy person on the verge of stalking kind of smile. Just a genuine hello grin rather than avoiding the eye contact. It’s amazing how something so small can change a mood. I have found it makes a huge difference in how I feel about the day when I’ve made the slightest effort to be kind to someone else… with or without a reason. I might be having a super crummy day, but by helping someone else in some way, my own irritants tend to fade into the background. Sure, my problems don’t go away entirely – but they do feel less heavy when I’ve made an effort to share in someone else’s day.

Dragonfly by JGoode
Dragonfly by JGoode

I have found that I tend to get so absorbed in my own schedule, my own needs and my own agenda that I forget to take the time for the little things. I have to remind myself that these little things make a difference to someone else. I have to remember – when I’m gone, I want people to remember me and who I was – not what I had or what material things I gave. Yet, people don’t know who we are unless we share it.

Our gestures don’t have to be grand to have an impact. We don’t have to dedicate hours upon hours of time to show we are here to help. A little note to let someone know you’re thinking about them or a moment to pass on a thought… I believe it’s the realness of it – the genuine aspect that makes the difference.

Put forth the effort and do it sincerely, that’s the key to making a difference.

Lil' Goodies – Inspiring Smiles

Hello, Happy Friday and Big smiles to YOU! I hope you have a fantastic weekend… and Happy Birthday wishes to my Sister 😀

Take Care and God Bless,
Jen
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We’re Moving!
Within the next few weeks I will be moving this mailing list to a new host. You will be required to opt in… read more.

“Love one another and you will be happy. It’s as simple and as difficult as that.” – Michael Leunig

*** Featured Goodies ***

*** Goodies to Wear or Share! ***

New Penguins: the healing kind. Inspired by recent medical experiences, thes fun new penguins are perfect for Get Well Wishes and gift for Medical Professionals.

Jobs & Occupations and Misc Penguins

*** Spotlight – Special Thanks to YOU ***

I’d like to once again say thank you for all of your support! Because of the fabulous JGD supporters and customers, I was again able to support another Breast Cancer Awareness event. All contributions are a result of purchases made by YOU, of my Breast Cancer Awareness designs. This quarter my sponsorship went to a fabulously giving woman I met about a year ago named Missy Ward. Missy and her team, “Team Affiliate Marketing”, will be participating in the 3 day walk in Minnesota from August 24-26th.

Thank You!

***** Have a GREAT lil’ Day! *****

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[tags] lil’ goodies, jgoode[/tags]

We're Moving!

Please note, in the next few weeks I will be moving the Lil’ Goodies (JGoode Designs) mailing list to a new host.

If you are a current subscriber of Lil’ Goodies, you will be required to agree to be included on the new list. So, if you’d like to continue receiving my fabulous newsletters, please keep an eye open for an email requesting your confirmation to opt into the new list.

I’m excited about the new list features and I hope you’ll join me for this new adventure!

Thank YOU

[tags]jgoode designs, newsletter[/tags]

Happy Happy Joy

I’ve taken a bit of a maternity leave, and now I’m back with a beautiful baby
girl. Happy Happy Joy Joy I say! I hope your world is filled with big smiles as well. Have a fanastic weekend!

God Bless,
Jen
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and family!

*** Featured Goodies ***

*** Lil’ Thought ***

White Lily  by  JGoode

White Lily by JGoode

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders
and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a
new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered
with your old nonsense. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

*** Goodies to Wear or Share! ***

Check out the newest Penguin Doodles
http://www.jgoodepenguins.com/newest/

Get the Coupon! $10 off every order of $40 or more. Today Only! Use
coupon code:DES159 during checkout.

***** Have a GREAT lil’ Day! *****

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Love for Every Mom

I hope your weekend is absolutely wonderful and… Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms!

God Bless,
Jen * *

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*** Today’s Goodies ***

*** Lil’ Thought ***

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
-Lao-Tzu

*** Goodies to Wear or Share! ***

 

Mother - Fairy
Mother
Fairy
Cool Mama
Cool
Mama
Mother Quote: Dreams
Mother
Dreams
It's all about MOM
All about
MOM

Find piles of grinnable gear: JGoodeDesigns.com

*** Fun Freebie***

Send Mom a FREE ecard!
I am the Mamma Penguin

*** Get the Coupon ***

  • Save $5 on all orders of $20 or more. Use coupon code JOYOUSSQUARE during checkout. Expires May 17, 2007.
    *coupons only valid for products available through JGoodeDesigns.com

JGoode Designs Online Store

***** Have a GREAT lil’ Day! *****

[tags]mother’s day, jgoode, love, mom[/tags]

Spring Smiles from JGoode

Enjoy some time with someone special and have a delightful weekend!
God Bless,
Jen * *

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*** Today’s Goodies ***

*** Lil’ Thought ***

“Love is the poetry of the senses.” -Honoré de Balzc

*** Goodies to Wear or Share! ***

 

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  • Save $5 on all orders of $20 or more. Use coupon code GASHESSCHOOL during checkout. Expires April 26, 2007.
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JGoode Designs Online Store

***** Have a GREAT lil’ Day! *****

Thank YOU and Hugs Galore!

I hope your weekend is warm and wonderful, filled with unexpected smiles!

God Bless,
Jen

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and family!

*** Today’s Goodies ***


*** Lil’ Thought ***

“To fear love is to fear life.” -Bertrand Russell

 

*** Goodies to Wear or Share! ***
In honor of my grandfather’s birthday tomorrow, today’s featured
goodies are all big birthday grins. Happy Birthday!


Happy Bday Me (lt pink)

Happy Bday Me


Birthday penguin

Birthday penguin


Birthday Nut

Birthday Nut

 


Cupcake with Smiley Star (purple)

Cupcake


Monkey with Balloons

Birthday Monkey


Birthday Chick

Birthday Chick

 


Birthday Boy 2

Birthday Boy 2


Aries Penguin

Aries Penguin


1st Birthday Train

1st Birthday Train

 

More  Birthday Fun…

Find piles of grinnable gear: JGoodeDesigns.com

*** Get the Coupon ***

  • Save $5 on all orders of $20 or more. Use coupon code GASHESSQUARE during
    checkout. Expires April 17, 2007.

    *coupons only valid for products available through JGoodeDesigns.com

JGoode Designs Online Store

***** Have a GREAT lil’ Day! *****
[tags]birthday,jgoode,inspiration,poetry,earth day[/tags]

Have a Fabulous Easter Weekend from JGoode!

Have a fabulous Easter weekend!

God Bless,
Jen * *

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and family!

*** Today’s Goodies ***
* Featured Goodies
* Lil’ Thought
* Goodies to Wear or Share
* Click for a Cause

“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger
for bread.” – Mother Teresa

Bunny Hugs to You!

*** Featured Goodies***

*** Lil’ Thought ***

May you live every day of your life. -Jonathan Swift

*** Goodies to Wear or Share! ***
Find piles of grinnable gear: JGoodeDesigns.com

*** Get the Coupon ***

  • Save $5 on all orders of $20 or more. Use coupon code GASHESINCUR during
    checkout. Expires April 12, 2007.
    *coupons only valid for products available through JGoodeDesigns.com

JGoode Designs Online Store

***** Have a GREAT lil’ Day! *****

[tags]jgoode,easter,spring[/tags]