Greg Popiel

2012-04-24T11:15:00.001-04:00

more Quotes

Renewal

2012-02-18T08:08:00.002-05:00

A friend posted a note on his FB wall that caught my attention.....

Everyone should do one random act of kindness this weekend. Maybe just a kind word or holding the door for someone. It makes you feel good and might be more important to the person you helped then you realize. Let's make this world a better place.

Thanks for the reminder and renewing my interest, Jeff

The power of a random act of kindness.

2010-09-20T11:15:00.000-04:00

I received a random act of kindness the other day and I started to think of its power.

"There is no such thing as an insignificant act of kindness. Every act creates a positive energy flow with no logical end." gp 9/10/10

I wrote the following and pasted it to my FB page this morning...

I seek Simple Abundance in…

…the joy of friendship

…the blessing of health

…the laughter of children

…the love of a kindred spirit

…the awakening to a new dawn

…the warmth of an embrace

…the kiss of a loved one

…the song of the early bird

…the sight of a sunset

…the handshake of a stranger

…the ability to communicate feelings

…the taste of a homemade meal

…the feel of a snowflake on the cheek

…the admiration of co-workers

…the tranquility of a sunrise

…the respect of those who disagree

…the security of 4 walls and a roof

…the passion of a lover’s kiss

…the holding of hands with someone special

…the aroma of homemade soup

…the words of a valued mentor

…the hug of a family member

…the concern of a loving mother

…the guidance of a loving father

…the spontaneity of unexpected pleasures

…the forgiveness of those wronged.

…the ability to accomplish a new task

…the relief of making a difficult decision

…the remembrance of those departed

…the beat of a favorite tune

…the memory of a loved lost

…the glow of candlelight

…the wagging tail of man’s best friend

…the meeting of 2 minds

…the synchronicity of 2 souls

…the discovery of a hidden talent

…the miracle of a newborn

…the time spent in front of a campfire

…the capability to move on from a defeat

…the flattery of a pretty girl

…the rejuvenation of a nap

…the crackling of wood in the fireplace

…the helping of someone less fortunate

…the realization of a dream

…the random act of kindness given or received

…the peace of a tranquil mind

…the solitude of connecting with God.

An email received from a friend-When things in your life seem, almost too much to handle..

2010-07-23T05:10:00.000-04:00

Like most of us, I get a bunch of emails between my work and those from friends. It's easy to ignore some due to the pace of life. I am glad I did not ignore one from a friend this morning, a random act of kindness by sharing.

...When things in your life seem, almost too much to handle,

when 24 Hours in a day is not enough,

Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class

and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, wordlessly,

He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar

and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students, if the jar was full.

They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured

them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.

The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.

Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively

filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,

'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things - family,

children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions –

Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else --The small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,

'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,

you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Play With your children.

Take time to get medical checkups.

Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

'Take care of the golf balls first --

The things that really matter.

Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.

'I'm glad you asked'.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,

there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

My Big Sister Gwen is Joy!

2010-07-11T07:28:00.000-04:00

Please read this note of mine to my Big Sister, Gwen, a belated birthday wish.
She is special, she is joy and I want others to know the blessing I have as she is my Big Sister.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/note.php?note_id=449599240319&id=100000351840270&ref=mf

A brother's act of kindness remembered

2010-07-09T04:58:00.000-04:00

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=name&id=100000351840270#!/notes/greg-popiel/a-moment-i-will-never-forget-as-long-as-i-breathe-and-a-birthday-thought/448922810319

A favorite quote

2010-07-06T17:10:00.000-04:00

To do something, however small, to make others happier and better, is the highest ambition, the most elevating hope, which can inspire a human being.

Sir John Lubbock

An email to a Friend

2010-06-18T04:33:00.000-04:00

A friend from Nashville sent me a text sharing a mention of a struggle she is going through.
Not being able to provide support in person, I sent her the following email:

Gail,

In March 1981, I attended a work seminar on leadership in Chicago. I was 24 years old, knew everything, had money, had babes and was living the life.

One morning, the seminar leader started the day off by asking how everyone was feeling. It was 7 am. We laughed and said to table mates that it was too early to be leaders.

The leader then said that each of us was going to face a weighty, personal or workplace struggle in the future. He offered his approach to life and its challenges.
His way of putting things in perspective was so simple, yet so powerful I remember that morning; what I was wearing, who I drank with the night before and who was sitting at the round table as he spoke.

His words..."Each morning, I rush downstairs, open the front door and snatch the paper off the porch. Without hesitation, on the porch, I find the section with the death notices listed and drop the rest of the paper. I search the list carefully. When I discover that my name is not there, I know that it is going to be one glorious day, no matter what challenge is in front of me to deal with this day. I am breathing, I am alive. There is hope."

It took me almost 30 years and several personal struggles to realize how powerful his words were that cold, windy morning in Chicago back in March of 1981.

You are never alone on your journey as the Giver of life is with you.

Greg

An Opportunity to Serve

2010-05-23T09:25:00.002-04:00

Early Sunday am is my time to connect with my Source, the Provider of Life to us all.

I am in awe of all of God's creation.

"Make yourself a blessing to someone. Your kind smile or pat on the back just might pull someone back from the edge and forever change their outlook, day or their life."

Let's enjoy this Present, today, God has given us.a moment ago clear

Stopped for a train in a downtrodden area of Detroit

2010-05-13T00:09:00.000-04:00

Whatever I attempted to do today was met by a delay of some kind;
-a banker was late for an appointment
-my computer took extra long to boot up
-the gas pump at Sam's Club did not print a receipt and I had to have attendant write one out
-stopped by a train in a depressed, desolate area of the city.

The train delay was long enough, causing us, 3 cars waiting, to turn off our engines.
In my side view mirror, I saw a bulking man approach me from his car which was behind mine. By his appearance, I was a bit unnerved as he had multiple tattoos on each of his arms which were larger than my legs in girth and strength. Before I could roll up my window as a precaution, he was in my face.
His words, "Hey man, may I close your gas cap door?"
Surprised and with relief I said, " Go ahead Dude, thanks Man."

A random act of kindness given at a stopped intersection in a desolate, downtrodden area of Detroit by a kind, big SOB. Whoever you are, thanks Dude.

A favorite quote that is worth repeating daily as a meditation.

2010-05-05T05:15:00.002-04:00

"I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing,

therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow human

being let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not

pass this way again."

Stephen Grellet, 1773-1855

French-born Quaker Minister

Living the 5 Star Life

2010-04-21T05:15:00.001-04:00

It is hard to be kind to others when you don't find meaning and happiness in your life.

Excerpt from: Living a Five Star Life,
by Betty Mahalik

In this day and age, we are surrounded by messages that virtually scream, "Your life would be perfect if..." My life would be perfect if I had a different job, a different house, car, nose, spouse, bank account (fill in the blank). Or my life would be perfect if I could be like some celebrity whose life appears so well-ordered and perfect-o. This week I encourage you to stop playing "my life would be perfect if," and start playing "my perfect life." What's the difference? Three things: being in the present, an attitude of gratitude, taking action with what's available now.

When we're caught up in the "my life would be perfect if" trap, we've lost touch with the present. And the moment we detach from the present, we can no longer practice gratitude. Think about it: it's difficult to be grateful for what you don't have...and what you don't have is always somewhere out in future-ville.

Look around you right now. Think of 10 things you're grateful for. Do you have a roof over your head and food to eat? I'm guessing the answer is yes. Do you have at least a few good friends or close relationships? Then appreciate them too, right now. Keep going, and practice being in the present and being grateful for what is here and now at least a couple times a day.

You're also probably sitting there thinking "yes but." Yes, but I want more money, a better relationship, more time to travel, to be thinner, happier or whatever. It's one of the great mysteries I'll never figure out. The minute you stop focusing on what you lack, start focusing on what you've already got, and add the "magic" ingredient of action, you actually begin to attract more of what you want. It's an amazing formula for really living your perfect life!

Let's say you want to lose weight or get in better shape, but you don't have an hour a day to spend exercising at the gym. Therefore, you've pretty well resigned yourself to not losing weight or getting in shape. What if you had five minutes though...just about everyone can find five minutes to exercise, stretch, walk around the block or walk the dog. Would you be willing to be grateful for five minutes and make the best possible use of it? Therein lies the beginning of your perfect life!

A simple formula may help you remember how to apply this principle:

The present

+ an attitude of gratitude

+ positive action

= my perfect life.

Try it for a day.

Each time you start dreaming about how perfect your life would be if...come back to this moment, give thanks for what is, and do one thing to perfect what you have and who you are right now. There's a saying that "when the student is ready, the teacher appears." If you're ready to start perfecting your life, your teachers are all around you.

What are you waiting for?

Bring your Joy to others

2010-04-09T06:07:00.000-04:00

Joy

“This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

~Psalm 118:24-25

Today's Affirmation

I am blessed with a joyful disposition.

Today's Meditation

Dear God,

Joy flows like a river from You and covers my world.

You are the source of the song in my heart and the smile in my soul.

I rejoice in Your presence and in Your ways.

Thank You.

Amen

This is taken from a daily email I receive from Rennaissance Unity Church of Warren, MI

A beautiful quote on the spirit of kindness

2010-03-28T13:48:00.002-04:00

To do something, however small, to make others happier and better, is the highest ambition, the most elevating hope, which can inspire a human being.

Sir John Lubbock

A meditation about Love which is sown in the seed of Kindness

2010-03-24T08:16:00.000-04:00

From a church I attend...

Tuesday, March 24, 2010 – Love is Active

"It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble, how hopeless the outlook, how muddled the tangle, how great the mistake. A sufficient realization of love will dissolve it all."

~Emmet Fox

Today's Affirmation

Love is willing if we are willing.

Today's Meditation

Dear God,

Many who read these messages have written about the challenges they are facing personally or that we face as a civilization;

Health issues for themselves or a loved one;

Financial challenges and issues related to finding employment;

Grieving losses of every kind;

The darkness of depression;

Loneliness;

Forgiveness;

Addiction;

Hopelessness;

Acceptance and diversity;

Finding housing that is affordable;

Concerns for people in the armed forces;

Concerns about war, the environment and peace.

For all of these problems, and all others - I know that Love is the answer.

Not just talking about love or sending a cute message; but actively loving ourselves, each other and the planet.

You are Love, expressing and realized, active in creation every moment.

As we join together in prayer today, let us all be the love we believe in.

Help us to really open our hearts to You and one another.

Help us to move beyond our self-limiting thinking.

Help us grow through and past our fears.

Soften our stony hearts.

May we collectively give birth to the highest of which we are capable.

May we demonstrate the Love we talk about so easily.

Help us to realize You in our lives, now.

And so it is.

Amen

A song that fits with the purpose of my blog.

2010-03-15T03:34:00.000-04:00

Listen for the words...in the end only kindness matters....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfsS3pIDBfw

We are touched by angels...those who serve, have served and have died for our freedom

2010-03-14T11:17:00.000-04:00

In business this past week, I met 2 women from Russia and one from Poland. All left their respective countries for the better life they have now here in the USA. Say a prayer or send positive energy out to those who defend our blessed way of life.. those serving in our military. Don't forget to do the same for those vets who have served us in the past.

And always say a prayer of love and thanksgiving for those who gave their lives and never returned:

never got to have that beer with Dad, never got to hug Mom, never got to steal a kiss from their one and only, never got a chance to marvel at their legacy....children.

I got a bit emotional writing my thought and my first comment. Imagine someone willing to give up their life and all that it entails so that others may live....I am in AWE...
and speechless. I just know their service and their lives have touched me............

An act of kindness X 2

2010-03-13T03:01:00.002-05:00

I held the door open for this little, spry older woman who reminded me of my mom. It was yesterday, Friday, and my mom used to get her hair done on Friday mornings.

As the woman, with a nice hairdo, was leaving the bank as I was entering , I stated, "I do one nice thing a day and this is it." She laughed and touched my arm so slightly and said, "My friends say I am an angel, consider that you have been touched by an angel." I laughed and stepped aside as another customer was entering the bank. When I went to say something to the woman with the attractive hairdo, I discovered she was gone! I wonder to wonder, who was that woman and why did she show up at that bank at that time and that day?

A nurse, Marine and a dying man

2010-03-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

I received this in an email from a beautiful, kindred spirit and wanted to share this special message from the story you are about to read....THE NEXT TIME SOMEONE NEEDS YOU, JUST BE THERE, STAY.

A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.

"Your son is here," she said to the old man.

She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.

Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent.. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.

The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile.

He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients..

Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.

Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her.

"Who was that man?" he asked.

The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered.

"No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life.."

"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"

"I knew right away there had been a mistake,

but I also knew he needed his son, and his

son just wasn't here.

When I realized that he was too sick to tell

whether or not I was his son,

knowing how much he needed me, I stayed."

I came here tonight to

find a Mr. William Grey.

His Son was Killed in Iraq

today, and I was sent to

inform him. What was this

Gentleman's Name?

The Nurse with Tears in

Her Eyes Answered,

Mr. William Grey.............

The next time someone needs you ........ just be there. Stay.

**************

WE ARE NOT HUMAN BEINGS GOING THROUGH A

TEMPORARY SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE.

WE ARE SPIRITUAL BEINGS GOING THROUGH A TEMPORARY HUMAN EXPERIENCE.

PLEASE PASS THIS ONE ON AND GOD BLESS YOU!
THIS IS WHAT WE ARE PUT ON THIS EARTH TO DO ANYWAY. RIGHT ?
HAVE A GREAT DAY AND BLESS SOMEONE ELSE IN SOME LITTLE WAY TODAY!

Dedicated to Joan Irish from Toronto who I shared a moment with--fall of 1998

2010-02-28T12:28:00.002-05:00

Though are time together in Toberymory, Ontario that fall was short, your acts of kindness remain in me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnQ8N1KacJc

A thought on why acts of kindness are important to me and a special quote to share

2010-02-28T02:52:00.027-05:00

Back in 1971, at the age of 49, my dad passed away. I was 16 years young. My dad could be the life of the party, the swizzle stick that stirred everyone's drink. The sad thing for me to this day is he died when the 2 of us finally understood each other and became friends. I believed, and hope to this day, that he knew he did his job as a father and that I would make him proud of who I would become when I became a man. As a result of his death, I became an angry, brooding teenager who was a handful for my mom.

I was selfish too as I never thought of what the loss of her Walter was doing to her. During those dark days, words were few in number between us.

One morning as I ate breakfast alone, there was a clipping from a magazine underneath my plate, just sticking out. The clipping read as follows...I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow human being let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

During our darkest days of mourning my dad's departure, my mom found a way to bring us some Light from Above.

Maybe I was inspired from that moment, that morning, to be a "swizzle stick" like my dad and an "angel" like my mom.

Though I worship in no building, I am blessed this wondrous Sunday morning and know God is with me.

For those of you who have living parents, let them know how much you care and love them for all of you shall never pass this way again.

Please feel free to pass this note on to someone who is estranged from their parents or their children or a loved one or a friend.
Your act of kindness may just make a difference.

"In the end, only kindness matters."
Jewel from her song, "Hands"

Maybe a better world to live in one act at a time?

Make it a great day for yourself and all those you touch,

Greg

A favorite song that says so much about kindness

2010-02-24T12:39:00.003-05:00

Better Days by the Goo Goo Dolls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wOLQDAgiy4

An act of kindess on a wet, heavy snow day

2010-02-23T06:10:00.000-05:00

The snowplow contractor in my area is only supposed to plow the street which he did. He saw me struggling with the snow at the bottom of my drive that is left as he plows the street. He went by me, stopped and put his truck in reverse. He plowed that mess at the base of the driveway that would have been a heart attack in the making for me to finish. Before I could get his attention and thank him, he was off.

A new thought on kindness

2010-02-21T09:04:00.002-05:00

There are times when I feel stuck in the past ways of loneliness, negativity and doubt.

Often, it is a kind word or gentle reminder from a good friend that helps me remember who I really am.

My heart is open to live in Love.

Thank You for the people You have brought into my life who love, care for and encourage me.

I know that each one is an expression of Your love.

I am part of a living, giving, loving community of people.

A simple thought related to extending kindness

2010-02-21T08:49:00.000-05:00

Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.