Give the people what they want.

People across the U.S. are clamoring for it.

Mike O'Neill is asking for it in Alaska's Bristol Bay Times...

"For once, business and community leaders ought to step up to the podium with no paper or notes or power point presentations and speak from the heart."

Suzanne Garment hopes for it in New York's Forbes Magazine...

"Maybe we would finally escape the tyranny of Beltway talk and hear America speak from the heart."

David Norville asks for it in Alabama...

"What ever happened to being able to speak your heart?"

We want it. Speak from the heart.

We need it. Speak from the heart.

We desire it. Speak from the heart.

Imagine the possibilities if everyone just began to speak from the heart.

No more words of hurt, fear or pain.

No more scheming or manipulating.

No more lying for convenience's sake.

If we want honesty from our leaders, more compassion in this world and positive change; then we have to speak from our heart in every conversation we have with people.

That's every conversation.

Not just on special occasions. Not just when tensions are high. Not just when we need a breakthrough moment with a loved one, co-worker or acquaintance.

We have to speak from the heart every single time.

So let's do it.

Let's take time to give each other the love, care and concern we deserve. Let's find the words we need to break any walls of fear and mistrust in our own lives -- friend, family member, co-worker or stranger.

Let's give everyone one the things they really want from a conversation -- love, compassion, understanding.

We can change the world for the better.

And it starts with the next conversation. No matter how big or how small. No matter if it's with one or one hundred. Remember to give people what they want.

Speak from the heart.

Find the courage...

So what I am advocating here is something that requires courage - the courage to have a change of heart.

- Pema Chodron, author, Practicing Peace in Times of War

Find the courage to have a change of heart.

How true.

This thought comes from author Pema Chodron in her book Practicing Peace in Times of War. And it could not come at a better time of the year. Today marks the end of the 26th annual UN International Day of Peace.

Yesterday...

In Afghanistan, tens of thousands of people stopped shooting at each other in the mountains and fields.

In the Bahamas people were encouraged to light a candle at noon for peace.

In Woodstock, New York people erected a "peace pole" and fellowshipped in a moment of silence for peace.

In Kula Lumpur, Malaysia the government declared the day a national holiday.

And in Ypsilanti, Michigan hundreds of people from all creeds, colors and nationalities came together to celebrate peace.

In each instance, from Malaysia to Michigan, people found the courage to have a change of heart.

We can do the same in our own lives.

Today, we can find the courage to treat everyone we meet with kindness.

Today, we can find the courage to soften an angry moment.

Today, we can we can find the courage to forgive a friend, a relative, a co-worker or a stranger.

Today, we can find the courage to have a change of heart.

We are the world.

Peace starts with us.

Today.

Start the ripple...

When you empower others, you are more empowered. Remember that the more power you give, the more power you get.
- Kurek Ashley, author, How would love respond?

When you empower others, you are more empowered.

How true.

Consider the situation of Harry Bernstein in Brick, NJ. At 97 years-old, Bernstein has achieved success as a celebrated author on the New York Times best seller list. This was his first literary award and it was born out of the tragic loss of his wife, six or so years ago.

Bernstein was married for decades. He reportedly described his loss as the most painful memory of his life. He was 91 years-old at the time.

Yet, what he did next was extraordinary.

Bernstein says he reached back into his long life as far as he could go and started writing. He wrote about his childhood. He wrote about life in England during WWI. He wrote and he wrote and he wrote.

He took his grief and after reaching inward, he reached out with a book. And by doing so, he started a ripple in the waters of time that impacts the lives of people today. Read about it here...
http://bricktimes.micromediapubs.com/news/2008/0417/Front_Page/001.html

Now consider the case of young Alicia McWilliams in Detroit.

After losing her mother at the age of nine, McWilliams over came incredible odds
in an urban environment and is now valedictorian of her high school class. She
is poised to continue her education and do wonderful things with her life. Her
story is captured by a journalist and is displayed as an example for others to
follow here... http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805040557

Although she has a ways to go and everything for college is not paid for, she is already on her way to doing wonderful things.

McWilliams' has started a ripple by persevering and sharing her story. She is empowering others to keep pushing, keep moving forward and keep trying.

And she is only 18.

So, if a 97 year-old and an 18 year-old can look beyond their circumstances to empower others, what could we do?

Turn away from disappointment. Let go of the argument. Reach outward and find a way to help someone move forward.

Start a ripple of your own today.