It's been a long time...

I find it difficult to remember to put aside the time to write something on this blog site every day...Obviously, I have not done a very good job, despite my resolution!

I have, however, been actively researching how to make the Hummingbird Challenge more effective. I invite anyone reading this blog to visit my website and give me some feedback about it. I am now seriously considering making it a more interactive website, where you can go and read stories of people making a difference in their own communities, families and environment.

And so, maybe we can all become more engaged with each other, giving out hope, energy, love and food for the soul...

Take care, Ingrid

Martin Luther King, Jr.

What an inspiration this man was! Of course, his impact was huge, but it does remind us that it all starts with one small step, one small change, one thought outside the box...

I wonder if each of us just reaches out to someone that you normally do not interact with, what would be the result? Maybe in the beginning there is some distrust, or some antagonism, but there nevertheless is some connection. I really do think that we are all linked to the same threads of life, and our humanity is intensified by those interactions. All it takes is for someone like MLK to remind us of that, and then to force us to look at "the man in the mirror" and make a change!

I hope we can not only honor MLK, as we did today, but be inspired to continue his work towards oneness and peace and equality for all. We still have much to do in our own little corners of the world, so hummingbirds, unite!

Take care, Ingrid

What Haiti needs now

Well, I am really falling down on my resolution to write a log every day! So, I just have to do the best that I can...

Today I just want to say that I am moved and so impressed with the way the world is coming together to help the people of Haiti! It is such a disaster there, and there is such a great need that is being recognized everywhere. It really restores my faith in humankind - that there really are a lot of good people in the world, who acknowledge the connection that we all have as fellow human beings. If you can give a little, it will mean a lot!

Take care, Ingrid

I saw "Invictus" today, and was so moved by it! How amazing it must be to be able to inspire such people to make such significant change, and to witness that firsthand. Nelson Mandela is truly an enlightened being and such a wonderful example of what it is to be completely true to yourself and to be able to let go of all of those things that have such a hold on us. I hope that I can, on a small, but not insignificant scale, inspire people to make a difference in their own lives by considering that everything that they do is important...

What did you do today?

I had a New Year's resolution to enter a blog every day on this site, and I missed yesterday! Oh well...I have to just continue on and not look back!

I try every day to do at least one thing that is selfless and loving, Maybe it is the mother in me, but I hope that it is the humanness in me more than anything. So, today I was able to reach out and help a friend who was going through a very difficult situation. just by sending her a card and letting her know that I was thinking of her...How often we get caught up in our own things and don't find the time to do that...I really appreciate it when someone does that for me - just a little thing, but what a big impact that makes!

It's all part of being that little hummingbird...

Take care, Ingrid

Quick and late...

Here's a quick message, since it is already late:

I feel very lucky to have some very special people in my life, including my family. Today I had lunch with two of my girlfriends, who are a great reminder to me that human connection is the total essence of our existence! It is true - "all you need is love"...

Take care, Ingrid

What are we doing?

Sometimes we stop and ask ourselves "what am I doing"? The good news is that we are observing our behavior and actions from a more objective viewpoint; the bad news is that we nevertheless don't seem to be able to change that behavior in the long run...

I am hoping that by sharing each other's experiences and behaviors that it will become possible to become inspired to make that change, do that thing that you have been dreaming about, think outside the box and make that thought or dream a reality. It is very powerful to communicate via our own personal experiences and stories. I have become so touched and motivated by hearing and seeing what others are thinking and doing.

I think that is why the whole story of Susan Boyle has been so incredible. She brings out in so many people that "underdog" kind of scenario...and what an inspiration to go after what you dream about and believe in! I have watched that video of "Britain's Got Talent" over and over again, and it never fails to make me cry. And you don't have to have an incredible talent or gift - maybe you just have something important to share. Maybe other people who have had a dream for a long time will dare to venture outside of those binds that are tying them down, and know what they are doing...

Let's share that knowledge with each other, and make a difference together!

Take care, Ingrid

The power of empowerment

I heard a really good sermon today, speaking of comfort zones and the empowerment to break those boundaries and binds. Our minister is a very wise woman who gives us really good food for thought week after week. And today was no exception.

She was talking about an experience she had many years ago, at a young age, in Israel and the West Bank. She and a small group of people stayed with both an Israeli family and a Palestinian family for a few days in each place. Their group leader did something unusual, though. He did not do everything for them and "lead" them around. Instead, he dropped them off in each place to fend for themselves, and really experience living in each of those places as if they were from there. At first, there was uncertainty, fear, then anger towards their group leader. But that was soon followed by the realization that this leader was forcing them to go outside their comfort zone, and discover new strengths and resiience that they did not know they had...

It became an unforgettable experience, and one that empowered the members of that group to feel that they could handle just about anything, and that it is OK, and even really powerful, to step outside of your comfort zone and accomplish something that you never thought you could do..

She ended the sermon by saying that there is nothing as gratifying for a teacher or leader to feel that he or she can "empozer" others to be all that they can be, and more. Truly, to empower other to realice their own potential is very powerful.. I hope that by sharing stories of "making a difference", we each can feel that power of empowerment...

Take care, Ingrid

What our resolutions for?

Well, better late than never! I am posting this blog a litle late today, but have been doing a lot of thinking about New Year's resolutions. Everyone that I have talked to over the last few days somehow feels obligated to come up with at least one New Year's resolution. And it is this feeling of "having to" that I think really interferes with the sincerity and real intention of those resolutions. So, what are they for? Do they really help you in your goal setting for the year to come? And how long does the average person keep up with that intention? Anyway, I feel like it is all part of becoming so easily overwhelmed by concentrating on the bigger picture as opposed to focusing on what is right before us. Once again, I urge you to "think small", and feel empowered by knowing that it is the little things that we do that makes all the difference...

Have a good evening...

Take care, Ingrid

HAPPY NEW YEAR

HI ALL:

My very best wishes to anyone who reads this for a healthy, happy and most of all, year filled with positive energy and changes. One of my main resolutions is to post DAILY on this blog, and really concentrate on my Hummingbird Challenge website and network.. I have been so distracted these last few months, allowing for other things to get in the way and to prevent me from pursuing my dream of empowering each individual to feel that they can and do make a difference in their own little communities and circle of friends and family. So, this is my promise to you: as far as possible (sometimes I may be travelling, etc.) I will write a daily thought or message, and hopefully hear from some of you. Please check out my website at: www.hummingbirdchallenge.org and tell me what you think. I am considering changing the focus of my effort from collecting stories for a book to having a more interactive/blog type of network...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Take care, Ingrid