Category: Inspiration
-
Which film will win the Oscar for Best Picture?
For the first time in my life, I have seen each of the films nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award. In a typical year, I see one or two, if I’m lucky. Frankly, I don’t normally have much interest in the nominees, but this year the films grabbed me and I was compelled to see…
-
My next chapter is at Bernie’s Book Bank
After a long and winding search, I have officially begun the next chapter of my life as the new Event Manager at Bernie’s Book Bank in Lake Bluff. If you’re not familiar with Bernie’s Book Bank, its mission is to “collect, process, and distribute new and gently used children’s books to significantly increase book ownership among at-risk…
-
Story time with Brad Meltzer
When was the last time someone read you a bedtime story, complete with sound effects, jokes, and the story’s backstory? I’m guessing you were under 10 and that was probably a very long time ago. Do you remember how much you anticipated the story each night, even if you made your parents read the same…
-
What I know about being a good leader
I’ve been thinking a lot about the qualities of a good leader lately. Maybe I’ve been thinking about this because with last week’s GOP debate, we’re officially into the presidential election season, and our country’s most visible leader is the president. Maybe I’ve been thinking about it because I’ve been interviewing a lot lately. Maybe…
-
I’m simply the best, better than all the rest (at these 17 things)
How often do you stop and pat yourself on the best for being simply the best? If you’re anything like me, the answer is not often enough. The truth is that none of us gets as many compliments as we need and taking stock of our talents or accomplishments is one important way to lift…
-
Beth Prystowsky uses Multiple Sclerosis to spread compassion throughout the world
This is the first in a series of interviews with Little Merry Sunshine readers, LMS Reader Stories. If you’d like to be interviewed for this series, please read this post and send me an email. This past Sunday, I had the honor of sitting down and chatting with Beth Prystowsky, fellow ChicagoNow blogger and author…
-
31 Days of Random Acts of Kindness: Week 1 Results
Have you been performing 31 Days of Random Acts of Kindness? I’ve had so much fun in the past week being extra kind and seeing the reactions of strangers. I’ve also noticed many people performing random acts of kindness for me. What have I done? I’ve . . . Treated my favorite 1st year Foresters…
-
Homeless Helper Bags
If you’re a longtime reader of Little Merry Sunshine, you may remember how last December I was inspired by my Facebook friend Scott to make meal bags and pass them out to homeless people. That activity was one of the best parts of my year of 100 new experiences because it reminded me how grateful…
-
31 Days of Random Acts of Kindness – 2014 Elf on the Shelf Edition
In December 2013, I hitched my wagon to my friend Stacy’s incredible idea of 31 Days of Random Acts of Kindness and spent the entire month spreading joy throughout the land. Stacy even created a hashtag, #31RAOK, which was a blast to use and follow on Twitter and Facebook. Last year was such a success…
-
Elf on the Shelf turns this hater into a believer
Unless you’ve been living under a rock without internet access for the past few years, you’ve undoubtedly heard of or come into direct contact with the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon that will shortly overtake the otherwise rational minds of parents everywhere. It appears the Elf on the Shelf began innocently enough, but has morphed…
Jessica L Gardner 