Twenty-one tips to create a personal environment that promotes peace, prosperity, and well-being:
1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
2. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
Jacqueline Novogratz founded and leads Acumen, a non-profit organisation that takes a businesslike approach to improving the lives of the poor.
In her book, The Blue Sweater, she tells stories from the new philanthropy, which emphasizes sustainable bottom-up solutions over traditional top-down aid.
Susan notes: This is an anonymous story from someone’s school days. Having found myself to be in exactly the same situation many times, I have cause to reflect on the lesson often. Hopefully I will one day fully integrate it into my life and not have to reminded again and again...
When I was in elementary school, I got into a major argument with another girl in my class. I forgot long ago what the argument was about, but I have never forgotten the lesson I learned that day.
Written by a former child, who could have been any one of us...
1. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
2. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
I didn't write this, but I sure do like it! Susan
1) I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, or my loving family for less grey hair or a flatter belly.
2) As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own best friend.