Happy Saturday!

As a recovering teacher, I think a lot about the future of education. This nine-minute video reminds me of the hope and excitement that comes from empowering kids.

Kiran Bir Sethi founded Riverside School in Ahmedabad, India. The lessons she learned should inspire all of us.

After you watch her passionate presentation I’m betting you’ll be asking yourself the same question that rattled around my cranium: What am I doing that’s contagious?

If you can’t view the video, click here.

I really enjoy the Tour de France, and I admire Lance Armstrong.

He’s certainly made his share of mistakes, but I’m not looking to him for personal advice or spiritual guidance. I admire his guts, determination, and drive. He beat a horrible disease and used the experience to inspire thousands of others. Regardless of failures and faults, that’s not a bad legacy. When I hear someone question his comeback, I want to ask what they’ve done to make the world better.

He’s a hero, no matter what else happens. If he never wins anither bike race, it doesn’t matter.

This video nearly brings tears each time I watch it.

If you can’t see the video, click here.

Happy Saturday!

Taylor Mali is a teacher. I think we’d like each other. We share a love of adolescents and a willingness to chuckle at them.

Here are a couple of short videos about standing up for what we believe and being willing to look at issues with an open mind.

If you have trouble viewing the videos, click here.

May we always be open to new ideas while speaking for our beliefs with conviction.

Happy Saturday. Wherever you are, I hope you’re enjoying a relaxing weekend.

This week I’ve been thinking about what motivates us. Here’s a video that contains some great information and even better artwork.

If you can’t view the video, click here.

Happy Saturday!

This week I talked to inmates at the county detention center. These folks have made mistakes and bad choices. They’ve been hurt and they’ve hurt others. I tried to convince them that they don’t have to be defined by the past.

I think they’ve been told a lot about what they did wrong and what they can’t do. If they listen to those messages, I fear they’ll never escape the cycle that brings them to such a horrible place.

Here’s a short video that reminds us all to go after our dreams.

If you can’t view the video, click here.

**This article is a re-post from January 23, 2010. I’m re-visiting the archives while my wife and I enjoy a few days of vacation. This is one of my absolute favorites.

Happy Saturday!

I encourage you to grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and be inspired by a 20-minute video:

The Butterfly Circus

I’m still fascinated by the guy in the top hat. What do you think?

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. [Isaiah 43:18-19]

The world lost a giant last weekend when John Wooden went home.

You didn’t need to be a sports fan to appreciate Coach Wooden, because his legacy and influence transcended sports. If you’re a fan of peace, love, character, generosity, and humility, then you had to be a fan of John Wooden.

In this video, Wooden talks about his one true love and his sincere desire to spend eternity with her.

If you can’t view the video, please click here.

Here’s a bonus: Coach Wooden talks about his definition of success.

Happy Saturday! Whether you’re working or relaxing, I hope this weekend is a time to connect and recharge.

Normally on Saturday I try to share something light and short, often in the form of a video. However, today I’m suggesting that you read an article on Donald Miller’s great blog.

This powerful look at charity from a different perspective made me re-think my perceptions of giving and receiving. I realized that I often give with a hint of superiority and receive with more than a hint of resentment.

Want to turn your notion of charity upside down? Click here. And have a great weekend!

Happy Saturday!

This simple video brought tears to my eyes. Powerful message, no comment required.

Have a great weekend.

If you can’t view the video, click here.

Happy Saturday!

I spend a lot of time and energy looking for excuses. I have a couple of pretty good ones, and I’m actually pretty good at spinning them from thin air.

Then I encounter someone like Zach Lipson and I remember to stop whining and get on with it.

Enjoy the story. And then go and do something passionately.

Thanks to Clark Osborn for sharing this inspiring article. His family is on an amazing journey as well.