Toby Keith’s “American Soldier” tells the story of what it’s like to be committed to fighting for freedom. It’s one of the best patriotic songs of all time and it shows how the selfless sacrifice a soldier makes extends to their the...
Every society treat its elders a bit differently. Many value and respect the experience and wisdom they offer and seek them out as important mentors and valued leaders of the community. But some see them as a burden and don’t understand their value, so...
Felimina Rotundo is yet another inspirational person with a Begin with Yes attitude, who obviously acquired it long before Begin with Yes was even born! At 100-years-old, she works more than many of us do. She doesn’t do it because she has to, but because she is...
Although we sometimes consider the bigger picture of our lives – and maybe even the universe – I don’t think any of us as children considered these topics to the degree or level of understanding as this 9 year old! Some of us have a difficult time...
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you think about how large the world seems to be, but there are also times it doesn’t seem very big at all! When you think about all of the social connections you have and the coincidental “you know him, too?”...
You don’t need great talent to make a great difference, but you do need to put what talent you have into action. This little girl’s action of singing to her mother to help her through her fight with cancer has made a huge difference and touched millions of...
There are so many children in orphanages and foster homes throughout the world waiting to be adopted into a loving family, many of them with special needs. It’s a topic not often talked about, but one that needs to be more publicized in order to provide care and...
If you’ve ever wondered what someone living a Begin With Yes life looks like, watch this video to find out. So many of us are scared to pursue our passions because we are afraid we will fail. Never one to even entertain the thought of failing, Rosie Jon teaches...
Learning to play music is difficult, especially when you teach yourself, and doing so as a young child is remarkable. Doing so as a blind child is unbelievable… or is it? Not for Kale Apongan! Before he could even walk Kale had taught himself how to play music...
We’re all guilty of bringing work home with us instead of leaving it at the office where it belongs. Life isn’t supposed to revolve around work, yet we seem to fill our days with work obligations, squeezing in personal time where we can. We always make...
It’s simpler than you think, so let’s try it! In this short video, organizational psychologist and eternal optimist Dr. Woody discusses how happiness is a choice. By removing certain negative words from your vocabulary and replacing them with more positive...
For all the bad that happens in the world, I like to think there are just as many heart-warming stories about supportive people and communities. It’s up to us to make these feel-good stories become an everyday reality! Sharon Carter is a baker and the owner of...
It’s amazing how much kids learn from listening to all that happens around them. They repeat our phrases, mimic our behaviors, and they become little versions of their parents. Then there are those who seem to have the wisdom of the ages already programmed...
I am always promoting the idea that helping others is the best way to help yourself, but sometimes I am still amazed at the lengths people will go to, and this story is one of those times. An elderly man was replacing the roof on his home and had already spent three...
You just never know what life will bring! When you’re in your 80s and have just lost your spouse, you may think that there’s not much to look forward to in life. But with a positive attitude and an open mind, there are still possibilities. After 62 years...
Kids have many influences along their path to adulthood. They learn from their parents, grandparents, friends, and if they play sports, they learn from their coaches too. They should all be lucky enough to have a coach like this one, Peter Morales, of Coronado High...
Think about someone you love. Whether you love that person romantically or non-romantically, how easy do you think it would be to describe how you love that person, without using the word “love”? At first, the task seems difficult, but this couple makes it...
This is a touching story of how your spirit and presence live on even after death, and some of us are lucky enough to touch total strangers’ lives even after we are gone. It is a beautiful thing to be loved so deeply that your husband plants a 4-mile stretch of...
We all have our talents. What’s yours? When was that last time you used it to do something good? It doesn’t matter how great your talent is… what matters is that you use it! And remember this – every talent becomes even greater when you use it...
We hear stories every day about people making a difference in a quiet and unassuming way. Those are the every-day heroes. Being leaders by demonstrating caring and compassion without looking for anything in return. We can all make a difference, and there are so many...
We’ve all heard the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”, right? This little lamb brought that saying to life this past summer by working hard to overcome a physical disability. His caretakers named him Lemonade, and after you watch...
For those of you who have children or grandchildren that are struggling in life, this is one of the most compelling presentations ever to get them on the right track. Please share it with them! Marc Mero is an inspiring speaker, and I’m sure his talks have helped...
Kate is a three-year-old girl on the autism spectrum. Personal space is important, and self-regulation and social interactions are difficult for Kate, so her mother was prepared for the worst as they boarded their 2 1/2 hour flight. Kate, stuck on a plane with little...
When is the last time you truly remember the excitement of experiencing something new? As adults we have experienced almost all of the ordinary, every day things… like new cars, first smartphones, people liking our first Facebook post 😉 – and a drenching...
When was the last time you ran through the rain? As risks go it’s not a big one, but it may be just the one you need. Taking risks is the only way to move forward. But sometimes our mind makes a mountain out of a molehill and we struggle with a minor risk that could...
This is one of the most inspirational poems and videos I’ve ever seen! With lines like “I know that trying to be more than I am is who I am”, it’s message completely resonates with the Begin with Yes theme. While responsibility and routine are essential parts of life,...
You never really know what others are going through. Most people portray an outward appearance that makes you think everything is just fine. Sure, there are some people who wear their heart on their sleeve and tell others every little detail, but most people try to be...
When do we lose the ability to dance like no one is watching? When we’re children we have it, and many re-gain it as they move into their senior years. But what about our prime time??? That’s when we need it most! As a society we’re so conditioned...
We all need friends, and sometimes we find them in unlikely places. Finding new friends is easier for some than others, and it usually requires us to step out and try new things. It also requires that we reach out and initiate a conversation, which may also be...
Here’s the good news: If you never try, you’ll never fail! And here’s the bad news: If you never try, you’ll never fail! The only way to succeed is to fail — it’s the first step along the way. NO ONE GETS IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME! So please, don’t be afraid...
Something that you know will be not only rewarding but fun can also be frightening. You may be terrified to start, but you know when you finish you’ll be elated. This talented yet frightful young skier proves to herself she is ready to make the next step, or in...
Although this is an adorable, cute and funny video, it also hints at the fact that many of us are not willing or able to accept help from others, never mind ask for it. Any successful person will tell you in a heartbeat that without the help of others they would not...
Nala at Work! I want to come back as this amazing little dog in another life. Her instincts, compassion and affection are truly special. She’s obviously making a wonderful difference in so many lives. Some animals have more natural ability and instincts than...
One of the commitments of the nonprofit organization I run is to help children and adults with autism learn social and living skills, and to be more understood.This wonderful video helps people understand some of the issues they face and the important role horses can...
When this woman’s son died in the line of duty in Afghanistan, she had no idea what to do. When she held his uniform in her hands, a beautiful idea came to mind. She headed to her sewing machine and created a teddy bear out of her son’s uniform. And it...
It’s difficult to give our veterans all the thanks and care they deserve. And those who return from war with physical and invisible wounds especially need our support. I know there are many challenges faced by our veterans, but this particular video inspired me...
Today I’m feeling a lot of gratitude. I love our Facebook family and I appreciate the way you all support each other, and I sincerely appreciate the way you support me too with your heartfelt comments. I try to show my appreciation with supportive thoughts and...
Lizzie Velasquez was born with a disease so rare it doesn’t even have a name. What she did with it is even more rare! Her disease caused others to stare and make hurtful comments, but instead of dwelling on those comments, she chose to use them as fuel to...
How many times would you throw an ice cream cone before giving up? You’ll understand this question in a minute. No worthy goal is accomplished with a single step. It takes many small steps to get results. And taking small steps requires persistence, patience and...
I love these type of social experiments and displays that inspire us all to think of what we can do to make someone’s life better in some small way. The lesson we’re all taught is to give without expecting something in return, but even if we don’t...
One thing is for sure: without some risk there’s no reward. Achieving our goals takes a certain amount of risk, and the level of risk we’re comfortable with varies for each of us. Factors such as our true desire to accomplish our goal, the level of security we feel in...
We all need to celebrate our successes – no matter how small – whether it’s taking a small step toward a goal, standing up for ourselves, or saying “Yes” to an opportunity that scares us a bit. A little celebration sets us up for the next step with...
When I was younger I didn’t know what being in the closet meant intellectually, but emotionally I got it loud and clear. I was aware that I was somehow different, and that those differences were more of a problem – not a blessing. Like most kids, I wanted others...