If We Could See Inside Other People’s Hearts
As we look at the lives of others, our own life and purpose becomes clearer. This video – in just 4 minutes – helps us see that everyone has their burdens and joys. In our day-to-day lives, we just don’t get the chance to see them, but this video...
Now Is the Perfect Time to Stretch a Little
I am not an athlete. And at age 72, I’m perhaps not the typical client who would seek out a professional stretching clinic. In fact, stretching clinics are relatively new to New Hampshire, and when I tell people how stretch therapy has enhanced my life, many...
EP30: Paul S. Boynton: Be Amazing In Everything You Do
I recently had the pleasure of participating in a wonderful discussion with Christina Rasmussen, host of the Dear Life podcast. You can hear the entire interview on her website through the link below: Listen to the Dear Life...
It Only Takes a Spark…
It Only Takes a Spark… A hymn that has stuck with me from my childhood includes the phrase, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going.” I’ve always believed that one of my purposes in life is to be a spark – to light the fire that inspires others...
The Story That Almost Wasn’t
We all loved the amazing movie Toy Story, but did you know that it almost didn’t happen? Anyone who has made big things happen knows that making dreams come true doesn’t happen over night. They’re often met with obstacles and can sometimes seem...
I Don’t Often Ask, But I Need Your Help
I Don’t Often Ask, But I Need Your Help My new book, “Be Amazing” will be released on January 7th, 2020. It’s being published by SKYHORSE, and distributed by Simon and Schuster. This is my first book to be published by a major publisher, and my editor, Abigail...
We Need This Reminder: It’s A Wonderful World
Today, more than ever, we need reminders of the beauty which abounds us in this world. With so many people hurting and struggling to make sense of the suffering going on around us, this beautiful song by Louis Armstrong continues to be a favorite and is such a...
A Life Lesson: The Fisherman and the Business Man
What if all our effort is focused on the wrong thing? We spend every day of our lives trying to get ahead. Our focus is so strong on becoming successful that we forget what success really is. This is a great lesson! The Fisherman and the Business Man There was once a...
Students Gather on Lawn of “Waving Grandma” for Warm Send-Off
Tinny Davidson, also known as the “Waving Grandma” by students in Comox, British Columbia, has been waving to students for 12 years. She waves to them in the morning, at lunch, and after school and they all wave back. The students look forward to it and...
Making the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life
I recently saw the new Broadway Musical, Hadestown, during previews, before the critics pronounced it a hit, and I found it to be quite extraordinary. The night we saw it was actually the second night it was performed in New York and before Mike and I left the...
Don’t Let Anyone Underestimate Your Potential
Many of us just see Thomas Edison as the genius who brought us the light bulb, among several other things. We figure he must have always been the smartest in his class and excelled at everything he did without much effort. This clearly was not the case for Thomas...
It Doesn’t Take Much To Be Kind
Begin with Yes is all about taking small steps to get to a larger goal. It’s all about being kind to yourself and others and making the world, your world, a better place. The man in this video emulates all of that and then some. By engaging in random acts of...
“A Colored Man in Exeter”
This is one of the best short stories I’ve read in a long time! It’s by Michael Cameron Ward, a new author from New Hampshire who’s documenting many of his family’s stories as shared by his parents. This is a preview of his book, which is...
Entire Neighborhood Learns Sign Language
Communication is a necessity that oftentimes is complicated. There can be communication barriers even when people speak the same language. For people who are hearing impaired, communication barriers are faced every day as society is built around the ability to...
Things a Dog Lover Should Never Forget
My dog Toby brought so much love into our home. He also brought lots of compassion, patience, learning, and many other things that we tend to take for granted. This video reminded me of the wonderful daily interactions Toby and I have together, and how he has taught...
Kindness Seeks No Reward, But Sometimes It Happens Anyway!
I always look to share acts of kindness in the hope that others will be inspired. It doesn’t matter how big the act of kindness is, they’re all worth sharing, but this one turned out to be a lot bigger than planned! Daniel, a 17 year old with Down...
101 Year Old Albina Teaches Us To Wonder!
Children provide a reminder of how to view every-day things with a new perspective. Through their eyes we can learn to regain some of our own sense of wonder. They help us see that it’s important to appreciate the little things and special moments that make life...
Little Free Pantry Helps Those In Need
If you are familiar with Begin with Yes, then you are familiar with our philosophies of small steps creating big change, and being kind to others. Little Free Pantry, a movement started just this May of 2016, shares those philosophies. Little Free Pantry is exactly...
10 Things To Remember When You Feel Stuck
It is very easy to feel like life is moving at too fast of a pace and you are just left behind, trying to keep your head above water. We’ve all been there, but we’ve all gotten ourselves back up and going with the flow, too. The truth is, life does move...
Positive Thoughts Count. Positive Actions Count More!
This is a wonderful story – and very inspirational too! It’s also a wonderful example of how positive thoughts count, but positive actions count more. We all have good ideas about things we can do to make a difference in the lives of others. Most of us...
The Unknown Can Be Scary… or Exhilarating!
Diving into the unknown can be a scary thing… or it can be exhilarating! Our experience of things is largely based on our attitude. If our attitude is that experiencing something new would be scary, then we’re likely to develop fear, which will hold us back from...
If Someone Wants to Walk Out of Your Life, Let Them Go!
Achieving your goals and dreams is much easier when you’re surrounded by people who encourage and support you. We’ve all had people around us who consume large amounts of time and energy while offering nothing in return. It’s such a common thing, but...
We Set Our Dreams Aside For All Sorts Of Reasons!
Saying “YES” to your life doesn’t have to be so hard, but sometimes we make it that way. We set our dreams aside for all sorts of things we call reasons, situations, justifications, rationalizations, or circumstances. But in the end, they’re...
You’re Stronger Than You Think!
If you’ve been with Begin with Yes for a while then chances are you’ve already discovered that you’re much stronger than you thought! And if you’re just joining us, you’ll be discovering that sooner than you think. It’s funny, isn’t it?...
11 Things To Remember When Going Through Tough Times
We have all done it – expertly mapping out our day, our month, our year in our heads. And every time we are reminded that nothing ever goes exactly as planned. We hit a stoplight, get stuck in traffic, spill our coffee, come down with the flu, get into an...
Bette Nash: The 80-Year-Old Flight Attendant!
What an inspiring story! When Bette was 21-years-old, she realized what she wanted to do for a career, made it happen, and now 59 years later she is still doing what she loves. When asked why she is still working, she says she considers it her social life, and she...
“One Step” – This Song Will Inspire You To Take It!
“One Step”, a song from the Broadway musical “Starting Here and Staring Now” captures the spirit of Begin with Yes perfectly. Please, listen to this entire song and I promise that as you do you’ll start thinking of the “one...
The Things That Dads Can’t Do
Watch this video and listen to a little girl list off all the things her dad can’t do. She’s amazed that dads can even survive in this world since they can’t do so many things!Beyond the cute message of this video is the message that dads sacrifice a...
A Journey to Motherhood – Introducing Noah Skye!
My friend Susan had her first grandchild recently. Her daughter wanted her to be there to share in the experience and help capture some memorable moments. It was a time filled with lots of emotion and love, as she helped her daughter bring a new life into the...
Finding The Courage To Take The First Step
This is a very inspirational video. Each person has their own story, but collectively their stories transcend all obstacles. If you feel stuck in the pursuit of your dream, watch these people and imagine the individual struggles that got them to where they are...
Piano Playing Power Couple
No one particularly enjoys going to the doctor, but while waiting for your appointment wouldn’t it be nice to be entertained by this piano playing power couple?Fran and Marlow Cowan decided to give the patients at the Mayo Clinic an impromptu piano recital, and...Protected: Graduation, Grace, Gramps, Chita and “The Bracelet”
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10 Rules To Live By
We’ve all heard of the power of positive thinking. Whether you believe that this school of thought can truly change your life, you should believe it can change your day, or at least your current mood.Sometimes, it is necessary to take a step back and evaluate...
Sometimes Laughter Is The Best Medicine
Sometimes laughter truly is the best medicine, especially when you are stuck. It is important to take a step back and evaluate how you are feeling. Many times, you may realize that there is something to smile (or laugh hysterically) about.No matter how stuck you are,...
Life Lessons From Rocky
Many of us have at least seen the original Rocky movie and been inspired by the rising underdog story. Rocky, no matter how many times he was literally beaten down, always got back up because he believed he still had more to prove and more steps to take. He never took...
This Girl Is Amazing – You Can Be Amazing Too!
Finding your passion is easier for some than others. We all have talents, but they develop at different stages in life for each of us. Discovering and developing your talent is one thing, but building a life around it is another. It takes committing yourself and...
Rhett Gets a Pet! I’m Wondering If I Should Do This
This pic is Toby, but the video is not… although it could be his doppelganger! I just couldn’t resist sharing for no other reason than to make you smile like it did me! It’s been said that it’s better to have at least two dogs so they have a friend...
Stop What You’re Doing & Watch This – Then Decide
We all have a dream, a passion, or a purpose. This video will make you think seriously about yours and the direction your life is heading. You’ll definitely feel like saying “I quit” to your current job. I’d suggest saying it in the mirror for...
Soldiers Surprising Their Moms – Priceless Reactions!
Being a military mom is no easy task. You’re proud one minute, afraid the next, with lots of other feelings in between. Your emotions change by the minute.But one thing that makes you feel better is when your soldier is standing in front of you and you get to...
Find Success In Helping Others Succeed
It is always such a breath of sweet, fresh air when I see someone as young as Michael Davies with the life knowledge of a well-seasoned adult. And not only does this high-schooler have that knowledge, but he’s shared it with a large group of people! He gives...
Grab A Can Of Spray Paint And Join Graffiti Grandma!
If you’ve ever thought you’re too old to try something new, take a look at this and think again. A non-profit organization in Lisbon, Portugal took “arts and crafts” to the next level and taught a group of elders how to graffiti their way...
You Can Become Anything You Want, So What Is Stopping You?
Lots of us wouldn’t have imagined ending up in the career that we’re in now. At 10-years-old, when someone asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up, professions like doctor, teacher, sports player, veterinarian, astronaut and fire fighter were often...
A Synchronized Stairway To Heaven
I lost track of how many steps it took to complete this routine somewhere between 50 and 50,000! This is an amazing video of a Spanish synchronized swimming team performing the most unique version of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” that...
Random Acts Of Kindness Bred From ALS
Here is another inspiring example of how when you change someone else’s life, you change your own. Once you see how much of a difference you can make in someone else’s day just by extending a smile, a kind word, or a moving thought, you’ll be...
Don’t Let Anything Stand In Your Way Of Adventure
You must always remember that no matter what, you are allowed to do what makes you happy, and you are just as entitled as the next person to go out there and do it. Just because you aren’t a good dancer doesn’t mean you can’t join a dance class; just...
Baby Sees His Mom For The First Time
It can sometimes be human nature to take basic functions of the body for granted. Unless of course, you have never even had a chance to take them for granted.Leo was born with a rare vision disorder, and was not able to see anyone for the first four months of his...
Pay Attention Before The Parade Passes By
Being happy is more often about where we choose to focus than it is about our circumstances. There are people surrounded by blessings which should make them feel happy, but instead they focus on things that make them feel unhappy. Then there are others surrounded by...
A Man’s Reaction To News Of Becoming A Grandfather
Think about the last time you were surprised with exciting news. Was your reaction as animated and contagious as this man’s was when he found out he was going to be a grandfather? Maybe not, but that doesn’t mean you weren’t just as excited!This man...
What Makes YOU Grateful?
It’s easy to get discouraged, especially when you have a lot on your plate and nothing seems to be going right. It is always important to show gratitude with everything that you do, and remember that even in your darkest hours, there is always something to be...
Navy Veteran Turned Tap Dancer
This is such a powerful video proving that you are never too old to check things off your bucket list.A seasoned veteran of the United State Navy decided that at the age of 85, he wanted to learn how to tap dance. So what did he do? He went out and signed up for...
Challenged America: An Organization For Children In Need
Your life can always change in just one instant, for better or for worse. It is important to always keep that knowledge in the back of your mind and live your life to its fullest potential.And when life does take a turn and you are knocked down, it is even more...
The World’s Oldest Flash Mob!
You’re never too old to dance, and this fabulous group of seniors proves just that!On a busy afternoon at a shopping center in New Zealand, shoppers are hustling, bustling and minding their own business. Then music starts and a single woman starts dancing....
Simple Act Of Kindness Helps Little Girl Fight Cancer
A lot of times in our careers we get caught up in our day-to-day tasks and don’t pay attention to the world going on around us. It happened to these construction workers on a job, just like it happens to all of us. However, as these construction workers were...
Live Like You Were Dying – The Bucket List
Time passes so quickly. We all have dreams and aspirations, then we get caught up in life and before you know it years have passed and they seem a bit more distant. Other’s priorities creep in and we spend a good part of our lives doing things that aren’t...
A Canceled Wedding Turned Into A Feast For The Homeless
One way to take your mind off the pain and disappointment of something in your life not working out is by helping others in need. By offering your support to others during a difficult time in your own life, you realize how much you do still have to offer even if you...
A Father-Daughter Dance Like No Other
Think about something you’ve always wanted to do and ask yourself why you haven’t done it yet. Is it because you’ve never had enough time, enough money, enough courage, enough skill? Enough with “enough”! There are always going to be...
The Magic of Disney: Shadow Edition
Who of us hasn’t ever dreamed of being a princess, a warrior, or a king? I am willing to bet that each and every one of us have daydreamed about it at least once. Maybe those daydreams only occurred when you were a child, but this event in a shopping mall...
More Alike Than Different – World Down Syndrome Day
We’re all more alike than different. When we take the time to listen to others – especially those we think are more different – we find that our perspectives change and we develop more understanding and compassion. These children set an example for...
In Case You Thought Pop Music & Dancing Is Just For Girls…
If you are of the belief that pop music, dancing and lip syncing are just for girls, this video will destroy that gender barrier completely!Watch as this loving father stops in his tracks and begins to dance and lip sync along with his daughter to a pop song that she...
Mental Illness Battled with PeaceLove
PeaceLove is an organization that supports mental illness by helping people create works of art to express themselves. So many people in this world struggle with some form of mental illness, and many do not know what to do to help themselves.Jeff Sparr found that in...
A Little Girl And Her Duck
What do you do when someone tells you that your dream isn’t real? Do you find the courage to continue believing and move forward anyway? Watch the story of Kylie Brown and Snowflake the duck. Their bond is indisputable, and she swears she’s his mom. You...
Life = Risk… And It’s So Worth It
Some of the most influential people in history were told – numerous times by numerous people – that they would fail and they should just stop trying. And then they went on to do something great. These people knew their potential, followed their passion,...
Find Your Grit – We All Have It In Us
Teachers make children learn in many ways. One of them is to make them consider their own thoughts about important topics such as, “What qualities does it take to succeed in life?” For 11 year old Ian Gurholt it’s grit. He says, “What is the...
Teacher Spends Her Life Savings On A Bus – At 77!
Would you put it all on the line for a dream… at the age of 77!? This is an amazing story of of a woman, who as a girl, picked beans in the segregated fields of the south. She went on to go to college, become a teacher, and teach for 50 years. And then at the...
A Wonderful Act Of Kindness By The NYC Ballet
Natalia Armoza’s daughter, Pearl, has Cerebral Palsy. One day, while wishing that her daughter could take part in activities like most other children, she decided to write a letter to the New York City Ballet. Her letter said, “It would mean so much to my...
We Get By With A Little Help From Our (New) Friends
Joey Resto is a young man from New York City who was taking the subway home one night this winter when he noticed a man shivering, only in a pair of pants and shoes. Joey gave the man his shirt and winter hat to help keep him warm. The man was surprised and...
Remember A Time When You Had No Fear?
Many of us can’t quite remember much about those times, but they existed. Over time there were people in our lives who either encouraged us or made fun of us when we tried to do something new, and eventually the fear started creeping in. Even those who are generally...
It’s Never Too Late To Start Again
The main thing stopping us from starting over is believing we can, so believe you have a clean state and you will. But a clean slate is only good if you do something with it. People always ask me where to begin, and I say the easiest step is a good place to start. So...
When There’s a Will, There’s a Way!
What a great way for new moms to get a little exercise… and socialize at the same time! Dancing to a choreographed routine set to Sugar Ray’s “Fly” looks like fun, and the babies seem to love it too! When working toward your goal you have to be...
Need Advice? Sometimes The Children Have It Right!
We all need a little encouragement and advice from time to time, no matter what our age. Sometimes that advice is full of humor, sometimes it is heartfelt, and sometimes it’s a little bit of both.You’re never too old or too young to give and receive...
The Gift Wrap And The Jewel
Wanda B. Goines was 92-years-old when she wrote a poem on growing old and what is truly important in life. The video of her reciting her poem is below, and is so worth a listen.Aging is not something that all of us are afforded, and it is important to remember that we...
Ain’t It Good To Know “You’ve Got A Friend” – James Taylor
It’s common for people to feel a bit down and lonely this time of year now that the holidays are over and we’re in the middle of winter. It’s colder outside (and inside too), the days are shorter, and it’s not as easy to get out into the...
It’s Just A Phase – So Don’t Miss It!
Life goes by so fast and there are so many moments that we miss… moments that we just can’t re-create. The best moments are cemented into our memory as we sit with our families and friends and tell stories of all the wonderful times we’ve...
Special Needs Teacher Uses The Power Of A Compliment
Routine is important – especially in a classroom – and even more so in a classroom full of special needs children. Chris Ulmer, a school teacher in Florida, puts a different spin on the normal routine, and for the first ten minutes of each day, he...
Hesitant Horse Provides Many Laughs
Trying new things can be difficult, but it’s what keeps our minds fresh. Take a lesson from this horse and learn that no matter how silly you may look doing something, all that matters is that you tried your best.As George S. Patton once said, “Success is...
Abandoned Dogs Teach Inmates How To Care, Love, And Be Loved
This just seems like such a wonderful idea! Imagine the behavior you’d fall into if you were in a jail cell and felt all alone and unloved. You’d probably be pretty resentful, depressed, angry, or have some other negative reaction to your predicament. Then...
The Old Woman and a Stranger – A Circle of Kindness
This is a story that reminds us of the road that kindness takes. It’s based on a song by country artist Clay Walker and I hope it inspires you to help sprinkle a little more kindness in your world!The Old Woman and a StrangerOne day a man saw an old lady...
When Your Feet Don’t Touch The Ground
Tonight as you drift off to sleep, give power to your imagination… it’s where your dreams live.This beautiful song by Gary Barlow is from the brand new musical “Finding Neverland”. I’m sharing it because I can’t get it out of my head and because I...
Elderly Woman Ditches Her Cane To Dance!
Seeing the woman in this video release her cane reminded me of how we all have crutches – excuses – that we use from time to time. They help us avoid putting the effort in to accomplish something, but they also hold us back. Some are physical crutches...
80-Year-Old Fred Knittle Inspires Audiences
You never know where life will take you when you say “yes!” In Fred Knittle’s case it took him to a place that was totally unexpected and into a world he never imagined. After retiring Fred’s wife encouraged him to try out for the Young@Heart...
The Wisdom of Elders Has Great Value! Share Yours
This is a very interesting dialog from an old TV show called Dragnet, which some of you may remember. The fundamental principles and values it expresses remain true today, and I was reminded of how TV shows used to convey such important lessons within the context of...
Veteran Reunited With Dogs Who Were Put Up For Adoption After His Heart Attack
This Vietnam Veteran and his dogs, Baily and Blaze, were reunited after 3 months. He had a serious heart attack and his dogs were taken to a shelter. When they were told he may not make it the dogs were put up for adoption and he was about to lose them.But he got...
The Circle Game – Joni Mitchell
Seeing all the children growing up so fast at holiday gatherings is always a reminder of just how quickly time passes. In the life of a child, a year marks such a dramatic change. But time really passes at the same pace for all of us. We just don’t see the...
Walk2Connect – Would You Walk This Way?
When was the last time you went for a good walk? Not just to get from point A to point B, but a walk to connect with the outdoors and your community. If your answer is, “I don’t remember”, then it is time to change that! Even if your answer is...
“My Christmas Eve” – State Highway Patrol Trooper
As we celebrate the holidays, I wanted to offer thanks to all those who work through them to help those in need. Nurses, doctors, firefighters, rescue workers, police and many others. Please keep them in mind during this holiday season. In this story called “My...
Do You Know Someone Who Feels Like The Man On The Moon?
Many people feel lonely around holidays, but a small effort to reach out can make a big difference in relieving someone’s loneliness. This beautiful video shows just how much an unexpected and kind gesture can mean to someone, especially our elderly family...
The Best Gift Is Time Spent With Others
Christmas and this holiday season are about so much more than presents and buffet style dinners. They’re about spending time with your loved ones. As soon as we reunite with family and friends that we haven’t seen in a while, all the stress of finding the...
Kids Have To Choose Gift For Themselves Or Parents
The choices we make define our lives. We try to teach our children how to make the right choices too, but we can’t always be there to guide them.These kids were put in a situation where they had to make a choice between getting something for themselves or their...
What We Can Learn From A Banana And An Onion
Our life is shaped not by what comes our way, but how we respond to it. We all have a choice about how we react to situations as they’re presented to us. This is a wonderful example of finding the good in a situation that was clearly set up to evoke a different...
School Principal Joins 5th Grade Orchestra!
There are so many wonderful lessons to be learned here! School principal Jeremy Day decided he wanted to take viola lessons so he joined his 5th grade students in music class. The experience seems to have had a wonderful effect on all involved.On the day of their...
Everyone Battling Adversity Needs A Fight Song!
A 16 year girl who is battling ovarian cancer adopted “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten as her anthem to help her get through her fight with the disease. Caly Bevier, who was diagnosed at 15 years old, not only has a great attitude toward fighting cancer, but...
Police Sting Turns Into Wonderful Social Experiment!
Amidst all of the horrible actions that are occurring around the world right now, it is important to remember that there are still wonderful people all around us. A police officer in Vancouver, Canada went undercover in an attempt to catch someone who was taking...
A Preschool In A Nursing Home – Brilliant!
What happens when you put a preschool in a nursing home? Lots of wonderful things! An inter-generational learning center in Seattle, Washington has being doing it for years and the results are wonderful for all involved.The senior living community is called Providence...
The Wall of Loving Remembrance
Together we have learned that at the beginning or in the midst of any new and unfamiliar journey, it’s important to remember with love those who have transitioned from this physical plane. We remember those who have encouraged and loved us as we once were and...
Dinner Time: Do You Unplug From Technology?
You’re probably reading this post from a phone or computer. As grateful as I am for the time you are taking to read my blog, when you’re finished, try unplugging from technology for a while and spending some quality time with your loved ones, or even just...
Imagine All The People Living Life In Peace
Is world peace possible? Yes, but only if we believe it is.The vast majority of the world lives in peace. For all the problems in the world today, there are many, many wonderful things happening too. When we lose sight of all the good that’s happening, we begin...
Running Across America At The Age of 92!
Ernie Andrus is a 92-year-old retired Navy veteran who would love to see the ship he served on back on the shores of Normandy for the D-Day memorial in 2019, but the renovation and transportation costs money. He started the Coast2Coast Runs Project to raise money for...
A Lemonade Stand Serving Cups Of Kindness
We’ve all passed through neighborhoods before where children are excitedly flagging you down to sell you a cup of lukewarm lemonade for 50-cents. And if you’re like me, you’ve definitely stopped at one or two of these stands to help the cause and...Recent Posts
God Made A Dog
If We Could See Inside Other People’s Hearts
Now Is the Perfect Time to Stretch a Little
EP30: Paul S. Boynton: Be Amazing In Everything You Do
It Only Takes a Spark…
The Story That Almost Wasn’t
I Don’t Often Ask, But I Need Your Help
We Need This Reminder: It’s A Wonderful World
A Life Lesson: The Fisherman and the Business Man
Students Gather on Lawn of “Waving Grandma” for Warm Send-Off
Get Begin with Yes mugs, t-shirts and bags on CafePress!
Get Begin with Yes on Amazon!
