Ash Beckham: When to Take a Stand -- and When to Let it Go

Ash Beckham: When to take a stand -- and when to let it go

David Steindl-Rast: Want to Be Happy? Be Grateful

The one thing all humans have in common is that each of us wants to be happy, says Brother David Steindl-Rast, a monk and interfaith scholar. And happiness, he suggests, is born from gratitude. An inspiring lesson in slowing down, looking where you're going, and above all, being grateful.

What Is the True Definition of Hope? Better Yet, What Is Hope?

In life, there are many intangible and indescribable things. However, despite the fact that they are not things that we can hold in the palm of our hands they are cornerstones of our existence.

In fact, for many people it is these things that get them through the trials and tribulations that life can bring. Love, faith, and hope are things that we rely on and look for in life, but sometimes truly understanding them is a challenge. In fact, hope is one of those intangible things that we hold closest to our hearts, but the question is why?

Better yet, what is hope? One definition of hope is "cherishing a desire with anticipation," but what does that really mean? When you hope for something you dream about it. You dream about what it would mean to you, and that makes you want it. With each thought, that desire increases exponentially, and it grows until you start to feel excitement and anticipation about the possibilities that the future could bring to you.

So, why do we hope? Hoping allows us to increase our belief that we live in a world where good things happen. The world is filled with many sad stories that could break your heart and leave you wondering what the point of it all is. That kind of thinking can allow you to spiral into a deep depression.

However, with hope you have a chance to look at the world through a positive perspective. In fact, many people believe that we are able to create self-fulfilling prophesies. With hope we are paving the way toward something positive and good for ourselves. You set yourself up for greatness.

You may be one of those people who need to see a vision of something positive to help you achieve it. If you hold hope close in your heart, you can almost envision yourself achieving the thing that you are hoping for. It gives you the strength and focus to start working towards your goal.

Another definition of hope is something that can help you unite with others. For example, if you and your spouse or significant other are hoping to buy your first home this is something that can bring you together. While you may only start by hoping you can take that hope and transform it into a plan of action which will make your dreams a reality.

Hope is not always present. It can fade away. You can lose it all together, but the good news is that you can always find hope again. In fact, you can find hope in many different places. Sometimes hope can be reignited by simply hearing a child laugh or in the gentle embrace of friends.

Maintaining your hope takes effort on your part sometimes, but it is worth it. When you put in the work to keep hope strong it will keep you in a mind frame that allows your dreams to become a reality.

You never know, sometimes your hope can be so strong that it will inspire those around you. After all, isn't that the world that we all hope to live in?

Herb Ammons, Motivational Speaker and Author. http://www.herbammons.com Ammons is the co-author of a new inspirational book called Hope for Tomorrow: A Book of Motivational Quotes. Grab FREE, Exclusive Report, "Resolve To Help Yourself," visit: http://tinyurl.com/2happy

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Extraordinary Times Demand Extraordinary Leadership: René Carayol at TEDxPlainpalais

René reveals through breathtaking examples how culture superseeds vision and endures the most extraordinary situations. René Carayol, one of the world's leading business gurus specializing in leadership and culture. Drawing from his own unique experiences on the boards of the biggest British and American organizations; from Marks & Spencer and Pepsi to IPC Media and the Inland Revenue, René has had the privilege of working closely with some of the world's best leaders; Sir Richard Branson, Bill Clinton, Ko Annan and Colin Powell to only name a few!

Creating Connections With Today's Youth

1. Be open - Being open is extremely important to building healthy student to mentor relationships, and giving the young person a safe place where they can really discuss their struggles is important. Make sure to make it clear to the student that you're providing them with a no judgment zone, and that you can be trusted as an adult to have their best interests in mind. Unless they express a desire to do harm to themselves or others, allow them to talk out the tough issues with you as you build a strong foundation of trust.


2. Provide relevant advice - As an adult, it's possible that you've experienced just what they're experiencing now, and that you have some useful information when it comes to what to do next. Providing advice to students who come to you for help is a great way to build a healthy relationship, but it's important to do so as an equal, and not as a person who may be speaking down to them and their concerns.


3. Treat them equally - If there is one thing that many young people despise, it's being treated childishly, and talking to or treating today's youth in a mature manner can do a great deal in building respect. When providing advice, or an ear to talk to, it's important that you respect the student just as you would wish to be respected, and to speak to them in a mature manner appropriate for their particular age group.


4. Go to them - In many cases, a student or young person may not feel comfortable initiating a relationship, which is why it's important for the adult to extend the line of communication. Engaging the young person or simply allowing them to know that you have a willing ear should they need someone to listen is a great way to offer the opportunity for a mentor type relationship.


5. Appropriate Self-Disclosure- This is one of the many keys to connecting with disengaged students and youth. With more than 15 years of working with at-risk youth, I've learned that it's important to let them know that we experience or have experienced many of the things that they are going through. Loss, confusion, and anger, etc. However, it is not enough to simple say, "I've also been angry." or "I've also lost a loved one." When sharing bits and pieces of your life that you believe can change the belief of the young person you are working with, you must be specific. "I may not understand exactly how you feel, but I remember losing my uncle when I was 16. I never forget him and what he meant to me." or "I can remember getting angry at my mother when I was 16 and saying something inappropriate. I didn't sit down for a week!" Not only will some of your stories get a laugh, they will be memorable and will also let the student know that we all at some point have been where they are.

Ian J. Humphrey is an international motivational speaker, author, youth mentor. Find out more about him at http://www.beianspired.com or call him at 720.857.4026

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The Science of Compassion: Dr. James Doty at TEDxUNPlaza

James R. Doty, M.D. is the founder and director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University of which His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the founding benefactor. He collaborates with scientists from a number of disciplines examining the moral, social and neural bases for compassion and altruism.