I have mentioned previously that in order for the world to be changed there needs to be a realignment of values, in other words, a paradigm shift. Our entire way of thinking needs to be changed. In order for this to happen, unfortunately, it will require that this new way of thinking be created for the average person. The average person is more passive in their way of living, they are dictated by the system in which the live within, instead of actively questioning and engaging the system. We, the people who want to see a change in the system, the ones who actively think about the world we live in, must create a new one. A paradigm defined with hope, inspiration, global values, etc.

Craig Kielburger had a great quote today in the Toronto Star about just this shift in thinking. He said, "The idea behind (it) is that if we're going to truly end poverty it's more than just writing a cheque. It's shifting how young people look at the world, how they shop, how they vote, how they give of their time". His brother and him describe it as a movement but I think it is more than just that. A movement can fade over time, whereas a shift in the way we live our lives is timeless.

Try to think about how you can contribute to the paradigm shift, where would you be able to influence those around you to change the way they think about their interaction with the world. Actively make the world a better place and don't just wait for someone else to create your new world for you.

On Pangea Day, Donald Brown spoke about his years of studying humans for universal things we all have in common. He has compiled a list and this is it. Human Universals.

Here is a great video showcasing the power one person has to start a movement. Through action others will follow.

I read an interesting story today about a Tim Hortons manager berating an individual for purchasing food for a homeless person and then leaving her in the restaurant to eat it. Apparently it was this stores policy not to allow homeless people to eat in the restaurant because they are 'too messy', regardless if they are a paying customer or not.

Ludicrous. Appalling. How dare they treat another human being with such disrespect. A policy against homeless people? They should be brought up on charges of discrimination. It crosses the line. Sure the restaurant must provide an atmosphere where all customers must feel comfortable and not to be bothered, so I can understand a no panhandling policy, but to deliberately target homeless people as being less than human is too far. Sure, they are ok if the homeless person wants to pay for the food, but to enjoy it like any other customer would be against the rules.

What happened to caring for people down on their luck? lending a hand when someone is down? What I would like to know is how many donuts Tim Hortons discards on a daily basis. Why not offer them to those who are starving and in obvious need of some help. Afraid that more homeless people might show up looking for a handout? That argument has always blown me away, "If we can't help everyone we wont help anyone" is essentially what they are saying. If every Tim Hortons gave out a dozen donuts to homeless people then, without doing the math, my guess is every homeless person would receive one. 12 donuts. How many do they throw out?

Homeless people aren't to be treated with disdain, they should be treated with the respect you or I would give each other, to our families, and to our friends. I am appalled that this happens and I hope this isn't the last we will hear of this story. I hope that in the coming months we hear reports of this particular Tim Hortons being reprimanded, or a customer boycott against them. It shouldn't happen, and Tim Horton would be disgusted if he were alive to see it.

Let me ask you this:

What is worth more
A dollar or a kind word
A dollar or a smile
A dollar or hug
A dollar or giving hope
A dollar or a minute or your time

We get so caught up in giving money we forget what all of us can give. You don't need a dollar to make a difference. I know what I would rather receive and while a dollar for some can make the difference between life and death, it doesn't change the fact that everyday we could give so much more, and change the lives of so many more without a pocket full of money. What is worth more to you?