Resources for Inspiration
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time
This is my favorite book! It tells the story of one American—Greg Mortenson—who has dedicated his life to building schools (mainly for girls) throughout the remotest areas of northern Pakistan and Afghanistan.
With very little money and a GREAT deal of heart and determination, Mortenson demonstrates over and over the true solution to transforming the West's relationship with the Moslem world. Please read this book!
For more information about Mortenson's foundation— or to get involved—go to the Central Asia Institute.
Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism
Muhammad Yunus, a native of Bangladesh, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. His journey to such an honor began in 1974 when he started loaning money—sometimes less than a dollar—to very poor people in Bangladesh so they could start their own small businesses.
Although he faced strong cultural opposition, most of his loans were made to women. This is because the first thing women do as soon as they gain economic power is send their children to school, effectively breaking the endless cycle of poverty.
From this simple beginning over 30 years ago, the microcredit movement has become a multibillion dollar industry that is transforming the lives of the poor around the world. In this book, Yunus shares what he has learned about people, small business entrepreneurs, and the solution to poverty. Please read this book, too!
For more information about Muhammad Yunus, go to: Muhammad Yunus.
I first read about Muhammad Yunus in Ode Magazine, a publication founded in the Netherlands. Published in Dutch and English, the magazine offers a great break from all of the doom and gloom that the media usually focuses on. Its purpose is to gather together "positive news about the people and ideas that are changing our world for the better."
I believe strongly that what we focus on grows. By concentrating on what is going right, on the wonderful people around the world who are coming up with unique ideas and solutions that are truly making a difference, we help to create a more positive future for all of us. Ode adds a wonderful voice to this process.
Tama Kieves is one of the most inspirational people I have ever discovered. She is a writer, career coach and workshop leader with absolutely amazing wisdom! Check out her website (Awakening Artistry) and sign up for her free newsletter.
You might also want to check out her book:
This Time I Dance! Creating the Work You Love