You Matter, I Matter

He did it again.

Last week, I had the enormous pleasure of corresponding with Sam Parker, creator of 212 The Extra Degree, which those of you who've been here awhile may remember as the focus of one of our early Makeover Mondays. Sam (I hope it's okay if I call him that) has updated the video and you can find the new link here. Still powerful. Life-altering powerful.

If that wasn't enough, Sam also kindly let me know about his newest project, Smile and Move, a guide to mattering to the world, making a difference, and smiling while you do it. While it's geared to sales professionals, if you read it with a mind toward your everyday self, you'll find some gems. The book, which you can purchase (holiday gift idea!) or read for free online, is based on this simple concept:

It's one of our deepest, most human drives. I want to be needed. You want to be needed. We all want to matter to the world.

Don't we just?

Should you find yourself smiling less and complaining more, check out Sam's new book!

Note: I receive no compensation from Sam--he's nice, but apparently not that nice. I just like the concept.

For the record, YOU--your successes, your struggles, your enormous, beautiful hearts--matter to ME. I will always be grateful for your presence here, for your seemingly unending support and inspiration, and for your generosity in sharing your stories.

Leaving you with these words from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which I read for the first time on Sam's site:

After one has discovered what he is called for, he should set out to do it with all of the power he has in his system. Do it as if God almighty ordained you at this particular moment in history to do it.

Powerful stuff. Life changing even.