Contents

Introduction

The Power of Hello

The Art of Being a Neighbor

A Kind and Generous Heart

Make It Do

Grace Is a Gift

The Sisterhood of Roller Derby

Caring Makes Us Human

Satisfaction with a Job Well Done

The World Is Imperfect

Peace Can Happen

A Priceless Lesson in Humility

Finding Out What’s Under Second Base

Accomplishing Big Things in Small Pieces

I Have to See the World

Deciding to Live

Walking in the Light

The Perfect Merge

Listening Is Powerful Medicine

Semper Fidelis

Our Vulnerability Is Our Strength

Patriotic Ponderings

Opening the Door of Mercy

The True Value of Life

An Invitation to Dialogue

Homeless but Not Hopeless: A Man Finds His Soul

The Power of Sleep

Where Wildflowers Grow

I Could Be Wrong

Everyone Is Included

A Lesson I Hold Dear

A Taste of Success

A Grace of Silence

Do Talk to Strangers

Finding Our Common Ground

Bus Chick’s Manifesto

Right Now Matters

Seeing with the Heart

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

The Triumph of Kindness

Time to Walk the Dog

Yankee Go Home

The Courage to Change the Things I Can

To Hear Your Inner Voice

Keep It Real

Important Strangers

My Parents as Friends

A Good Neighborhood

Believing in People

Becoming Friends

Just Say No

Courage Comes with Practice

Adapting to the Possibilities of Life

Why Are We Here?

A Drive to Achieve the Extraordinary

Inviting the World to Dinner

Finding the Flexibility to Survive

The Act of Giving Thanks

Sally’s Monday

If You Don’t Do It, Who Will?

Here Comes (the Real) Santa Claus

Appendix: How to Write Your Own This I Believe Essay

Acknowledgments