General Goodness
People Who Inspire Me: Ann Lightfoot
It’s been awhile since I’ve written a ‘People Who Inspire Me’ post but you’re going to start seeing more of them as I make it a regular feature. I have been so blessed to have had so many truly wonderful people come into my life and I’d like to share some of their stories.
I can’t even remember how long ago it has been since Ann and I first met, but one thing that has always meant a lot to me is how welcoming she has always made me feel. Her smile is absolute genuine. She loves life and gives with all of her heart. Sadly I don’t get to see Ann very much (except online through Facebook and Twitter). I look forward to every opportunity to get together.
Below is a little bit about Ann’s story.
What you do professionally?
I’m a human resources/payroll/social media/risk manager for Harper Oil Products, Inc. and Harper Properties, Inc. dba HOP Shops and DQ Grill & Chill of Walton.
I’m also the assistant/photographer/partner (APP) with Christiaan Todd Photography. We capture a variety of images: Art, Weddings, Reunions, Graduations, Posed Shots, Action Shots, Performances, Tournaments, Organizations, Portraits, Head Shots, Pets, People, Commercial Photos, Product Photos, Ads, Reports, Brochures, Magazines, Exhibits, Newsletters, Presentations, Events, etc. By the way, you can find their Facebook link here.
What are your simple pleasures in life?
I love to be with people I care about, as well as meeting new people. One of my favorite things to do is listen. I enjoy listening to the sounds of the country like birds chirping, raindrops, creeks trickling, owls hooting, cows mooing, trees rustling, cicada sounds, and big bull frogs croaking.
Who is your role model and what have you learned from him/her?
I have learned the most about leadership from John Maxwell who has written more than 50 books on the subject.
I also learned a lot about physical strength, emotional strength and strength of purpose from the United States Army.
What inspires you to be who you are?
People that come into my life that are having a hard time but are still being positive. They inspire me.
What is one of your life lessons you’d like to share?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
What about this day has made it a good day?
This day is good because the people I love are doing well. We have family excited about having a baby and some are excited about getting married soon. I’m putting people to work which is always a great feeling. I enjoyed smiles and laughter with my fiancé Christiaan, and my two daughters TODAY. “Enjoying every moment”
The Good Things Going Around Pledge Is Spreading
A couple months ago I created the Good Things Pledge as an outlet to brighten people’s days and inspire others to live for every moment, and to see and appreciate the good that is all around. All of us have within ourselves the power to make a positive contribution. Cultivating that good through a sincere respect, caring and appreciation is one of the most important gifts we can give.
What is the Good Things Pledge? It is a simple promise to remind yourself every day of what is positive. The Pledge is a personal vow that involves appreciation, being kind and being aware that every small act has the potential for a huge impact.
Take a look at some of the people who have recently taken the Pledge.
Jill Dunne, Stephanie Johnson, and Brandy Jones of the Cincinnati Metro
marketing team
Melissa Currence with the
Greater Cincinnati Foundation
“Working at The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, I know Cincinnati has a lot to give. I have the Good Things Pledge hanging up in my workspace and it reminds me to do my best every day to help our community. Cincinnati has wonderful neighborhoods and causes to support. Let’s keep the good things going around!”
Taking the Pledge is simple. Just visit the Good Things Pledge page and fill in your information in the white box. I’ll send you your certificate.
Michael Rubin Took The Good Things Pledge
Michael is a social media strategist for Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati, and is a member of my Good Things Going Around Facebook community. He is also among the first people who eagerly signed up to take the Good Things Pledge.
“Working in a big company, it’s all too easy to let the drama of others minimize your own sense of worth. The Good Things Pledge serves as a daily affirmation for me that the only one who determines how I feel is me. At the beginning of each day, I have a choice about how I engage with the world and the Pledge reminds me to choose the path of good intention,” he said.
When people provide their name (in the white box on the Good Things Pledge page), I send them a cheerful certificate to remind them of their promise. Michael has his certificate hanging in his office at work…a daily reminder that the world and the day
have a lot of meaningful good. (It’s the colorful page on his cubicle.)
Michael is a great example, showing us that in our busy lives, it’s still important to make that
conscious decision to think about and act upon the good all around.
Are You Having A Good Day?
Make Good Things A Part Of Everyday
With The Good Things Pledge
Warning! People throughout Greater Cincinnati (and beyond) need to be warned, by giving of a few minutes of their time, they are contributing to a rapidly growing outbreak that is highly contagious. But doctors say it is not dangerous, in fact, they recommend following the directions below…
The outbreak is spread through Good Things Pledges. Brand new to our area, people who are being affected by the Pledges are beginning to show up in schools, businesses, community centers and homes; on the streets of Over-the-Rhine and in the suburbs. EVERYONE is susceptible – from little children to adults. People of all backgrounds need to be advised that this epidemic is easily spread from one person to the next with just a simple smile and a positive attitude.
What are these Good Things Pledges and why are they so catchy, you ask? A Good Things pledge is simply a promise – a personal vow that involves liking oneself and others, appreciating the little things that make life special, being kind, and being aware that every small act has the potential for a huge impact. Those behaviors are collectively called Good Things and many people already have them.
The Good Things Pledge
On this day and every day, I pledge to myself…
I will be thankful for what I have,
for people who I love and people who love me.
I will walk tall and not be afraid to fall.
I will be kind and help others just because I can.
I will brighten this day with my smile.
I will do my best to be the best me I can be.
Let’s give this outbreak a boost!
Do your part by taking the Good Things Pledge and spreading the word.
How does one take the Good Things Pledge? Simply go to the Pledge page on this blog and register by scrolling down in the white box to fill in your contact information. EVERYONE who registers will receive a frameable certificate just for taking a few minutes to make the promise; and can download and share an image on Facebook or Twitter that states he/she has taken the Pledge.
Thanks! Oh, and have a good day!
This Thanksgiving, Give Thanks For Ordinary Miracles
I’ve always loved this song by Sarah McLachlin and thought during this week of Thanksgiving what a fitting time to share. Each and every day all around us are ordinary miracles. The older I get the more I see them. They add so much beauty to our lives. What ordinary miracles are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?
Wishing you and yours a peaceful and happy holiday filled with love.
Lisa
