April 2014 Letter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

Several months ago a friend introduced me – through YouTube – to Robby Novak. Eleven-year-old Robby has Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a brittle bone condition that has caused him to endure more than 70 broken bones since birth.

What is so amazing and awe-inspiring about Robby is that he doesn’t let it keep him down for a second. He doesn’t want people to think of him as a kid whose bones break a lot. He just wants to be known as a kid who wants to have fun. He wants to be known as a kid who makes the world a better place. You may know him as Kid President.

Robby Novak has become enamored by the world as Kid President – an online sensation spreading a message about how people can “make the world more awesome.” His most popular video, a pep talk to adults and kids alike, has been viewed online nearly 35 million times. My favorite Kid President video, “20 Things You Should Do More Often,” brings me to tears of laughter and hope. It is also a reality check. You should check him out… his videos are entertaining and insightful. But no matter the subject, the underlying theme is that we can all do little things to create positive change.

Doing good and giving back always seem like a later thing, rather than a now thing. You don’t have the money this month, you don’t have the time this weekend, and you couldn’t make that big of a difference on your own anyway, right? Wrong!

Making a positive impact can be easy, and even fun, when you think of all the ways you can help. You don’t need a pile of money, lots of helpers or tons of time to make a difference. Simply by using what you already have, and sharing it with others, you can come up with all sorts of ways to help someone have a better day.

In this issue of Marketplace you’ll find ways to make a difference. Flip through the pages to learn how to help Mother Earth by reducing, reusing and recycling; improve literacy by donating books to local schools and hospitals; increase mindfulness by getting involved in autism awareness. Or, just plain make someone laugh… you’ll be surprised at how it can improve their health and yours.

You can even help repaint a playground, volunteer at your local YM/WCA, send mail to an oversees hero, tell someone they are important, give someone a hug or simply use your manners.

These are just a handful of the thousands of ways you can make the world a better place. Just remember that every single thing you do makes a difference. Even the teeniest good deed can make someone’s day.

Amy Hines, Editor
amy.hines@ecbiz213.inmotionhosting.com

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