'Hope is All Around'
They Were Not “Dumb Kids”
(Post by Cathryn Wellner) When Jim McWilliams walked into the class, a room full of fifth graders fell silent. They knew something good was coming. Jim was “their” storyteller. Once a month the retired lawyer came read more
Digging Deep for Truths
Photo: Mississippi bluesman Son House (Post by CATHRYN WELLNER) The image still resonates for me. Bart Becker described a young fellow leading a frail old man to center stage. He sat the old guy in a read more
Why I Should Never Say Never
Feature photo: Cathryn’s Pioneer Ranch in British Columbia’s Cariboo (Post by CATHRYN WELLNER) You’d think I’d learn, particularly since the lesson has pounded me on the head repeatedly. There’s even a “law” that covers it. read more
My Magical Belief in Books
(Post by CATHRYN WELLNER) I have an almost magical belief in books. I expect to find guidance for whatever question or problem I’m wrestling with just by picking up the right book. And why not? I read more
Remember the 75-25 Rule
(Post by CATHRYN WELLNER) Steep trail ahead. Small group of hikers: Robin, me, a guide and two young men, all in their twenties, two more men in their late 40s. I was the only woman. Robin read more
The Baby Brought Me Home
(Post by CATHRYN WELLNER) It was the Baby who brought me safely home. Mother tucked the tiny plaster figure into my hand before she left me alone, in a hospital bed. She couldn’t stay with me. read more
Stereotyping Wears Away the Soul
(Post by CATHRYN WELLNER) I don’t think I paid much attention to gender disparity until high school, when the differences began to annoy me. Boys could wear trousers, but unless the temperature dipped below 20 F., read more
My Name is Cathryn
(Post by CATHRYN WELLNER) Preparing for the first day of 5th grade, in a school new to me, I made a resolution. From that day forward I would be called by my given name. “Cathy” is read more
The People We Love Are Not Us
(Post by CATHRYN WELLNER) We had a cat, my mother, brother and I. She was one of many animals who paraded through my childhood. This one was special, a pure-bred Siamese. I have no memory of read more
Blogging is Sacred Space to Bring Hope
(Post by CATHRYN WELLNER) On December 30 Michael Dahl posed two questions in the title of his blog post on Speak for We: “Does blogging matter? Does it create change?” He was responding to the question David read more
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The purpose of this site is to spread hope by sharing real-life stories of living-learning-leading. By thinking and acting in hopeful ways. By supporting and encouraging others. One person, one group at a time.
Why are we trying to spread hope?
We all need a steady infusion of hope. Hope creates resilience, positive behavior and engagement. Hope is essential for facing any challenge that life puts before you.
So, please join us, won't you?
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Spread HOPE.
~ Gary Doi, Founder/Editor
see "Why I Choose Hope"
("A Hopeful Sign" does not advocate for and is not aligned with any political, commercial or religious organization.)
Be the Change
A film by Conscious Action Network.
How Do You Feel About Retirement?
I don't have a specific age for retiring. I think if I continue to lov
Digging Deep for Truths
I doubt anyone gets through life without a serious case of self-doubt.
Digging Deep for Truths
Thank you for this huge serving of food for thought. I am in the midst
The Resurgence of Oral Storytelling and the Audio Book
Listening to audio books is practical and it meets the busy lifestyle
Our Journey of Lessons Travelling in Southeast Asia
And thank you, Gary, for putting together such a wonderful forum where