My story is a long story, so I will keep it short. It was a dark and stormy night…oops, wrong story. I was a soldier once. I fought a couple of wars. my experiences set me out on a path for enlightenment. What is the meaning of life? What is truth? Where do socks disappear to in the dryer? My path has taken me to many places and has placed me in many roles. A scholar,a poet, a dreamer, a writer, a carpenter, a craftsman, and as of late, some guy who oversees a salad bar. That one I did not see coming, kind of like a Nolan Ryan fastball, “where did that come from?” But I have come to a conclusion about one of the purposes of life. That one is to extend kindness wherever you can. One single act of kindness, like a pebble tossed into a pond, can ripple infinitely outwards, affecting lives of unknown proportions, in ways we may have never imagined. Do not settle for being merely nice, instead work on being kind. Yes, there is a difference, but that is another lesson. Peace.

I was given the card at the Maine Youth Leadership Seminar and after being told the story behind it I felt that others deserve admiration no matter how little they do because no matter how little the job it can make a big impact to someone.

At the MYL seminar Kathy told us Nathan’s story and gave each of us a card to help recognize people for making a difference with the simple things

Maria comes into the ladies restroom at least twice a day to tidy up the restroom and replenish the toiletries. She does this every day and I noticed that no one was really speaking to her. One day I asked her what her name was and her face lit up. I try to speak to her when I see her and now I am going to share this card with her. I hope it brightens her day. I’ll probably include a little gift as well.

I am sharing my card with a very dear friend who stood by me during my cancer treatment. She would sit and listen to my stories over and over and over and never interrupt me. She still calls me out of the blue just to check on me. I have to say she is a better friend than I am. She always made me feel comfortable no matter how bad I looked, if I had hair or not, or was wrapped up with so many bandages that mummies were jealous. I will enclose this card with the letter I write for her to open on her spiritual journey.

The head of MYL told us the story of Nathan, the boy who inspired the 7 of hearts orginization to be created. On our last day of the most amazing experience of my life, she gave us each a 7 of hears card, saying that everyone had made an impact on someone’s life while we were there.

I just recently returned from MYL which was a life changing experience with 120 other sophomores from across the state of Maine. I was given the card and the chance to do my part. I have recently learned that I can be myself and that no one can change who I am. After hearing the 7 of hearts story it made me realize that I can make the same difference on someone else and by giving the card to someone else I can make a ripple effect. MYL changed my life it made me see the good in myself and other people and that no judgement zone should apply everywhere. I was glad to share this experience with so many wonderful people and hope to make a difference in the world.

I got this card at Maine Youth Leadership (MYL) along with one hundred and twenty other sophomores. Our counselor Kathy was telling us that even when we think we don’t make a big difference in someones life, we do. I hope that the person I give the card to gives it to someone else that gives it to someone else and the card will travel! I also hope that you all get this card and actually write about your story. Also that it touches you your heart as much as it did to mine. This story meant a lot to me, I believe that the story will live on in my heart forever.

While attending a Leadership seminar I was given this card, long with the opportunity to pay something forward. The seminar itself got me to step out of my comfort zone and open up to other sophomores from across the state of Maine. I learned to step up and be a better leader not only for other but also for myself and learning to trust myself and take risks. Upon receiving this card we were all told the story behind it, after hearing it the entire crowd was over whelmed with emotions. Receiving a card opened up the opportunity to give something back, it might be small, but this card taught me that even small things can be significant.

I very recently returned from the MYL (Maine Youth Leadership) Seminar in Gorham, Maine. I attended the seminar with around 120 other sophomore students from the state of Maine. On the final day of the seminar one of the leaders, Kathy Leighton, stood before us and told us the story behind this website and the cards. I was moved to tears by it and truly inspired. It is a great honor for me to be taking part in this program.