Timothy Roback is a 7th grader at East Jordan Middle School in East Jordan, Michigan and is the activity coordinator for a club at his school called The Shoe Club. The club is designed to inspire students to work hard, set goals, dream big and to give back to other people. I asked him to be a guest blogger on my blog and share his experience of being a part of such an important project. Also, check out the cool video by his great teacher Matt Hamilton who gives you an inside look at The Shoe Club.

“In our life there are two types of people; good role models, and bad role models. The “Shoe Club” is a club to teach kids how to be a good role model and inspire people themselves, just like their role models before them. One motto we have is, invest in yourself and invest in others. This means to always be helpful. But don’t go too far, as in when you have no time for yourself or just trying to please someone else. The Shoe Club has taught me a ton of stuff on being a better person, always doing the right thing and dreaming big! I would like to share some of those things with you. First and foremost, some members of the Shoe Club went on a trip to Chicago in February. During this trip I had quite a bit of fun, but that isn’t the main thing I took out of that trip. The two main things I did take out of that trip are; 1.) I met some amazing people from around the Country that were very good at sharing their ideas with me and all of my peers. 2.) The new leadership and community service ideas I got from it. I would never think I could have that much fun while learning new stuff! It was nothing like I had expected! Another thing we do in the Shoe Club is to go to our local care facility, Grandvue Medical Center. We go there to keep all of the residents company. There are many people there that fight a battle everyday and most people don’t know about it. I really enjoyed going there to visit with the older folks, playing bingo with them and hearing some great stories about their past. Both of these trips have taught me a lot about leadership from two different standpoints; a leading one and a caring form of leadership. This is why I joined the club, to learn. I like learning and this club has made it a fun experience, just like in Chicago.

Right now we are planning a custodian appreciation day. This is a day where we try to make it special for the custodians of our school by making their job easier throughout the day. I really do believe that the Shoe Club impacts the lives of all the students engaged with it. Some day, I hope it will impact the world, and I think it has the ability to do so! “ – Timothy Roback

Here is The Shoe Club video

Shoe Club Inspiration is a post from: Copyright 2010 Ed Gerety's Dream Big Blog

Last week I had the opportunity to speak at Keene High School in Keene, New Hampshire. The main focus of my school-wide assembly is on respect, responsibility, and gratitude. I talked with the students and teachers about how important it is to appreciate the people in your life and to let those close to you know how much you love them.

That evening I received an e-mail from one of the teachers. I was so moved by her story and what she shared with me that I went back to the school the next day to thank her. I gave her a hug and let her know how touched I was by her words and her attitude on the incredible loss she and her children had to recently face.

I asked her if I could share with you what she wrote to me on my blog. She agreed. I hope that you are reminded, as I was, about how important it is to appreciate everyday and say I love you.

Here is her e-mail.

Dear Ed,

I have been teaching at KHS for 18 years.  Today, I was lucky enough to accompany my senior Women’s Literature class to your presentation.  It turned into the perfect segue to a service project we’re doing, but more than that, it brought up a lot for me.

It was hard hearing some of the words about loss and never knowing when, because tomorrow will be eight months from the date the a police officer showed up at my door, telling my two elementary-aged kids and myself that my husband died in a winter-related car accident on the way to work.

The thing is, I have always been so very grateful for that last weekend we spent together.  Two days before was our 17th wedding anniversary, and we spent it at a wonderful love-filled couples’ party.  The day before was family day, with a trip to an IMAX movie and a family game of laser tag.

Most importantly, however, is that because it was Martin Luther King Day and the kids and I were home from school, that morning we all kissed goodbye, ALL exchanged I Love Yous.  My kids and I do not have to fear he didn’t know or wish we said it.

I hope all of those kids (and the teachers in the audience too) take your message to heart.  Not only should they pay it forward, not bully, stick up for others, and in essence make the world a better place, but they should shout their I Love Yous from the rooftops.  Maybe, because of your words today, some of them will.

Blessings and Gratitude,

Kim Dowd
Keene High School English teacher

Shout, “I Love You” From The Rooftops! is a post from: Copyright 2010 Ed Gerety's Dream Big Blog

Recently a high school student named Kelly asked me the following question: “I have this big problem, Ed. People are calling me names and saying I have no friends and no one likes me… I’m starting to think that it’s true. My self esteem is going way down. Please help.”

Kelly is not alone – there are thousands of teenagers who feel this way every day. The best thing Kelly did was ask for help. It is important to remember and know that as teens and even as adults you are not alone. There are people to help you and support you if you are willing to look and have the courage to ask for help and advice. The biggest challenge is then putting into action the advice or support that is offered to you.

Here’s the advice I have for Kelly, she has to ask herself some questions and then take the time to really answer them at a deep level.

Who is the source?

You always have to consider the source of where negative information or comments come from. If they are coming from someone whom you do not respect or trust, then you can disregard the comments as nonsense or as another example of a coward or bully trying to tear someone down to make themselves feel better. This will help you keep things in perspective.

Who is one friend that you trust and can count on?

There are plenty of people who claim or give the perception that they have a lot of friends. However, it is the quality of friendships in your life that will help you get through difficult or challenging times. Nurture a friendship with even one person that you trust and can talk to. When you have a great friendship with a person who supports you, encourages you and is there to pick you up when you’re feeling down it will make a world of difference, versus a crowd of superficial relationships.

What are you grateful for in your life right now?

Ask yourself what you are grateful or thankful for in your life right now? Start with one thing and then list five things. When you begin to really reflect on what you are grateful for in your life you cannot help but begin to focus on the positive.

What challenges and obstacles have you had to overcome in your life?

Self-esteem does not come from looking in the mirror and saying to yourself ‘you are incredible’! Self-esteem comes from looking at your life and seeing how much you have grown, what you have experienced, and had to overcome. It’s about looking at the successes you have had in your life so far and also seeing how you’ve persevered through challenges. Take the time to look back to see just how far you have come. Then look ahead and focus on all of the wonderful things that are possible. This is what will carry you through the ups and downs of life.

Is that it? Just focus on these questions and answers and everything will be better?

I wish it was that easy and the answer that simple. The truth is that there are always going to be mean people who are cruel and gossip about others. It does not stop in high school or in college. There are bullies everywhere and at almost every age. That is why it is so important to surround yourself with positive people and positive things whenever possible. What you focus on – you attract. What you think about – you become. Don’t let negative people bring you down, don’t let them hold you back from being kind and from dreaming big. The fact is that you are an amazing human being who has gifts and talents – many that are still to be discovered – that are going to help you create an extraordinary life and make the world a better place.

Can Gratitude Increase Your Self-Esteem? is a post from: Copyright 2010 Ed Gerety's Dream Big Blog

Ten years ago my brother Steve gave everyone in our family a poem titled “Family Prayer”. Since that time, at every holiday, special occasion, and especially at Thanksgiving before our dinner the poem is read aloud.

It has become a tradition in our family and with each Thanksgiving that is celebrated the words take on a deeper meaning. At the heart of the poem is gratitude. It’s about being thankful for our family, our friends and all of our blessings.

Family Prayer

May we treat one another with patience and care, and respect one another’s uniqueness, may we praise and encourage, and listen and share, and forgive any small fault or weakness. May we grow ever closer while we’re here together, and someday, if we’re far apart, may we look back with love on these day to day times and feel close to our family in heart. Author Unknown

As we go into this Thanksgiving, I invite you to share with others what you are grateful for and to let the people in your life know how much you care about them and love them. As William Arthur Ward once said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks for all of our Blessings is a post from: Copyright 2010 Ed Gerety's Dream Big Blog

Jump: to take eagerly; to enter into something with vigor

My little girl Shannon is two-and-a-half years old and I just started teaching her how to swim. This basically means me getting into a pool with her while she floats around with a swim bubble strapped to her back. Recently, she has discovered the game of going to the side of the pool and then jumping into my arms. The first time that she did it I could see the fear in her whole body. She was scared, nervous, wondering how I would ever catch her. When she finally did jump and landed into my arms her whole face turned to shear joy and triumph. This game repeated itself for the next twenty minutes. Each time she would get a little less scared and a little more confident. The jumps became bigger and the joy even greater.

(See Video Below)

I can’t help but think how this parallels our own lives. When we are confronted with new things or change is upon us. It can feel scary to step out of our comfort zone and try something new. To put ourselves out there not knowing what will happen or what the result will be. I think that those that don’t jump in life-or in other words take positive risks-are missing out on living an extraordinary life. This blog is a jump for me. I’m not sure who will read it or how will people will respond. But without me sharing it I would never know. Without taking the jumps in life the world doesn’t get to see who you are and you don’t get to see the world.

Where in your life are you holding back? Where are you afraid to make that jump?

Here are three questions to help you make that jump?

1. One week from now, one month from now, and one year from now how will you feel if you didn’t take that positive risk?
2. Who are the people in your life that can support you in taking that risk?
3. What’s the worst possible thing that can happen if you take that risk?

Jump! is a post from: Copyright 2010 Ed Gerety's Dream Big Blog