I vaguely remember hearing about the Blue Ribbon movie a couple of years ago. I might even have sent the link along to people.
I was reminded by the power of the story on Friday night last week when Melanie (who has given me permission to share this story) talked about buying 200 Blue Ribbons for her students and her experience of sharing 3 of them with teachers at her school. As she handed out each Blue Ribbon which states, “Who I Am Makes a Difference” the recipients were overwhelmed. Tears. Gratitude. Appreciation. Wonder flooded their beings. They were touched by this simple gesture from a fellow teacher and they were moved to create a difference in their world too.
I am inspired by Melanie and her story. I chatted with her about it later on in the weekend and she spoke about her vision of giving each of the students in her school a Blue Ribbon this week.
Wow. How one woman can and will make a difference!
I loved sitting and chatting with Melanie. Her enthusiasm and excitement are contagious. Like all of us, she has elements of her story that are sad and tragic. Yet, she is not letting those experiences keep her down. She is rising above the pain of the past and moving with joy into the promise of today. She is vibrant and alive and caring and willing to go the distance to ensure everyone knows — they make a difference. They are the difference in our world!
Melanie is a woman touching hearts and opening minds to their magnificence. Like Thelma Box, founder of Choices, she is committed to changing the world, one heart at a time.
Thank you Melanie for inspiring me and for touching my heart. You rock!
To view The Acknowledgement Movie — Make a Life. Make a Living. Make a Difference — click HERE.
To order Blue Ribbons – and to support this initiative by ordering other tools — click HERE.
To learn more about the Difference Makers International initiative (it’s awesome!) — click HERE.
Dare Boldly 
As much of a good idea that this is… it also occurs to me that if, say, I got Blue Ribbons of my own, and passed them to some of my co-workers… there would be hurt feelings among those I *didn’t* give them to. Unless I gave them to *everyone*, in which case – are they truly meaningful? Would this also occur in a school setting – while the recipients are tremendously moved, would the non-recipients be bruised?
Don’t know the answers, just playing contrary today, I guess. I do think we should always acknowledge those who make a difference to us, as often as possible.
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Hello Theresa — thank you for dropping by and posting your comment to Melanie — and for others to read. Your words are a gift and your presence here a beautiful light. Thank you.
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When I read your title the first person that crossed my mind was Mother Teresa. When I think about her I salute her.
Thanks for sharing another hero.
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Trisha — I appreciate your words, and your presence here. Thank you for always taking the time to say hello and share your light! shine on!
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We are all responsible of making a difference. It starts by ourselves and can spread around the world.
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So true Nikky! We are each of us responsible for our difference — and for letting our light shine. Thank you!
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Wow! That is amazing. Thank you for honoring me in this way. Thank you for helping me discover the words to my purpose. I am deeply touched by this blog. Honored. I am inspired to continue to connect people to the power within their hearts.
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You amaze me and you are my beautiful daughter, I am so proud of the person that you are, you are a blessing to me and your Dad. You have come so far over the last 4 years since your brothers death, and I see that your heart is healing from this tradgedy that we had to endure, may you be a blessing to everyone that you come in contact with, you are deeply loved and I am glad you went on this adventure of choices
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Hello Melanie — I’m so glad you found it! And, I am so grateful for spending time with you on Sunday and for your gracious sharing of your brilliance. You shine!
Hugs
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