Last Saturday, I took part in a conference on the theme of “Community”. What is it? How do you get it? How do you know when you’re in it? Why does it matter?

The conference was organized by members of Scarboro United Church — heartfelt people of Divine essence who are intent on creating community where everyone feels accepted, valued and  connected. One of the individuals at the helm of the organizing committee is Jim Simpson. I met Jim last year when I spoke at TEDxCalgary. He was the one sitting in the front row, an electronic clock in front of him that kept ticking down the minutes I had left to speak. He made me nervous. Well, he didn’t, but that clock sure did. A couple of weeks after my speak, when Jim contacted me to ask if I’d meet for coffee, I met a man so much deeper, more heartfelt and complete than that clock ticking down time. Tomorrow, Jim will share a heart-warming story of his mother and the difference she made in his life. Today, I want to celebrate Jim, and the wonderful people at Scarboro United Church.

Jim Simpson and the wonderful people at Scarboro United Church are heroes!

At 28, Kate MacKenzie is more than a teacher, she is an inspiring leader opening minds, touching hearts and lifting spirits up to soar free. I didn’t meet Kate at last Saturday’s conference, but I did meet her husband, and watch her video that she’d created just for the event. What an amazing woman, and couple. What an amazing project she has created with Worldviews Project!  Do visit her website and check in out — in fact, on her blog today is the story/video of  Izhar Gafni and his cardboard bicycle — which I heard about earlier on CBC this week and thought was intriguing enough to include here — just follow this link to Kate’s blog…..

Kate MacKenzie, all the students who participated in her first project, and all the people she met around the world who let her film their stories are heroes!

Chris Turner knows a lot about sustainable development. And he’s making a difference, sharing his knowledge, creativity, ideas and passion through speaking, writing and activism. Chris is the author of, The Geography of Hope and The Leap – How to survive and thrive in the sustainable economy — and he’s an inspiring speaker. He believes in creating a green economy and is working hard to make it possible.

Chris Turner is a hero.

Who are your heroes today? Celebrated anyone recently?  Go for it!  Get inspired!

And… because I like to share wonderful things I find throughout the web, I’m sharing this 2 minute video of the evolution of the world — just think about it — 14 billion years portrayed in two minutes. Like life, it’s brilliant and it goes by in a flash. Treasure it!