The BIG Takeaway™ newsletter By Rich Trombetta Feb. 13, 2023
Using examples from TV, movies and sports to launch a journey toward peace and happiness at work, at home...in life. Grab the remote and change your life.™
Answers to the Burt Bacharach quiz in our Substack email are at the bottom.
More energizing than caffeine How kindness can change someone's life, i.e. your own
The context After NFL player Zack Follett (above) had his football career cut short due to injury, he opened a chain of coffee shops called Kuppa Joy.
While Follett's inspiration for the coffee shops came from his own connection to Christianity, a person can be from any faith to benefit from his message and mission.
Follett once stopped to talk to a homeless man named Tony Alejandrez who had lost everything; he brought Alejandrez a cup of coffee and offered to chat.
Alejandrez's life changed forever because of the encounter.
Go deeper Follett went beyond the cup of coffee and bought Alejandrez shoes, clothes and food.
Alejandrez was inspired by Follett's simple actions and put in the effort to get sober, get a job and begin classes; he gave the graduation speech at Cabrillo Community College.
One could argue that Follett's one simple act saved a person's life.
"He saw me when most people don't," Alejandrez explained in this video. "I owe a lot to him."
The list of benefits includes: Lower blood pressure Pain reduction Stronger immune system Longer lifespan Reduction in risk of cognitive impairment Better mood and happiness
Research shows that ""little bursts of positivity" in an ordinary day do add up to support people's mental well-being -- similar to how short bouts of walking throughout the day can benefit physical health."
Kindness is so powerful toward a person's overall health that the Mayo Clinic has started a "Kickstart Kindness" program to help people get started.
Connect the dots Friday, Feb. 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day, an initiative started by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.
While it is great there is a designated day, the benefits suggest that every day should be Random Acts of Kindness day.
If there was a pill that could provide all of the positive outcomes research has shown that come from performing repeated random acts of kindness we would all want a prescription for it.
Notice the smile on Follett's face in the video when the two reunite and hug one another. We all have the power to experience this feeling.
My BIG Takeaway
Follett reminds me that I need to make sure I am "seeing the unseen" and doing small little things that help others; I don't need to wait and do big things. If I repeatedly do random acts of kindness I will be happier and feel better both emotionally and physically - and so will others around me.
Parting thoughts Tomorrow is Valentine's day. Like most holidays, it can be a double-edged sword. For some it brings happiness and joy, for many sadness and loneliness. Maybe reaching out to someone who could use a call or a text is a good place to start on the kindness journey.
Fun news! We are working with others to spread joy. The BIG Takeaway comes out on Mondays. How about some inspiration on Tuesdays? Check out the Positive DONUT newsletter.
Wake up and choose good vibes 🤗. Brighten your Tuesdays with the free email delivering “awww” (and awe) inspiring stories you won’t hear in the news. Also included: a sprinkle of everything needed to turn a frown upside down.
Quote for the week “Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” —Harold S. Kushner
Quiz answers
Here are the answers from the quick in our Substack email. How did you do?
This week's quiz was in honor of pop culture legend Burt Bacharach who died on Feb. 8. Just his name alone oozes cool.
Burt Bacharach's music inspired what movie in the 90s? Hint: A former SNL cast member starred in the film. "Austin Powers"
Bacharach's second wife, Angie Dickenson (yes, the Angie Dickenson) was the star of what NBC cop show that aired from 1974 - 78? "Police Woman"
Which of these songs was NOT written/co-written by Burt Bacharach?
"(They Long to Be) Close to You" - The Carpenters (here's a classic use of the song in the 1998 film "There's Something About Mary"
"Desperado" - The Eagles
"Heartlight" - Neil Diamond
"Do You Know the Way to San Jose" - Dionne Warwick
"What's New Pussycat" - Tom Jones
Bacharach was born in which U.S. city?
Oklahoma City
Salt Lake City
Kansas City
Atlantic City
Paradise City
True or False: Burt Bacharach was one cool dude.
If you answered False then this newsletter might not be for you.
That's all for now Thanks for reading and please remember:
We archive our stories and put them here for the world to read so feel free to have a look.
If you have any ideas or feedbackContact me with your thoughts.
Rich Trombetta @trombettarich
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