There is no exercise better for your heart than
reaching down and lifting others up.
PLEASE NOTE: This post has been updated and moved to here:
7 Hard Things You Should Start Doing for Others
Photo by: Jesslee Cuizon
Practical Tips for Productive Living
There is no exercise better for your heart than
reaching down and lifting others up.
PLEASE NOTE: This post has been updated and moved to here:
Photo by: Jesslee Cuizon
Jo-Anne says
In a nutshell, extraordinary people care about others and act accordingly.
Thank you for another excellent, uplifting read. It actually reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.”
?William Shakespeare
Dev says
thank you
J.J. says
“Whenever you can, go out of your way and do something nice and unexpected for those around you, especially those who may never be able to repay you. Be the “extra” in extraordinary.”
Wow! That pretty much sums it up for me. I have a few of these people in my life, and I do try to return the favor when I can 🙂
Ryan Biddulph says
Being gentle Angel is the greatest gift.
Show the soft touch. People will love you for it.
Act with compassion too. Understand that many are afraid or even hopeless. Love them. Care for them.
Be there for them in a high energy way.
Awesome post Angel (and Marc) 🙂
Ryan
Ragnar says
You’ve listed everything I aspire to be and more. I think the courage to disagree when it really matters is also important. Although the situations where it’s needed may not ever present themselves to you. Instead, one of your friends might find themselves at a crossroads in life, determined to head down a shady path because of the allure.. at that time, if you do not have the courage to speak up.. you may regret it forever.
Patrik Edblad says
I find extraordinary people have the power to change the atmosphere of an entire room. Some people can turn the bad mood of 10 people into smiles just by the energy they bring with them when they walk through the door. These folks are amazing to be around 🙂
Jazilah Ali says
thanks
Guus says
I virtually always like your stuff, but what if you can’t seem to connect with people? I would love to do more for others, but don’t know where to begin.
Amandah says
What makes a person extraordinary is:
1. They do what they want no matter what.
2. They don’t buy into fear.
3. They beat to their own drum and make no apologies for it.
4. They make a difference in their own way and on their own terms.
5. They make up their own mind, weighing the facts. They’re not easily swayed by the masses.
6. They smile, even when they don’t feel like it.
7. They say “Thank You,” even when they’re in the midst of their own storm.
What else do extraordinary people give to others? Unconditional love, patience and forgiveness.
Susan Jones says
Great post Angel.
I have been thinking a lot recently about how we can show up in an extraordinary way for others by being vulnerable.
Revealing our vulnerability to others is confronting and sometimes risky but it is also the thing that others connect with the most and which has the power to touch them the most.’
I am thinking about ways I can be more open to others in my day to day life.
socratezonline says
I don’t think life is about returning favors, but rather about passing them on. When you give expecting to receive it’s not really giving, because the focus is on the result instead of the act. Therefore, I think ‘extraordinary’ people are just very present in the here and now instead of getting caught up in their minds. Kindness and compassion is a language we all understand, but often only speak on occasion. Practicing meditation, gratitude and personal responsibility are all things that help in becoming the extraordinary you.
John N. C. says
I have been following your blog for quite a while now… reading trough archived posts as well as the latest ones, and aside from saying the things you say are just AMAZING and deeply true, i must confess that this post was truly inspiring. I’ve always tried to do all these things, but never as much as i should have – although after reading it from you, i’m pretty sure i’ll start to grow in this direction.
Once more – many thanks for the uplifting read!
Madam Lotus says
They unconditionally share their knowledge and information that could be useful to the particular one (while interacting).
I know this, because I’ve met people who do not want you to know what they know.
Extraordinary people aren’t afraid of the success of others 🙂
Thank you for your wonderful text. <3
liZa says
Extraordinary people find a way to forgive.
liberty4ev says
This is sort of an extension of #4 but I think an extraordinary person has the ability to self-reflect, to HONESTLY assess himself, and to seek to correct his own faults, especially before trying to correct others. A extraordinary person also accepts criticism gracefully (to heed the advice or not is another matter). This is an issue I have worked on for many years. I’m far from perfect, but the improvements I’ve made in myself have made significant improvements in my relationships with others.
I’m fond of quotes as reminders. I keep these two in mind:
1. “Would that some power the gift give us
To see ourselves as others see us…” from “To a Louse” ~Robert Burns
2. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” -Matthew 7:3 NIV
Melissa Webster says
#3 & 6 are the ones I’ll be working on today. I tend to get self-absorbed and oblivious to everything, and forget to appreciate the people around me or acknowledge their own unique impact on my world and the world around them. People need to be acknowledged and appreciated. It makes such a difference.
And non-judgmental people are such a rare blessing that are so underappreciated. I’m determined to surround myself with as many people like this as possible.
Great post! Thank you.
Melissa
Terry Packer says
Allowing someone the freedom to be themselves is such a good thing to give. Not everyone feels the same way, thinks the same way, likes the same things or cares about the same things but that should never change how you treat them. Be ok enough with your beliefs to understand everyone has their own, and thats ok.
David Rapp says
Such a great list! I’ll keep this one posted in my office for a long time.
I think there are a couple of other ways to be extra ordinary in giving:
They give protection and defend those who cannot protect or defend themselves (bullying, manipulators, martyrs, etc.).
They give up the need to win or always be right.
SJ Scott says
thanks
LindaD says
I whole-heartedly practiced #1 and #2 with a young friend of mine – only to be cast off like an unwanted piece of trash. What do you do when when you open your heart to someone and give them completely unconditional support and encouragement and they reject it? My heart is just broken.
Bernadette says
Beautiful, and a great reminder to be that compassionate open space for everyone we meet each day.
Love it.
Bx
Jeanne Farrington says
I love that story about Kate. So sweet. Thanks for sharing!
Betsy says
Very insightful post. I was the person sitting in the car in tears, and an older lady helped me with my situation. She just knocked on the window and talked to me. Calmed me down, and made me feel better. I could not thank her enough.
Yes, agree with you SJ Scott, people need to realize that there is more to life than a machine. Real people – person to person.
Also, wonderful story about Kate. Thank you.
Larry Hochman says
This one is probably bundled up in most of the others, but I think it deserves its own category…
Extraordinary people LISTEN. Actively, patiently, without agenda…other than the well being of the person they listen to.
It’s a skill, but it’s also an art. Listening is a state of being.
Pilar says
You both inspire me daily. Clearly I haven’t met either of you but if you only knew how you have helped from the inside out.
I will forever be grateful. <3
Sheri says
Unconditional love, wisdom, knowledge of God, and compassion.
Lorna says
A lovely, inspirational post… the one attribute that pops into my mind is being non-judgmental. We all make mistakes, big and small, but extraordinary people know they’re not qualified to judge or cast the first stone and practice acceptance instead.
Kristin says
Terrific post! Thank you for the inspiration!
Angie says
This post was just incredible and I’m really glad I found it- exactly what I need right now. Thank you so much for sharing this 🙂
Moe says
“Extra” – a very powerful word!
Alexander says
Yeah, great points. I think also lifting others up by being interested in others and asking questions is important.
Rgds,
Alexander
Pathway To Personal Development says
Great post! Really insightful 🙂
Erika Awakening says
Thanks for the article. You know, I really need to think about each one. I used to agree with all of them, and yet nowadays find myself questioning everything. All of our social rituals. Am I being more loving by engaging in a social ritual or being pretty blunt with someone about hearing a limiting belief that is probably holding them back in a dozen different ways? Which is really more helpful? Right now I’m in a place of “not knowing” about all of this. Thanks again.
Ward says
Those who bring sunshine to others can not keep it from themselves.
Angel Chernoff says
@Guus: Start with just being present. Provide your undivided attention and like Larry Hochman mentioned, listen to understand not just to hear and respond. And when another moment reminds you of that person or of their situation, let them know. Exceed expectations by caring more than one would expect.
@Susan Jones: You’re absolutely right. Reminds me of my current love, “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown.
@All: So many of you just described yourself… uplifting, providing unconditional love, gentle, encouraging and always listening. Thank you for being extraordinary people in our lives! Marc and I appreciate you. =)
Kendall F. Person says
This is an excellent list (as most of yours are). Thank you for posting. I try to live by these simple principles each day. It is so nice to have them broken down and put into perspective.
Gilly says
I have always tried to live my life doing all I can for other people, whether I know the person, or they are a stranger in need. But I will have to say it has gotten me into really sad situations, and I ended up really hurt and deflated lots of times. Family can just learn to expect your kindness and generosity without valuing your actions in any way, and others can see you as weak and vulnerable….and so take advantage of you. I never stop being “extraordinary” in every way, but as I grow older the hurts never get easier to bear! Thank goodness I have learnt to bounce back quite quickly nowadays… 🙂
becky says
I believe that thoughtfullness and love will win the day. Practice it daily and smile and be kind to everyone that you meet.
Wong Jin says
Marc and angel, this is another awesome post.