Leading with Lollipops

You don't have to be on *Regional Board to be a leader. In all likelihood, you already are one... you just might not know it yet! Take 6 minutes and be inspired by someone who changed another's life through a story he doesn't even remember happening, and pay it forward! Give another person the gift of knowing how they've changed your life. Candygrams, ncsy tzadikim on fbook, or old fashioned phone call... there are ways to show gratitude and at the same time help enlighten others to their impact as leaders!

*That being said...  RB might just want you anyway :)

Perspective

Life is a funny thing. You never know when you're going to have a profound effect on someone, whether from a conversation or just being yourself in their proximity. This is something to always keep in mind - because you never know what affect it is going to have on people, one should always do their best to make a positive impression and impact. When speaking, choose words carefully and make sure to get your point across. Speak thoughtfully. Live thoughtfully.

Going the Extra Mile

In honor of our amazing NCSYers who ran in the Miami marathon with Team Yachad today, here are some stories of incredible individuals who have gone the extra mile to include others. What can you do for our Yachad members? Guaranteed that you will gain more than you give.

Did that inspire you? Want to know more about Connor and Cayden? Here's a link to a slightly longer video with their story:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/25/brothers-inspire_n_1703034.html

And two short videos of a special Homecoming King and Queen:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/15/kara-marcum_n_2480604.html
http://abcnews.go.com/US/tennessee-homecoming-king-nominees-give-crown-teen/story?id=18295338

Smiling

I've found that when in the work place, if you great someone with courtesy and with a smile, they are much more likely to respond in kind and be willing to help you than if you just say it straight out. This may be something for each of us to work on - smiling in the presence of others and having polite conversations. You never know when something might come through for you in a very positive way!

Reflections from Conclave

When it comes to the NCSY family, and don’t get me wrong, we really are a family, I am relatively new. As an advisor, our job is to inspire you guys and play an active role in your growth as individuals.

Inspire. What an interesting word. I knew it would play a large role in this past weekend when I got to Conclave and it was written across the front of the sweatshirt. As an advisor, I wanted to be able to inspire you, the NCSYers, through my actions. My initial impression of who the “inspire” was directed to could not have been more wrong.

Based on my initial impressions from Fall convention, I thought that I knew what to expect at Conclave; then I arrived. From the first moment of “bingo” until the closing program, I was thoroughly engaged, and that was largely because of you, the NCSYers.

The moment that really stands out in my mind though was the kumzitz Sunday night. It was at this point that I really understood what the “inspire” was referring to. Listening to each of you talk and share yourselves with those sitting in the circle as Conclave “ebbed” away was inspiring to every single person sitting there. I realized that as much as I came to inspire each and every one of you, I think that all of YOU inspire ME to be a better person and push myself all that much more.

When things are easily attainable to someone, that person doesn’t necessarily appreciate them until they no longer have them or at least hear about situations and people that do not have the same circumstances and blessings. Listening to each of you share your struggles really gives perspective and inspiration to each and every person that may not have originally appreciated what they had, or people that are struggling with their own issues and just needed that little push. For this, I want to thank everyone that came to Conclave.

I can only hope that as an advisor I can inspire you in much the same way. I, and I believe I speak for all the advisors, am always willing to talk and listen to anything you might say. Thank you all for all your inspiration.

Sincerely,

Nachum Matten, Advisor

Time

As 2012 comes to a close, I've been thinking a lot about my own perception of time. We often find ourselves saying "there should be more than 24 hours in a day" or "that seems like forever" or "where did the time go?" We often question how quickly or slowly time passes.

2012 has been a year of public highs and lows, which have been mirrored by personal highs and lows for many. In particular, in the last few days of 2012, I often find myself thinking about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and other tragic events that have happened.

In only seconds, one person, one young adult, changed the lives of millions. He directly affected every person in the school and every person in Newtown. He indirectly affected every school administrator, every teacher, every policeman, every parent, every child, nearly everyone who heard the news of the shooting. In only seconds, so much damage was done.

Can you think of the last time that that much GOOD was infused into the world?

Tragedies are blatantly tangible and breathtakingly terrifying; goodness is harder to see: it is women into the fabric of every day interactions, of subtle smiles shared between people, of seemingly minute conversations, of family functions, of outbursts of laughter, of simple moments.
Although I sometimes find myself overwhelmed with how scary with this world can be, I am then overwhelmed by just how beautiful this world can be; each and every one of us can help tip the balance far more to the "good" side.



How much good will you add to the balance today, this hour, this minute? How can you make the most of the time Gd gave us?

Jacob and the Guitar Man

Recently, a friend of mine sent me a link to this YouTube video. The video shows the interaction between a street performer and Jacob, a blind eight-year old with autism. The street performer, Tyler Gregory, treats Jacob with utmost respect and even lets him touch his guitar. It's a truly magical performance.

From Tyler Gregory's website: 
"It was an ordinary day, walking to my regular spot to busk when I don't have a gig that night, and play music on the corner for a rotating crowd. When Jacob came over I felt excited about having another kid listen to the music. (Makes my day when kids dance to the music on the street... I already had a couple come over that day so it was already nice). However, unlike most kids that come up to me with curiosity, I felt so much energy coming off of him and I was completely overwhelmed. His hand on my leg was very powerful and about brought me to tears while playing. Not because he is blind or autistic.. but because of a connection I have never felt and one that is impossible to explain. Honestly, a feeling that came from my toes all the way up my body and surrounded me. I can't begin to explain it. I want to try to put it into words, but there is no way to tell how powerful his energy felt."

I never cease to be amazed by the amount of goodness in this world. While headlines might screen of corruption and terror, there are so many moments of breathtaking, pure, and genuine kindness and compassion. To me, these moments are undeniable proofs of Gd's will, Gd's existence, and Gd's intended purpose for us.