Today is World Hello Day, the 43rd since its inception in 1973. My mission was to greet at least 10 people today and join many other kindred spirits who seek peaceful dialogue. World Hello Day is observed by people in 180 countries and continues to bring the message that we can make a difference. Individual effort has always been the catalyst for monumental change.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
ChasingART 
An amazing day! And I missed it! Hope I catch it next year…LOL. I read the comments and your responses…and, as usual, they gave me more things to consider. Unfortunately, loneliness and hopelessness seems to be on the rise especially in the States. I heard on NPR that the suicide rate in our country is on the rise between those who are 30-55 years old. That is terrifying to me. We seem to have made so many technical advancements, but somehow we still are not being there for one another. Deep listening is needed, I think. Wonderful post, Rebecca~
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Thank you for your wonderful comments, Jane. Life is complex, but one thing that carries us through the most difficult times is the love and support of a compassionate community of family and friends. In the end, all that we will remember, and treasure is the love that we have given and received. Have a wonderful day.
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Ich hoffe von ganzem Herzen, dass wir als Gruppe, die über Grenzen hinweg mit einander kommunizieren, die Welt ein bisschen besser machen können. Das wäre gut, wäre schön.
Hab eine gute Zeit, Rebecca und danke. Ernst
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Wir leben in schwierigen Zeiten, die unseren Mut zu testen und zu lösen, um mitfühlend und verständnis Gemeinschaften zu schaffen. Offen und Fürsorge gibt Hoffnung. Vielen Dank für deine Weisheit. Ich appeciate Ihre Kommentare.
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A belated hello! And wholehearted support for this post. In Edinburgh, as you know, everyone is very friendly. We even say hello and thank you as we get on and off buses – so different to London, where everyone always seems to be in their own little world 🙂
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Hello, my dear friend, Isn’t it good to come home. As you know, I consider Edinburgh to be my home away from home. I just read that Edinburgh’s Christmas lights were switched on – I can only imagine how wonderful they must look!
http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/thousands-watch-edinburgh-s-christmas-lights-switch-on-1-3955490
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Everything looks wonderful, as you are rightly imagining. Love Christmas!! Love to you & the chaps too 😀❤️💕 xxx
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Hugs and more hugs coming your way!!!
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❤️💐💖💕✨
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I love your moving photo of the birds– your very good friends. They look like they are very happy playing together. I have a friend who just returned from Europe, her dogs are coming home today–she had to find them a place to stay in her absence. She is happy to have them near again–and her “doggie” friends will be, as well. Animal and bird friends are so fun and loyal. We can learn a lot from them.
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I agree wholeheartedly – we have much to learn from our fellow creatures. I was 18 when I first read one of Jane Goodall’s books. That book changed my worldview and challenged me to think of animals, birds, fish in a far different way.
“You cannot share your life with a dog, as I had done in Bournemouth, or a cat, and not know perfectly well that animals have personalities and minds and feelings.”
Jane Goodall
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Hello, Rebecca! I live in a small town where people say hello to each other a lot. Even when we go for a walk in the woods, we say hello to the people we pass by. It’s true that it helps create a sense of community and openness.
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One of my favourite quotes (and you know how I love quotes) is by Kurt Vonnegut, “What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.” From what I have read, loneliness is on the rise, which affects both our physical and mental well-being. To me, saying hello is the first step of connecting. Being involved in a blogging community allows us to recognize that there are many like-minded people who share joy and fellowship. Hugs!!
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The idea that loneliness is on the rise is sad. Reaching out to others, in whatever way we can, makes every one feel better- compassion and laughter are key!
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I agree wholeheartedly!
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What wonderful friends you have. 🙂 I said hello today to a baby sparrow which had found its way into my garage. I spoke as softly as I could but it was still terrified. Eventually I left the garage door open and went inside the house. For an hour or so I heard the mother sparrow calling and calling and encouraging her little one to return to her. I think it did eventually. Our birds are great communicators. Bula is hello in Fiji. 🙂
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I agree – they are amazing communicators. There is one tree on the Vancouver Sea Wall where the crows are extremely active – lots of cawing and flapping. I often wondered what was happening to cause this unusual behaviour. One day, I saw a crane come out of the tree top. Evidently, the crane appropriated the tree. Thank you for the link to World Hello Day! I especially liked the letters of congratulations. This is hello in Gaelic: Halo. Ciamar a tha thu?
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The Gaelic greeting looks as though it is soft and soothing. 🙂
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Did I tell you that I took a 10 week Gaelic course? I found the pronunciations quite challenging, but it is a beautiful language.
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Wonderful. What is your next language challenge? 🙂
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You always give joy to my day.
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