There are more shared values, but I notice these three in particular.

For instance some are motivated by wanting to leave traditional society because of a real or perceived lack of fairness and respect for people that a monetary society creates.

Others are mostly practical, they have no money but they have time to contribute.

Each person comes with their own ideas, talents and motivations. As long as those motivations maintain an honouring of others path, TimeBanking can provide for all those values and more.

I came across this video of Viktor Frankl and his point made emphatically is to see the best potential in others and expecting them to be that potential helps give them the strength, courage and persistence to weather life’s storms and achieve more than who they are being right now.

Expect the best, not just what you see now or saw in the past, but the nobler self that we all have within us. You can help bring it out, in others by your positive expectation.

As a TimeBank member you do that each time you engage another member. You trust them to be helpful, honest, competent and caring. Most TimeBankers are that and more, but each time a connection is made they get reaffirmed that they are seen that way and will do what it take to live up to that expectation.

As community members we all play a role in each others lives. Do you expect the best of others or the worst? Either way you definitely affect your experience and you also usually effect theirs too.

Imagine someone seeing the best in you and check out how that feels. Are you more likely to achieve it, or closer at least, because someone believes in you? Most people I think would say yes.

Frankl is famous for the book “Man’s Search For Meaning” and most of us have experienced the “what is the point” or “who am I supposed to be/do” questions. Some people say “life has no meaning except the meaning you give it”. Some people believe in predetermined destiny. Maybe its both? Maybe its neither?

No matter what, you can choose to be an active member helping to create even more meaning in your life and your community, or not. Either way is OK. Each will have a different result for you and for others.

Go ahead try to make a difference in other peoples lives, just by being there and expecting the best of them. Not as an impossible goal of perfection but a gentle “I believe in you” upliftment. In this world it can be easy to lose faith in ourselves and it can help when others have faith in us.

Only sometimes you will make a difference in other peoples’ lives, but you will always make a difference in yours if you decide each thing you do has meaning to you, no matter the outcome, BECAUSE you pursued it with heart.

TimeBanks can only exist with the active participation of its members and volunteer staff. You are an integral part of the community when you participate.

Get more of what you need and want in your life by giving more of who you are and can be to operating your local TimeBank and your fellow TimeBankers, you won’t regret it. You do make a difference.

Here’s that video clip. Let me know what you think below….

What the heck I thought, once-in-a-lifetime and all that, so I got up and out MUCH earlier than usual with my trusty video camera to see what all the fuss was about.

It was an enthusiastic crowd waiting and the parade of vehicles giving advance notice was a surprise. The torch exchange happened to take place right in front of me.

I decided to head off later in the day for a second unique spot, which led to one more viewing point not far away (just for a different camera angle).

The next day a friend was carrying the torch so off we went to capture it.

Low and behold at the end of that second day (which was the final day of the relay) I hear a commotion around the corner and here comes the torch relay again right past me. What the heck grab the camera!

So from no awareness or interest to video clips of five torch relay viewing points. I must admit the energy of the crowds was very positive and uplifting. It was a great way to introduce the Olympics to Canada.

Here’s my 13 minute video of what I saw those two days (just got around to finishing the editing and titles). Enjoy.

Come discover TimeBanking for you. Help create a neighbourhood network by bringing TimeBanking to your community. Find a meeting place and we will come to inform and educate on the why and how of TimeBanking.

Real People Real Benefits TimeBanking UK