Humanity One World: A Renewal of Effort and Commitment
WHEN DID IT ALL BEGIN?
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”
What if there was a party and nobody attended? What if there was a party and people attended but you were not aware of it? What if there was a party and people attended but they were bored to tears? What if there was a party and people attended but they left early because they had better things to do?
Which would be worse?
Those were my thoughts as I pondered the existence of H.O.W. last week. For those of you who do not know, H.O.W. is an acronym that stands for Humanity One World, a group I started many months ago consisting of writers and friends who are concerned about the state of the world. It was our goal to raise awareness and to try to affect change one person at a time….one act of kindness at a time…..sort of like the Butterfly Effect on steroids.
A fool’s dream? A quest that had no chance of succeeding?
STARTING OFF GANGBUSTERS
Man, we were out of the gate fast. We sprinted ahead of the field, and we were the hot topic, and other writers joined in the cause and wrote their own articles about the movement, and membership grew and the horizon looked sunny and bright.
We started a website and we started a page on Facebook, and people were energized and excited and committed and…….
Life got in the way.
I don’t know any other way to describe what happened next.
The payment was due on the website and no money was available to pay for it. Families and troubles and jobs and on and on, they all piled up and kept us from following through on the commitment we had made. We got too busy living life and H.O.W. took the inevitable backseat, relegated to the status of afterthought for many.
Even me….Bill Holland….the founder of the movement, allowed it to go forth on cruise control and fend for itself in Cyber Space…..and the results were predictable.
And for that, I am responsible.
Enough is enough!
Products available at our Zazzle Store
- HumanityOneWorld: Home: Zazzle.com Store
Humanity One World is a non-political movement that seeks to make this world a better place to live. Making a difference, one person at a time. All proceeds from the HOW Zazzle store go to help people in need.
A NEW DAY
You see, I can’t let this die a natural death. I can’t tuck the covers under its chin, pat it on the head and praise it for its intentions and good efforts, while silently mourning all the wasted opportunities. It simply is not in me to do that.
I started this movement for a reason, and that reason is because I think society has lost its way. I think society has lost sight of the fact that people make up society. We are a collection of human beings, and we will only stand strong as a society if we take care of each other.
I have no faith in our governments. They have lost their way as well, and they are much too busy following the guidance of special interest groups to worry about a nebulous concept like humanity. No, it is up to each of us to make this change happen, and so I am calling for a renewal of effort from each of you.
On our Facebook site we are 272 strong, but that is not nearly enough. I want viral. I will not be satisfied until H.O.W. becomes a household term, understood and lived by hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
And for that to happen you are responsible.
Two friends of mine, Lizzy and Alex, are currently working on a new website. They are also working on tshirts and other products that will have the H.O.W. logo on them. We will sell those tshirts and other products and then we will donate the money to a worthy cause and in that small way we will make a statement. Wearing the tshirts will be a larger statement, and spreading the message of H.O.W. will be the largest statement of them all.
The site is now up and running at our Zazzle Store, and you can find it here.
Join me for a moment
IT IS TIME
I suspect complacency within the group of H.O.W. I sense that members are sitting back waiting for someone else to do something monumental, but you see, there is no monumental in H.O.W. This is a movement that depends on individual action to survive, and there are no days off if H.O.W. is important to you.
Whenever you do an act of kindness you are doing the work of H.O.W.
Whenever you show compassion to another human being you are doing the work of H.O.W.
Whenever you toss aside apathy and get involved you are doing the work of H.O.W.
Yes, it is time. It is time to spread the word. It is time for the 272 members to sign up new members. It is time to tell your families and friends that we can change the world if we are committed. As I have always said, never underestimate the power of a small group of determined people, and we are that group.
It is now time for all of our members to renew their commitment. Write about H.O.W. Tell your friends about it. Become involved in your community. Do random acts of kindness and begin a tidal wave of humanity that will spread around this globe.
You can either become an instrument of change or you can remain a part of the complacent herd that waits for someone else to act.
Humanity One World: Whenever anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of H.O.W. to always be there, and for that, I am responsible.
It is time for each of you to live by that mission statement.
2013 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
Comments
AUTHORshielamaeparreno, that's the nicest thing you could say to a writer. Thank you!
You and your hubs never fail to inspire me sir!! Love this one, again.. =)
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Thank you Mary! I promise to never let it die....and hopefully it will be passed on when I am gone.
Have a great week my friend.
Life gets in the way but that doesn't mean we stop caring or wanting to help. These little boosts (hubs) you send our way help to center us. We're all in it for the love of people, wanting a better world, and wanting to be part of the instrument that provides it! The movement will never die as long as Bill Holland and Hub Pages is around.
Voted up, useful, interesting and shared.
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Deb, that is a perfect example of what can be done by committed people....Speaking for Boomer Lake and all its residents, thank you!
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Bruce my friend, I will indeed take a look at that video and thank you in advance.
I have no doubt many are working quietly behind the scenes and that encourages me greatly.....just thought I'd give a little kick in the pants to those who may have gotten too busy with life to remember there are those less fortunate.
Thank you buddy. Have a great week.
blessings always,
bill
Every day that I go to the lake, I introduce people to the world of nature. People learn how it is against our best interests to litter, and what happens to animals if they eat that litter. They also learn and listen to things around them more, one step at a time. I am brought more people to instruct about nature. Is it working? Boomer Lake is cleaner. A cause that everyone is involved in makes them happier. I am as much a part of that lake as the residents, and people are caring for it better. It won't be viral for your cause, either. One steady step at a time is what matters. It will happen.
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Thank you Aleshia! Keep being the change you want to see in the world.
Hi Bill,
Just to fill you in: I have never stopped my committment to H.O.W. though I will say I haven't continued to use the LOGO. Living life on this planet is an important step in the spiritual development of every human being that decides before hand to come to this place. I believe that we make that decision not only to experience the human existence, but to apply these lessons for the purpose of collective evolution.
In any case, we march on.
There are two projects I am currently working on and will remind all that H.O.W. is part of it. One is my series of Hubs entitled "Building a Life That Matters." This is essentially for college age men but will be expanded to all age and gender groups because of it's importance in self examination as a means of understanding how we contribute to our own development and the development of the communities in which we live.
The second is called the "Clarity Project." At this point, the aim is a non-profit based on a modification of the use of the old Quaker tradition of "Clearness Committees" used to obtain clarity about a particular subject of interest. More to come.
Thanks for the hub and the reminder. Please be encouraged to know that there are many, many good people working behind the scenes to accomplish the small, unspoken tasks of collective awareness and evolution.
I wanted to provide you with another interesting piece of information. The sign you use at the end of your video has an often misunderstood meaning. Attributed in modern times to Mr Spok of Star Trek fame, it really has a very different origin. I've attached the link and highly suggest that you take a look!
As Esther Hicks and Abraham would say,
There is great love here for you!
Bruce
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I agree Bill - very inspirational! True social change begins within each one of us.
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Gypsy, thanks for passing this one and for the kind words. I hope we can make it go universal.
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Thank you toknowinfo...I appreciate your visit very much.
You know how to inspire Bill. Great idea about the store and reminder about how important the HOW movement is. Passing this on.
Great topic Bill. Your movement is an inspiration to us all!
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Ruby, you do more than your share and I thank you for it. :)
Least we forget....A reminder that we all can do more...
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Thank you Bill! Maybe we won't go viral but we will make a difference, and that's all I'm trying to do my friend.
Have a great weekend.
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W1totalk, I understand what you are saying....and yes, it affects everyone who is part of the human race.
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Michelle, thank you and I do know that about you. Who knows what great things we can accomplish?
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Jo, I hope you slept well and I hope the next work shift is a bit more peaceful for you. Thanks for taking a look at Zazzle and for caring so much about humanity.
Hi Bill. We can be complacent beings, can't we? I sense your frustration and urgency. Thank you for bringing it back to the forefront where it belongs. I'll reach out out my family and friends to share and recruit. I would love to see this go viral around the world. Have a great weekend.
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This is a great idea. It's just that does it "affect me" syndrome. I hear you.
It's so nice to see people who love our world and want to see it change for the better. As you know, I want it to change for the better as well. You are awsome Bill
Bill, I had a look at Zazzle and will return later with the plastic. Just got home after a very hectic night at work, must get some Zzzs....but will catch up later. If anyone can re-galvanize the initial enthusiasm we all felt for H.O.W; it is you my friend.
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I do remember that movie, Pearl, and you are right on my friend. Hope lives and I feed off of it.
Have a great weekend and thank you for being who you are.
bill
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PS, I don't have an ounce of quit in me. I'll keep drumming away at this particular tune and hopefully pick up some instruments along the way until we have a full-fledged orchestra. :) I know you'll be there playing with me.
Blessings and a hug, as alway
bill
Billy, I'm headed for the Zazzle store! Thanks for your caring sticktoitiveness my friend, and for reminding everyone how important this movement really is. I pray that it does go viral. You know it reminds me of that old movie "Meet John Doe"--remember that one? Kindness and community, and responsibility for one another were at the heart of its message. Take care and have a peaceful and awesome weekend my friend ;) Pearl
Thank you for once again bringing this into the forefront of our minds. There is no better time to recommit to this cause. I think that things are happening and you just don't know about it. Each of us who made a commitment to make a difference I think is still doing so but just has not spoken of it.
I am on the way to check out zazzle.
Angels are on the way to you, to each of the H.O.W. members and to all of those yet to come....ps
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Perfectly stated, Lurana. I have nothing to add to that. :) Thank you and have a great weekend.
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Carol, you won't lose us....you always know where to find us my friend. Thanks for all the support and here's to many years of friendship.
Affecting people's minds and hearts is the work, and we all continue to do it in all of our actions, whenever we are being mindful people of peace!
When I read your hubs on humanity I always feel a little better that there are some people who do care....thanks for being tenacious and dedicated to your cause. remember I am still here and I don't want to lose my best cyber pals.
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LOL....I'm sure you waved a mean pompom, Paula. :)
Living in the '60's ....that's me. I never got over my cheer-leading days!! GO TEAM!
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Well, DJ, now you've done it. I have tears in my eyes. :)
Shoot...gotta wipe my eyes....wait a minute.....
Okay. What a cool thing to have a dog that is certified and be able to bring joy to others....what a very cool thing that is.
Thank you so much for this gift today. You have made my day my friend.
bill
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Thank you vkwok...there is a great deal of kindness if we look for it. :)
Bill, try not to get discouraged. Some of those little 'seeds' need time to grow.
My young dog has been in Therapy Dog Training. We started her training in FL. We will finish her training when we return to FL. in
the fall. She will be a certified member of P.A.W.S. and will be
eligible to go into any medical facility (that allows Therapy Animals) to visit with patients, in the state of FL.
They were planning to build a new children's hospital near where we live. Can you imagine the joy she will bring to those little children?
Yes, she will accompany me to visit nursing homes in FL. There is much good work to be done. We are very excited about the possibilities.
I was going to wait to tell you when she passed her last exams in the fall. But, I want you to know your message is not falling on deaf ears.
There are just some things that take time to mature and grow.
In our own way, many of us are sticking with the plan....The plan of
kindness towards total strangers. We are doing this because a good
man told us that it should not take a few people doing a lot. It should takes a lot of people doing just a little more.
You are that man, Bill. You are bringing into focus the idea that each of us can do a little more to help our fellow man.
Thank you, Bill. Thank you, for all that you do.
DJ.
Great hub! There's a lot of kindness to give out.
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Kathryn, we can make an impact and we are making an impact....and we've only just begun.
I will have a great weekend my friend and I wish the same for you.
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Thanks Mark...I believe in it...and I believe in all of you. :)
This movement will not die Bill. It is in the hearts and minds of all of us here, and growing even if at a slow pace. Alex and Liz are wonderful, and you of course ate the inspiration for us all.
Mark
Life does get in the way, but I like your sense of urgency. It's a dynamic group, and I think we will all make small contributions that will help communities, little by little. We can make an impact!
Have a fantastic weekend, Bill!
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Hi Joe!
I ordered a shirt from that site yesterday and I got my tracking number in like five minutes. Is that fast or what? :)
Believe me my friend, I feel the same about you. One of these days I'm going to put Bev in the car and we are going to drive to Walla Walla and visit you....keep looking for an orange Honda Fit. :)
Aloha and have a great weekend!
bill
Bill,
This is a business question. When someone places an order for a product from the Zazzle site, how long does it generally take before a tracking number is generated for the customer? Depending on the answer, I may have further comments/questions for you. All I got time for this morning is this quick message, but do know your hub here has moved me. Thank you for your example of ownership--which really means a lot to me, in my recovery from addiction--and for your overall zeal and compassion. I'm honored to have you as a friend, Bill. Aloha!
Joe
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Faith, there is no quit in me. I believe in this movement and the thoughts behind it. Yes my dear, love is the answer, and always will be....if we can only come together and embrace that simple, four-letter word.
Thank you for being who you are....I greatly appreciate you.
blessings always
bill
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Sheri, you can get preachy on my hug any old day. You said it all so eloquently my friend...beautiful words. Get rid of the damn labels....find a way to find common ground....and every household should be playing "Imagine" by John Lennon. :)
I am so happy to know you.
bill
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Wow, Paula, after that comment I am re-energized and full of hope. :) Thanks for being here my dear friend. I have a smile on my face and I'm ready to take on the challenge.
Oh my......I must stand up to my share of the blame, as well......Yes, I see...and this will never do! Time to renew the vow, take the reins again and shake things up to a fevered pitch, once more.....and again & again if need be.
OK, gang.....it's cool. Relax. We are duly awakened and accept our missions. Back in the saddle, partner. Keep doing the good, spread the love and speak for the ones who need our support.
Write those letters, keep our ears and eyes open for opportunities to pay it forward. Crank up the volume.....move to the beat....accomplish ONE good deed today....and plan one for tomorrow.
We're with you bil!.............UP+++
Hey Bill...it must be your calling in life to keep us all inspired. I think your HOW group is a great idea. I also think, living day to day, to quietly and consistantly live up to ones own ideals is a challange, but what we all need to strive for. I dream of the day when we stop calling ourselves Canadian, Americans, Indians, Chinese, Catholic, Muslim or any other label that seperates us from each other. It is a tiny planet and there are no lines criss crossing, dividing this world into them, us, ours, thiers. We are all connected....ever living being. What we do to others we do to ourselves. The love and commpassion we deny others, we deny to ourselves. I see the ripple effect of groups like HOW growing and touching and teaching people. I believe we are close to a critical mass where real and enduring change will finally manifest and I am grateful to be alive at this point in time and be able to be apart of the change. The internet is an amazing tool, where for the first time in history we can connect with people all over the world and I believe this will end ingnorance and intolerance...where common people like you and me can have our voice of love heard. I love how you use this tool. I have said before I am glad you have such a huge following, because your words reach so many people.
OK...I am getting preachy! Who's hub is this anyway! lol
Hi Bill,
Thanks for lighting the fire under our you-know-whats!!! I have been working on a new hub for the H.O.W. movement, and hope to finalize it shortly. What a great idea about the t-shirts and such! You never cease to amaze me, and I am glad you are not a quitter, as this world does not need anymore of them, as we are overrun with them!
Love is the answer, has always been my motto, so-to-speak, for when we love others, we have no time to judge them.
Speaking of acts of kindness, I will leave you with a beautiful quote this day, "Little acts of kindness which we render to each other in everyday life, are like flowers by the way-side to the traveler; they serve to gladden the heart and relieve the tedium of life's journey." by Eunice Batbrick
Voted up ++++ and sharing
Peace and blessings, Faith Reaper
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My pleasure, Lizzy!
Thanks, Coach Billy.
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Walter, are you off of your medications again? LOL
Have a great weekend my friend and keep smiling....love the new profile picture.
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Cat, you brought a smile to my face...thank you for all that you do, but more importantly, thank you for being so compassionate and loving of humanity. I, for one, greatly appreciate you.
bill
Billy,
I love your spirit and refusal to give up or give in! I'm not going to let this die a slow death either! I'll run with you all the way, even if we're the last two running! I've added H.O.W. links to my appropriate hubs and my 'tomorrow hub' is for H.O.W. all the way! Even if you weren't yelling, I'd care enough to do it... but the yelling certainly helps! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
You're awesome and in inspiration, Billy!!!
Cat
QUOTE: "Yes, it should come naturally....amazing that it doesn't. :)"
Nothing amazing... Satan is working overtime every day. I like Satan. He's my guy, oooophhhhs, I mean he's my fall guy.
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Jeff, good to see you...I don't remember seeing any of your poetry of late. I'll have to check.
Yes, it should come naturally....amazing that it doesn't. :)
Thank you as always and enjoy your weekend.
bill
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Sha, you are a living, breathing example of HOW and I know you do your part. I'm just lighting a fire under a few others....it can never hurt.
I love the tshirts....I hope others buy them. :)
Thank you dear friend and have a great Friday.
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Abby, you are so sweet....I'm sure glad we found each other. :)
Well my goodness....3,500 fans on FB? That is pretty impressive. As for the complacency and sense of self we see in the world today, it appears to be at epidemic proportions, unlike anything I have ever seen in my long life. All we can do is chip away and win one convert at a time.....be happy with the small victories and hope they add up.
Share HOW wherever you think is appropriate. Whatever you do it is appreciated by me.
Thank you for your caring and compassionate soul.
bill
Bill, you are so right. I think we all become complacent unless it is right in front of us. Saying that, as you have mentioned, every good deed, every person helped, bringing a smile to someone's face who "really" needs to smile, etc. should be a part of our being. Therefore, H.O.W. should just come naturally and be a part of us. Hoping you have a great weekend my friend.
I think the t-shirts will be excellent advertising. I ordered mine yesterday and think I'll go back and order a baseball shirt as well. As far as acts of kindness, I do that whenever I'm out. I'll let a car go ahead of me, open a door for someone, smile and say 'good morning'. I also fed my neighbor's dog when he had to spend a couple of days in the hospital. I left some H.O. W. flyers at the grocery store a while back. I guess it's time to spread some more around town!
I feel your heart so much, Bill. Thank you for sharing this and encouraging us to get the word out. Only with compassion and love can this world be turned around. Your poem (video) is so much my heart too.
Just to let you know, I'm trying to work on some things with my fitness followers by incorporating their interest of health/fitness/nutrition in with humanity. So far, it's slow going. I have over 3,500 fans on my FB page alone, with another 500 on another FB page and about 80 on my personal page. I usually receive great responses when I post something, but it is tough going when it comes to the topic of compassion and humanity. They will like quotes, but they won't even respond when it comes to a call to action.
We, unfortunately, live in a world where "self" is most important with compassion of sighs when it comes to tragedies in this world. However, little sighs seem to be far and few between when it comes to everyday humanity... those that are homeless, mentally ill, elderly shut-ins, and soldiers who fought to defend us and now have PTSD. Much less are those that have the heart to really and truly help.
My goal is to use my fitness platform to reach others. I never really felt that my profession would be the end for me. During many meditations, I have felt in my heart that it would lead me to reach humans for humanity's sake. That's my goal in life.
I support you 100 percent. All we can do is try our best. Even if the world seems to go nowhere, don't be discouraged. There are people listening and your call to action may have struck a nerve to some to act. However, we may never see that until later or never. Keep fighting the good fight, my friend! XXX
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Janine, life does interfere with all of our plans, doesn't it. :) All we can do is move forward with good intentions and hope we see some change.
Have a great weekend and remember to do something nice for yourself. Thank you!
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Walter, you are right, of course, about the banana republics, but I only have the perspective of the U.S. to work from, and this government is no long of the people, by the people and for the people...thus my lack of faith.
As for parties....I'm never invited so I really don't have a perspective on that. LOL
Thanks my friend and have a great weekend.
Now following the new Zazzle Store and will keep sharing this all over. You are right I too am partially to blame and life truly does sometimes come into play and is to blame. I sometimes seem to take on more then I can really do and as you know am now trying to at least give myself like you that much needed break on weekends. Thanks for the reminder on this and also hope you are having a great Friday, as well as enjoy your weekend, too!!
QUOTE: "I have no faith in our governments. They have lost their way as well, and they are much too busy following the guidance of special interest groups to worry about a nebulous concept like humanity."
Oh dear, Billybuc, if you've no faith in the United States government, try Malaysia and the banana republics. The Malaysian government has not lost its way. They know very well where our petroleum and tax money are and they are helping themselves with it! What I think you mean is that the US government could have been much better, right?
QUOTE: "What if there was a party and people attended but you were not aware of it?"
Well, could that be worse than if your friend is holding a party and you are aware of it... but just that you are not invited? LOL. Ooophhhs, that saying the same thing in another way... I never get invited anyway, thank God, LOL.
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