There is an essay I found several years ago that I have taped to the wall in our office. It’s a good reminder to live in the present. It ends with this thought for the day…

“Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. And, dance like no one is watching.”

I couldn’t help but think of this when I saw this awesome video by Matt Harding, a CT native who not only dances like no one is watching, but then asks the world to join him! What an inspiration!

We don’t know Matt, but we love him!!! He at least appears to be the kind of person we aspire to be and someone we would love to sit and talk with for hours. He epitomizes the idea that it’s okay to color outside of the lines, to follow your own unique path (no matter where it leads) and to live and love without boundaries or fear. He is evidence that if you do those things, you will surely find your bliss! And maybe, in the process, you might even help change the world! Go Matt Go!!!! You rock!!!

In 2005, Matt’s dancing captured the world’s attention and the sponsorship of Stride Gum. The idea for this video was first hatched in 2003, when he created a website to keep his family & friends abreast of his travel ventures. “A few months into his trip, a travel buddy gave Matt an idea. They were standing around taking pictures in Hanoi, and his friend said ‘Hey, why don’t you stand over there and do that dance. I’ll record it.’ He was referring to a particular dance Matt does. It’s actually the only dance Matt does. He does it badly. Anyway, this turned out to be a very good idea.”

A couple of years later, someone found the video online and passed it to someone else, who passed it to someone else, and so on. Thanks to the generous (and very smart) folks at Stride Gum, there have been two subsequent trips since that first video went viral. This is his latest. If you’d like to learn more about this inspirational guy go to his website www.wherethehellismatt.com.

Hey Matt, if you & Melissa ever tie the knot….we want in!!!! Please give us a call! We just know that you two would have no trouble loving with your hearts WIDE OPEN and we’d be honored to be there recording that for you! Not to mention your first dance!!! Yeeeeehaaawww!

Earlier this month, I watched Diane Sawyer’s Primetime special, which featured Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch and the story of his “Last Lecture.” The interview highlighted Randy’s inspirational story of hope in the face of his own death. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and being given just a few months to live, Randy chose to use what precious little time he has left to really live and in so doing unexpectedly inspired others to do the same. His Last Lecture, given at Carnegie Mellon on September 18, 2007, has had nearly 2 millions hits on You Tube.

This incredible man has been in my thoughts a lot since the show and I thought some of you might also find inspiration in his story. The video below is just a snippet of the entire Primetime interview. If you have time, I encourage you to check out the entire interview.

Life can be difficult, but as Randy says, it’s how you chose to live that makes all of the difference. Sometimes, in the stress and chaos of everyday stuff, it’s good to be reminded of what is really important. Thanks for the reminder Randy!

To watch Randy’s “Last Lecture” go to his home page. Oh, and Randy recently passed the 8 month mark since being diagnosed with cancer. Go Randy!!!

Even though spring was officially here over three weeks ago, it is hard to believe that living on the cape! Until yesterday! We’ve been holding tight to the hope that temperatures will soon rise and the sun will warm our cold winter bones. Yesterday our hopes were realized. The thermometer on our house read 66F and visual signs of spring were everywhere….Here are just a few: Crocuses, Daffodils, and Squill popping their heads up to say hi.

Of course, this could be a big tease! We’ve had snow in April before! Well let’s hope not, bring on the warm weather. I’m ready for flip-flops!

Have you discovered TED yet? If not, then you are really missing out on a good healthy dose of inspiration.

Chris and I stumbled upon TED - Technology, Entertainment, Design - about a month or so ago and are now completely hooked. TED, an “organization devoted to giving millions of knowledge-seekers around the globe direct access to the world’s greatest thinkers and teachers”, has been around since 1984 but has only recently started to stream video from their site due to its popularity.

Each year, 3 inspirational people are awarded the TED prize and in appreciation for their good work they are granted one wish. A wish to change the world. The video clip below is of 2007 TED prize winner, James Nachtwey - a phenomenal war photographer who bravely witnesses and documents the things most of us are too afraid to see.

“I have been a witness, and these pictures are my testimony. The events I have recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated.” ~ James Nachtwey

As wedding photographers who often see and capture life’s finest moments, times when love rules and the ugly side of humanity dares not rear it’s ugly head, it’s easy to forget how cruel we can be to one another and James courageously reminds us that we must not forget. We love this guy!

This clip is about 20 minutes long, but absolutely worth watching!

Another incredible person is the 2006 TED award winner, Jehane Noujaim - a passionate woman and someone we’d love to sit down and chat with, Jehane is the inspiration behind Pangea Day. The goal of Pangea Day is to “create a worldwide network of caring and concerned citizens who are making a difference.” For the first time ever, on May 10, sites around the world will be video conferenced live to produce a 4 hour program of powerful films, visionary speakers, and uplifting music. What was her wish? “A global acceptance of diversity, mediated through the power of film.” What a cool idea!!! Here she is:

There are over 200 other talks online at ted.com. Be prepared to get sucked in!