I know this all may seem very radical to many, but I have seen it proven successful in numerous desperate cases. It has also been provisionally approved by numerous religious, political, and civil leaders, and meets MD blog rules.
The essence of my challenge is this. Totally cease talking and writing about your moral and religious beliefs, and go out and live them, that is, put them into action. Do it ! Unlike theoretical discussions of beliefs, you will find almost no resistance or disagreement.
If you believe in helping people, turn off your ‘puter, and mow the lawn of that poor old lady down the street. Teach a kid to build a kite. Volunteer in a hospital. Put your belief into finite action.
If you believe in prayer, go to your place of worship and let her rip, get vocal, let your voice and spirit uplift those around you, but do it off the net. I doubt if the Lord is any fonder of mumblers than the rest of us are, so enunciate your fervor clearly to the world and your deity. Pray like a roaring lion of Judah, not a squeaking mouse.
If you believe in friendship, hang up the phone, and visit your friend. Hug him / her, and warm him with the warmth of a real visit, looking at each others faces. Everybody likes a gift, so take him one, even if it is just a candy bar.
Are you an animal lover? Take the pooch for a long walk to somewhere you usually don‘t go, where there are lots of good things to sniff, and places to run. Scratch your cat’s ears, or serve up treats to all hands. Animals serve us in a multitude of ways, so do something that will make them happy. Leave your pen in a drawer, and record the day with your eyes and brain.
In real life we avoid trials and travails, so lets avoid spreading them on the web too. If you are into suffering, have at it, wallow in it, but spare the rest of us the sharing of your misery; each has enough of his own.
The Ttomtarr Challenge is to turn off all media, stand up, and actively live, doing those things you hold to be most valuable and enjoyable. Later, if you feel like backsliding onto MD for a bit, you will be able to tell the rest of us about your successes and joys.
Thanks for reading my thoughts.
Copy & paste to friend: (Click inside box; Ctrl + C to copy; Ctrl + V to paste)
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Etowah
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Jun 24 @ 4:42PM
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Amen brother!
I am living proof of the truth of your advice. I hike with my dogs at least two times a day, seven days a week. I don't take advantage of womenz, because I don't know any, and can't afford to date.
Therefore, I have been blessed! My checking account has now grown to a wopping 84 cents! since I took your challenge!
You can judge a tree by the fruits it bears!
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Fender
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Jun 24 @ 4:43PM
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Excellent blog Tom...Let's see who does it...
By the way I already did my part...I added someone to my friends list...See I help people too 
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1frantastic
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Jun 24 @ 5:17PM
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good blog......and do come tell us what you have done..in a couple of days...will be waiting with baited breath to see how you have put your money where your mouth is....and yes it is a great idea...show us how to do it tom...not just blog about it!
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Bionic_Angel
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Jun 24 @ 6:01PM
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Yes, we should all practice what we preach. I'm wondering what makes you think people don't. How can we know?  I've been away for a while, maybe I've missed something. A lovely blog though, good thoughts from a good person. 
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ElmerFudd445
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Jun 24 @ 6:04PM
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Great blog... and great idea..
but I worked today and I'm tired... can I start maybe in a week?
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singaporegal
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Jun 24 @ 6:07PM
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Good one Tom and can I start next week? :)
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leprichaun_magic
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Jun 24 @ 6:16PM
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good blogg. tom:)
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Wing_Zero_75
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Jun 24 @ 6:23PM
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Is this like the special k challenege?
Bad humor, yes I know.
My beliefs are a part of my every day actions. I tend not to like to be around people but better myself with knowning things and even putting them into practice. I show respect those that show me respect, and vice versa. I try to understand people and have picked up a book about christians and sin to figure out why people adhere to such outragous standards. As for my cats, when ever they come in from outside and want love, I put my laptop down and give it to them, no matter what I am doing, writing can wait a few minutes, their lives are more important to me. I took my neice to work today so she doesnt feel left out and ignored like her mother is doing lately. I dont like hypocrites and live my life avoiding being one at any cost.
Good blog though, worth a kudo and more in my book.
Larry
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misschoos
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Jun 24 @ 6:36PM
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 It would be nice to read something different.
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ttomtarr
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Jun 24 @ 6:37PM
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It isn't my intent to imply that people fail to practice what they preach. That is not my call.
My suggestion was to shift the point of balance between theoretical discussion and real life practice, closer to the side of action.
That could yield greater satisfaction, and lessen the MD discord.
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Wing_Zero_75
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Jun 24 @ 6:43PM
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I couldnt agree more. In the end results, people have to answer to themselves. If they choose to live a preach not practice, then it is them who suffer in the end.
Larry
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edthepoet
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Jun 24 @ 6:53PM
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Excellent blog, I already teach kids to read and help women who been raped, not to mention help my true friends from losing their houses.
I even got my daughter in to volunteering big time.
Without compassion, there wouldn't be any difference between us and the animal world.
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imlost2
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Jun 24 @ 8:12PM
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Great blog, I've been a volunteer for 30 years now for 4-H. I love helping kids live their dreams. Lost
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sybnann
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Jun 25 @ 12:36AM
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This is a good blog Tom, and I agree. I have seen what you are saying in my own life more lately and trying to get up and live more, so to speak. I also do some volunteering and socializing, and of course working around my home.
I would also like to add though that not only do I find the computer entertaining at times, I think often times, it is an outlet, and the blogs DO help to get things off our minds and hearts. At least it helps me at times.
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sweetxy
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Jun 25 @ 10:41AM
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I believe in friendship I 'll take your words if she is available 
I believe in Love what can I take from this blog  
 Thank you Tom, You always write interesting stuff,
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sweetxy
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Jun 25 @ 10:42AM
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oh wait!...a kudo from me
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sultreepriness
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Jul 11 @ 8:15AM
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Wonderful concept, Tom, and everyone should live their life as if it were the last day. I am guilty of sharing my bad days and troubles, but since I decided to live as if each day could be my last, life is so much richer and nicer. Let me start by saying I work at a place where it is my job to make other people happy and to help fulfill their wants and needs and even their fantasies. I am a photographer and I work hard to produce a picture that will show their happiness and their ability to have fun. My two precious daughters, otherwise known as my two cats, are the center of my life when I return home. Precious Angel and Pumpkin Spice are the most spoiled vats in the world. They get all natural treats and home made ones when I have the time to whip them up for them, the best dry cat food I can find, and yes it is horribly expensive and I am working on a recipe of my own, and they get natural canned food three times a week. I shouldn’t say canned as it is all natural fish with herbs, etc. When I sit down my lap belongs to them and they get their fair share if not more of scratches and hugs. They are also my lifesavers as they wake me in the middle of the night when they sense my blood sugar is really low and they are always right so yes they get the best. 
I do lots of volunteer work and will head directly to one right after I get of work today. It will be a long day but oh so worth it as this place is where wish children come who are either dying or experiencing a severe illness. Seeing their bravery in the face of all the pain and other medical treatments they must endure puts my aches and pains in perspective and I learn so much from them, Working at the Village has truly changed my life and that is when I decided to live each day as if it were my last. I have experienced the joy of knowing these kids and their families and also the sorrow of their passing. They come from around the world and I never know which culture I will be dealing with. I had a Greek family this weekend that was fabulous and so much fun.
As for my religious beliefs, I live them daily in my actions and deeds and I practice them not only in church but in my life so sometimes I will be vocal about them. I have experienced the power of prayer and the most recent event was the angels healing my toe that the doctor had already reserved a hospital bed to amputate it. He was amazed that it healed, but that is what prayer and belief can do. I could go on and on but I have too many things to do and I must get off to work and spread magic.
Great post, Tom, and I will have to plan a trip to stop and say hello and give you a hug in person and I will bring you a special gift that is tangible but you know my greatest gift to my friends is my love and gratitude that they are my friends. Two thumbs up on the post. Sultreeprincess 
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