It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to meet one of your real life heroes. Not a mainstream celebrity, but someone who you’ve watched and admired from a distance thinking, “Am I the only one who is so transfixed by this individual?” I have a few of those people that I fanboy over in my small brain’s sphere of consideration, people like Nicholas Kristof, John Stewart, Paulo Coehlo and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.
I’ve had the good fortune to get to know Nick Kristof over the years, and on a recent Sunday I was invited over to the apartment of Rabbi Sacks to spend time together one-on-one.
I first learned about him when my father-in-law sent around a video of a beautiful talk he’d given a few years ago. I remember being transfixed by the grace and eloquence of this man who served as the United Kingdom’s Chief Rabbi and spoke with such sincerity and compassion.
“Acts of kindness never die. They linger in the memory, giving lift to other acts in return.” -Rabbi Sacks (click to Tweet this).
From the moment he opened his front door, there was a warmth exuded by this amazing man that made me immediately feel at ease. We had a great time together, and soon his wife joined us as well. I could tell there was a tremendous love between them two, so I asked how long they’d been married.
Rabbi Sacks replied, “44 years.”
I then asked, “Since I’m just newly married, is there any particular secret that you think has been the key to building a successful marriage and life together?”
They looked at one another and smiled. It was as if they both knew the answer, but wanted to give the other person the opportunity to share it. The rabbi then explained, “The key to a happy marriage is to praise one another. At least once a day, take a moment to truly compliment your spouse. It’s a small, sacred daily ritual, and it has made all the difference for us.”
Later that evening I recognized the beautiful irony of what he had shared. In my mind, I showered this man with mental admiration and praise. Yet what he believed to be most essential to the most important relationship in his life was for him to speak aloud statements of admiration to his wife.
What exists around us is proof of what exists within us. (click to Tweet this).
To be revered by others, you have to first express reverence for those who bring love and joy into your life. And to impact those around you, you should share with someone today how much they’ve personally changed your life.
The Rabbi’s advice was so profoundly simple, and for more nuggets of wisdom you can listen to an amazing on-stage interview with him and three others religious scholars including His Holiness the Dalai Lama here.
To become a person of power, you must commit to empower others. (click to Tweet this).
If someone has even given you great advice, please share it below in the comments.
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You ve done great job, Thx!
Sigara Markaları
You ve done great job, Thx!
Marlin
What an outstanding article, thank you a lot
for climbing this issue. Being profoundly assured that a
whole lot of people would discuss your perspectives, and
I even showed your writing into a close friend of mine. And that’s when the arguments began…
We’ve got various views but, of course, no problem, be it just
something regular or genuinely important, should destroy a true friendship.
In my humble opinion, which surely has the right to exist, the next point you’ve made cannot be contested.
Michelle Stigler
You inspire me. Namaste. ♥
Adam
Big thanks!
Yukon Jake
Adam,
I had the pleasure of seeing you speak in Anchorage a few days ago and it was an excellent speech. Thank you for enriching my life by sharing your story.
My father was a felon, and after almost 15 years in prison, decided to reinvent himself and move to Alaska and start a new life. He was completely self educated, and grew up in the great depression.
In lieu of corporal punishment, when I made a mistake, he would make me memorize a poem (sometimes related to said offense, sometimes not) and as soon as I could recite the poem without error, my punishment was over. I’m sure you can see the brilliance behind this kind of parenting.
Anyway, I have dozens of great poems memorized, but one that floats up to the surface as I recognize the wolf at the door from time to time, has this for a first stanza.
Once in Persia reigned a king.
Who, upon his signet ring,
graved a maxim true and wise,
Which, when held before his eyes,
gave him counsel at a glace,
for for every change and chance.
Solemn words, and these are they,
Even this shall pass away.
This has kept me from both depression and unreasonable euphoria, and is wisdom we all can take to heart, especially when times are tough or a challenge seems insurmountable.
You just have to have the right context.
God bless,
Adam
What an incredible share. Your dad must be so proud.
Nick
My grandfather had many words of wisdom – he worked in a steel mill, served in WW2, and spent over thirty years as a street cop.
Biggest one I remember – “If you want to die rich, live your life helping people who can never repay you.?
Helena
My grandmother gave me an unforgettable piece of advice once when I was a teenager. She had been brought up a very strict Irish Catholic and was in turn extremely strict with us. I found that despite her tiny frame she had such a commanding presence and this ‘stiff upper lip’ resilience that didn’t wane until she was in her late 80s. I just remember this one day when something had happened and we were talking things through. She looked at me really intensely and I remember my heart beating in my ears because I thought I was going to get another telling off but, what she said surprised me so much. She said ‘Never lose your softness. Helena, you must never ever lose it’. So simple, it’s stuck with me ever since and during difficult times especially, I’ll hear her voice in my head saying it and bringing me back into grace.
Mike Xie
Adam,
My father told me to look to his brother as my role model. “Life is not about what you have but what you give.” My father entered the top technical school in China at 15. His brother didn’t understand addition at age 8 and was shipped off to HK at 12 to be a dock worker. My father struggled with being lazy, impatient and mean to those less gifted most of his life. His brother was always a person of perfect integrity, discipline and a genius maker.
By the time he was 30, my father’s brother had become a millionaire shipping company founder. His clients raised their own rates to keep up with inflation. At forty he was a distribution and transportation magnate. With the counsel of his accountant wife he donated much of his revenues back into the community. He also paid for the books and tuition of many of his employee’s good and bright children. Some of these children would later turn to him for angel investing. He has been retired now for some time and lives a quiet low profile life but it is very rich in relationships and he is perhaps one of the most beloved people on the island.
I am very lucky to have had such a brave man as my father who would say something like that. It has made all the difference.
Mike
Adam
Wow you’re father sounds like an amazing man, an I’m sure he’s quite proud of you!
Susie Goldsmith
Adam,
I have had some good advice along the way throughout my life, but the one that stands out to me the most is from your Mom and Dad. In the time that I lived with your family, I spent many weekends with unhealthy people. Every Sunday night when I returned to your house, your Mom and Dad would say, “Okay Susie, let’s hear how your weekend went (and I would tell them).” Then they would say, “that is not reality, so it is time to reprogram you, because we love you.” Their advice to me was not to go, but when I returned they didn’t turn their backs on me, they spent time with me, telling me what was right and how much they loved me. I believe G-d put your Mom and Dad in my life so strongly at a very critical time in my life to teach me that love is unconditional, that having healthy people in my life will help me to be a better person.
Susie
Adam
I’m so glad they were a positive influence!
Megan
Hey, I don’t actually know if your read these comments or would have time to respond. I am a junior in college and was super inspired by P.O.P (so much so that I changed my major). I was wondering if you had some great and inspiring book suggestions for this summer since I don’t ever have time to read for fun during the school year?
Adam
Absolutely, I’d highly recommend The Alchemist, Man’s Search for Meaning and Shantaram. Those are my three favorite books, definitely life-changing especially if you read them in college.
Lisa
Super Huge KUDOS & BEAR HUGS
Adam & #PencilsOfPromise✌️✌️✌️
Adam
Thanks Lisa 🙂
Gav lazari
@AdamBraun may G-d bless you to always be a proud Jew knowing who you are.
Being a Jew is your essence, it’s something we need to embrace. Love the way you worded this! Phenomanal job. Keep on shinning forth and keep on being an inspiration for all my holy brother.
I want you to check out my instigram ALL you need to do is connect your soul to the posts its Gav Lazari.
Moshiach now.
Adam
Hi Gav, I really appreciate your support but one thing to call out is that the content above isn’t just a Jewish message, it’s a universal message for anyone of any faith. I hope it resonates with people across all cultures and belief systems, above all else it’s a call to action to say words of praise to the people you’re closest to in your life.
Gav lazari
Of coarse bro, very well said and great point, may we all add acts of kindness and make this world a better place thanks for all you do
I really admire the pencils of promise organzation, you go around globally giving kids education ?
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Regards for sharing this great internet site!
Luise Wagner
I would like to share that you, Adam, are the one who inspires me and I fangirl about in front of others. The passion you have for changing the world, your kind personality and the words of wisdom you shared in your book… All this is just amazing. So I take this moment to thank YOU for inspiring me and changing my few of life!
Adam
Much appreciated Luise 🙂
Theo Dimarhos
There is this concept of saying everything you want to say before it’s too late, that I think is important. I like to spend time with older people and they often admit that their biggest regret is not saying “I love you” or “Enough with this” or “I deserve better” when they had the chance. I try to practice it, but it’s not always easy. Especially with my parents getting older, I constantly feel the need to tell them that I’m grateful for what they’ve done for me and my sister. I know that they’ll always want more and better for their kids, but whenever the inevitable happens, I want them to know that they were loved and appreciated.
Adam
Great insight Theo!
Frieda
Adam, I can proudly say that you are someone I admire and look up to. You are always looking to help others and make others smile. Therefore, I take it upon myself to smile at random people on the streets ( in a non creepy way) in hopes to brighten up their day. I hope I can one day be a part of pencils of promise and bring kindness to the world.
Adam
That really means a lot Frieda, thanks for the kind note.
Max
The best advice I have ever heard is “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with” Change your friends and change your life.
I loved PoP and what you are doing in the world today. I have shared the book with my closest friends, who in turn shared it with theirs. One of the best books out their. My opinion :).
Adam
That quote is so true!
Ted Eccleston
Hey Adam- a few days ago my girlfriend and I started a “Daily Affirmation” practice where each day we say something we love about the other. Such a beautiful coincidence to stumble across this post and see that you are doing the same.
Adam
I guess that’s today’s affirmation that you’re doing the right thing Ted.
Nikita
Touched by this article.
And reading your book Adam was a way to know you, I am deeply touched by how you perceive the world. Immensely great.
It has given me a reason to move forward.
I bought a book for my friend. since i read it online by myself.
I am sure he would make something out from your book too.
Thought to admire your generosity too 🙂 I hope you read this.
Adam
Thanks Nikita, really appreciate you gifting the book onwards!
Name
Hey, friend – it’s *Jon Stewart
Adam
hey friend
Dottie
Adam, you are an amazing young man doing so much good. I am so proud to know you.
I determined a long time ago that my reason for being is to be a part of the support system for my family, my friends, my community and the world.
In addition, I make sure that to do a good deed every day.
Even if it is something like making a phone call to someone who is elderly or ill.
Adam
The concept of a good deed every day is amazingly powerful, thanks for being an example for all of us Dottie.
Candy
Thank you, Adam. You have changed many lives for the better. You are gifted with compassion and wisdom and I’m very happy that you share your gifts!
Adam
Just doing my best Candy, as we all are.
Lisa Orlando
The simple acts of kindness such as a compliment, holding hands and saying I Love You make all the difference in building an eternal relationship with your spouse. Years ago I started a Gratitude Journal where each day I would jot down 3-5 things that I was grateful for and leave it on the kitchen table. Overtime, other family members joined in and started sharing their thoughts. Interestingly enough, the theme of our families Gratitude Journal reflects on moments we share playing games, eating our favorite foods and complimenting each other on accomplishments achieved. Make the time and Take the time to share LOVE and you will always be blessed and be a blessing to others.
Adam
Love the idea of a Gratitude Journal, such a powerful concept.