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Gratitude, Gifting and Grandpa

62,643 views

A picture of John Styn's grandfather, Rev. Caleb Elroy Shikles, with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., had a huge impact on John Styn's life growing up. It made him realize that great people are not "them" - they are "us." In this funny, emotional TEDx talk, Styn shares his grandpa's lessons of living life in intense gratitude and the joy that comes from gifting. We all have a choice every moment of our lives. Are we going to focus on the (ice cream) cone or the (dog) crap?

Be The Change

Learn more about John "Halcyon" Styn and some of his projects, including Hug Nation and 1st Saturdays.

Read about the "Generosity Paradox: By Giving We Receive, But By Taking We Lose."

It doesn't have to be a Tuesday - go ahead, hug yourself right now.

Reflections (41)

Janet

I have always felt our purpose is to do God's will. His Son gave of himself and ultimately gave his life for all of us. Everything comes from him and we need to share our gifts, talents, and love with all of our brothers and sisters. Thanks for your message.

Carole

I am teaching my Sunday School class, a series called The Circle of Life. We are young seniors. Is there anyway to download this so I can use it for the class. There are about 15 people in the class. I would need it on a DVD.

Berry

This was great...but I gotta tell you, the video with his grandfather made it for me. How blessed John is to have had his grandfather and how blessed I am to have seen this. Thank you

Steven Crisp

This. Will. Change. Your. Life!

Thank you for sharing, for sincerity, for heartfelt emotion, for your grandpa, for the truth.

Still trembling with joy and smiling with happiness.

Namaste.

Kristin Pedemonti

Dear John, I said it before & I say it again: Beyond Grateful for your Beautiful message on Gifting & Gratitude. How lucky we all are for your Grandpa first guided you. Now YOU help Guide us. May we ALL see the CONE of blessings in this world. EVERYONE, if you want to be inspired by John even More, please do watch his Hug Nation every Tuesday on youtube, he shares wisdom, love & Heart. <3 <3 <3 to you. HUGS from my lil heart to yours!

Linda J. Ferguson

Great video and story telling. I agree with John's reaction to 2001. That inspired me to write my latest book, "Staying Grounded in Shifting Sand". I felt we needed to respond from Love not fear.

susan

wow. the simplicity of the message. and how much you FEEL this. and your granddad. ridiculous. great talk.

Raquel

This video resonated within so many parts of me. My heart was beaming with JOY from the inside out. What a fabulous gift you just gave all who are open enough to hear, see, feel and absorb this simple yet profound concept that can permeate a whole new way of living.

Eleanor

Thank You so much well done so great to pass it on! My Parents, and my Grandma were just like your Grandpa! They changed my life when I didn't want to live anymore, they got me back on track and my spiritually life came back to me! Thank You so much! Keep up the great work you are doing your Grandpa is proud of you!

Maria

With all my heart and soul, thank you for the grateful, appreciative, joyful, funny spirit that you and your grandfather share so exquisitely, reminding us what life is REALLY all about! Thanks for making all of it available for all of us! WOWW! THIS is wealth to share! May I have your permission to use some footage in in a way that will reach a lot of people? I shall, of course, credit you properly. And thanks for articulating so beautifully what Burning Man is really all about!

Zora

Dear John, who you are and how you share this message saves lives. I can't express how deeply touched I am, tears still wet in my eyes, heart pumping with hope and excitement about the good stuff in life.

Jan

So cool! Thank you!

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Gratitude, Gifting and Grandpa

Reflections (41)

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