Thoughtful Thursday Explained

About six-eight months ago, I came up with the idea for Thoughtful Thursday.  Originally designed to help folks in my Twitter network with the hashtag #thoughtfulthursday, I expanded it to my networks on Facebook and Plaxo as well.  Thoughtful Thursday is something everyone can do.  All it involves is taking a few moments out of your day and asking your network very simply, “how can I help you today?”  Generally, most participants have certain areas they specialize in.  For example, I’ve mostly answered questions about writing, publishing, my experiences with Hollywood, martial arts and self protection.  I’ve also done quick critiques of writing samples.

The goal of Thoughtful Thursday is to take a day out of the week and remind ourselves that the universe does not revolve around our wishes, but that we are all connected and need each other’s help from time-to-time.  It spreads a great positive vibe and it’s a nice and easy way to help others.  If you’re on Twitter, I ask that you use the hashtag #thoughtfulthursday around any activities you do – be it asking your network they need help, or asking for help yourself.  In this way, it’s my hope that more people start participating.  Exponential growth is a very cool thing when it comes to helping people.

Thoughtful Thursday has been on hiatus due to a huge number of obligations I had, but I feel strongly enough about it that I want to bring it back each week.  This isn’t to say that we should only be nice to others on Thursday, rather it serves as a reminder that we all have attributes and skills that others will find helpful and we can be so at any time.

I hope you’ll join me today in asking your network of friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and family: how can I help you today?

Thanks!

PS:  If you haven’t checke dout the first chapter of the new Lawson Vampire adventure The Madagascar Matter, you can do so by clicking here!

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4 comments

  • Jo Lynne Valerie January 7, 2010  

    John, I don’t have a question so much as a statement. Well, yes, and a question too. 🙂 First, this is a simply wonderful idea. Kudos to you for creating #ThoughtfulThursday and please know that I’m jumping on board this train. By that I mean, I’ll offer some kind of assistance my my networks each Thursday, too. Second, what style of martial arts?

    Thanks for the inspiration. Going to read your chapter now!

  • jonfmerz January 7, 2010  

    Thanks so much! 🙂

    I’ve been studying authentic Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu for about 20 years now. Prior to that, I studied Tae Kwon Do, Judo, AIkido, and some Karate and Kung Fu. Been doing martial arts for a very long time!

  • jonfmerz January 8, 2010  

    No way of knowing unless we try! But even if it’s only me doing it, that’s still something. I’ve never been afraid of being the only one out there as long as it’s for something I believe in.

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