It was really moving watching their story. They were both so humble and simple about it – it needed to be done and that was it. The worst thing the man said he had encountered since doing this work, was hearing of two of his homeless friends, who were asleep under a bridge one night, set alight and burnt to death.
What really struck me about these two people was how giving and generous they were. It made me question my own life. I try and be a good person (I’m sure I don’t succeed all the time, like most people 
) and I know my work as a Life Coach makes a difference, and I am hoping this blog will also do the same but there was something about watching this programme, that made me want to do something more.
Something I have been thinking about doing for a while is to volunteer for an animal welfare charity and I have started to arrange that this week. Animal welfare is something close to my heart; a few years ago my husband and I, adopted a gorgeous tabby cat Squeaky on my birthday.
Squeaky
To say Squeaky is the best birthday present I have ever had, is an understatement…she is gorgeous, a constant source of fun and love 
. Squeaky was a rescue cat, as her previous owners had moved and left her behind…something I find mind boggling! If I can help other animals in bad situations, it will be worthwhile.
So I want to thank Jamie and the inspiring Columbian mother and son, for reminding me this week that true joy in life comes from helping others (humans and animals) and the difference is made in taking action!
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Inspiring Post.
Starting small is all it takes. Just one sincere compliment a day, even to a complete stranger, is all it takes.
I wish Squeaky all the best.
Hey Jonny!
Thank you - and you're right, the little things is where it starts, just brightening up someone else day can make the world of difference to that person.
Squeaky asked me to send you a big miaow!
Hi Jen,
I spend a lot of time helping out my parents as they have a home and they are in their 80s. My time is limited as I work full-time but I know what you mean with this post. Giving back on an organized level is something I've been considering. I recently have started giving blood regularly as it was something I never did up until a year ago. The older I get the more I want to help others who need it.
Best,
Bob
Hiya Bob
Great to see you here again.
That's inspiring in itself though isn't it - taking care of your parents and their home with them.
I think as Jonny said too, even a sincere compliment to another once a day really makes a difference. It depends on our lives and commitments and you sound ike you're doing a great job. I find that too getting older...maybe it gets us more in touch with our hunanity.
Cheers Bob
Jen
Hi Jen,
This is a really interesting post. I think it's essential to give and not to want anything back in return. Especially when the last thing we're feeling like is giving. The simplest example I can think of is on dark mornings when I might feel miserable and head off to Starbucks for a coffee. One of the things that annoys me about these shops is the degrading way that many people treat the baristas. Walking in and seeing a queue of unsmiling transactions ahead of me often prompts me to get over myself, smile a warm good morning, and ask my barista how she is. It's such a simple thing and yet the rewards are great.
Becoming a "cat mother" to a cat orphan is a huge act of generosity, and one I admire you for. Squeaky looks divine and I can quite see why you're in love! Enjoy and thanks again!
Those people are remarkable! Despite their lack and problem with their immigration, they have find time to help their less fortunate friends. They are angels in disguise.
Hi Christine
You're right, I think giving withour expecting anything back is hugely rewarding but I know sometimes when I'm on auto pilot in my life I can forget. I think it's things like treating your barista in Starbucks with respect and a warm greeting, that make the difference to their day and yours and changes the world day by day.
Thank you re Squeaky - she is divine and to be honest although I know it is generous to have taken her in it feels like the rewards are a thousand fold.
She sends you a miaow too!
Thanks Christine
Jen
Hi Walter
A real life inspiration.
You are so right! Actually 'angels in disguise' is something I thought of when watching this programme, they were so giving and humble.
Your cat squeaky is gorgeous! She looks just like my mum's cat Billy actually.
What a lovely story about those Columbian people. I hope they show that Jamie Oliver program in Australia. There's something extra admirable about people who work hard all day and then in their spare time help others in such a practical way.
thanks Anna! I am a proud cat mother
I know, it really is an extraordinary story.
Jen x
I have just found the link on Jamie's website for anyone that wants to read more, the man's name is George: http://www.channel4.com/food/on-tv/jamie-oliver/jamies-american-road-trip/new-york-episode-guide_p_3.html