Makes Me Think

Our newsletter subscribers will have already been introduced to the Makes Me Think site I discovered recently. It was featured in the newsletter under our “Surf’s Up” section.

I have found so much inspiration from this site that I really wanted to share it some more with all of you.  I will let the creators, Marc and Angel, explain the site’s concept in their own words:

Sometimes the most random everyday encounters force us to stop and rethink the truths and perceptions we have ingrained in our minds. These encounters are educationally priceless. They spawn moments of deep thought and self-reflection that challenge the status quo and help us evolve as sensible individuals.

Here at MakesMeThink.com, we call these thought-provoking life experiences ‘MMTs.’

I love rethinking old truths and perceptions and challenging the status quo so it is no surprise that this site is one I now visit regularly.  Anyone can upload their own “Makes Me Think” story directly. If it is thought provoking it will be published. A story always starts with ‘Today’ and ends with ‘MMT.’ All stories are limited to 300 characters.  It reminds me very much of the six word memoirs I once wrote about.  Quick, to the point, short on fluff but very powerful.

If they choose to, readers are able to vote on each entry.  They can choose either – Yes, that made me think too! Or – No, that made me sleepy.

Here are a few to give you an idea.

Today in downtown San Diego, I watched a blue collar Mexican man get harassed for being Mexican. It was a blatant act of discrimination. And the man actually began crying. As he left the office building, he took off his jacket. His t-shirt underneath read, “I love the USA!” MMT

Today, I interviewed a woman who is terminally ill. “So,” I tried to delicately ask, “What is it like to wake up every morning and know that you are dying?” “Well,” she responded, “What is it like to wake up every morning and pretend that you are not?” MMT

Today, I was working in a coffee shop when 2 gay men walked in holding hands. As you might expect, heads started turning. Then a young girl at the table next to me asked her mom why 2 men were holding hands. Her mom replied, “Because they love each other.” MMT

Today, I was traveling in Kenya and I met a refugee from Zimbabwe. He said he hadn’t eaten anything in over 3 days and looked extremely skinny and unhealthy. Then my friend offered him the rest of the sandwich he was eating. The first thing the man said was, “We can share it.” MMT

Today, after I watched my dog get run over by a car, I sat on the side of the road holding him and crying. And just before he died, he licked the tears off my face. MMT

Today, I asked my 6 year old son what he wants to be when he grows up. He said, “Mommy, all I want to be is happy.” MMT

It was really hard to pick just a few of these.  I should warn you that it’s also hard to stop reading once you start but I’ve found it is best to savour each one and allow yourself to think on it for awhile.  Perhaps you’ll publish one of your own.  I know you are a fellow inspiration seeker, that’s why you have joined us here on TaraCronica.com, so check out and enjoy MakesMeThink.com too.