Hurricanes, mudslides, tsunamis and extreme floods, and snowstorms are creating so much ruin in too many parts of our world. Haiti, Brazil, India, Canada and Australia, are only a few places devastated recently by the whirlwind of natural disasters that don’t seem to be letting up.
The conditions worldwide have become excessive and disastrous. The damage is phenomenal - cities have to start over and rebuild places and communities they once knew as home, not to mention the effects on people’s lives and spirits… It’s not something we can fully comprehend unless we’ve gone through it.
And our challenge seems to not become desensitized to these catastrophes. Yet, it feels like everywhere we look these days, another country is being hit.
So much effort has gone to helping places like Haiti rebuild (although sadly they are still very far from any kind of stability), that for some people the thought of helping can become overwhelming – but hopefully we can overcome this (especially in lieu of what the survivors have to cope with).
I don’t think feeling overwhelmed means we should throw our hands up and forget about it, but rather to take a moment to think, regroup, and consider where we can help.
For some of us, it’s hard to contribute large sums of money. But there are a few simple ways we can help.
First, it’s just a matter of picking an area or situation that we feel impacted by. Personally, I’m still very touched by the situation in Haiti. I recently saw a show on W5, called, “Haiti in Agony: A year later,” and was very moved by the struggles they’re still up against.
So, my way of helping is to try and maintain awareness through writing about it in this blog, or by posting logos/links of organizations here and on my website, so that people can learn more and help where they can - even if it’s to volunteer a little time.
There are also items you can buy, such as a lovely silver necklace for hope, with little trinkets on it symbolizing – love, hope and healing - in support of Haiti, available by the Give Love Foundation. It would make a pretty gift, and the money goes to a credible foundation that’s working to improve the conditions in Haiti and other countries that need it.
There are many ways we can help. The point is that in lieu of the number of catastrophes that are happening, we have to stick together as a society - to be one large community of support for each other, and help out where we can.
The following are some links to credible organizations that are helping some of the countries that have been hit by natural disasters, in hope that you may feel passionate about learning more and helping too.
Free the Children in Haiti (“Empowers children in North America to take action to improve the lives of fellow children overseas,” with projects that include education and water.)
http://www.freethechildren.com
Give Love Foundation (Helps countries in need, such as Haiti, with water systems, housing and other support where needed)
http://www.givelove.org/
Canadian Red Cross (A nonprofit humanitarian organization, providing international support in areas such as disaster relief, healthcare and violence prevention)
http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=000005&tid=003
World Health Organization (“Authority for health within the United Nations system” – research, standards and implementation of global health matters)
http://www.who.int/hac/en/index.html
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Lets Not Forget Haiti: A Necklace of Hope, Love and Healing
On The View recently, Patricia Arquette, was wearing a pretty little silver necklace—a symbol of hope, love and healing for Haiti, supported by her foundation called Give Love.
This foundation is trying to create better conditions in Haiti.
In a visit there, Patricia saw a mother who had given birth in a tent, swarmed with mosquitoes and water, and said that it doesn’t look like the baby will make it. It’s probably one of many sad stories we’ve already heard or will hear more of. But the bottom line is that Haiti still desperately needs our help.
Patricia described their water conditions as contaminated with filth and unusable. She said the only decent water they have is from the sky. So, the foundation will help them utilize this water by setting up reclamation systems and teach them how to do the same for themselves, and provide housing and other types of support where needed.
The money raised from the necklace will help the foundation achieve these goals.
It’s a simple-yet-profound idea—buy a necklace and help Haiti. And what makes this pretty piece of jewellery special is the meaning attached to it…hope, love and healing (and the price is good too).
I also believe this necklace will help keep the cause alive—people will talk about it and Haiti won’t be forgotten.
For more information check out the websites below:
Give Love Foundation:
http://www.givelove.org/
Patricia Arquette:
http://patricia-arquette.com/
This foundation is trying to create better conditions in Haiti.
In a visit there, Patricia saw a mother who had given birth in a tent, swarmed with mosquitoes and water, and said that it doesn’t look like the baby will make it. It’s probably one of many sad stories we’ve already heard or will hear more of. But the bottom line is that Haiti still desperately needs our help.
Patricia described their water conditions as contaminated with filth and unusable. She said the only decent water they have is from the sky. So, the foundation will help them utilize this water by setting up reclamation systems and teach them how to do the same for themselves, and provide housing and other types of support where needed.
The money raised from the necklace will help the foundation achieve these goals.
It’s a simple-yet-profound idea—buy a necklace and help Haiti. And what makes this pretty piece of jewellery special is the meaning attached to it…hope, love and healing (and the price is good too).
I also believe this necklace will help keep the cause alive—people will talk about it and Haiti won’t be forgotten.
For more information check out the websites below:
Give Love Foundation:
http://www.givelove.org/
Patricia Arquette:
http://patricia-arquette.com/
Monday, May 31, 2010
Judgments of Others
It’s amazing how judgmental people can be.
I recently had a negative experience with someone in my field (writing) that blatantly characterized me to someone else. She just threw a judgment out there…on a whim that she might be right, yet she couldn’t have been further from the truth.
I won’t go into details about what was said, but I will say that I was shocked at the personal accusation—from someone who’s never met me, and had only a brief glimpse of a few lines of my work—a personal analysis of me (a wanna-be Dr. Phil!).
As if that weren’t enough, she also criticized the grief I shared in an article, along with the fact that people may need counseling during their grief from pet loss (How to Cope With the Loss of a Pet: http://www.healthylivingmagazine.ca/pet-loss). Criticizing people for needing help with their grief…?
Although this isn’t unusual…people often form judgments about others. And in the writing business, criticism of your work is essential, and you have to have a thick skin (which I do). What stands out is how far from the truth one can be in their super-quick assessments of another person.
Most of us have heard old adages, such as “don’t judge a book by its cover” or “don’t judge another person unless you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” As cliché-ish as they sound, they’re true.
It may be a tall order, but it would be nice to see more people give others the benefit of the doubt—to see more of the positive in others—even through the pitfalls, rather than disparage them.
We’re human, doing the best to our abilities, and a little more appreciation and less flack could go a long way in our society.
I recently had a negative experience with someone in my field (writing) that blatantly characterized me to someone else. She just threw a judgment out there…on a whim that she might be right, yet she couldn’t have been further from the truth.
I won’t go into details about what was said, but I will say that I was shocked at the personal accusation—from someone who’s never met me, and had only a brief glimpse of a few lines of my work—a personal analysis of me (a wanna-be Dr. Phil!).
As if that weren’t enough, she also criticized the grief I shared in an article, along with the fact that people may need counseling during their grief from pet loss (How to Cope With the Loss of a Pet: http://www.healthylivingmagazine.ca/pet-loss). Criticizing people for needing help with their grief…?
Although this isn’t unusual…people often form judgments about others. And in the writing business, criticism of your work is essential, and you have to have a thick skin (which I do). What stands out is how far from the truth one can be in their super-quick assessments of another person.
Most of us have heard old adages, such as “don’t judge a book by its cover” or “don’t judge another person unless you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” As cliché-ish as they sound, they’re true.
It may be a tall order, but it would be nice to see more people give others the benefit of the doubt—to see more of the positive in others—even through the pitfalls, rather than disparage them.
We’re human, doing the best to our abilities, and a little more appreciation and less flack could go a long way in our society.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Lets Not Forget Haiti: A Necklace of Hope, Love and Healing
On The View recently, Patricia Arquette, was wearing a pretty little silver necklace—a symbol of hope, love and healing for Haiti, supported by her foundation called Give Love.
This foundation is trying to create better conditions in Haiti.
In a visit there, Patricia saw a mother who had given birth in a tent, swarmed with mosquitoes and water, and said that it doesn’t look like the baby will make it. It’s probably one of many sad stories we’ve already heard or will hear more of. But the bottom line is that Haiti still desperately needs our help.
Patricia described their water conditions as contaminated with filth and unusable. She said the only decent water they have is from the sky. So, the foundation will help them utilize this water by setting up reclamation systems and teach them how to do the same for themselves, and provide housing and other types of support where needed.
The money raised from the necklace will help the foundation achieve these goals.
It’s a simple-yet-profound idea—buy a necklace and help Haiti. And what makes this pretty piece of jewellery special is the meaning attached to it…hope, love and healing (and the price is good too).
I also believe this necklace will help keep the cause alive—people will talk about it and Haiti won’t be forgotten.
For more information check out the websites below:
Give Love Foundation:
http://www.givelove.org/
Patricia Arquette:
http://patricia-arquette.com/
This foundation is trying to create better conditions in Haiti.
In a visit there, Patricia saw a mother who had given birth in a tent, swarmed with mosquitoes and water, and said that it doesn’t look like the baby will make it. It’s probably one of many sad stories we’ve already heard or will hear more of. But the bottom line is that Haiti still desperately needs our help.
Patricia described their water conditions as contaminated with filth and unusable. She said the only decent water they have is from the sky. So, the foundation will help them utilize this water by setting up reclamation systems and teach them how to do the same for themselves, and provide housing and other types of support where needed.
The money raised from the necklace will help the foundation achieve these goals.
It’s a simple-yet-profound idea—buy a necklace and help Haiti. And what makes this pretty piece of jewellery special is the meaning attached to it…hope, love and healing (and the price is good too).
I also believe this necklace will help keep the cause alive—people will talk about it and Haiti won’t be forgotten.
For more information check out the websites below:
Give Love Foundation:
http://www.givelove.org/
Patricia Arquette:
http://patricia-arquette.com/
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Strong women in society: Why does it have to be so hard?
In one week, I’ve heard women who have stepped 'outside of the box' described as “mad,” “witches, ” and in for a challenge when in comes to having too much.
In an episode of The View, last Friday, the hot topic was about women having a successful career and marriage at the same time. This was a hot issue, with the suggestion that we can’t have both simultaneously.
As disheartening as it is to hear such a statement, I can relate to it. Currently, I’m in a position where part of me wants to stay away from relationships, so that I can keep my focus on my career and on being a good mom, without any more demands on my time.
Even though I recall the ways relationships have enriched my life, I understand the difficulties of having both. I’ve experienced relationships that command more from me than I could give (and having partners upset with me for it), while working toward my goals. It can be hard trying to give so much of yourself, especially if you don’t fit into that neat little box of societal expectations.
Years ago I was told that my chances would be slim for finding a man because of being an independent woman. And it’s true—more men than not seem threatened by that (especially if you make more money than them). As women, our challenge has always been stepping out of our roles.
A couple of days ago, I read an article called “Were The ‘Mad’ Heroines of Literature Really Sane?” The reference was to women of classic Victorian fiction, with an analysis about whether they were actually troubled. “But were they really mad? Would we today recognize them as mentally ill or were our heroines merely misunderstood, not to mention a tad inconvenient?” asks Vivienne Parry.
My comment to this piece suggested a little of each. Some women (along with men) probably started out mentally ill, and others maybe went mad from being chained up—if not burned at stakes—for being too eccentric for the times. But fiction or nonfiction, some things never change… When we step out of our traditional expectations it’s not without a cost.
Kate Gosselin was ripped apart in The View’s Hot Topics online comments section, regarding her working on Dancing with the Stars. Viewers called her a “witch” and “horrible” to name a few things said. I don’t get it—shouldn’t we be supporting our efforts in this world as women? Would they be happier with her on welfare, with society supporting her, or trying to collect donations from a website…? She is trying to be responsible—working to make her way, and that of her children. Isn’t that a good thing (regardless of whether she’s in the spotlight or not)?
One viewer suggested she isn’t trying to improve herself...Isn’t that exactly what she’s doing? She’s definitely not a dancer, so, she’s stepping out of her comfort zones and learning new things (and—God forbid—maybe she’s even having some fun while doing it). She’s working with what she can to get by, and I don’t see what’s so wrong about that.
But, as is often the case, it’s easy to judge others whose shoes we haven’t walked in. The bottom line is that we all do the best we can with the resources we have. And I believe the degree of resentment we have for others (such as the comments toward Kate) shows more about ourselves… But that’s another story…
It’s funny how when men are successful, they’re not ostracized the way women are, and it’s easy for them to find relationships (especially with younger women), but for women it remains a challenge (and if it’s a younger man, we’re labeled a “Cougar”).
The good news is that society is changing in a lot of ways. And we’re all trying to adapt—as women, to our strengths, and as men, to stronger women. It’s our reality now and we have to get used to it. Confident women are a large part of the world we live in today, and it’s certainly not about to revert back.
Both men and our female counterparts have to adjust to the fact that the world is changing—women are growing—and that is a wonderful and blessed thing, to be able to contribute to the world in a position of growth and strength.
I support any woman who strives to step out of her comfort zone, role, or external expectations, toward a position of increased strength, individuality, and success (as long as her consideration for others remains in tact), and I look forward to hearing more about others who support the same.
In an episode of The View, last Friday, the hot topic was about women having a successful career and marriage at the same time. This was a hot issue, with the suggestion that we can’t have both simultaneously.
As disheartening as it is to hear such a statement, I can relate to it. Currently, I’m in a position where part of me wants to stay away from relationships, so that I can keep my focus on my career and on being a good mom, without any more demands on my time.
Even though I recall the ways relationships have enriched my life, I understand the difficulties of having both. I’ve experienced relationships that command more from me than I could give (and having partners upset with me for it), while working toward my goals. It can be hard trying to give so much of yourself, especially if you don’t fit into that neat little box of societal expectations.
Years ago I was told that my chances would be slim for finding a man because of being an independent woman. And it’s true—more men than not seem threatened by that (especially if you make more money than them). As women, our challenge has always been stepping out of our roles.
A couple of days ago, I read an article called “Were The ‘Mad’ Heroines of Literature Really Sane?” The reference was to women of classic Victorian fiction, with an analysis about whether they were actually troubled. “But were they really mad? Would we today recognize them as mentally ill or were our heroines merely misunderstood, not to mention a tad inconvenient?” asks Vivienne Parry.
My comment to this piece suggested a little of each. Some women (along with men) probably started out mentally ill, and others maybe went mad from being chained up—if not burned at stakes—for being too eccentric for the times. But fiction or nonfiction, some things never change… When we step out of our traditional expectations it’s not without a cost.
Kate Gosselin was ripped apart in The View’s Hot Topics online comments section, regarding her working on Dancing with the Stars. Viewers called her a “witch” and “horrible” to name a few things said. I don’t get it—shouldn’t we be supporting our efforts in this world as women? Would they be happier with her on welfare, with society supporting her, or trying to collect donations from a website…? She is trying to be responsible—working to make her way, and that of her children. Isn’t that a good thing (regardless of whether she’s in the spotlight or not)?
One viewer suggested she isn’t trying to improve herself...Isn’t that exactly what she’s doing? She’s definitely not a dancer, so, she’s stepping out of her comfort zones and learning new things (and—God forbid—maybe she’s even having some fun while doing it). She’s working with what she can to get by, and I don’t see what’s so wrong about that.
But, as is often the case, it’s easy to judge others whose shoes we haven’t walked in. The bottom line is that we all do the best we can with the resources we have. And I believe the degree of resentment we have for others (such as the comments toward Kate) shows more about ourselves… But that’s another story…
It’s funny how when men are successful, they’re not ostracized the way women are, and it’s easy for them to find relationships (especially with younger women), but for women it remains a challenge (and if it’s a younger man, we’re labeled a “Cougar”).
The good news is that society is changing in a lot of ways. And we’re all trying to adapt—as women, to our strengths, and as men, to stronger women. It’s our reality now and we have to get used to it. Confident women are a large part of the world we live in today, and it’s certainly not about to revert back.
Both men and our female counterparts have to adjust to the fact that the world is changing—women are growing—and that is a wonderful and blessed thing, to be able to contribute to the world in a position of growth and strength.
I support any woman who strives to step out of her comfort zone, role, or external expectations, toward a position of increased strength, individuality, and success (as long as her consideration for others remains in tact), and I look forward to hearing more about others who support the same.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
A Supportive Society
My Twitter bio says, “Passionate about the health of our society, and supporting each other — a little goes a long way...” And it’s genuine.
I’m concerned about the state of our society (emotionally and otherwise), and about how we treat each other…that quite often seems more poorly than not.
For instance, online networks, such as Twitter, have many members just in it for themselves (trying to draw people to their products or services), without a care about anyone they come in contact with. It’s becoming a common annoyance for some.
I recently read a blog by a fellow-tweeter suggesting people be “more interactive” and “less selfish” on these types of social mediums, and I concurred with what he had to say.
But unfortunately, along with the convenience of online socializing networking comes a magnified mirror of the masses — a close view of how negatively many people conduct themselves with others — but it’s our reality. We have to take the bad with the good.
Personally, I’m drawn to sincerity. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but not a one-way-street either. A little compassion toward other people (who also go through struggles, just as we do) can have a great impact.
Supporting each other, even in small ways, such as a kind word, gesture or help with something, can make a big difference for someone, and it all adds up in the larger scheme of things.
If we’re to be a healthy society, we need to exercise more energy from the heart, and less from the ego. We need to genuinely acknowledge and be kind to each other, and less self-absorbed — for the most part.
It’s normal to be selfish at times, such as in the instance of desperately needing a break from ongoing demands. Without a little selfishness (especially if you have children) you can go insane and take your loved ones with you! However, if the scales are tipping too much in the direction of your wants and needs and constantly at the cost of others…well, this is what you’re contributing not only to your immediate world, but to the larger picture as well — it’s your legacy.
I value the health of our society, and believe that in little ways, we can make an impact. I guess the question for some is to determine what kind of society they want to live in, and to think about what they can do to make an impact toward the kind of world they want to see. (Which is hopefully a positive one for most!)
I’m concerned about the state of our society (emotionally and otherwise), and about how we treat each other…that quite often seems more poorly than not.
For instance, online networks, such as Twitter, have many members just in it for themselves (trying to draw people to their products or services), without a care about anyone they come in contact with. It’s becoming a common annoyance for some.
I recently read a blog by a fellow-tweeter suggesting people be “more interactive” and “less selfish” on these types of social mediums, and I concurred with what he had to say.
But unfortunately, along with the convenience of online socializing networking comes a magnified mirror of the masses — a close view of how negatively many people conduct themselves with others — but it’s our reality. We have to take the bad with the good.
Personally, I’m drawn to sincerity. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but not a one-way-street either. A little compassion toward other people (who also go through struggles, just as we do) can have a great impact.
Supporting each other, even in small ways, such as a kind word, gesture or help with something, can make a big difference for someone, and it all adds up in the larger scheme of things.
If we’re to be a healthy society, we need to exercise more energy from the heart, and less from the ego. We need to genuinely acknowledge and be kind to each other, and less self-absorbed — for the most part.
It’s normal to be selfish at times, such as in the instance of desperately needing a break from ongoing demands. Without a little selfishness (especially if you have children) you can go insane and take your loved ones with you! However, if the scales are tipping too much in the direction of your wants and needs and constantly at the cost of others…well, this is what you’re contributing not only to your immediate world, but to the larger picture as well — it’s your legacy.
I value the health of our society, and believe that in little ways, we can make an impact. I guess the question for some is to determine what kind of society they want to live in, and to think about what they can do to make an impact toward the kind of world they want to see. (Which is hopefully a positive one for most!)
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Young Artists for Haiti
First off, I have to say that I’m somewhat out of my element writing about a topic such as this. It’s very different for me… But sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zones, for the sake of the “greater good.”
I saw a music video yesterday that moved me to no end. The song was called Wavin’ Flag, and although it sounded familiar, I couldn’t place it in any regard. Now I don’t want to forget it (not that it will be possible to, with the media…), and I want to shout out loud about it and share it with the world. It’s that profound.
It’s a song—unlike many others—that is not only great to listen to, but has tremendous meaning. It’s a tribute to Haiti, by a whole host of great Canadian artists, such as Nelly Furtado, Sam Roberts Band, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber…to name a few. It’s a similar but modern concept of “We Are The World,” the iconic tribute from the 80’s, to less developed countries.
It’s a beautiful and moving song. I was emotional watching it (to my surprise). And I’ve never seen so much spirit shine through from so many artists at one sitting like that… It was really special.
But it’s more than that… It’s raising awareness and money for a precious cause—to help Haiti.
In support of Haiti, I felt compelled to spread the word and raise awareness where I can. I urge those who both love music and care about helping, to, at the very least, check out this song.
Words I’ve seen people use to describe it...“beautiful,” “love,” “inspirational,”
“cry…”
You just have to see the video and hear it for yourself. It’s well worth the time—and cause… Lend your support.
To see the video (sorry, links aren't working for me here): http://www.vevo.com/watch/young-artists-for-haiti/wavin-flag/CAUV71000003
To download it on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/wavin-flag-single/id360176492
For more info, visit Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=470444300284&share_id=362538626206&comments=1
I saw a music video yesterday that moved me to no end. The song was called Wavin’ Flag, and although it sounded familiar, I couldn’t place it in any regard. Now I don’t want to forget it (not that it will be possible to, with the media…), and I want to shout out loud about it and share it with the world. It’s that profound.
It’s a song—unlike many others—that is not only great to listen to, but has tremendous meaning. It’s a tribute to Haiti, by a whole host of great Canadian artists, such as Nelly Furtado, Sam Roberts Band, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber…to name a few. It’s a similar but modern concept of “We Are The World,” the iconic tribute from the 80’s, to less developed countries.
It’s a beautiful and moving song. I was emotional watching it (to my surprise). And I’ve never seen so much spirit shine through from so many artists at one sitting like that… It was really special.
But it’s more than that… It’s raising awareness and money for a precious cause—to help Haiti.
In support of Haiti, I felt compelled to spread the word and raise awareness where I can. I urge those who both love music and care about helping, to, at the very least, check out this song.
Words I’ve seen people use to describe it...“beautiful,” “love,” “inspirational,”
“cry…”
You just have to see the video and hear it for yourself. It’s well worth the time—and cause… Lend your support.
To see the video (sorry, links aren't working for me here): http://www.vevo.com/watch/young-artists-for-haiti/wavin-flag/CAUV71000003
To download it on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/wavin-flag-single/id360176492
For more info, visit Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=470444300284&share_id=362538626206&comments=1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
