READ: Recycled Resolutions by Grace Ste. Croix
December 15, 2011 by Grace Ste. Croix
Filed under •-Headline, Insights, Personal Growth
The holidays are here and many people become nostalgic. Did they accomplish the tasks and goals of the year that has just passed? What new aspirations do we have in the next year coming? 2012 is right around the corner but many people find themselves recycling their old resolutions for the year of 2011. Why do we get trapped in this cycle? How can we go forward with a resolution and actually accomplish it? When it is December 2012 many of us want to sing Auld Lang Syne and actually look back on the year with pride: We made goals and we accomplished them. Cheers for the New Year!
Many gyms and health clinics can attest that there is a boom of service within the first two weeks of January. Regular work out rooms are packed with many people aspiring for better health. But by March the gyms are again at regular pace. Where did all of these die hard fitness fans go?
Resolutions are often put to the side or thrown out of the mind because we are not achieving the results we are looking for. Using the popular weight loss goals as an example, many people become discouraged after a month at the gym and not seeing the extra fifty pounds melt off in a thirty day work out.
Realistic Expectations
Set realistic goals for yourself. Weight loss, going back to school or a new renovation often times take time and money. These goals cannot be achieved overnight. With a keen sense of awareness of what you want and what it takes to achieve them, you can stay on your path to your aspirations a lot easier when you know what to expect. Write out your goals and understand what it takes to achieve them.
Research, Research, Research!
The library is an excellent resource for researching the path to your goals. If your personal aspiration is to eat healthier, researching the foods, (including fruits and vegetables) to give you the energy. y. After you begin to eat healthier, you will have more energy for other activities. Just watch as your whole lifestyle begins to change and improve just because of a few dietary changes! Researching, asking questions to professionals and reading are great ways to jump start to your goal and again help you with realistic expectations to achieve what you want.
Want to Achieve? Believe!
Believing in yourself, your goals and truly knowing that you can achieve what you want is just a change of an important mantra. Change the “I can’t” to “I can” or “I will.” It sounds simple, but really listen to how you speak to yourself when accomplishing a task. Do you notice a lot of negative discouragement? Change your mantra, remember what you want and know you can do it.
New Years is just around the corner. Let’s make those resolutions come true with our three steps to making what you want to truly happen. Cheers to 2012 and at the end of next year, you can toast yourself for your achieved aspirations rather than recycling old resolutions.
Grace Ste.Croix is a writer, entrepreneur and a motivational speaker in Canada. She writes for a number of international magazines on subjects including personal growth, health and wellness, and current events. She uses her legal experience in her writing to dissect current issues, and apply a number of possible answers for hard questions. As an animal rights campaigner, she strives for tougher laws on animal abuse and encourages their adoption from humane societies and animal shelters. Visit her at VividLife.me, Bythespirit.net, and Feng SHe.com. Join my facebook page! Facebook:Grace Ste.Croix
Read more from VividLife.me bloggers:
5 Keys to Staying Positive in Challenging Times by Pragito Dove
Are you having trouble staying in a positive state of mind when challenging circumstances present themselves? The Universal Laws state: so without, so within. Everything is a mirror. We cannot change the reflection, but we can change the original(ourselves),and then, automatically, the reflection changes.
What does it mean to be Free of Definitions? by Gangaji
At this time in our present history, we have the ability to be conscious of the stories we have been taught and how they define us, as well as the stories we unquestionably have believed about who another is. We can be willing to be unguarded with ourselves, and we can take responsibility for the result. We can marvel when we discover that the stories of previously demonized others (enemies) are as beautiful and multi-layered as our own…
READ: The Global We-Believe and Achieve
December 12, 2011 by Grace Ste. Croix
Filed under •-Headline, Insights, Oneness In Action, Peace
“Be THE CHANGE you want to see”
“Se el Cambio Que Quieres Ver “
Gandhi
Sergio Jimenez Campos wanted to change the world. Quite an aspiring task and definitely something most of us dream of doing, yet a lot of work to take on for one man. From the beautiful country of Costa Rica, Sergio would search the internet, looking for peace projects that he could get involved in. After posting a few of his beliefs of peace on a blog, Gordon Millar from Scotland read and felt that Sergio would be a perfect co-founder and co-creator for The Global We. With a diverse set of individuals, Gordon and his team were convinced that people can join from all over the world to discuss ways and implement systems to make the world a better place. Along with Martin Aelred from Scotland, Kumud Singh from India and Cat Forsley from Canada, the Global We was born.
“Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
The Global We was formed quickly in 2009 from a group of determined people from literally all points of the globe. With this diversity, they can touch many, but what projects did the Global We take on? To sum it up, all of them. Through YouTube and other forms of social media technology these individuals start creating videos to reach out to strangers across the globe, sharing in issues such as plastic production, wars and the importance of the reconnection of human kind. They started receiving emails internationally asking for help on emotional and personal issues. Members of the Global We would answer based on their personal experience. Sergio asserts that personal experience in life can “provide a lot of light in the fire” of others. With no money invested and a lot of love, the Global We quickly touched the hearts and minds from all corners of the earth.
“The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” Albert Einstein
The Global We quickly became attached to issues in regards to mass pollution. Causes such as “We all share one planet” include the problems with plastic in our era. The Global We stresses that the world must learn how to use it wisely since its overuse can affect our eco system. Let us leave the planet to our children in better shape than we received it! Sergio believes that one should “be the change they want to see” instead of waiting for someone else to do it, use your own two hands to become that change.
How does the Global We work with each different culture, religion and creed around the world? The answer again is simple. Embrace the difference and find commonality between the barriers. Uniting for a cause to make the world a cleaner and overall better place to live is a universal language that stems across each country, through each person. To reach this international fan base, Sergio himself speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese. He has friends and family around the planet, and with his coworkers they are able to reach their fan base in India as effectively as in England. This effectively aids in improving their global communication and increases the creativity of new ideas and the support from each incredible person from around the planet. This helps the Global We handle their huge fan base around the world in many languages.
“Remember, intentions are the first part of an Action. Motivation is basic for our First Step
” Sergio ´Checho – Che-bro´ Jiménez Campos
What does the future hold for the Global We? Sergio insists that the future is created by every step we take. He encourages individuals to grow their own personal gardens, keeping our neighbours healthy. Mother Nature can heal us, so we must be her caretakers to ensure her safety. Over time, the Global We has connected with Ipeace, Costa Rica, Edinburgh, India and California’s Global centers of Peace and Progress to share ideas and thoughts on the commitment to peace.
Youtube: Theglobalwe
Facebook:The Global We
Yeria Productions-http://vimeo.com/yeriaproductions
READ: Online Bullying
October 31, 2011 by Grace Ste. Croix
Filed under •-Headline, Conscious Parenting, Insights, Leadership, Parenting tips, Reflection
The positive uses of social media technology are vast. People are able to get in touch with old friends, increase and advertise their small businesses and connect with others. Both professionally and personally, social media technology has offered endless outcomes for adults. However, students today are growing up around social media technology. It is not a phenomenon as it is for many adults, but a way of life. Despite age requirements and rules, many children join social media groups to connect with their friends to access information. The once school yard brawl has now taken to the internet, where children and teens do not exchange blows but publically fight with one another over social media technology. Hurtful texts, instant messages and emails have been a problem for so many families. Bullying has taken on its own evolution to the internet; an evolution that parents should be aware of.
At one point in time, a school yard bully would harass children before and after school. The behaviour of the bully is inexcusable and the bullied child would run home, into the safety net of the house. The bullying would cease until the next day. The bullied child had a break. Today, there is no temporary sanctuary. With the connection of text messaging, Facebook, and twitter, teens and children can easily access and alter each other’s information and continue the bullying while the child is at home. Mean texts, photo shopping pictures to put the child in an embarrassing photo, or harassing emails are just some of the ways that bullying is a twenty four hour a day action.
Bullying is instant. Before the internet, gossip took its time to spread around the school. One had a chance to fix the problem or quash the rumors. Now, a simple text to each student spreads rumors instantaneously. Bullied children are depressed, often turning to their parents for help. Parents who grew up in a pre-internet world may not understand that the bullying does not end in the school yard, but is constant and that online attacks are a permanent, searchable fixture. Harsh words and horrible gossip can never be forgotten as it festers on the internet.
The internet and social media technology has produced so many positive results. However, schools should take the time to explain to students the severity of their words. Words, typed or said can be vicious. It is the unfortunate truth that suicide from online bullying is on the rise. If students are aware of the dangers of online bullying and respecting each other’s privacy, perhaps a few lives are saved. It is integral for parents to keep informed about social media technology. By keeping up to speed, parents will have a better understanding what sites their children are joining and how important it is to teach your children to respect each other. They do not have to like each other or agree with each other but respect the fact that information can be distorted and spread to strangers. By educating ourselves, we can help our children to use the internet positively to connect with each other.
READ: Special Needs People and Society-Interview With Karen Del Ben
October 8, 2011 by Grace Ste. Croix
Filed under •-Headline, Family & Relationships, Health & Well-being, Insights
Globalization has made the average person much more aware of his or her surroundings. We as a people have become more in tune with one another and have embraced different ideas, cultures and life styles. We are more socially accepting of the needs of cultures different then us and we are constantly finding ways for everyone to feel comfortable in the area they live in while embracing their thoughts and beliefs.
Culture, however, expands much deeper than a group of people based on race or location. Culture can be a binding of people with similar outlooks. For example, the deaf culture is vast, far beyond language; the deaf culture is as rich and interesting as any other far away land.
Since we are taking the time to learn about different cultures or different needs of specific groups, there is one group that exists in every culture, those with special needs. Though we have advanced from the times we institutionalized our special needs people, we still must be aware of their needs and how to make this group feel accepted in our fast paced society. I sat down with Educational Resource Facilitator Karen Del Ben to discuss her knowledge from working with special needs students and to debunk the myths that those with special needs cannot function in our society.
Those with special needs could be a person who is paraplegic but also be a person who has downs syndrome. The phrase, “special needs” is vast and there are many obstacles to overcome. According to Karen, there are a few things that we can do to make it easier for those with special needs to integrate well with society. With a little knowledge and understanding, the transition can be easy for some of those with special needs to live and work.
What should society be doing to help those with special needs to enter our workforce?
Karen: There needs to be more acceptance and education around the abilities of people rather than their disabilities. When you compile a resume for an employer, you list all of your skills and abilities for your employer to see what you can do and how you can be an asset to their company. The same concept should also be accepted for those with disabilities. Employers need to look at the skills of a person rather than their inabilities.
Employers should be educated through company workshops regarding the treatment and workplace placement of those with disabilities in order to give a fair chance to all people that apply. Teaching acceptance and informing employers of the different kinds of accessible technology that can assist a disabled person in the workplace can help reform the workplace.
What are the fears that businesses have for hiring those with special needs?
Karen:
Fear of the unknown can be a problem. If a company has never employed a person with disabilities it might be an experience that they are unfamiliar with. I think the biggest problem with companies not employing people with disabilities is the attitude towards people with disabilities. The thought that those that have disabilities cannot perform the same way as able bodied person is incorrect.
The cost of hiring a disabled person might also be another fear companies might have. The cost of assistive technology, building upgrades and programs needed to have a disabled employee. What many employers don’t know is that there are programs within the Canadian government that can assist with the cost of technology that is available.
Hiring people that have disabilities allows a company to grow and become more inclusive towards others. Disabled people bring different perspectives to companies and can assist in developing products, programs or provide services to other people who are disabled. This allows the market to become more accessible to others.
What can society do to integrate with those with special needs?
Karen:
Education and training is the key to becoming an inclusive society. There have been many television commercials that have been geared towards the abilities of disabled people. For Example, Showing the public that all blind people are completely blind, and not all disabled people sit in wheelchairs is one of the ways that the message can get across to non-experienced people.
Training on acceptance, empathy, and on specific disabilities can help people that are unfamiliar with disabilities be more accepting.
Karen’s points are all valid for the working world to make small adaptions so all people can have a true equal opportunity for potential work. Del Ben bases the funding that is available in Canada. It is encouraged that readers from around the world see if their country offers similar aid to businesses.
We are aware that understanding is the main tool to lead progression for those with special needs in the work place. But what about help at home for families of those with special needs?
What kind of help do families with those with special needs need?
Karen:
Families with those with special needs need programs that allow families to be families. For instance, there are many camp programs for families with children with special needs to go to that offer opportunities for all families be able to participate at the same time; Such as families being able to water ski together regardless of the price of the equipment that is needed to be adapted for their special needs child.
Assistance by businesses and government can also help families with special needs, by researching their demographic and providing assistance to those that need it. Removing the barrier of cost can assist many families that need updated equipment and services for their children more easily available. Research and funding can assist families with the cost of expensive equipment and programs.
How has the media become more accepting to those with special needs?
Karen:
When I was a child, I don’t really remember many television shows or commercials that showed the diversity of abilities. Educating through television commercials and shows assists in removing barriers that once disabled people within our society. Some television shows now have characters that have disabilities and have episodes portraying some of the barriers that are in place which makes being disabled and independent a challenge. At the end of these shows there are solutions that are made to help the character become independent and accepted.
As a society we need to follow the examples from of these televisions shows. We need to find a solution to disabling barriers and follow through within it in a timely fashion. Unfortunately some of the solutions that are needed to assist those with disabilities within our society can be expensive, which can be a barrier in itself for communities and business owners.
What are examples of the lack of facilities for those with special needs in public?
Karen:
Some examples of disabling features within our society can be linked to the lack of technology. Many buildings, and store fronts do not have accessible technology that allows customers to be able to access the building independently. Push plate activation switches are a common piece of technology that most stores and buildings have in place for the disabled. However, how many of these switches are in proper working order and are being properly maintained? I attempted to answer this question in my Undergraduate thesis a few years back, titled, All Talk and No Action: An Ethnographic Study of the Social Organization of Door Plates in a Suburban Mall and found that even though some technology is available and put in place, many business place the repair and maintenance on another party and take no responsibility for its repair.
In other situations where there were no switch plates in place, business felt that they did not have comply with the structure change because they couldn’t afford it or felt that they did not need it. I feel that the government and municipalities need to come together to ensure that business owners make the appropriate changes to their facility to make it accommodating for all customers. For those businesses that cannot afford the changes, there should be money granted to assist them in doing so. This way we as a society are removing the structural barriers for those with disabilities and also the social barriers in which it shows the acceptance of those that are different.
Many of these plans may sound idealistic. However, it is a foundation for us to continue our progressive change in truly offering equal opportunity to everyone. We all have talents that deserve to be nurtured. Not one of us fits into the perfect cookie cutter shape. To think of it, who would want to anyway?
*Special thanks to Karen Del Ben for the interview*
Raise The Roof Kenya
September 20, 2011 by Grace Ste. Croix
Filed under •-Headline, Insights, Journeys, Travel
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
Holly Bantleman is an adventurer. Young, vibrant and looking for something new, Holly decided to start what many of us have dreamed about, embarking on an around the world trip. She was searching for that “life changing experience.” At times, we all wonder if travelling will mould us into stronger, more aware people. Holly decided to find out for herself and set out to see what the world had to offer. Little did she know, that this idea would take her into a journey that she could have never expected.
Holly enjoyed the first year of travelling. After visiting many countries and having many new experiences, she decided to make the trek to Kenya. Something was missing and perhaps Kenya had the answer.
After arriving in Kenya, Holly heard about a village in the town of Nakuru. Nicknamed “London”, Holly decided to visit it, after all, she was from London England herself. As Holly peered into the “village” named after her city, she was stunned to see that this actually a literal dump site. The electoral violence between 2007 and 2009 in Kenya had displaced over 250 people to a landfill. These families lived on rubbish. They survived off of the waste of others.
The repugnant smell of garbage and feces was overwhelming. These displaced people rummaged through the seas of waste in an attempt to find food. Stunned, Holly was approached by many children with bright smiles. Families were very hospitable and showed Holly their makeshift homes made of plastic on top of the dump. She noticed that they had even taken the time to decorate their individual homes with tin cans and plastic flowers. Children would make toys out of rubbish and the women happily weaved beautiful bags out of discarded plastic. AIDS is rampant amongst the people, often passed to children from the breast milk of their mothers. The dark shadow of poverty enveloped these kind humble people. This was their life, this was reality and Holly found herself right in the middle of it all.
While most people would have turned around and left the landfill without looking back, Holly accepted this challenge, which was how “Raise The Roof Kenya” was born. Originally, “Raise The Roof Kenya” was created to provide more adequate housing for those living in “London.” Holly, a photographer by trade flies on her own expense to Kenya with her team and build more adequate housing. She wants to buy land so she can relocate the community so they can live in a safer area. Holly knew that she could provide even more, therefore, Raise The Roof Kenya expanded to making the overall lives of Kenyans a little easier.
From sponsoring children in the area, to encouraging our communities to host parties and fundraisers, Holly and her team can do it all. THINK BIG is one of her many projects, aiding specifically to older children. Holly recognized that there is hardly any funding for older children. Unfortunately with no skill set or tools, children often turn to prostitution or selling drugs in order to survive. Think Big provides these children with a simple home and a school to teach them a skill set in order to find work other then the horrible atrocities of the streets.
Another important and successful project is Holly’s BRA campaign. Women all over the world can donate their used bras so Raise The Roof Kenya can provide adequate support for Kenyan women. From sizes A to E, bras of all shapes and sizes are needed! Having a proper bra can lower extreme back pain and allow Kenyan women to work more effectively and care for their families.
Bantleman has also organized a hike to the top of Mount Kenya. You can join her to hike into the New Year or donate to her cause. All of the proceeds go to Raise the Roof Kenya and helping these inspirational yet impoverished people.
A few short years ago, Holly set across the world to find herself. Today, she is the owner and operator of a charity helping those who are most in need. Seeing the hospitality of those in “London” humbles all of us. Those who usually have next to nothing give the most. Holly Bantleman is the perfect example of a person who rose to the challenge to help those most in need. It is evident that to truly find yourself, you must help others. Holly rose to the occasion and her hard work and determination have helped others find themselves as well. One person can truly make a difference, with an open heart and open mind. Sometimes new experiences to come to us, rather then searching for the experience we want.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was quoted as saying, “The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and willing service.” Holly rose to the challenge by “raising the roof” for displaced persons in Kenya. It only takes one person’s determination to make a huge difference for so many.
If you are not able to join her in her charitable visits to Kenya you can donate to this UK based charity:
Visit Holly and her team and read more stories at www.raisetheroofkenya.com
Raise The Roof Kenya is on facebook and twitter!
