Tag Archives: Spread the Love

The Golden Rule Revamped

10 May

We all know the Golden Rule. It is stated in all scriptures, all philosophies- the ethic of reciprocity- treat others the way you want to be treated. Honestly, I still haven’t decided how I feel about living by it. Sometimes no matter how I would want to be treated, I just can’t treat another person like that. Some people are just bad, mean, morally wrong, or cruel and don’t deserve your time, patience and compassion. (Rant over). 

This post looks at the rule from another angle. An angle I do try to live by.

Sometimes we need to treat ourselves the way we would treat others. This goes two ways.

First,

Would you forgive someone else for something you have done? Why can’t you forgive yourself?

Would you stand up for a friend or even a stranger if they are being mistreated or wronged? Why don’t you stand up for yourself?

Would you drop what you’re doing for a friend in need just to be there for them? Why do you think it’s weak to take time for yourself, to stop working, to ask for space or time off so you can recuperate and take care of yourself?

The list can go on. Love yourself more, be more forgiving, let yourself off the hook sometimes, and take care of yourself. 

Second, 

When you do something wrong or make a terrible mistake, do you tell yourself it’s okay and forgive yourself? Then why are you so unforgiving, hurtful and maybe even hold a grudge over a friend about the same thing?

When you are running late, cancel plans last minute, or cut someone off in traffic, do you understand and tell yourself that you aren’t usually like that? Then why do you question someone else’s character when they do the same things to you?

This list can also go on. Don’t be a hypocrite; you are not better than anyone else. Step into other people’s shoes more and be more understanding. 

This is something to think about in all relationships- familial, intimate, work, and platonic.

Think about it, 

S.K.

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Be Thankful That You Can Make A Difference

24 Nov

         Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks. Well, it’s just ONE day out of the year to give thanks. Do you appreciate your mother or father only one day out of the entire year? Do you play pranks on your friends only one day out of the year? No, I didn’t think so.
This post isn’t going to just be a list of things you should be thankful for. I am going to take it one step further. This post is going to be a list of ways to make sure others can also have what you are thankful for.
Life is complicated and in the first world, mainly, it’s easy to start getting caught up in the materialistic things rather than stepping back to see how much you already have. Don’t get me wrong…I love my Macbook Pro, and I’m attached to my cellphone, and I adore my book collection and I love that I have access to my very own car so I can come and go as I please. But, what are some things that I don’t appreciate vocally because I have been spoiled by having it all of my life? I’m not talking friends and family (though I am incredibly appreciative of my relationships). I’m talking about things that rarely cross your mind, or only cross your mind when it’s threatened.
So here are a list of things you may take for granted- things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day, from me and also from some of you (thank you for your input). 

Be thankful for water. Water to drink, water to shower in, water to take nice, long, hot, relaxing baths in, and waters that provide you with the working, sanitary toilet. 
Did you know? Every 20 seconds, a child dies from a water-related disease.
You can donate to water organizations or even buy coffee so the proceeds provide water to those in need
http://www.charitywater.org/
http://water.org
http://www.threeavocados.org/

Be thankful for shoes. Shoes aren’t just a sense of fashion, they protect you from injury, infection, and diseases. 
Did you know? Hundreds of millions of children around the world are without shoes.
You can buy a pair of TOMS shoes and for every shoe sold, one pair is donated to those in need.
http://www.toms.com/our-movement-why

Be thankful for a childhood filled with play. Either that you had one or you are able to provide one for your children or grandchildren. 
Did you know? Play is essential for the cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being of children and youth.
You can help the homeless or orphan children have lives filled with play, or even donate so kids in hospitals are surrounded by play
http://www.playtimeproject.net/  
http://www.childsplaycharity.org/
@KidsThatPlayOrg – website under construction so find it on twitter

Be thankful that modern-day slavery doesn’t directly affect your life. 
Did you know? 1-2 million children will be sold into prostitution in the next 12 months.
You can donate to empower survivors and end slavery.
http://www.somaly.org/

Be thankful for male advocates of sexual assault prevention. Sexual assault isn’t just a women’s issue and there aren’t enough positive male role models who voice their concerns with this issue.
Did you know? One in four college women have survived rape or attempted rape.
 Statistics can change, men can help.
You can donate to help advance this mission. Or, if you are in college, going to college, or an alumni then find a way to support a 1in4 chapter at that college or even start your own.
http://Oneinfourusa.org/

Be thankful for living in a home not torn apart by war or disaster. 
Did you know? Every minute, 8 people flee to escape conflict/persecution 
You can donate to help people survive and rebuild their lives, and to fight poverty. 
http://www.care.org/index.asp
http://www.rescue.org/
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home

Be thankful for having employment opportunities. 
You canhelp provide livestock, seeds or training to a family struggling with hunger and poverty
http://www.heifer.org/ourwork/our-work

Be thankful for having a support system, whether it’s friends or a family.
Did you know? More people die by suicide instead of homicide, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for 25-34 year olds
You can donate to help further suicide prevention, awareness and support
http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html

Be thankful for access to resources and healthcare at any hour and at any time you may need it. 
You can donate blood, put yourself on the bone marrow registry, or donate money to an organization
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
http://www.redcross.org/

Be thankful for food, every, tiny grain of food.
You can play trivia online and for every question you get right ten rice grains will be donated through the World Food Programme to help end hunger. 
www.freerice.com

If you were truly affected by this blog post then I ask you to do AT LEAST TWO of the three things below.
1)   Donate, help, give to an organization(s) above or of your own liking
2)   Comment below with something that I may not have mentioned or thought of and tell the world why you’re thankful for it and attach an organization/charity website.
3)   Link this blog post to one of your social media sites and spread the word on the importance of not only being thankful for things we overlook, but helping others have the same luxuries.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful tradition of being appreciative, but remember that you also have the opportunity to act and provide for those who can’t be thankful for even the simplest things. Silence and inaction are two deadly weapons. So today, on this Thanksgiving Day, vocalize and act.

Be thankful that you can make a difference,
S.K.

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Life is Short, Are You Fulfilled?

12 Oct

      So, two days ago I lost a friend of mine. I am still in denial and disbelief. She went to JMU and her last status on facebook was Saturday afternoon talking about how she was going longboarding and enjoying the beautiful day. She got into an accident that day, and passed a few days later. Its remarkable to me how fast this life can come and go for some people. My friend was incredible. She had a vibrant personality. She was always up even when things were looking down. I have never met anyone who could be so positive, fun, playful, trustworthy and caring all at once and all of the time. I miss her but when I think about it, she lived a more full life than most people, even older people. She made sure to be positive, be happy and seriously savor the taste of life. I am inspired by her and that is why I am writing this post.

      Life is short. I don’t know what to say. We all suffer through our crises but the important thing is to keep it moving. It’s not easy…It is most definitely not easy to feel fulfilled everyday, but sometimes when it’s not the big things, you have to indulge and savor the little things. If you can change it, change it. If you can’t, change your perspective or attitude. Either way, find a way to find joy and fulfillment in everything you do. 

      I am off on a 10 day adventure with my mom but I want to leave you here with FIVE pieces of advice, and THREE specific activities that will take 30 minutes or less to do that can help you feel more fulfilled (at least in my opinion, try it out if you are willing- what do you have to lose?)

      This general advice is astonishingly elementary. The things that you teach kids but then somehow they learn to forget over time. Keep them in mind, always. 

1. Don’t hold grudges. It’s simply a waste of time. 

2. Overuse the right words. I know that actions speak louder than words but you can never ever say good things to someone too much or too often. It’s easy to feel like people should “know” how you feel about them, but take the time to remind them once in awhile that you love them or miss them or are just grateful for them. Whether it is your parent, or a friend, or even the janitor that you pass by everyday at work.  

3. Don’t be too stubborn to apologize or admit you are wrong. 

4. Don’t be so judgmental. People have their days and have their stories. If the sales clerk is on edge a little bit, give her a break. Don’t snap back. No one is perfect and it’s easy to judge and talk about people, but honestly let it go. You don’t know everything about everyone. Trust in people and believe that they may act the way they do for a legitimate reason. 

5. Don’t complain so much. Spend more time concerned about your attitude and your way of living. “Attitudes are contagious, is yours worth catching?”

Three things I want you to do within the next 10 days if you are willing to make the time.

1.Write an email/text/letter/card, or if you are bold enough make the phone call to someone 
     a. that you have lost touch with but miss dearly. Tell them you miss them, or that you still care. You don’t have to be in each others lives again the way you used to be but share your feelings with them. 
     b. that you take for granted. A friend you have known for years, a family member you talk to everyday or a co-worker who makes working more bearable for you. 

2. Write down a realistic dream that you always put off or are waiting to happen to you. For instance, I would write “I want to live in NYC for a few years”. Now, write out a plan step-by-step on how you can achieve that. Mine would say 1. Finish school, 2. Get a job right now and save money, 3. Start applying for jobs in NYC, 4. Find a place to live, 5. Move in when you have accomplished 1-4. 6. Call friends in NYC and celebrate. Keep this with you or somewhere you can see it frequently. What do you really want? How are you going to get it? Now go, get it.

3. Choose three activities that you LOVE but don’t make time for- leisure reading, yoga, running, scrapbooking, playing a video game, watching a show, reading a magazine, writing poetry, learning a new language, cooking, baking, playing poker with friends…etc. and do these three activities at least once in the next ten days. Make time for the things you don’t need but want. The things that make you extremely content but are for the most part worthless. It’s a part of living. Enjoy.

If you knew you were going to die in a week would you be happy with what you are doing today? Stop putting things off, start making more effort, stop indulging in others lives, and start recreating yours. 

Life is short. I don’t know how else to say it. I was hit incredibly hard with this harsh realization, and it’s time for me to make some changes. 

Happy living, 
S.K.

PS. If you do decide to do the three things or one of them then please go to my feedback page on the blog and share with me your story. I would like to collaborate these and maybe make a post out of them. Did it or will it make a difference for you? 

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