Friday, March 25, 2011

Symptoms of Inner Peace

SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE


by Saskia Davis

Be on the lookout for symptoms of inner peace. The hearts of a great many already have been exposed; and it is possible that people, everywhere, could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what, up to now, has been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Signs & Symptoms of Inner Peace

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment

A loss of interest in judging other people

A loss of interest in judging self

A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others

A loss of interest in conflict

A loss of ability to worry

Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation

Contented feelings of connectedness with others & nature

Frequent attacks of smiling

An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen

An increased susceptibility to love extended by others and the uncontrollable urge to extend it


WARNING

If you have some or all of the above symptoms, be advised that your condition of inner peace may be too far advanced to be curable. If you are exposed to anyone exhibiting any of these symptoms, remain exposed only at your own risk. © 1984

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Progression Turning To Regression In My Life

I was so excited about my progress & the idea of returning to work in February. The therapy I was receiving was a huge help in this progression. Funny how fast progression can turn to regression.

Thanks to the system, I have not had a therapy session since February. Since my last session I have been waiting for approval to be accepted for rehabilitation services that my disability provider offers. To this day I am still waiting to hear from them regarding the funding they will provide for me to continue my therapy. These services will also work with me and my employer in making my return to work plan. The waiting is getting the best of me. Why didn't they offer these services right from the beginning of my long term disability? Instead they waited until my initial claim expired to offer this to me.

I am crying a lot lately. Alone, cut off from the world, isolated in my room, by choice, of course. The will do to anything is completely absent from my life. I do not want to get out of bed in the morning. I do not want to make any effort to be involved in life right now. Even the efforts of doing things for my friends brings me no pleasure. What happened to me? I've lost myself in this depression. I can't find or see the, once, positive & optimistic self I once was. I miss me.

I can't get over this feeling of the longer I am off work the more people at work are going to judge me. I know to be judged for something like this sounds ridiculous, but it happens. This judgment is a true sign of the stigma attached to mental health. I love my job and the corporation I work for, but, what seems to me, to be lack of support, is really affecting my feeling of self worth.

People do not seem to understand how badly I want to feel better and get back to normalcy of work, friends & family. I have done everything in my power & what has been requested of me to getting better & past all of this. It is no fault of my own that my progress is being hampered by process. Not only is it being hampered, but I truly believe it is causing me to regress.

I feel worse today, in a different way, than I did when all of this began. Im losing touch with everything. I feel nothing, but feel too much all at the same time. I want to call out for help, reach out to a friend, but I feel like I have burdened so many people with all of this. If I were them I would be tired of my shit too. I just want all of it to be over.

I want to be happy again. I want to be positive & optimistic about my life. I keep telling myself that this is just another bump in the road & that this, too, will pass, but those words & thoughts aren't bringing me the comfort that they use to.

The light at the end of the tunnel is no longer in view & Im completely lost on what to do. Patience needs to become my friend as I continue this journey.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

My Sister Revisits The Past

I have shared this story with you in previous blog posts (Possible Closure After Two Decades: A Families Worst Nightmare, Possible Closure After Two Decades: A Families Worst Nightmare Part 2).

I am so proud of my sister for sharing her story with the world. The courage & strength it had to take to revisit this horrible event in your life, is inspirational.

Here is her segment on CBC Winnipeg News from Tuesday, March 22.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Now Tell Me Something Positive

We all come across people in our life that always seem to do nothing but complain. Maybe most of them do not even realize they are being negative & would love a little reminder that their positivity is lacking.

Right after they finish complaining, say to them, "Now tell me something positive" Some people have no idea how negative they have become. That is what they surround themselves with, day in and day out, so it is just a way of life for them. Being given a reminder, they may realize that is not how they want to project and start working on becoming more positive.

Just my thoughts.


(picture & concept from http://www.rileywynnhr.com )

Monday, March 7, 2011

Internatioinal Women's Day - March 8, 2011

International Women's Day International Women's Day

I’m writing to let you know about a fabulous women’s event being held tomorrow.

It’s called International Women’s Day ~ “This is Our Time". Check it out ~ www.InternationalWomensDay.org. Tomorrow there’s going to be a global celebration of women past, present, and future ~ the largest gathering of women in the history of the world!

The Women’s Information Network (WIN) is the women’s global community that’s presenting LIVE celebrations in 10 cities across America that will be simultaneously live-streamed to women in 176 countries! www.theWINonline.com

I love the fact that women will be celebrating and honoring women all over the world on the same day! I’m going to participate and thought you might want to hear about it.




Friday, March 4, 2011

How To Say 'PEACE' in Other Languages (A Day Of Peace March 4th)

Peace: a state of harmony, the absence of hostility.

Abenaqui = Olakamigenoka

Alabama = Ittimokla

Albanian = La Paqe

Algonquin = Wâki Ijiwebis-I

Amharic = Írq

Arabic = Salam

Aranés = La Patz

Armenian = Khanhaghutyun

Basque = Bake

Bemba = Mutenden

Blackfoot = Innaihtsi'iyi

Bulgarian = Mír Bosnian

Buli = Goom-jigi

Carolinian = Gúnnammwey

Catalán = La Pau

Chinese = Pingan

Choctaw = Achukma

Chuuk = Kunammwey

Comanche = Tsumukikatu

Cree = Wetaskiwin

Creole = Lapé Haitian

Duala = Musango

Dutch = Vrede Afrikaans

Ekari = Muka-muka

English = Peace

Esperanto = Paco

Estonian = Rahu

Fanagolo = Kutula

Farsi = Ashtee

Finnish = Rauha

French = La Paix

Gaelic = Sìth

Gaelic = Fois Scots

Gafuleya Chontal = Aylobaha

German = Der Frieden

Gikuyu = Thayu

Greek = Iri'ni

Guaraní = Ñerane'i

Gujarati = Shanti Bengali

Hausa = Lùmana

Hawaiian = Maluhia

Hebrew = Shalom

Hungarian = Béke

Icelandic = Friður

Igbo = Udo

Ila = Chibanda

Indonesian = Damai

Indonesian = Rerdamaian

Irish = Síocháin

Japanese = Heiwa

Javanese = Rukun

Khmer = Soksang

Koasati = Ilifayka

Korean = Pyong'hwa

Kurdish = Hasîtî

Lakhota = Wolakota

Latin = Pax

Latvian = Miers

Lithuainian = Taika

Luxemburgish = Fridden

Magindanaon = Kalilíntad

Malgache = Fandriampahalemana

Maltese = Paçi

Manobo = Linew

Maori = Rangima'arie

Mapudungun = Uvchin

Maranao = Diakatra

Maya = Ets'a'an Olal

Micmac = Wôntôkóde

Mongo-Nkundu = Boóto

Munsterian = Echnahcaton

Navajo = K'é

Nepali = Saanti

Nhengatu = Tecócatú

North Alaska Inuktitut = Tutkiun

Northwest Alaska Inupiat Inuktitut = Kiñuiñak

Norwegian = Fred Danish

Ntomba = Nye

Nyanja = Mtendere Chewa

Otomi = Hmethó

Palauan = Búdech

Pali = Nirudho

Papago/Pima = Dodolimdag

Pashto = Amniat

Perce = Éyewi Nez

Persian = Solh Dari

Pig Latin = eace-pay

Polish = Pokój

Ponapean = Meleilei

Portuguese = A Paz Galician

Rapanui = Kiba-kiba

Romanian = La Pace Italian

Ruanda = Nimuhóre

Sa Lao = Kwam

Sa'a = Däilama

Samoan = Filemu

Sesotho = Khotso

Setswana = Kagiso

Sioux = Wo'okeyeh

Somali = Nabad -Da

Spanish = La Paz

Swahili = Amaní

Tagalog = Mabuhay

Tagalog Filipino = Kapayapaan

Tahitian = Hau

Tamil = Amaithi

Thai = Santipap

Tiaykuy Quechua = Sonqo

Tibetan = Shîte

Tlingit = Li-k'ei

Tonga = Melino

Turkish = Sulh

Turkish = Barish

Twi-Akan = Asomdwee

Uighur = Saq

Urdu = Aman Malay

Usilal Kékchí = Tuktuquil

Vietnamese = Hoa Bình

Welsh = Hedd

Wintu = Mina

Xhosa = Uxolo

Yiddish = Sholim

Yoruba = Alaáfía

Zapoteco = Layéni

Zulu = Ukuthula

Thursday, March 3, 2011

15 Things You Can Do for 'A Day Of Peace' - Friday, March 4th

Below are 15 things you can do to participate in 'A Day of Peace' to be held tomorrow Friday, March 4th. These are things we should practice doing all year round to help make the world a better, more peaceful, place.

1. Say something nice to everyone you meet today.
2. Smile and say "Hello" to people you do not know.
3. Say a prayer or whisper a kind wish for someone
4. Compliment a stranger
5. Praise generously
6. Show respect equally to all human beings
7. Give someone a chance to prove him or herself
8. Encourage someone to pursue their dream
9. Allow someone to let his or her light shine
10. Smile at someone who’s sad
11. Smile at strangers
12. Offer sincere, kind words to someone who’s hurting
13. Inspire someone to be the best that they can be
14. Give someone the benefit of the doubt
15. Replace an angry or bitter thought toward someone with a loving thought (or at least try)

Monday, February 28, 2011

A Day Of Peace - Friday, March 4th

Time: Friday, March 4 at 12:00am - March 5 at 12:00am
Location: Worldwide
Created By: Stephen Danger Shoemaker

Please read the whole thing!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have an idea... for a day of peace. Wouldn't it be amazing?
Just one day in the year where we all held our tongues.
A day where we ignored others' shortcomings and made a valiant effort to be kind and understanding.
...A day where we all got along. It's sad that we are all at a point where we should do this, but it's even sadder to know that we easily could every day, but refuse to do so.

My proposition is simple:
One day, March 4th, we all stick to three simple rules that will make the world a little bit more bearable. Feel free to partake in this before and long after then; the only reason I have the event set that far into the future is because I want word to spread and allow this to have as big of an impact as possible.
This event is to take place everywhere we go in the world, preferably all the time.
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Rule #1.
Say not a single unkind thing about anyone or anything. If at all possible, try not to even think a nasty thought. If we do, reflect on why it was that we thought to say it in the first place.
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Rule #2.
Show everyone we cross paths with some genuine human compassion. Be it with a smile or kind words, just spread some love.
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Rule #3.
Make not one person the exception to the rule. Not everyone deserves to have roses thrown at their feet and have a holiday in their honor, but nobody deserves to feel alone. Reach out. Talk to someone new. Care about them, and we will be cared for in return.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Please invite everyone on your friends list. Every single person, regardless of how often you talk to them, if ever at all. This can be done very simply and quickly by pasting this into your address bar and hitting enter. This will select all of your friends and you can then choose to send the invitation:

javascript:elms=document.getElementById('friends').getElementsByTagName('li');for(var fid in elms){if(typeof elms[fid] === 'object'){fs.click(elms[fid]);}}

There seems to be some confusion about this, so....
PLEASE ADD A PERSONAL MESSAGE TO THE INVITE TELLING THE PEOPLE TO CLICK ON THE EVENT TO SEE THE INFO.
Seriously, make sure you do that, because most of the "Not Attending" people didn't know to click on this and just dismissed it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Please spread this as much as possible, and please actually attempt to do this.
I know many of us will simply accept the invite with no intention to give this any genuine effort, but "Attend" anyway, not to look like a good person, but to look like we aren't a bad one. And for those of us who do that, please just remove yourself from the event.

This can be big. If we all band together, well, maybe we can all start living a little bit nicer lives. Maybe this won't work for more than one day; maybe it will. I honestly don't know what will happen, but what I do know is this: if we can get at least one day of happiness and peace out of this, well, I'd more than consider that a success.

This is not intended to be a "Let's be nice for one day and go back to our old ways the day after" kind of thing. It is meant to give us all a little more incentive to be better people.

This is not a hippie or a religious movement. This is just an attempt at brightening the world up a bit.

You have no reason why you cant do it. None of us do.
Thank you all for your kind words, support, and enthusiasm,
~Stephen Shoemaker

Please help this message spread to as many as possible.

Here is the event on Facebook: CLICK HERE

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Bonus Oscar Opening: Grease Tribute with Anne Hathaway & James Franco

The Oscars: Behind The Scenes with James Franco

I do not know if this is a first or not in Oscar history, but the host, James Franco is posting video live from the oscars from behind the scenes. The one below is from the start of the night, click more at the end to see all the videos as they are posted. Awesomeness!

Reactive Candy's Top 5 Best & Worst Dressed at the Oscars!

It is always exciting to watch the celebrities arrive for the biggest award show of the season, the Academy Awards. The red carpet is probably just as fun. Getting to see what everyone is wearing is just as big of an event for some, then the actual show itself.

Here are my top 5 picks for best & worst dressed of the evening:

TOP 5 BEST DRESSED

Mila Kunis was stunning in this lavender Elie Saab dress. She has come along way from the 15 year old girl on 'That 70's Show'

Halle Berry never disappoints. Breath taking in this drop-dead gorgeous Marchesa gown.

Anne Hathaway, this years host of the Academy Awards, was the lady in red, in this red hot strapless Valentino.

Helen Mirren always elegant in this silk gray gown by Vivienne Westwood.

Jennifer Hudson, showing off her new, sexy curves in this tangerine Versace gown. It complements her skin color perfectly.













TOP 5 WORST DRESSED

Jennifer Lawrence looked like she threw on her 'Baywatch' evening gown! Had no idea Calvin Klein had a 'Baywatch' line. Meh!

Melissa Leo, good thing she can act better than she dresses. Hire a new stylist, this Marc Bouwer dress looks like something my grandmother uses on her dining room table.

Cate Blanchett wore a Givency Couture dress with coral growing on it or something. I have no words for how I feel about this dress. It speaks for itself!

Marisa Tomei in this 1950 couture Charles James dress from Lily et Cie. When I first saw this dress, I thought the top was stunning, then it spanned down to the mess attached to the bottom of this dress.

Florence Welch in this lemon-yellow Valentino reminds me of a bad bridesmaid dress.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

James Franco Hosting The Oscars: Mmmmmm

Im a huge fan of Oscar night. I look forward to the last Sunday in February every year. I watch all the movies, make my predictions and patiently wait for this night.

This year is no different, except for one thing, JAMES FRANCO!!!! Yes,yes, yes...I love this guy. He is an amazing actor, super smart, very creative & artistic, and of course, SUPER SEXY! This will be the first time EVER that the host has been one fine piece of eye candy. It is going to be an amazing night! Don't you agree?

Oh yeah..Anne Hathway won't be too bad either! LOL

It's Almost 'Oscar Sunday' - Reel of 'Best Picture' Nominees

I am a big movie buff. I make a point of watching all the best picture nominees every year before 'Oscar Sunday'. This year was no different. You can click here to see my predictions for this years Oscars.

There were so many great movies this year, it is a difficult choice to just choose one. Im going with my heart and standing by 'The King's Speech'. This was absolutely this best movie I saw this year and it deserves all the accolades it is receiving.

Below is a great reel of all the 'Best Picture' nominees. Take a watch & then let me know where your vote for 'Best Picture' lies.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Bullying - Signs To Watch For (Pink Shirt Day 2011)

Bullying

Do you know if your child is being bullied? Here are some signs to watch for:

* Feelings of rejection
* Low self-esteem
* Poor grades at school
* Isolation, withdrawal from group activities at school and outside of school
* Agressiveness, nervousness, extreme sensitivity
* Fear or refusal to go to school

What is bullying…
Psychologists define bullying as a power relationship carried on by one individual or a group of individuals towards another person. Bullying does not necessarily need to be brutal or physical violence. Rumours, threats and hurtful words also lead to feelings of rejection.

What does bullying look like?
Teasing, hair pulling, pushing, pinching or touching without consent, insulting somebody by making crude, sexist, racist or homophobic remarks
Spreading rumours
Threatening looks, unsightly gestures
Writing unpleasant things about somebody (on paper or by email)
Threatening or scaring somebody
Stealing, “taxing” (extortion of money and personal items)

Targets for bullying:
Choice of clothing
Physical differences or faults (fast, slow, big or small development)
Distinctive characteristics of parents (different education from other parents of the region, religion, origin, language)
Nutritional habits
Speech impediments
Introverted personality, solitary person

What Should Children Do?
Do not answer back with verbal violence
Ignore the insults by walking with your head up high
If you witness bullying towards another student, it is best to immediately refer what you have seen to an adult.

What Should Parents Do?
Discuss the problem with your child and try to obtain the name of the bully
Discuss the problem with the teacher and the principal of the school
Advise the child, but try not to do everything in his or her place.
Guide the child towards out-of-school activities
Do not encourage verbal or physical violence as a suitable means of defense
Do not trivialize the problem. Take it seriously!

(Source: Mia Lambert, Jeunesse J’ecoute and Annie Fernandez, Le Journal de Quebec)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Depression: Common Signs & Symptoms

Depression is a serious medical illness; it’s not something that you make up in your head. It’s more than just feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. The symptoms of depression are much more severe and debilitating. Depression is characterized by feeling "down" and "low" and "hopeless" for weeks at a time. Many factors can contribute to the onset of depression, including the presence of other physical disorders, stress, poor nutrition, physical illness, personal loss and relationship difficulties. Depression isn’t always easy to detect, and people with depressive conditions do not all experience the same symptoms. It may be expressed through lack of appetite or overeating; insomnia or an unnatural desire to sleep; the abuse of drugs and alcohol; sexual promiscuity; or hostile, aggressive, or risk-taking behavior.

* Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
* Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
* Irritability, restlessness
* Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
* Fatigue and decreased energy
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
* Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
* Overeating, or appetite loss
* Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
* Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

Mental Health Illness: Fact vs Fiction

FICTION: People with a mental illness are often violent.

FACT: Actually, the vast majority of people with mental health conditions are no more violent than anyone else. People with mental illness are much more likely to be the victims of crime.


FICTION:
Mental illness is a sign of weakness.

FACT:
A mental illness is not caused by personal weakness—nor can it be cured by positive thinking or willpower - proper treatment is needed.


FICTION:
Only military personnel who have been in combat can suffer from PTSD.

FACT: While PTSD is prevalent in men and women who have seen combat, experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can trigger PTSD, including violent personal assaults such as rape or robbery, natural or human-caused disasters, or accidents.


FICTION:
People with a mental illness will never get better.

FACT:
For some people, a mental illness may be a lifelong condition, like diabetes. But as with diabetes, proper treatment enables many people with a mental illness to lead fulfilling and productive lives.


FICTION: Children don’t suffer from mental illness.

FACT: Millions of children are affected by depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. As a matter of fact, 1 in 10 children suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. Getting treatment is essential.


FICTION:
“Mental illness can’t affect me!”

FACT: Mental illness can affect anyone. While some illnesses have a genetic risk, mental illness can affect people of all ages, races and income levels, whether or not there is a family history.

To-the-Top Tuesday - Blog Hop

To-the-TOP Tuesday

Tuesday Twitter Hop





1. Add your Twitter URL to the Linky below: when you add it, it will automatically appear on everyone’s page that posts this Linky so you do not need to add it more than once

2. Click on the top 3 Twitter Names and follow them: The top 3 will be the hostesses; Shining2Save, Living on Love and Cents and Luxury Living Frugal Style, we will follow you back.

3. Follow as many people on Twitter as you like: Be sure to leave comments or send them a message so they will know where to follow you back.

You do not have to make a post to join: but it is always a plus if you do so everyone else can see and join in on the fun!