Positivity Run

I did a thing this morning. I decided to celebrate every little thing I saw and thought of.

With absolute horror playing out in the world at this moment, it seems insensitive to post anything happy. Positivity helps though. People are depressed. Last night, I learned of an online friend who took their own life. 

It's also understanding how seeing nothing but happy smiling faces can precipitate sadness when it seems like you're the only one who is NOT happy. Many of us have come to know that social media can set a false standard and add to a sense of isolation. On occasion, I've posted examples of life's trials and imperfections. 

                                                                                       

Just now, tears well up in my eyes as the little refugee boy walking alone cries. We are living in terrifying times. Below is a link from The Mayo Clinic with advice on how to identify and support friends and family who may be depressed.

Click here for The Mayo Clinic's "Depression: Supporting a family member or friend" Page

As for me, I'll search for smiles and positivity. I'll post and share. I'll do it to strengthen myself as well as others. My sincere wish for us all is that we can strengthen ourselves enough to participate in the battles to come with strength and perseverance. Any way you look at it, there is a long road ahead. I hope we can find ways to secure our own oxygen masks, and be able to assist others with theirs - so to speak.

Love you all.

I'm down for stretching as far as I can without breaking. Don't break. Keep going.

xo,

T

Make Change

Here we are - waiting for the verdict. Change has got to come, somehow, some way. Let's talk about some proposed changes.

While there is much support for The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, many also agree that it does not go far enough. An article in The Chicago Sun Times (author: Jesse Jackson) says, "Surely the M4BL is right: sensible police reforms are necessary but not sufficient. Renewed investment in communities and greater community control over the police are essential. The plague of mass incarceration must be ended. The George Floyd Act, however, need not be in conflict with broader reforms... Police reforms will never work unless accompanied by and embedded in rebuilding and empowering communities."

Click here for TheBreatheAct.org

Click here for H.R.7120 - George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 on congress.gov

Several related articles:

Click here for "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act would set smart national standards for police behavior" at chicago.suntimes.com

Click here for "Movement for Black Lives opposes George Floyd Justice in Policing Act" at PBS.org

We can change. We can learn. We can grow.

Make change.

Love,

T

Feeding America

This holiday season offers a magical opportunity. 

Click here for FeedingAmerica.org

I saw a post from a mom who was seeking advice on how she might explain to her kids that the Christmas gifts would be a little light this year. It got me thinking...

There are a few standout moments from years past for me. One Christmas, when I was a child, two relatives took me aside and explained that they didn't have much money that year and could only afford a very small gift. I'm not certain I was expecting anything from them because I remember being excited that I was getting a gift at all. They proceeded to hand me a plastic cup filled with chocolate. I wondered what on earth they had been talking about because I thought that was the best present ever! I couldn't tell you anything else I received that year, or even the surrounding years, but I never forgot that awesome cup of chocolates. 

One year, a friend told me about her holiday and I never forgot it. She and her roommate had absolutely no money to purchase gifts. Instead, they went around their apartment finding things and wrapping them. The kicker was that they each received things that they already owned. Imagine unwrapping a gift from your roommate to find your own hairbrush, or pair of socks! They had a blast and laughed their butts off! It also held up a mirror to all the wonderful things they already had to be grateful for.

There are so many beautiful holiday memories, but the most precious are always about the time together, the laughter, the love. This year, several people I normally exchange gifts with expressed their desire for me to make a donation in their name instead. It makes perfect sense. I can't remember a time when there was a greater need, and at this moment one dollar provides "at least 10 meals to families in need..." through Feeding America (link above).

Haven't we complained how we overdo it on gifts and lose sight of the Spirit of the holidays, or the true meaning of Christmas? We can get really creative about how we teach our children this year and make a big difference at the same time.

Here's wishing you all a Blessed holiday...

Love, 

T

Encouragement

"Go Girl! GO!"

An elder neighbor stood in her front doorway, held up her coffee cup and cheered me on. It was everything.

I didn't feel like running that day. I had to force myself. I was just going through the motions trying to keep up with a routine. With a genuine smile and a wave back, I picked up my pace. Soon enough, I had completed my big loop and was on my way home, thinking about how nice it had been for her to spur me on like that.

"You made it! YAY!" 

Before I knew it, there she was again, welcoming me back to the block. How wonderful!

I know we all know this... but what a lovely reminder it was that the simplest gesture of kindness can change the whole course of someone's day. That little act of encouragement truly made my whole week! Let's just keep it going and spread the Love a bit.

With a little encouragement...

Beautiful things can happen.

Love,
T