“Strong women…strong world.”
I can’t imagine writing about anything more important right now (except my daughter—but that’s a given).
March 8th is our day (and week) women! It’s “a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future,” as described by the IWD organization, at: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/. The first IWD was 1911, and has maintained it’s significance ever since.
It was proclaimed a day for our rights and international peace, according to Status of Women Canada (SWC). They describe it as an opportunity to “celebrate progress toward equality for women and their full participation, reflect on the challenges and barriers that remain, and consider future steps to achieving equality for all women, in all aspects of their lives.”
Personally, I think it would be a great tribute to connect with each other—fellow genders—on that day (through FB, Twitter, and other mediums) to discuss things such as what this day means to us, people that have inspired us, and to share and learn about anything relating to it, in an attempt to acknowledge this important event.
Just as we reach out to loved-ones on birthdays and other special occasions, we can reach out to each other, to embrace and show our appreciation for one another in society. We really have “come along way baby” in many regards. Why not embrace it?
If this day has meaning for you, mark it on your calendar, and plan a way you can celebrate it with other women. Is there a way you can support your fellow gender—drop an email to say hello, comment on a blog, send a tweet, join a site… We’ve earned this day. It’s only fitting to own it.
I can’t think of a better way to show our appreciation for those who persevered before us—and made it possible for us to be where we are today—than to rise to occasion, and be supportive of each other.
I hope you’re as excited about this day (and week) as I am. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this—ideas, comments, anything. After all, for once it’s all about us!
The following are some links FYI:
International Womens Day site: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/
Women Watch: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/iwd/
Status of Women Canada: http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/iwd-jif/index-eng.html
(note: you can copy the IWD logo above, from this site)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Finding Religion in the name of Convenience
I’m getting tired of hearing about people that use religion when they’re in a bind – when they’ve been caught at something.
No longer an adult responsible for the situation they’ve put themselves in, but rather a broken child of God or a “higher power” that have lost their way.
Tiger Woods, in his press release this week, referred to going off track with his Buddhism as a justification for adultery, saying, “Obviously, I lost track of what I was taught.” If he had of stopped his self-indulgent conduct (to put it mildly) because of moral reasons, his finding religion again would be more believable. But, like many before him, he was simply caught in the act, and has to squirm his way out – and make it look good while doing so.
So eloquently put in Newsweek…“Woods was following the boilerplate-celebrity addict script: Check into rehab, find God, make amends. The second step in any twelve-step program is to accept this: We ‘"came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity"’ (Lisa Miller, Newsweek, 2010).
It’s such a convenient way out for some people – using it as they please, when it suits them – when they need it.
Even people that have been to jail apparently “find God” while there… Then they come out and indulge in the same old behaviors over and over again. It’s tiresome to hear about. Why don’t people have faith in religion before they commit acts that hurt others? It seems it’s ok to be impulsive and entitled, as much as they want – until they get caught, then it’s back to being “redeemed.”
You don’t even see a lot of remorse from many of them, but rather just seeking a way out of responsibility – a place to hide, like a broken child that’s somehow going to be healed.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for having faith in God or whatever religion people choose, but not just out of convenience – a tool you take out when you need it, and forget about it when you want to be self-indulgent.
It’ll be interesting to see what comes of Tiger… Lip service? Probably. I just hope he doesn’t blatantly use Buddhism the way he has all the women in his life.
I’m a big believer in people’s actions over the long-term, rather than what they do for “damage control.” I guess time will tell.
No longer an adult responsible for the situation they’ve put themselves in, but rather a broken child of God or a “higher power” that have lost their way.
Tiger Woods, in his press release this week, referred to going off track with his Buddhism as a justification for adultery, saying, “Obviously, I lost track of what I was taught.” If he had of stopped his self-indulgent conduct (to put it mildly) because of moral reasons, his finding religion again would be more believable. But, like many before him, he was simply caught in the act, and has to squirm his way out – and make it look good while doing so.
So eloquently put in Newsweek…“Woods was following the boilerplate-celebrity addict script: Check into rehab, find God, make amends. The second step in any twelve-step program is to accept this: We ‘"came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity"’ (Lisa Miller, Newsweek, 2010).
It’s such a convenient way out for some people – using it as they please, when it suits them – when they need it.
Even people that have been to jail apparently “find God” while there… Then they come out and indulge in the same old behaviors over and over again. It’s tiresome to hear about. Why don’t people have faith in religion before they commit acts that hurt others? It seems it’s ok to be impulsive and entitled, as much as they want – until they get caught, then it’s back to being “redeemed.”
You don’t even see a lot of remorse from many of them, but rather just seeking a way out of responsibility – a place to hide, like a broken child that’s somehow going to be healed.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for having faith in God or whatever religion people choose, but not just out of convenience – a tool you take out when you need it, and forget about it when you want to be self-indulgent.
It’ll be interesting to see what comes of Tiger… Lip service? Probably. I just hope he doesn’t blatantly use Buddhism the way he has all the women in his life.
I’m a big believer in people’s actions over the long-term, rather than what they do for “damage control.” I guess time will tell.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Support or Sabotage?
Ever have a feeling (along with clear proof) that you’re being sabotaged? It might be indirectly, such as dealing with someone who apparently wants to support something you’re doing, but you sense “not quite.”
For instance, they offer you an opportunity, and you take them up on it, only to have them say, “Sorry, it’s too late” (even though you went by their time-frame).
Or things are humming along – no bumps in the path – as you’re working on a project (that, at first, is a little slow in coming), until it becomes successful, and they so generously come up with a few more roadblocks for you. Their explanation is “out of concern,” which wasn’t there over the course of the year-and-a-half that you’ve been doing the same thing. And this “concern” is expressed immediately after you told them some good news, about the success of the project... Hmmm.
All of the sudden the door isn’t as open as it initially appeared to be (literally). And they find reasons why they can’t help you with other things too, and you find yourself met with more resistance than support. You’re also frustrated about the fact that you have to depend on this person (to a degree), who outwardly suggests they want to help your project succeed, but evidence keeps pointing in another direction…
This is an experience I recently had… very stressful. However, after the initial stress and disbelief that it was actually happening, I realized that it’s more about them than me. To put it plainly, they’re unhappy. And as frustrating as it initially was (and may continue to be), in the long run, I don’t have to be a part of it – and I won’t.
Some people are miserable, and their way out of it is to try and pass it on to others. “Misery loves company.” But I’m not biting.
I’ll do what I can to succeed, but will absolutely will not fall prey to sabotage (my declaration for the day) - it’s not worth it. Life really is too short.
For instance, they offer you an opportunity, and you take them up on it, only to have them say, “Sorry, it’s too late” (even though you went by their time-frame).
Or things are humming along – no bumps in the path – as you’re working on a project (that, at first, is a little slow in coming), until it becomes successful, and they so generously come up with a few more roadblocks for you. Their explanation is “out of concern,” which wasn’t there over the course of the year-and-a-half that you’ve been doing the same thing. And this “concern” is expressed immediately after you told them some good news, about the success of the project... Hmmm.
All of the sudden the door isn’t as open as it initially appeared to be (literally). And they find reasons why they can’t help you with other things too, and you find yourself met with more resistance than support. You’re also frustrated about the fact that you have to depend on this person (to a degree), who outwardly suggests they want to help your project succeed, but evidence keeps pointing in another direction…
This is an experience I recently had… very stressful. However, after the initial stress and disbelief that it was actually happening, I realized that it’s more about them than me. To put it plainly, they’re unhappy. And as frustrating as it initially was (and may continue to be), in the long run, I don’t have to be a part of it – and I won’t.
Some people are miserable, and their way out of it is to try and pass it on to others. “Misery loves company.” But I’m not biting.
I’ll do what I can to succeed, but will absolutely will not fall prey to sabotage (my declaration for the day) - it’s not worth it. Life really is too short.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Helping Haiti: Not Right Now
A couple of weeks ago I posted a blog about feeling confused about how I – only one person – can contribute to the devastation in Haiti. I felt a little overwhelmed, wondering how anything that I could do could make any kind of difference (even though I get the concept that every little bit helps).
I figured I’d donate some money, in hopes that a little can make a difference, and go from there, in terms of figuring out other ways I can help.
Well, I’m still confused. I find both the fact that they need so much help and the outpouring of aid they are receiving somewhat overwhelming, in terms of where I fit in.
Recently, I’ve heard and read bits and pieces about the tremendous help they are receiving… financially, food and necessities, people opening their homes to orphaned children (although a very controversial issue right now), and so much more. It’s touching to see the outpour of kindness from so many people, especially considering the fact that we’re still trying to recover from a recession. It’s refreshing to see that kind of humanity again, even though the circumstances for it are very sad.
It’s going to take a long time for Haiti to recover and rebuild. It’s not going to happen over night. And I hope that the momentum continues over the long haul – for as long as they need the support - versus just as long as people are interested.
Because of my concern about the support they’ll have over the long term, I’ve decided to wait, and contribute in whatever areas I can at a later date. I believe it’s going to be like peeling back the layers – once the immediate needs are met, other issues will come up - and it will continue like this for a while.
So, as much as I wish I could do more, I’m going to hold off for now. And I look forward to doing my part when the time comes.
I figured I’d donate some money, in hopes that a little can make a difference, and go from there, in terms of figuring out other ways I can help.
Well, I’m still confused. I find both the fact that they need so much help and the outpouring of aid they are receiving somewhat overwhelming, in terms of where I fit in.
Recently, I’ve heard and read bits and pieces about the tremendous help they are receiving… financially, food and necessities, people opening their homes to orphaned children (although a very controversial issue right now), and so much more. It’s touching to see the outpour of kindness from so many people, especially considering the fact that we’re still trying to recover from a recession. It’s refreshing to see that kind of humanity again, even though the circumstances for it are very sad.
It’s going to take a long time for Haiti to recover and rebuild. It’s not going to happen over night. And I hope that the momentum continues over the long haul – for as long as they need the support - versus just as long as people are interested.
Because of my concern about the support they’ll have over the long term, I’ve decided to wait, and contribute in whatever areas I can at a later date. I believe it’s going to be like peeling back the layers – once the immediate needs are met, other issues will come up - and it will continue like this for a while.
So, as much as I wish I could do more, I’m going to hold off for now. And I look forward to doing my part when the time comes.
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