Let’s set it up
Do me a favor, just go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com and read the front page headlines. What did you observe? Here’s what I noticed: Kiev is in flames, war regret, child shot for “thug music”, brown soda is going to kill us all, how to survive a plane crash… but also, Dave Navarro is not the biggest Red Hot Chili Peppers fan, Barbara Walters knows what a vibrator is, your email sign off is annoying everyone (?), and in case you want to be coffee personified…there’s a quiz for that. A nice little mix of gloom and doom, sprinkled with shit no one should care about, let alone take time out of their day to read (but hey, if you are dying to know if you’re decaf or a sassy frappe, by all means knock yourself out).
I’m so emotionally exhausted with the things I’ve been reading on my Facebook and on Online News websites. If you can wade through the nonsense of Buzzfeed “articles” you arrive somewhere between the latest child being abducted, people rudely arguing their political beliefs and worldwide unrest/government corruption (just Google Russia, Venezuela, or Kiev – disclosure: it will be graphic). Today I honestly tried to look up a positive news article just the shake off all the feeling that were all terrible people and the world is doomed…and I COULDN’T FIND ANYTHING. Not one thing. That’s not acceptable to me, and it shouldn’t be to you either. There ARE good things happening out there, why isn’t anyone talking about them? Don’t get me wrong, it is vital that we are informed about worldwide issues and it is equally vital to be aware of sexual predators and what you need to be on the lookout for to potentially save a life. But we are going to drive ourselves mad if we don’t let the light in every once in awhile. Below this blog post you’ll see a video. Watch it. John Green breaks down why 2014 is going to be a awesome year and why the world isn’t so bad. It’s a little dated at this point (he posted at the begginning of the year) but the message still rings true.
With that being said, let me tell you about some good deeds.
The deeds
21. Encourage someone’s passions.
I have a new CASA case, in case I haven’t mentioned it. Being a foster child’s Court Appointed Special Advocate is not for the weak of heart. It’s downright hard pretty much the whole way through and it usually lasts a year. But it’s by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done with my life and so, I continue to do it. I am responsible for a nine year old right now. She’s funny, sassy, sometimes rude, boisterous, and one of the smartest kids I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. She loves to read and write, which makes us a matchmade in CASA heaven. So why on earth is she FLUNKING Language Arts? That’s what I am investigating and to encourage her, I’ve gotten her a journal where she can write down her frustrations and hone in on her writing chops. I’m also going to look into getting her a tutor for her reading. If you have a passion for something, nothing should stop you.
22. Help someone pay for something they really need.
Something terrible happened in my hometown on Valentine’s Day. 4 people (one being a child) were stabbed in an act of domestic violence. Three have died, one is alive and stable in the ICU. The woman that survived does not have health insurance, but that won’t keep the medical bills from piling up. So, a gofundme site has been started to help her pay for her medical costs. I donated $30. If you have some money to spare, I encourage you to donate. You can find the link at the bottom of this blog in the Resources section. (Out of respect for the families involved I won’t go into any more detail than that. If you really want to know the whole story, feel free to Google it. I’ve already seen way too much misinformation and tactless comments regarding this tragedy and it needs to stop. Stop being a dick everyone.)
Additionally, a very nice person in my life just gave me $250 to help with moving costs (I’m purchasing my first home on Friday). Completely out of the blue. These people exist folks. I might have already cried twice today because of it.
23. Listen.
Listen to a friend that needs advice. If they are seeking out your opinion, advice or help, it’s because they really need you. You might be the only one they tell. Be there for them. I’ve done that this month too.
24. Give yourself a break.
Go get a massage (or something equally realxing). Life’s been tough. You earned it. It’s ok to love yourself. I might be projecting here, but whatever.
In conclusion: Be the awesome you want to see in the world. Give when you can. Listen and encourage the people around you, they need you. Be thankful for your friends’ help in every capacity. Be aware of the bad things going on around you, but don’t you dare think that’s all that’s out there.
Resources
The gofundme page I mentioned:
libbylbishop 