In this time of environmental crisis, we need many solutions.
And the more problems that each solution can address the better.
Akinori Ito, a Japanese inventor, has developed a machine that addresses three of our top environmental issues:
Watch and be amazed.
What do you think? Is he on to something?
Stop sharing those silly cat videos and share this one!
Posted in the bright-side of the web
Tagged B4Peace, Bloggers For Peace, environment, inspiration, inspiring, motivation, philosophy, positive, positivity
My youngest has just left the nest and my definition of who I am, or who I consider myself to be, has altered – a lot.
While millions of children are excitedly starting school, just as many parents are experiencing a loss like they have never felt before.
Whether your child is starting Kindergarten or heading off to College or University, September is a time that many mothers (and fathers too), especially the ones that have chosen to be full-time parents, feel an intense combination of both freedom and loss.
The focus of the vast majority of your time and energy has suddenly disappeared and you are left wondering who you are without your children.
What is your mission now?
Your equilibrium is thrown for a loop.
Some revel in the seeming abundance of free time to do the things they’ve complained about, resented they couldn’t do, or wished they could while catering to the needs of the other members of their household.
Still others are mourning the loss of their entire identity.
Be it JK or undergrad, when you send your little one (my little one is over 6′ tall) off into the world alone, you are left watching their back, proud of who they are and the job you have done thus far.
But as they walk away and the path before you clears, you are left wondering what direction you are to take.
Where will this path-untrodden lead you?
You spent all your time preparing them, but no-one prepared you.
If you, like me, are facing this brave new world, think of September as the new January and make some resolutions for yourself.
Think of this as a time for your own personal growth.
Take this opportunity to nurture yourself.
Stuck for ideas?
5 Ways To Beat The Pity Party
1. Chum the Waters
Set up a regular schedule for meeting up with your friends. Whether it’s once a week for coffee and a chat or every morning for a brisk walk, getting together with your pals will inspire, relax and rejuvenate your likely (highly) neglected self.
2. Pastime Pleasure
Ever wanted to learn how to paint, dance, write poetry, glass-blow, woodwork? Now’s your chance. There are lots of classes offered at community centres and adult education schools. Or find a local “Meet-Up” online and make new connections with like-minded folks. There is no time like the present to pick up a new hobby or resurrect an old one.
3. Grow Your Gray Matter
Want to get back into the workforce but feel underqualified? Always wanted to learn another language? Want to learn more about a specific topic you’ve always been interested in? There are plenty of online webinars and free university courses ready for you to absorb. Or look into adult education courses at your local high school or college.
4. Weigh In On The Positive
Now is a great time to start a new exercise routine. Getting fit increases your energy and self-esteem. If you’ve been putting it off, your excuse just walked out the door so get up off the couch and march to a new beat – yours. Try a 30-Day Challenge to get you motivated and sticking to your goals.
5. Serve & Be Served
Volunteering is a great way to feel useful and appreciated with the added bonus of helping out individuals and organizations who need a hand. There are many volunteering opportunities such as childcare centers, schools, libraries, food banks, homeless shelters, senior centers, and hospitals to name only a few. Need more suggestions? Your library, church or community center may be able to point you in the right direction or try an online search through your town or city’s website. By serving others, you serve yourself.
Focussing your new-found time on things that interest you will not only take your mind off missing your ‘little’ one(s), it will boost your energy and attitude.
Use this time to forge a new path.
Explore its twists and turns and enjoy the scenery along the way.
There’s a new you waiting to be discovered.
For me, I’ve signed up for two Coursera classes and a pottery class!
Comments Off on 5 Ways To Beat The Pity Party
Posted in 30-day challenge, reflections, observations & musings
Tagged grateful, gratitude, happiness, inspiration, inspiring, motivation, philosophy, positive, positivity
Twenty-five years after graduation, 80% of his financially successful and privileged Yale alumni were unhappy. Adam Leipzig examined the lives of the remaining 20% to discover what the graduates in the happy group all had in common.
Broken down into 5 simple steps, Adam, a movie producer, distributer and happy person, helps you discover your life’s purpose, in 5 minutes or less: watch his Tedx Presentation here.
What’s Your Life’s Purpose?
Share below.
Posted in the bright-side of the web
Tagged Adam Leipzig, challenge, grateful, gratitude, inspiration, inspiring, internal reflection, motivation, philosophy, positive, positivity
Posted in quotes that make you go hmmm...
Tagged challenge, communication, grateful, gratitude, happiness, inspiration, inspiring, motivation, philosophy, positive, positivity
In the spirit of all things Pollyanna, I am expanding my site with Brighter-Side-of-Life resources.
See my new page: Sharing The Love
This page is where I will share products and services that I have come across that I think you, my dear readers, will appreciate.
My intention is not to make hard sells, you won’t find that here, only to propagate positivity.
The page has just begun and will continue to expand so please check back often.
For you writers out there, it is worth your while to check it out TODAY. There is an opportunity listed (the first and only one at the time of publishing this post – I wanted to get the word out fast) that I am positive you will be happy to have come across.
I wish you all a wonderful day.
Comments Off on Sharing The Love
Posted in how to be positive, the bright-side of the web
Tagged communication, grateful, gratitude, happiness, inspiration, inspiring, motivation, positive
Comments Off on Quotes That Make You Go Hmmm…
Posted in quotes that make you go hmmm...
Tagged challenge, grateful, gratitude, happiness, inspiration, inspiring, motivation, philosophy, positive, positivity, Tara Mohr
I remember the smells…the fresh mown grass, the seasonal fruit – watermelon, strawberries and raspberries.
I remember the sounds…the bumble bees flitting from flower to flower, the birds chirping merrily on high, my friends’ laughter as we enjoyed playing games in the yard.
I remember the feelings…the warmth of the sun, the cold of the sprinkler’s drops on my hot skin, the freedom to explore the world on foot or by bicycle.
Summer brings memories of childhood days without schedules and routine.
Longer days meant later bedtimes – more time to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle that summer entices.
It is during the cold winter months that we dream of summer, determined to wait out the season until we again have the chance to re-encounter our youth.
We crave summer’s simplicity in the dead of winter when going outside requires layers of clothing, and footwear to protect from slips and falls, scraping off cars before venturing out on the treacherous roads.
Summer invites us to strip off the layers and walk barefoot whenever possible.
We are thankful for the ease when embarking on the day and we don’t mind pulling on a sweater to curl up outside as we watch the stars blink open their sparkling eyes.
Summer is Mother Nature’s kiss. It is warm and sweet and special and earned.
Summer is upon us.
When was the last time you…
…ran through a sprinkler
…jumped in a puddle
…swung on a swing
…squished your bare toes in the mud
…rode a bicycle
…caught a frog, had a good look and let it go
…lied on your back in the grass and watched the clouds
…picked buttercups
…skipped down the street
…ate a popsicle?
Embrace your youthful spirit. The fleeting season is upon us.
Posted in how to be positive, Positive Perspective
Tagged Alberto Mateo, grateful, gratitude, happiness, inspiration, inspiring, motivation, philosophy, photography, positivity
Ok Women, how brave are you?
And Men, where do you draw the line?
Women:
Consider this…
Would you leave the house without donning even the tiniest bit of make-up if…
…you were just going to the corner convenience store to pick-up a late-night carton of milk for the morning cereal?
…you were driving your kids to school and would be dropping them at the curb and heading straight back home?
…you were doing your weekly grocery shopping?
…you were going to the dentist or doctor?
…you were going to work?
…you were going out for a romantic dinner with your mate?
…you were going to the theatre (live theatre, not the movies)?
How brave are you?
And is it bravery or is it confidence?
…or is it self-worth?
Men:
What would your reaction be to seeing your partner without make-up, out in the real world in the given situations above?
And how would you feel if she dressed ‘comfortably’, not sloppy, but in fitted (yet not snug) clothing which did not bare her shoulders or legs and she wore comfortable shoes in which she could walk long distances?
Now, how would you feel if a female co-worker was make-up free and comfortably dressed?
Would you take her more seriously or less so when she spoke to you?
Gender Gap
I have often wondered why women spend so much money on products to conceal, even-out, enhance, disguise and brighten various areas of their faces not to mention the time it takes to sculpt and paint the daily facade while men enjoy the wash-and-go life.
Women do not think men are less handsome because their cheeks aren’t rosy, their skin colour isn’t even and their lips aren’t a particular shade of red.
In fact, quite often we find you men extremely handsome and we feel the need to adorn ourselves more in the hope of getting your attention.
And why in the rest of the natural world are the males the flamboyant ones with vibrant colours and showy displays to attract the female?
I wonder what would happen if women stopped wearing make-up.
I recently read an article by Lauren Shields describing her “modesty experiment” where she challenged the westernized ideal of beauty. For nine months, she lived entirely without make-up, revealing clothes and uncomfortable shoes. (Sounds rather freeing, doesn’t it?)
She examined the philosophy of various religion’s reasons for modest dressing and was surprised by what she found in both her research and her experience.
Does a year of living modestly appeal to you? How far would/could you take it? And what would you expect to learn or gain from the experience?
Share your thoughts below.
Trails Are
~Unknown
Comments Off on Quotes That Make You Go Hmmm…
Posted in quotes that make you go hmmm...
Tagged grateful, gratitude, happiness, inspiration, inspiring, motivation, philosophy, photography, positive, positivity, quote
Here’s to all of the men out thereComments Off on In Praise of Fathers
Posted in reflections, observations & musings
Tagged Father's Day, grateful, gratitude, happiness, inspiration, inspiring, philosophy, positive, positivity
#B4Peace
Embracing Pollyanna 