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International Women’s Day

Embrace what we have accomplished, strive to accomplish more.

International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2013 – The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights” Gloria Steinem Each year, the UN declares an International Women’s Day theme. This year, their theme hit close to home… “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women”. Originally from Delhi, and living in the US, it is hard for me to comprehend what women in India still have to endure today. Unfortunately, it is not only India that still struggles with women’s rights. Throughout the world, including the US, women still fight for equality in some way or another. Although women in the United States have been able to conquer many obstacles about equality, we still have a long way to go. It’s common that we are not always considered, or feel equal to men, whether in the workplace, or even home. No history book can describe the strength women needed to overcome their hurdles. It’s hard to believe that “in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.” 1909 marked the first International Women’s Day in history. Since then, it has grown. Now, International Women’s Day is celebrated throughout the world. In many countries, it is even considered a National Holiday. As a woman, I am so proud of the improvements we have been fortunate to benefit from. Beginning with Suffrage, the simple right to vote, leading to where we are today, with women in the Government and more, it’s important we understand what it took to get here. We still must continue our efforts. “The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.” Although we have come far, our work as women isn’t over yet. It won’t be until there is equality worldwide. Celebrate International Women’s Day today, and every day going forward. Remember, Quiet Voices Are Rarely Heard… we must continue to make our mark.

Help Save A Newborn Baby

Did you know that only 6.7% of births in the US occur in “Baby-Friendly” facilities that meet international guidelines for supporting breastfeeding? Breast milk not only contains the ideal amount of nutrition for newborns, breastfeeding immediately after birth could help save 830,000 newborn babies from dying a year and exclusive breastfeeding for six months could save even more babies and children.

Save the children has found there are four major barriers to breastfeeding around the world: 1) Cultural and community pressures 2) The health worker shortage 3) Lack of maternity legislation, and 4) Aggressive marketing of breast-milk substitutes – or formula. Before marriage, I, like many other women had already planned my fairytale future. I was going to meet a wonderful man, marry him, have his children, and live happily ever after. Meeting the man of my dreams happened. My ideal wedding did as well. Unfortunately, getting pregnant was not the fairytale I had imagined. My husband and I struggled with infertility for two and a half-years before getting pregnant with out first child. My morning sickness and fatigue were overshadowed by how excited I was to be pregnant. I was determined to give my child the best possible start in life. I read multiple books about pregnancy and newborns, my eating habits were excellent, I exercised regularly and took pre-natal vitamins. Nothing could have prepared me for what came next. Just 36 weeks and 2 days into my pregnancy, I was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital, and in labor. Nine hours later, my daughter was born. Moments after her delivery, she was whisked away and I didn’t see her until it was time for her first feeding. It had been over an hour. What I didn’t know then was that it’s estimated that 22% of newborn deaths could be prevented if breastfeeding started within the first hour after birth, and 16% if breastfeeding started within the first 24 hours. (src: UNICEF, Pneumonia and Diarrhoea: Tackling the deadliest diseases for the world’s poorest children, 2012) As I sat in the nursery trying to breastfeed for the first time, a nurse stood over me. My daughter had trouble latching on, in turn, causing me frustration and tension between the nurse and I. Breastfeeding was a lot more difficult than I expected. Things didn’t get better. Talia, my daughter, was Jaundice. We were told that we needed to supplement by bottle-feeding. Although it helped my daughter recover from Jaundice, it severely impeded my hopes of breast-feeding regularly, and I eventually had to stop. The guilt I felt was overwhelming but I didn’t think I had any other choice. It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my second child that I learned about how I may have been able to avoid having to stop breastfeeding. My second daughter was born exactly 36 weeks and 2 days into my pregnancy (the same as my first daughter), and was jaundice as well. Fortunately, my support system was much better, I also had a lactation specialist to help me. Although I am proud that I was able to breastfeed Julia (my second child), for more than 6 months, I still feel guilty that Talia was not given the same benefits. No mother should be denied support to ensure there newborn is given the best possible start in life. Although I was not concerned with my daughter’s survival due to my inability to breastfeed, many women face that possibility every day. Around one in eight of the young lives lost each year could be prevented through breastfeeding. (src: Jones, G et al., ‘How many child deaths can we prevent this year?’ Lancet Child Survival Series, 2003, 362:65-71) Save the Children is calling on Secretary of State Kerry to recommit to the 1,000 Days Partnership that expires in June. You too, can help by going to http://www.savethechildren.org/1000-days and sign their petition to help mothers around the world get more support around breastfeeding and lifesaving nutrition for their babies. Since 2010, this international partnership has already helped countries such as Indonesia, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Tanzania develop strategies around fighting childhood malnutrition through supporting breastfeeding and other important steps. Additional Resources “Baby-Friendly” facilities in the US that meet international guidelines for supporting breastfeeding can be found here: http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/find-facilities/list-of-designated-facilities–by-state Hospitals working toward “Baby-Friendly” status through CDC initiative can be found here: http://www.nichq.org/our_projects/cdcbreastfeeding_participating_teams.html *I am a part of the Global Team of 200 and Social Good Moms’ 24-Hour Blogathon spreading the word about Save the Children’s new breastfeeding report, Superfood for Babies. Sign the petition urging Secretary Kerry to help mothers around the world get more support around breastfeeding and lifesaving nutrition for their babies.

The Gift Of Love Accompanied By The Gift Of Life

During my youth, if I were told that giving water as a gift could transform lives, I would not have believed it. Today, it is a reality. Clean water is a lifesaver for people in some of OUR WORLDS poorest countries.

Buying water for life, a hand pump, four faucets for a water point, constructing a well, or buying a composting toilet can be achieved with as little as $25.00 and up to only $150.00. That is less than I spend on groceries for whole week, yet can save the lives of people less fortunate. Simply sacrificing a pair of designer jeans would pay for 3, 4, or maybe even 5 people to have clean water and sanitation for LIFE. Did I mention it was tax-deductible too?

Fortunately, organizations like WaterAid have made giving the gift of life easy and possible for everyone. Rather than buy a box of chocolates or flowers this valentine’s day, give someone the gift of love accompanied with the gift of life. By choosing, and buying a gift on the WaterAid website, you can print a card, including the details of the gift for your loved one. Talk about a gift worth receiving!

*This post was written by Shivani Cotter for the Global Team Of 200, a highly specialized group of members of Mom Bloggers for Social Good that concentrates on issues involving women and girls, children, world hunger and maternal health.

Help Unicef End Human Trafficking – Join The Initiative

It doesn’t matter where you live. It’s estimated that 5.5 million children are victims. The victims can be ANY age (my 5-year-old could become a victim). An estimated $32 billion are generated from it each year.

The statistics above are shocking. Unfortunately, reading them were just the beginning in my search to find out more about the reality of human trafficking. Children as young as my daughters are bought and sold for a small sum of money then made to work under dangerous conditions including, but not limited to prostitution, pornography, and even forced labor.

Although the impression I had been that Human Trafficking was something that happened in other countries, I was shocked to hear that many children in the US are victims. In fact, All 50 States in the US have reports of human trafficking. It doesn’t matter whether male or female, young or old, ANYONE can be trafficked. As stated on UNICEF’s website, HUMAN TRAFFICKING HAS BEEN LINKED TO MODERN-DAY SLAVERY. It’s time to take a stand against Human Trafficking. We need to protect our children, raise awareness and help UNICEF to end human trafficking.

3 Ways You Can Take Action:

1
Join or start a UNICEF club at your high school or college. Visit unicefusa.org/highschool or unicefusa.org/campusinitiative.

2
Find out how many slaves work for you. Slavery Foot print’s website allows consumers to understand how their purchases may connect them. Take the site’s survey and use their action center and mobile app to raise your voice for ethically sourced products. Visit slaveryfootprint.org.

3
Keep Learning. Visit unicefusa.org/endtrafficking and notmylife.org to learn more about what UNICEF and other organizations are doing to protect children.

The End Trafficking project is the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s initiative to raise awareness about child trafficking and mobilize communities to take meaning- full action to help protect children. In partnership with concerned individuals and groups, the End Trafficking project aims to bring us all closer to a day when there are zero exploited children.

Source: http://www.unicefusa.org/assets/pdf/onepager_endtrafficking_oct_2012.pdf

Leaving A Lovely Legacy – Victoria Soto

“Today is your day to paint life in bold colors; Set today’s rhythm with your heart-drum; Walk today’s march with courage; Create today as your celebration of life.”

-Jonathan Lockwood Huie

December 19^th, 2012: Paul Simon sang “The Sound of Silence” at The Lordship Community Church in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

December, 2012: The Victoria Leigh Soto Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund was announced by Eastern Connecticut State University. The fund will be awarded to students who want to be teachers.

January 14^th, 2013: A proposal by the mayor of Stratford was unanimously approved by the Stratford Town Council. The Proposal was to have a local school named the Victoria Soto Elementary School.

December 14^th, 2012

Victoria Soto, a first grade teacher, was shot and killed while trying to shield her students from one of the most heinous crimes to date. 20 students, 5 teachers and the gunman’s mother were killed that morning. Victoria Soto sacrificed her life to save the lives of her students.

It’s been over a month since the incident. I chose to write this article in honor of Victoria Soto.

What I did not realize was how difficult it would be.

On December 14^th, 2012, my daughter Julia turned 5. Like many parents that morning, I dropped my daughters off at school. I watched as they followed their teachers to their classrooms believing they were in a safe place. Then, I went to work. Our family had planned on celebrating Julia’s birthday that evening. A few hours later, I heard the news about the Newtown massacre.

Victoria Soto was just 27-years-old when she was stripped of her life. No words can describe the horror she must have endured. It’s impossible to understand the fear each person in the school experienced that day, nor can I imagine what the survivor’s memories will bring.

What I do know is that Victoria Soto’s selflessness and courage during a time of horror will never be forgotten. She hid her first grade students behind bookcases, barriers, and under her desk. Her first instinct was not to save herself but to save the children and another teacher. Although she was not the only one killed in her classroom, when Adam Lanza (the shooter) entered the room, she was the only person he saw. Because of her bravery, some of her first grade students were able to see their parents again, and sleep in their own beds that night.

It’s rare one meets people like Victoria Soto today. Those that knew her were blessed.

Victoria Soto’s legacy exemplifies the type of person I want my daughter’s to learn from each day.

The dates and events regarding Victoria Soto listed were found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Leigh_Soto

This post was written by Shivani Cotter for the Global Team Of 200 27 Days Of Kindness Campaign.

The more I think it over, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.

- Vincent van Gogh

Gift A Goat

Charitable Gifts – Gifts That Keep Giving There is no question that giving feels good. Oxfam America is a non-profit organization committed to creating lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice. By creating partnerships in over 90 countries, Oxfam America is helping people overcome poverty, fighting for social justice and saving lives.

Gifting a Goat is just one of the many ways Oxfam America is helping those in need. Depending on the gift of your choice (over 70 gifts to choose from), you will receive a free card with a picture of your gift. You have the option to personalize the card online and have it sent to a friend or loved one directly as well. Each donation goes to the people who need it most and where it will have the greatest impact.

After showing my daughters the video below as well as the many other gifts in action videos on the Oxfam America website, we, as a family have decided that instead of receiving monetary gifts in the year 2013, we would prefer receiving a card with a gift that keeps giving for our birthday’s and other holidays.

HUNGER – THE WORLD’S #1 HEALTH RISK

“Despite the impression you often get from the media, emergencies account for less than eight percent of hunger’s victims. Few people realise that there are 870 million hungry people in the world who don’t make the headlines — more than the combined populations of the United States, Canada and the European Union. They are of all ages, from babies whose mothers cannot produce enough milk to the elderly with no relatives to care for them. They are the unemployed inhabitants of urban slums, the landless farmers tilling other people’s fields, the orphans of AIDS and the sick, who need special or increased food intake to survive.” When reading about Hunger on the World Food Program Website, the words quoted above stood out most.

Although the world does not lack enough food to feed everyone, including those hungry and malnourished, we are not doing enough to help those in need. Fortunately, organizations like the World Food Program have implemented various ways in which they help hunger victims worldwide. The World Food Program not only helps raise money to feed the hungry, they offer relief programs, respond to emergencies, help deliver the food and more. Their website, offers a wealth of factual information for readers to learn about the reality of hunger in our world and various ways each of us can give towards helping solve our worlds hunger problems. If anything, take a moment and educate yourself through their website.

There may be some things we cannot solve in our world. Hunger is NOT one of them. We can make a world without hunger a reality. Help make 2013 the first of many years hunger will not be our world’s #1 health risk.

World Peace Bangle Of The Month From Alex And Ani

This bangle is not only on my Christmas Wish List, it is the one gift I want to give all my loved ones and friends!

“Positive energy is the key ingredient to creating world peace. Originally created as the symbol of a call for nuclear disarmament, the peace sign became synonymous with harmony, tranquility, and balance. Wearing this symbol spreads the harmonious message of peace.” – Alex And Ani

It’s time for everyone to spread positive energy throughout the world!

Tranquility

The light that lives in the sun, Lighting all the world, The light of the moon, The light that is in fire: Know that light to be mine.

My energy enters the earth, Sustaining all that lives: I become the moon, Giver of water and sap, To feed the plants and the trees.

Flame of life in all, I consume the many foods, Turning them into strength That upholds the body.

I am in all hearts, I give and take away Knowledge and memory: I am all that the Vedas tell, I am the teacher, The knower of Vedanta.

- Bhagavad-Gita

Brahman (ब्रह्मन् brahman)

A concept of Hinduism. Brahman is the unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality which is the Divine Ground of all matter, energy, time, space, being, and everything beyond in this Universe. source: wiktionary.org

SAVE THE DATE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH, 2012

Give Thanks On Thanksgiving, Receive Deals On Black Friday And Cyber Monday… Why not GIVE on Giving Tuesday?

There are so many ways to give this year. Giving Tuesday is a new holiday tradition for your family, community, company or organization to be a part of. Join America in bringing back what the holiday’s are supposed to be about… GIVING!

I remember the first time I celebrated the winter holidays. As I child, they truly were magical! Thinking about my children, and the excitement they feel, I decided to start listing things I remembered about the holidays when I was little. I wanted to write things that came to mind first, instead of trying to remember or piece together each memory. Looking it over, I was surprised to read how my list began. I decided to share the first 5 memories written on my list below:

The smell of cologne on the 2^nd floor of a department store I loved.
The sound of a bell ringing every time I entered a grocery store or mall and reaching into my pocket to give the last bit of change left.
The reindeer that came to visit an outdoor plaza with Santa every Christmas season.
The arrival of the latest Christmas songs that made my friends and I laugh hysterically.
The hustle, bustle and fantastic energy in the air I felt.

I was always taught that the holidays were about giving. The past few years, it seems like people have been more stressed about buying than giving. In fact, I rarely hear about giving any more, although I know many people who still do. Giving Tuesday is your chance to not only give, but to spread the word about how you are giving. It is about embracing and joining a movement that makes everyone feel great during the holidays.

It really takes so little to make a difference. There is no minimum amount you need to take part in Giving Tuesday. It is not only about making a financial contribution either. It is simply a contribution. Take a moment and look at the various ways that you, your family, community, business or organization can give. You might be surprised at the options!

Don’t Forget To Mention #GivingTuesday On Your Social Networks And Follow #GivingTuesday Below:

Pinterest

http://pinterest.com/givingtuesday/

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/givingtuesday

LinkedIn

https://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday

Twitter

https://twitter.com/GivingTues

MALALA YOUSAFZAI – 15-YEARS-OLD WITH THE HEART OF A LION

“All cruelty springs from weakness.” ― Seneca, Seneca’s Morals: Of a Happy Life, Benefits, Anger and Clemency

November 10th, 2012 – Exactly One Month After Malala Yousafzai (age 15) Was Shot In The Head For Believing That Every Child In The World Has The Right To An Education.

For one month now, Malala Yousafzai, has fought for her life because she stood up for something important to her. Something many of us take for granted. Her cause… to receive an education. In some countries, it is unheard of to deny a child an education. In others, it’s frowned upon to allow children, to receive one. Fortunately, some, like Pakistan, have women (or should I say children), like Malala Yousafzai, who are determined, and brave enough to speak up and fight for what they deserve.

Malala Yousafzai is a child who was shot, in the head for wanting something many of us expect… being able to go to school. She, along with 32 Million girls nationwide, as well as the millions of others who have shown their support through social media and various other networks have begun the much-needed change in Pakistan. According to an article in the Daily Mail, *’The president of Pakistan has agreed to work with the United Nations to ensure urgent delivery of education for all and to get Pakistan’s five million out-of-school children into education for the first time.”

I spent most of my day in Solitude for Malala and millions of other girls around the world who have been denied an education. During this time, I went through many emotions including anger and sadness. Although I will never understand the Taliban, and how anybody could deliberately harm a child, I can only hope today, 11/10/2012 will be a turning point, and those without a heart acknowledge how small and weak they are in this world.

The post above is mild in comparison to how sick I genuinely feel about what happened to Malala, an innocent and beautiful child who deserves only praise for wanting the best for herself and many others throughout the world. Any mother, father, or country should be proud of knowing a child like Malala Yousafzai. She epitomizes the meaning of beauty and strength.

Create Jobs for USA Wristband Americans helping Americans create jobs. For a donation of $5, you will receive an American-made Indivisible wristband. 100% of your donation goes to the Opportunity Finance Network to create and sustain jobs in communities across America.

Every Mother Counts 2012

An astonishing cast of superstars contribute heartfelt recordings to the second edition of a Starbucks-exclusive compilation that supports maternal health care worldwide.

Humanist – Pioneer – Activist – Philanthropist – Innovator – Change-Agent

As humans, we should live each day giving a little something of ourselves selflessly like some of the women below. The women listed, are some of the most influential and brave souls I have ever read about. They are an inspiration to many, including myself! As a mother, I can only hope to teach my daughters a bit of what their stories have taught me. Hopefully, their stories will be part of the foundation my daughters choose to build their lives on. I encourage you to take a moment, and read some of their stories.

These Women, And Many More, Encompass The True Meaning Of Some Of The Strongest Words In The English Language

Humanist

A believer in the principles of humanism. One who is concerned with the interests and welfare of humans.

(definition from Answers.com)

http://www.answers.com/topic/humanist/

Activist

An activist is someone who takes action in support of or opposition to a cause. Activism can take a range of forms, from writing letters to government representatives to organizing boycotts. Some activists engage in radical or even illegal activity to further their ends, while others prefer to stay within the boundaries of the law to win more supporters to their causes. Every time someone writes a letter to the editor, educates a friend about an issue, or phones an elected official, he or she is participating in activism.

(definition From the wiseGEEK)

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-activist.htm/

Pioneer

One who opens up new areas of thought, research, or development.

(definition from The Free Dictionary)

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pioneer/

Philanthropist

One who makes an active effort to promote human welfare.

(definition from m-w.com)

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philanthropist/

Innovator

An innovator in a general sense, is a person or an organization who is one of the first to introduce into reality something better than before. That often opens up a new area for others and achieves an innovation.

(definition From Wikepedia)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Innovator/

Change-Agent

A change agent is an event, organization, material thing or, more usually, a person that acts as a catalyst for change. In business terms, a change agent is a person chosen to bring about organisational change. Corporations often hire senior managers or even chief executives because of their ability to effect change.

(definition from Answers.com)

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_change_agent/

“When you look at the world in a narrow way, how narrow it seems! When you look at it in a mean way, how mean it is! When you look at it selfishly, how selfish it is! But when you look at it in a broad, generous, friendly spirit, what wonderful people you find in it.”

- Horace Rutledge

Another candle, another wish. Make this year different and give up your birthday with charity: water.

Autobiography Of A Yogi

“Designated One of the 100 Most Important Spiritual Books of the 20th century, here is a verbatim reprinting of the 1946 first edition, with all its inherent power intact.Read about real-life saints and masters, how yogis perform miracles, the science of kriya yoga, and much more.” Direct quote from Barnes And Noble’s Product Description

Although I am not yet finished with this book, I could not help myself from sharing. It is one of the most profound books I have read to date and is a must have for all.

“The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of understanding.”

- The Kybalion

Color Meditation

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again… That was my mindset when I began meditating… 5 years ago. For 5 full years, it never happened! I didn’t give up, nor did I reach that state of consciousness which induced a benefit. I wanted to reach the state of bliss, serenity and clarity successful meditations spoke of.

Then,

luckily

stumbled

upon

color

meditation.

Color meditation is focusing on your Chakras during meditation. Our seven chakras start with the root chakra, represented by the color red, and end with the crown chakra, represented by the color violet/brilliant white. The chakras run up the center of your body and control your energy flow. Each of our seven main chakra centers, are connected to us being on different levels from physical and emotional, to spiritual, and more. Chakras have been linked to healing, finding alignment and balance in our lives as well as our creation.

I started by focusing on the colors two at a time. I read about each color and each chakra and how to open and close each during meditation. During my practice, that is exactly what I did. Each day, I incorporated 2 additional chakras. Finally, my practice went from one color to the next, eventually reaching my crown chakra. Once I closed my crown Chakra, I continued to meditate. Being so consumed with each color and Chakra, I was focused and relaxed. My mind was not wandering and it happened! True meditation! I can genuinely say that I was not sure if it was possible… Once finished meditating, I felt a sense of calm. I was relaxed and felt refreshed. In the five years I have been practicing meditation, I never thought it would feel like that. I am not sure if I was expecting more or less, but I am sure that it felt great. Whether I reach this point over and over again or not, I can say that every time I have meditated, I have felt good. We all need to let our mind relax just like our bodies. Sometimes, it just take a bit of practice.

Check out the link I found which helped me to reach my goal.

Care2

Being involved in humanitarian efforts is a passion I share with many people around the world. Finding my voice was not difficult. There are so many things I am passionate about. I could write for hours about different causes I believe in. If I had the ability, I would travel the world trying to help as many people as I could. Although I may not have the time to do all of that, I do have the time each day, to go through the Care2 website and participate as well as educate myself about the many things happening in this world and the amazing people involved in making a positive change.

A few months ago, I was asked if I saw something in the news. My response was simple. I said no. “Really” my friend asked. Again, my response was one word, “no”. I don’t watch the news. It depresses me too much. Try this tonight. Watch a full hour of the news. In front of you, have a piece of paper with two columns. The first, positive stories. The second, negative stories. Mark up that piece of paper with the amount of positive vs. negative stories you hear. Then, take a moment to reflect on how you felt while watching it. I will guarantee you feel a little stressed or possibly depressed the moment it is over… unless you are a sadist of some sort that is. I guess when people speak of “what is newsworthy,” the answer is apparent after one sitting of watching the news… It is rarely rainbows and butterflies…

Here is another thought… a lot of good is done in our world. Many people do amazing things every day! So, why on earth are they not making it to the news? Think of a rumor… negative rumors spread a lot faster than positive ones. For some reason, everyone wants to talk about the bad, assuming that would be newsworthy… either that, or again, they are sadists… that word seems to be on the tip of my tongue today… So, the same goes for the news. Bad news spreads faster than good news. Rather than talking about the bad, why not spread the word about the good? Email the news stations when your neighbor does something positive. Call them! Spread the word to the masses. Nothing is newsworthy if nobody knows about it.

This brings me back to Care2 and how I found it. It’s true, I do not like to watch the news. Fortunately, I like to read. Having the ability to pick and choose what I read is great. My web surfing and love of reading led me to Care2′s website. Care2 is all about different humanitarian efforts going on in the world. They cover non-profits and individuals looking to make a difference. The site doesn’t ever ask you for money. Rather, it educates the reader and allows you to participate with very little effort. Efforts can be as simple as signing a petition like the one I have on the side bar of my home page. It really is that simple. Take a moment and sign. Better yet, check out their website. You will be amazed at the amount of remarkable individuals making a difference right now. You can also check out the article they recently posted about me by clicking this link!

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, yet the life of the candle will never be shortened. Happiness never decreases by sharing.”

-Buddha

Back To My Roots

Born in India, migrating to America and getting lost along the way. Where were my roots? Between moving, getting accustomed to a new culture, and trying to fit in, I seemed to have lost my grounding. Between hearing about people’s their amazing journeys through life and others who knew they had a calling and followed it, there was a time where I felt completely lost. Acknowledging this was the first step I took. Then, I felt lost again. That is, until I realized that my roots were missing.

Each of us has a set of roots that should never be forgotten no matter how good or bad. I understand many people want to forget where they came from for various reasons but the reality is that through your subconscious, you never will. That is why it is better to come to terms with them and move forward from it. The roots will and always be what ground you as an individual. Only you have the chance to make them stronger and grow them. It was not too long ago that I finally decided it was time for me to start living more and stop worrying about everything and everyone around me. Everyone passes judgement. You cannot avoid what others think or say. You can allow it not to bother you. It is a decision I chose to make on my own. That is when I reached my point of acceptance. It was time for me to go back to my roots, absorb them, and strengthen myself as an individual.

The first step involved reading. I read about Buddhism, Indian traditions, the culture, the evolution and even the meaning behind each holiday I had celebrated throughout the years. As odd as that may sound, I genuinely did not know why I did certain things during specific holidays. I was blind to so much. What I found was a wealth of beautiful information that I never expected. It was no surprise, but, I did not expect to be as moved by it as I was. All of this brought me to a new reality. Not having been raised with religion, one may assume I would be against religions or absorb one to its fullest potential for some sort of acceptance. Rather, what I found, were religions, or ways of life, through my roots that accepted all religions and allowed for you to practice what you feel good about. I realized there were many Buddhists in this world who did believe in other religions. Hinduism as well, may have a different thought process than other religions being very similar to Buddhism, but, the one thing Hinduism does not do is negate the beliefs of other religions. My daughters are being brought up Catholic. I believe in Catholicism. I love the moral structure it is built on and what my girls are learning. I hope through their spiritual and religious growth, they do maintain respect for other religions. The important piece is to believe and to have a foundation.

My next step was to start meditating and going back to yoga. I did just that. The meditating took me a while to figure out. Initially, I was too tense. I was suffering from a closed mind because I felt odd trying it. Connecting with women I met through my daughters school and various other groups, I realized how many people I knew did meditate. That was a bit of an awakening for me. It did not seem so odd any more. Sometimes, we all need a bit of a kick in the buttox to realize these are not things that one should feel strange about. Oddly enough, the women I know who do yoga and meditate tend to be more grounded and comfortable with themselves. Through this awareness, meditating has become easier for me. It’s like a little something in my head clicked. From that, it was time for yoga. In my head, I was a natural yogi. The reality, not so much. Clearly, I am a beginner. Fortunately, I have a great instructor, and supposedly good form. The beauty is going through the process and educating myself as I do so. The result I am hoping for is to never really have an end. Just keep growing, but stay grounded and not only never lose my roots again, but understand them.

With so many charities and non-profits today, it is difficult to pick just one to support. Even better, are the amount of people willing to help. It is not only refreshing but empowering! There are so many ways each of us can contribute. Even if you simply get the word out, know you are making a difference.

I am thrilled to write about some I support, and have the opportunity to educate my readers about them. Empowering people who don’t believe they have a chance to make a difference is very important for me! Life is too short not to give a little of yourself… everything we do makes an impact, and it is important not to feel you haven’t contributed enough simply because you didn’t have ample amounts of money or time to do so. Something, no matter how miniscule, is better than nothing. It is good for your heart and those around you.

↓ More Amazing Causes To Read About ↓

BeadforLife

More Than Me Foundation

Rwanda Path To Peace

♥

“Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic.”

- Oscar Wilde

Philanthropy

Om

International Women’s Day

Help Save A Newborn Baby

The Gift Of Love Accompanied By The Gift Of Life

Help Unicef End Human Trafficking – Join The Initiative

Leaving A Lovely Legacy – Victoria Soto

HUNGER – THE WORLD’S #1 HEALTH RISK

World Peace Bangle Of The Month From Alex And Ani

This bangle is not only on my Christmas Wish List, it is the one gift I want to give all my loved ones and friends!

SAVE THE DATE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH, 2012

Give Thanks On Thanksgiving, Receive Deals On Black Friday And Cyber Monday… Why not GIVE on Giving Tuesday?

There are so many ways to give this year. Giving Tuesday is a new holiday tradition for your family, community, company or organization to be a part of. Join America in bringing back what the holiday’s are supposed to be about… GIVING!

Don’t Forget To Mention #GivingTuesday On Your Social Networks And Follow #GivingTuesday Below:

November 10th, 2012 – Exactly One Month After Malala Yousafzai (age 15) Was Shot In The Head For Believing That Every Child In The World Has The Right To An Education.

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Om

International Women’s Day

Help Save A Newborn Baby

The Gift Of Love Accompanied By The Gift Of Life

Help Unicef End Human Trafficking – Join The Initiative

Leaving A Lovely Legacy – Victoria Soto

HUNGER – THE WORLD’S #1 HEALTH RISK

World Peace Bangle Of The Month From Alex And Ani

This bangle is not only on my Christmas Wish List, it is the one gift I want to give all my loved ones and friends!

SAVE THE DATE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH, 2012

Give Thanks On Thanksgiving, Receive Deals On Black Friday And Cyber Monday… Why not GIVE on Giving Tuesday?

There are so many ways to give this year. Giving Tuesday is a new holiday tradition for your family, community, company or organization to be a part of. Join America in bringing back what the holiday’s are supposed to be about… GIVING!

Don’t Forget To Mention #GivingTuesday On Your Social Networks And Follow #GivingTuesday Below:

November 10th, 2012 – Exactly One Month After Malala Yousafzai (age 15) Was Shot In The Head For Believing That Every Child In The World Has The Right To An Education.

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Like this:

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