Monday, October 29, 2012
Simple ways you can help your beloved politicians/The hypocrisy of those who want democracy
Geez, we’re an angry bunch lately, aren’t we?!
It’s probably my own fault for subscribing to Facebook pages of Insight, Q&A, and the like - exposing myself to heated arguments about the state of Australian politics, racism, and feminism – as opposed using Facebook the way it is intended and directing my own photo shoot of cleavage-bound self-portraits.
Our petty, Australian in-fighting is really annoying me, when we live in a complex, dynamic world that seems to be against itself in every way possible. Politicians in particular, are fair game. They can’t mutter the words “experience with families” without getting bludgeoned by a media-induced mob.
I’m one of the most verbal critics of both sides of Australian politics. I have persevered with Question Time, I really have. But I think my record is around three minutes for sustaining viewing before switching the TV off in a frustrated rage (and that was back in my early-twenties when I was too stoned to find the remote any quicker).
I have no patience for conversations that focus on blame shifting, externalising, and talking-over the opponent. It’s unproductive and alienating. So I’d like to ask our pollies to stop it. Just stop with the sandbox slinging match and please, for love of Oprah, get on with it!
But lately, I wonder if these poor socially retarded souls just need a little less harsh criticism from we, the people, and perhaps, a little more of a helpful nudge in the right direction? Perhaps all that time at law school just sapped them of their empathy, and ability to read people (whom are screaming at them in blind fury)?
Australia, our politicians need our help.
And all it takes is two simple steps:
1) Looking inwards; and
2) A lovely little cliché about the goose and the gander, to help remind us all to stay on track.
We don’t even talk about the importance of democracy in Australia because we’ve always had it. It’s our God-given right as Australians to say whatever we like! But God-forbid someone have an opinion that contradicts yours! I hate to say it, I really do, but you know it’s bogans I’m talking about.
If we want our politicians to not be hypocrites, then…goose and gander, my friends…goose and gander. I think that if we want our “leaders” to do better, we need to set the example.
Come on fellow Aussies, let’s show Canberra how it’s done:
I have a list of suggestions of how we, the people, can make some slight tweaks in our general conversation and actions to positively influence our Politicians (but probably more so; our media) into greater productivity on our money, and talk about things that are interesting*, as opposed to how wrong the other person is:
1. Stop saying “I grew here, you flew here”.
That makes you a bogan, and an arsehole.
This will hopefully influence Bob Katter.
2. Stop saying “Fuck off, we’re full”.
That makes you an uneducated bogan, and an arsehole.
This will hopefully help the eradication of the One Nation Party (yes, they’re still around).
3. Stop using your company credit card to buy shit you’re not supposed to.
That makes you a hypocrite.
Remember: Goose & Gander!
4. Stop bludging on welfare.
That makes you a hypocrite with bad teeth.
Remember: Goose & Gander!
5. Stop saying anything that stereotypes Muslims and ATSI’s.
See item number 2.
6. Don’t magnify a person’s physical flaws as a way to insult and embarrass them.
That makes you the media.
7. Don’t exaggerate when you’re trying to describe how awful a person is.
That makes you the media.
8. Don’t make it personal.
That makes you Alan Jones/an idiot.
9. Don’t take it personal.
That makes you a woman (Stop it! I’m kidding!). I meant, it just looks like you’re deflecting from the real issue at hand, when you try to make out that you’re taking it personal.
10. Don’t raise your voice.
It suggests you don’t have anything intelligent to say.
This might help…every member on the front bench.
11. Don't say that one person's point of view is wrong, but offer no solution yourself.
That makes you...a politician.
So there you have it; my tips on how to help our pollies be less annoying.
I can’t put this any other way – everything starts at home.
*Interesting according to the author does not include the following: strippers, credit cards, any sentence with word ‘slipper’ in it, Tony Abbott, Julie Bishop, Christopher Pyne, Christopher Pyne going on Q&A, Julia Gillard’s skirts, Julia Gillard’s haircut, Julia Gillard’s accent, Julia Gillard’s feelings, Julia Gillard’s lack of feelings, Julia Gillard.
For more hypocrisy head to Facebook, where there will be no self-portraits or cleavage (sorry/you're welcome).
Saturday, October 27, 2012
A Government ruling in a ageist society
“Ship em off”
Was basically what I heard from Tim Nicholls, The QLD Treasurer, tonight as I watched his dismissive response when pressed about the two Moreton Bay Aged Care facilities that have been marked for closure.
Do you know why?
They are on state-owned, beachfront property; and they are marked for development. Yeah.
Is anyone else’s blood boiling?
I am aware that I am a bit unusual (shhh) in that I have profound and deep roots to the senior members of my family, and I consider myself an advocate for the elderly. I had a very deep connection with my grandparents, who I considered not just the matriarch and patriarch who were due respect and courtesy, and deserved my time, but they were my mates. We enjoyed each other’s company, and had fun together. I miss them painfully, every single day.
From this comes an empirical understanding of the pivotal role the elders in our community; their wisdom, their insight, their experience, and their reason. I am ashamed and embarrassed as westerner to say that our society does not reflect this.
The first world thrives on and encourages busyness, so we’re all forgiven for casting aside the slower-moving members of society, such as the elderly and disabled, because “we don’t have time” (which is bullshit, let’s be real here).
We live in a ageist society; constantly condoning and driving messages of “anti-ageing” this and “youthful” that; Putting mindless teenagers on pedestals, and idolising lyrics like “Ooh baby, ooh baby” instead of learning from the older and wise. We’re not allowed to do what comes naturally, and just get older without being airbrushed, or surgically enhanced, or judged, or even worse (and most often the case) ignored.
We muzzle and invalidate the very people whom we should be listening to the most.
We are doing ourselves an injustice; because communities are strengthened with knowledge; and I don’t care how smart you are, and how many years of academia you have under your belt – life experience is the trump card every time, my friends. Your grandparents, your great uncle, the lady at the bus stop, old mate at the RSL, the people in nursing homes – they have the answers. You might be all connected, and know what’s going on now, but the real insights about life – it’s the older people of our society that have them. You can’t buy that kind of wisdom.
Mr Nicholls of the government I certainly did not vote for (hate to say I told you so, fellow Queenslanders), obviously has not had this epiphany, otherwise he wouldn’t have made himself look like even more of an insensitive phallus by blurting out the words “Plans have been made for several of them to be relocated to other facilities” (Add burdened, dull, tenor in voice to enhance how boring he considered the topic to be).
Right, so by “them”, you’re referring to “humans”, right? Humans who are not only of the most senior in society, and whose respect and care we should hold paramount in all our communities, but also the frailest? And you propose to just rip them out their HOMES, and shove them in another one, against their will? That’s the most fucking brilliantly compassionate and genius plan this soulless government has had to date.
How dare he speak of this with such drudgery, in defense of his office’s deliberate decision to upheave these poor people, disenfranchising them, upsetting them, and potentially un-doing a lot of the good work of the care staff in those facilities, without so much as a “sorry”. Hell, chuck in a token “with regret” or something, to make you seem a bit less heartless and stupid.
The people of the Moreton Bay community have every right to be mad with the government for this decision. And they are mad because the people who made the call obviously have no idea how this works, and exactly how complex caring for the aged is, otherwise they wouldn’t have done it.
If you'd like information on the opposal, see the Queensland Nurses Union.
I encourage every person to seek out a conversation with a senior person. Slow down the pace, work yourself up to a state of patience, show your interest, and listen. Listen for as long as you can and just soak up everything they have to say like a Life-class sponge. I promise you it will enlighten and enliven your soul.
I know you probably disagree. That’s because you’re young...and don't have time. :P
Continue the conversation on Facebook.
Was basically what I heard from Tim Nicholls, The QLD Treasurer, tonight as I watched his dismissive response when pressed about the two Moreton Bay Aged Care facilities that have been marked for closure.
Do you know why?
They are on state-owned, beachfront property; and they are marked for development. Yeah.
Is anyone else’s blood boiling?
I am aware that I am a bit unusual (shhh) in that I have profound and deep roots to the senior members of my family, and I consider myself an advocate for the elderly. I had a very deep connection with my grandparents, who I considered not just the matriarch and patriarch who were due respect and courtesy, and deserved my time, but they were my mates. We enjoyed each other’s company, and had fun together. I miss them painfully, every single day.
From this comes an empirical understanding of the pivotal role the elders in our community; their wisdom, their insight, their experience, and their reason. I am ashamed and embarrassed as westerner to say that our society does not reflect this.
The first world thrives on and encourages busyness, so we’re all forgiven for casting aside the slower-moving members of society, such as the elderly and disabled, because “we don’t have time” (which is bullshit, let’s be real here).
We live in a ageist society; constantly condoning and driving messages of “anti-ageing” this and “youthful” that; Putting mindless teenagers on pedestals, and idolising lyrics like “Ooh baby, ooh baby” instead of learning from the older and wise. We’re not allowed to do what comes naturally, and just get older without being airbrushed, or surgically enhanced, or judged, or even worse (and most often the case) ignored.
We muzzle and invalidate the very people whom we should be listening to the most.
We are doing ourselves an injustice; because communities are strengthened with knowledge; and I don’t care how smart you are, and how many years of academia you have under your belt – life experience is the trump card every time, my friends. Your grandparents, your great uncle, the lady at the bus stop, old mate at the RSL, the people in nursing homes – they have the answers. You might be all connected, and know what’s going on now, but the real insights about life – it’s the older people of our society that have them. You can’t buy that kind of wisdom.
Mr Nicholls of the government I certainly did not vote for (hate to say I told you so, fellow Queenslanders), obviously has not had this epiphany, otherwise he wouldn’t have made himself look like even more of an insensitive phallus by blurting out the words “Plans have been made for several of them to be relocated to other facilities” (Add burdened, dull, tenor in voice to enhance how boring he considered the topic to be).
Right, so by “them”, you’re referring to “humans”, right? Humans who are not only of the most senior in society, and whose respect and care we should hold paramount in all our communities, but also the frailest? And you propose to just rip them out their HOMES, and shove them in another one, against their will? That’s the most fucking brilliantly compassionate and genius plan this soulless government has had to date.
How dare he speak of this with such drudgery, in defense of his office’s deliberate decision to upheave these poor people, disenfranchising them, upsetting them, and potentially un-doing a lot of the good work of the care staff in those facilities, without so much as a “sorry”. Hell, chuck in a token “with regret” or something, to make you seem a bit less heartless and stupid.
The people of the Moreton Bay community have every right to be mad with the government for this decision. And they are mad because the people who made the call obviously have no idea how this works, and exactly how complex caring for the aged is, otherwise they wouldn’t have done it.
If you'd like information on the opposal, see the Queensland Nurses Union.
I encourage every person to seek out a conversation with a senior person. Slow down the pace, work yourself up to a state of patience, show your interest, and listen. Listen for as long as you can and just soak up everything they have to say like a Life-class sponge. I promise you it will enlighten and enliven your soul.
I know you probably disagree. That’s because you’re young...and don't have time. :P
Continue the conversation on Facebook.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Sisters are doing it to themselves.
I am a feminist. Why? Because, as Caitlin Moran puts it: a) I have a vagina; and b) I want to be in charge of it. It shouldn’t be any more complicated than that.
As a feminist, and proud owner of one said vagina, I am increasingly compelled to look at the current feminist position, and wonder exactly what it is “we’re” all “fighting” for?
I am a regular reader of sites such as Jezebel and The Hoopla, and I see a lot of angry, heated-up women demanding “respect”, and shouting on cyber rooftops for “equality”, and pouncing like a pack of wild, hungry mountain cats, on any unfortunate male who happens to string three words together in the “wrong” order.
Can we just hit the pause button for a minute, and someone get me up to speed on what’s happening with this movie, because, before I slipped out for a toilet break, things were going pretty good for women here in the lucky country, as far as I, a woman, could see.
Every woman I have personally come in contact with in my thirty years living in our great country are in charge of their vaginas, so feminism movement = done; women = 1. Very good then. Let’s get on with it. Yeah? Apparently, not.
Almost every day I engage in (or eavesdrop on) conversation with both men and women about the state of equality (or lack thereof). People regurgitate old statistics about women earning 70-odd percent of their male counter-parts, and being discriminated against for breastfeeding in the workplace, and having to do more housework, and having their breasts started at my some creep on the streets, and quack quack quack - the whinging goes on.
I don’t mean to sound like a traitor, fellow ladies, I really don’t; but I can’t help but feel a little let down by the team myself.
For starters, women overall earn less than men in their lifetimes because most choose to stay at home and rare children at some point in their life. Note: the key word here is choose.
The feminist movement was all about choice.
Women just wanted the choice to vote, the choice to sit at a bar, the choice to have sex when and with whom, the choice to proceed with a pregnancy, the choice to go to university, the choice in whatever career she wanted... No-one is forcing you to have kids. We are choosing to sacrifice the overall lifetime equal pay, to have our little bundles of joy. So don’t give me that stat. It’s factually distorted to play to the victim card.
The victim card is old and boring.
If you want a pay rise, or the archaic clown in the office to pipe down about your workplace breastfeeding, or for your husband to help more around the house – do something about it! If you truly want to be seen as an equal, and stand side to your male counterparts, then do what they would do – speak up! They got their payrise, not because they’re men or they’re arseholes; they got it because they asked for it! That’s all there is to it!
Wallowing in your own pathetic-ness, reciting the same old clichés like “I didn’t get the promotion because I’m a woman” only perpetuates a weak, naval-gazing image, and is really just an excuse, so get up, shake it off, and just get it done.
And absolutely - violence against women, rape, mysogony (do we all know what it means now?!) and all forms of injustice against women are deplorable, abhorrent and should not be stood for in any way. So, let’s just continue to fight the good fight on that together. And for God’s sake if you’re in a violent environment, get the hell out, Now. No excuse. He doesn’t love you. Love doesn’t hurt. I can’t be clearer or more serious on that.
Don’t stand for it. Don’t be a victim.
How connected is our current generation of young women to the source of the feminist movement?
I am sceptical. Beyond hearing stories from our mothers and grandmothers, as Australians, we haven’t actually had to endure the real, nasty, gritty, Mad-Men style of exploitation and oppression that our predecessors did. They were fired up – marching, and burning bras, and presenting powerful speeches – because it was very, very real to them.
In a world of a female Prime Minister, icons like Germaine Greer, moguls like Oprah Winfrey, idols like Madonna & Gaga, and powerhouses like Angela Merkel….I think we’re a bit beyond crying about all the injustices against our kind. We really do have the choice to do, be, and have anything we want.
Men are not against us.
There are arseholes is both sexes, let’s be honest. Tarring men with the same brush is so hypocritically counter-productive. We all know good men; some of us even know men whom identify themselves as feminists.
And with all the mixed messages being screamed from the other end of the house, at varying times of each lunar cycle, I think men can be forgiven for wandering around in circles, scratching their head and wondering what the hell their place in society is these days?
They are expected to be the breadwinners, do 50% of housework; compliment you, not ask you for sex, not seek sex anywhere else, remain sexually attracted to you at all times (even when you’re at your ugliest), read your mind, know exactly what will offend one women, and what the next wont even bat an eyelash at; be strong; be sensitive; like your family; accept you not liking his; take it when you feel like verbally beating him to an emasculated shell; and basically just do whatever the hell you say. Don’t you think this kind of treatment would result to resentment? Rebellion? A movement, perhaps?
I once worked with a woman who would share stores with pride, of how she condescended her husband on a daily basis over his inability to prepare dinner. She reminded him regularly that because she was the home keeper, the family and the unit would literally fall apart without her. Now, I’m not doubting that she was the rock of the family; a strong, loving mother who ran a great household – but I wonder what her reaction would be if her husband (an intelligent academic and very successful businessman) patronised her for her inability to do his Engineering job. I imagine a Loony Tunes-esque cat fight.
It’s all well and good for us to say “Well, I am the woman, I will do what I want!” But is that really fair? Is that a partnership? Is that equality?
I firmly believe that if we really want “respect” and “equality” then we need to “fight” a fair game. Let’s start giving the good men in the world the respect they deserve and not use them as our punching bags just because, let’s face it, we sometime don’t even know what is wrong with us.
Sisters, we are doing it to ourselves.
Chris Rock says women would rule the world by now, if we didn’t hate each other.
Iyanla Vanzant says that women fight each other because they feel that if “she” gets hers, then there won’t be enough left for me. Men, on the other hand think “If I get mine, then I don’t care about you”.
Women have an innate propensity for care, support, and nurture. This is vital for humanity’s progress. But, let’s be honest: we judge each other all the time.
If we really want men to start treating us better, perhaps we should look into our own female backyard, and start at home, so to speak.
More Mirror, Australia discussion happening on Facebook.
As a feminist, and proud owner of one said vagina, I am increasingly compelled to look at the current feminist position, and wonder exactly what it is “we’re” all “fighting” for?
I am a regular reader of sites such as Jezebel and The Hoopla, and I see a lot of angry, heated-up women demanding “respect”, and shouting on cyber rooftops for “equality”, and pouncing like a pack of wild, hungry mountain cats, on any unfortunate male who happens to string three words together in the “wrong” order.
Can we just hit the pause button for a minute, and someone get me up to speed on what’s happening with this movie, because, before I slipped out for a toilet break, things were going pretty good for women here in the lucky country, as far as I, a woman, could see.
Every woman I have personally come in contact with in my thirty years living in our great country are in charge of their vaginas, so feminism movement = done; women = 1. Very good then. Let’s get on with it. Yeah? Apparently, not.
Almost every day I engage in (or eavesdrop on) conversation with both men and women about the state of equality (or lack thereof). People regurgitate old statistics about women earning 70-odd percent of their male counter-parts, and being discriminated against for breastfeeding in the workplace, and having to do more housework, and having their breasts started at my some creep on the streets, and quack quack quack - the whinging goes on.
I don’t mean to sound like a traitor, fellow ladies, I really don’t; but I can’t help but feel a little let down by the team myself.
For starters, women overall earn less than men in their lifetimes because most choose to stay at home and rare children at some point in their life. Note: the key word here is choose.
The feminist movement was all about choice.
Women just wanted the choice to vote, the choice to sit at a bar, the choice to have sex when and with whom, the choice to proceed with a pregnancy, the choice to go to university, the choice in whatever career she wanted... No-one is forcing you to have kids. We are choosing to sacrifice the overall lifetime equal pay, to have our little bundles of joy. So don’t give me that stat. It’s factually distorted to play to the victim card.
The victim card is old and boring.
If you want a pay rise, or the archaic clown in the office to pipe down about your workplace breastfeeding, or for your husband to help more around the house – do something about it! If you truly want to be seen as an equal, and stand side to your male counterparts, then do what they would do – speak up! They got their payrise, not because they’re men or they’re arseholes; they got it because they asked for it! That’s all there is to it!
Wallowing in your own pathetic-ness, reciting the same old clichés like “I didn’t get the promotion because I’m a woman” only perpetuates a weak, naval-gazing image, and is really just an excuse, so get up, shake it off, and just get it done.
And absolutely - violence against women, rape, mysogony (do we all know what it means now?!) and all forms of injustice against women are deplorable, abhorrent and should not be stood for in any way. So, let’s just continue to fight the good fight on that together. And for God’s sake if you’re in a violent environment, get the hell out, Now. No excuse. He doesn’t love you. Love doesn’t hurt. I can’t be clearer or more serious on that.
Don’t stand for it. Don’t be a victim.
How connected is our current generation of young women to the source of the feminist movement?
I am sceptical. Beyond hearing stories from our mothers and grandmothers, as Australians, we haven’t actually had to endure the real, nasty, gritty, Mad-Men style of exploitation and oppression that our predecessors did. They were fired up – marching, and burning bras, and presenting powerful speeches – because it was very, very real to them.
In a world of a female Prime Minister, icons like Germaine Greer, moguls like Oprah Winfrey, idols like Madonna & Gaga, and powerhouses like Angela Merkel….I think we’re a bit beyond crying about all the injustices against our kind. We really do have the choice to do, be, and have anything we want.
Men are not against us.
There are arseholes is both sexes, let’s be honest. Tarring men with the same brush is so hypocritically counter-productive. We all know good men; some of us even know men whom identify themselves as feminists.
And with all the mixed messages being screamed from the other end of the house, at varying times of each lunar cycle, I think men can be forgiven for wandering around in circles, scratching their head and wondering what the hell their place in society is these days?
They are expected to be the breadwinners, do 50% of housework; compliment you, not ask you for sex, not seek sex anywhere else, remain sexually attracted to you at all times (even when you’re at your ugliest), read your mind, know exactly what will offend one women, and what the next wont even bat an eyelash at; be strong; be sensitive; like your family; accept you not liking his; take it when you feel like verbally beating him to an emasculated shell; and basically just do whatever the hell you say. Don’t you think this kind of treatment would result to resentment? Rebellion? A movement, perhaps?
I once worked with a woman who would share stores with pride, of how she condescended her husband on a daily basis over his inability to prepare dinner. She reminded him regularly that because she was the home keeper, the family and the unit would literally fall apart without her. Now, I’m not doubting that she was the rock of the family; a strong, loving mother who ran a great household – but I wonder what her reaction would be if her husband (an intelligent academic and very successful businessman) patronised her for her inability to do his Engineering job. I imagine a Loony Tunes-esque cat fight.
It’s all well and good for us to say “Well, I am the woman, I will do what I want!” But is that really fair? Is that a partnership? Is that equality?
I firmly believe that if we really want “respect” and “equality” then we need to “fight” a fair game. Let’s start giving the good men in the world the respect they deserve and not use them as our punching bags just because, let’s face it, we sometime don’t even know what is wrong with us.
Sisters, we are doing it to ourselves.
Chris Rock says women would rule the world by now, if we didn’t hate each other.
Iyanla Vanzant says that women fight each other because they feel that if “she” gets hers, then there won’t be enough left for me. Men, on the other hand think “If I get mine, then I don’t care about you”.
Women have an innate propensity for care, support, and nurture. This is vital for humanity’s progress. But, let’s be honest: we judge each other all the time.
If we really want men to start treating us better, perhaps we should look into our own female backyard, and start at home, so to speak.
More Mirror, Australia discussion happening on Facebook.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Heart + Action = results.
It’s Anti-Poverty Week this week.
Whilst I am doing my degree, I am working for a Not-For-Profit organisation that has a robust Social Justice program that I am very proud to participate in. I feel I am able to say that each day, whilst I work towards my goal of being university educated and improving myself, I am also genuinely helping to make a difference in people’s lives at work; that what I do matters. That’s a great feeling.
The fact that I no longer feel helpless about the world’s greater issues is key to this great feeling. As someone with a conscience, and wanting desperately to help everyone, it can be very overwhelming knowing you are but one person…and where the hell do you start?!
Most people adopt the defeatist conclusion that their sole efforts wont make a dint in the issue, and give up.
Other people like to dig their heels on the notion that a tough outlook and material-focused lifestyle is cool, and anyone who does not prioritise climbing the corporate ladder; or who speaks up on animal welfare, or human rights, or the environment, is just a tree huggin hippie that should be shipped off to some island with the rest of them, where they won’t bother those of us who just want to rape and pillage the earth in peace, thanks very much.
I, personally think the former is more dangerous than the latter. And so did Albert Einstein, who said:
"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it".
I’m all for “live and let live”. Not because I’m a Buddist monk, but because I’m too lazy to get worked up about people who don’t share my views and beliefs about this world. I have learned, as I have got older, that you can’t change people. You can only change yourself. As Gandhi said;
"Be the change you want to see in the world”.
I know this is a busy world, and we can't do it all. I'm simply sharing that I’ve learned that a kind heart is not enough to make this world a better place; Taking actions motivated by your kind heart is.
This busy time of year is a better time than any to contemplate what you want to do with the next stage of your life, what matters to you, what kind of positive impact you can have on the people and environment around you – but most importantly – how you’re going to achieve it.
I recently watched a brief TED Talk by Jody Williams; a Nobel Peace Laureate, who had a very pragmatic opinion on peace, and how to facilitate a dignified life for all humans. She reiterated the notion that positive change comes from real action.
I know I’m in very good company. The World Giving Index through Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) recently found that Australia & New Zealand are the most GIVING nations in the world! We're top people!
If you want to take action on the things that matter, like eradicating poverty from our world – start with this hepful resource from Philanthropy Australia or find out what Volunteer Opportunities are available that suit you.
Whilst I am doing my degree, I am working for a Not-For-Profit organisation that has a robust Social Justice program that I am very proud to participate in. I feel I am able to say that each day, whilst I work towards my goal of being university educated and improving myself, I am also genuinely helping to make a difference in people’s lives at work; that what I do matters. That’s a great feeling.
The fact that I no longer feel helpless about the world’s greater issues is key to this great feeling. As someone with a conscience, and wanting desperately to help everyone, it can be very overwhelming knowing you are but one person…and where the hell do you start?!
Most people adopt the defeatist conclusion that their sole efforts wont make a dint in the issue, and give up.
Other people like to dig their heels on the notion that a tough outlook and material-focused lifestyle is cool, and anyone who does not prioritise climbing the corporate ladder; or who speaks up on animal welfare, or human rights, or the environment, is just a tree huggin hippie that should be shipped off to some island with the rest of them, where they won’t bother those of us who just want to rape and pillage the earth in peace, thanks very much.
I, personally think the former is more dangerous than the latter. And so did Albert Einstein, who said:
"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it".
I’m all for “live and let live”. Not because I’m a Buddist monk, but because I’m too lazy to get worked up about people who don’t share my views and beliefs about this world. I have learned, as I have got older, that you can’t change people. You can only change yourself. As Gandhi said;
"Be the change you want to see in the world”.
I know this is a busy world, and we can't do it all. I'm simply sharing that I’ve learned that a kind heart is not enough to make this world a better place; Taking actions motivated by your kind heart is.
This busy time of year is a better time than any to contemplate what you want to do with the next stage of your life, what matters to you, what kind of positive impact you can have on the people and environment around you – but most importantly – how you’re going to achieve it.
I recently watched a brief TED Talk by Jody Williams; a Nobel Peace Laureate, who had a very pragmatic opinion on peace, and how to facilitate a dignified life for all humans. She reiterated the notion that positive change comes from real action.
I know I’m in very good company. The World Giving Index through Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) recently found that Australia & New Zealand are the most GIVING nations in the world! We're top people!
If you want to take action on the things that matter, like eradicating poverty from our world – start with this hepful resource from Philanthropy Australia or find out what Volunteer Opportunities are available that suit you.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Getting excited (again)
You know the days when you’re high on life? When the nervous energy of excitement darts through you; and you feel genuinely inspired and energised with anticipation of your future? When you’re ready to take on whatever is thrown at you? When you’re smiling on the inside?
It is a truly riveting feeling, and I'm so happy to say I’ve been feeling that increasingly over the last couple of months; as if June was the valley, I’m now gliding up the slow incline of the mountain named Life.
I caught myself buzzing today; with ideas, thoughts of gratitude, happiness, contentment; and I reflected on times when I had felt this before. Every time it was followed by a deep slump of mood, or a disappointment that set me back, knocked the wind out of me, or beat the confidence out of me.
This time, it’s different…
Now, a little older, experienced, and comfortable in my skin, I’m starting to feel that I really can take it on – not just with false naivety of youth and unrealistic expectations. This time I know what I’m capable of, and what’s more – I know I’m responsible for getting what I want out of life. That is an empowering secret to unlock – even if it is obvious and simplistic. Having been told something a million times throughout your life, repeating it, preaching it to other people, reposting a cutesy little phrase about it on Facebook….none of it is quite like the penny dropping for the first time!
I have deep-seated memories of feeling quite the opposite;
memories still relatively fresh, in fact. I have had reoccurring depression for several years, and even though it is a hideous, painful condition to bare, I wouldn’t take it back for the world, because:
a) just like living with a myriad of physical illnesses, I can function as very productive of member of society with it; and
b) it has helped me understand who I really am.
But more importantly it also gives me insight to the pain of others experiencing mood disorders, and I want to help.
So, this is why I talk about it
– the one and only reason I talk about it – to remove the taboo, and make this world smaller for people who feel isolated or alone. Our society must learn to speak as freely about mental health as it does the common cold.
Ignore the twats!
I also know one of the biggest, most challenging, and excruciating hurdles a person with a mood disorder can overcome, is that of allowing one’s self to be happy. I have struggled with that for years; and despite how many wonderful, supportive, loving people I have around me, who encourage and compliment me all the time; it is the one voice of the one twat from a million years ago that burrows in and does it’s damage long after they’ve moved on and forgotten about it. This is key to long-term recovery and flourishing: Ignore the twats!
Knowing how it feels on the other side, just the same as the feeling you get from exercising for the first time, makes you want to do it again. When I feel down, I try to focus my attention and energy to replicating my own approach to situations in order to regain the inner feeling of happiness I have experienced before – knowing that I’m capable, and that it will return.
I’ve tapped into the internal dialogue that isn’t just psychological, but physiological; and now I listen, not just to my thoughts but my body as well. Sometimes your body can tell a more accurate story than your mind can.
I recommend taking some quiet time to observe how your body reacts to situations, people, places, and ask yourself if you want continue feeling that or not. If the answer is the later, all you have to do is remove yourself from that situation/person/place, and your body will thank you with a burst of energy that might represent anything from confidence, to empowerment, to calm. Do, see, and surround yourself with the things and people that give you energy.
I believe that, like a domino, the state of the mind dictates the health and well-being of everything else; physical health, and therefore energy levels, and therefore input and emotional presence at work, school, home, in relationships; and therefore the success of those things; and therefore the ability to extend yourself, grow, learn, evolve as a person, and therefore connect to your spirituality and higher self, and therefore invite more positive things into your life; and therefore positively influence people around you, and therefore make the world a better place! Idealistic? I prefer to think not.
The mind is everything.
If we all started with making our own minds healthy, inviting, places to go, we could collectively shape a community better than the one we live in today.
Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Wesley Mission, Relationships Australia, QUT Counselling Service & Caritas Care have all helped me through my journey.
One of my new goals in life is to give back to places like them to express my gratitude, and pay it forward, by offering support in any way I can to others experiencing mental health issues.
If you need help; seek it out:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
Wesley Mission: (02) 9263 5555
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
If you want to help; seek a way:
Lifeline
Beyond Blue
Wesley Mission
Relationships Australia
100 Things: People Helping People
I'm genuinely excited about my future, and I hope you are too :)
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