Definition of Perspective: A mental view or outlook.
I noticed that a billionaire gave away 500 Million to charity today. That’s fantastic and I applaud the good that the billionaire will create so doing. Â I think it is awesome but there is a part of me that thinks that it an action that likely is without sacrifice. Â If you have 500 Million that you can just write a cheque for, money is probably a non-issue.
I admire even more the every day family that gives sacrificially, the anonymous donation to the Salvation Army or the dropped off gift certificate to the neighbour for groceries because groceries for that neighbour are a luxury.
I did a speech for Toastmasters about the number of people in the world that earn an average of a dollar a day; it’s a huge, sad number, millions and hundreds of millions of people. Â I gained knowledge about Beadsforlife organization and also shared information so others could investigate what I think is a hopeful and fruitful business.I also gained perspective, or was reminded again of how rich and blessed I am. Â I confess I buy lottery tickets and think how nice it would be if money was not an issue so I guess that while I feel rich, I am not satisfied. Â Am I wrong? I considered what I would do with the money. I would really like it if my wife could stop working, the karma from that would be amazing! I would love to help my kids and give them a boost financially. I would love to send my parents on a world cruise. Â I am rich though in many ways and I am grateful.
Definition of Attitude: A state of mind or feeling.
I saw a youtube video the other day of blind Brazilian surfer.  I watched a little and I was stunned. I remember one day I walked outside with my eyes shut; I knew it was safe, it was a flat sidewalk and I could open my eyes any second. I was totally uncomfortable. It is amazing and inspiring to think of a blind surfer.  I admire the sheer bravery of this young man who doesn’t let his disability prevent him from pushing his boundaries of experience.  Then I look at myself and I think I apply brakes on myself so much because I am afraid to fail, to be embarrassed.  So what! If you want to do something, throw away those self-imposed barriers – jump over and…. do yoga, ride a motorcycle, run a marathon, become a chef – and give yourself a good attitude about life and trying.
So much is perspective and attitude. What do you think?
If you liked or if you didn’t… thanks for reading.
When I was young, my parents would treat me to Saturday afternoon at the movies. The movies were much less expensive in those days, and the films were less sophisticated but other than that, not much has changed.
movie popcorn (Photo credit: Robot B)
I loved going into the shows with my friends and then leaving hours later with popcorn breath and my mind racing with the special effects, and images the world I just visited. When I was younger it was Walt Disney movies, then it was the 007 movies, and then science fiction. Most of the movies have no attraction to me, especially horror. Can’t handle those at all. A lot of the movies have only three or four minutes that are interesting and we see those in the trailers, so we can skip the movie.
Now and then a movie is made that belongs on the big screen, and it matches the excellent book it is based upon. Â I saw a movie like that today; The Hobbitt.Â
It takes a brave producer to take on a movie that is familiar to 150 million people, no shortcuts in the story were taken, and it was appreciated. Of course this was only part 1 of 3 so I will have wait to see if the next two meet the standard the director set for himself today; I suspect that Peter Jackson will.
Enjoy the movie, and best wishes for popcorn breath and red twizzlers in your future.
Christmas is coming, and I am looking forward to celebrating the season with my family. I am fortunate as Christmas for me is a time of celebration and hugging the ones the love literally or electronically if they are miles away.
As I look forward to our family traditions I am reminded though that Christmas time is special because we associate it with family memories. Â I was reminded the other day of Christmases when my wonderful kids were small and I realized that I counted it as one of the best memories of my life, the hours that I was able to tote my two on my shoulders. Â Not at the same time of course,…. individually.
Telling them stories when they small before they went to sleep, and carrying them to bed while they pretended to sleep ~ all of these sweet memories are cherished.
Christmas brings those memories back for parents, and children and grief sometimes never goes away and likely is acute at family times like Christmas.
Say a little prayer for those families who are hurting this Christmas and hug your loved ones close, there is no better time than today.
The name of the group is Sounds of the Earth which is a group of young people who are being creative with their time, not only creating beautiful music, but also creating the musical instruments. Wonderful that some people don’t allow money to be a roadblock.
So what is the lesson or inspiration from this for myself.
I am surrounded by blessings and I am reminded to look not under the tree this Christmas but look around me. I have been looking into a charity for children  called Plan Canada is highly supported by the Government of Canada so that private citizens donations are matched by the government having a multiplier effect.
This program allows you to buy a goat, or goats, or a library which has ongoing positive outcomes rather than just a onetime handout to help the children.  Just in time  to make a selfless  gift before the end of the year.
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It’s December and even as I look forward, I find myself also looking backward. Â Not a good thing, you fall down a lot, you bump into things and you fail to live in the moment. Â I have to try harder to face forward.
I mention Pearl Harbour because December 7, 1941 was the anniversary of that event. I am too young to have been alive in 1941 but the history of that event is very interesting. Most historians would probably agree that it was a surprise attack that should not have been a surprise. The Americans had broken the Japanese code and they knew the Japanese were there in force. Most would surmise that the politicians save in Washington, 10 hours away and the width of the Pacific Ocean were willing to take the risk in order to have the USA finally get on board and help end World War II. Â I think it was that and more; including the naivety that we all exhibit now and then.
John Lennon – December 8, 1980 was killed in front of his apartment building in New York. Â A musician, an activist and a talent gone, weeks before Christmas.
December is a time of great anticipation certainly, and we treasure it even though in the northern hemisphere it is cold and dark. Â But even as we celebrate it is important not to be naive about what is happening, and what can happen in the world very unexpectedly.
My Christmas tree and all it’s lights went up and I pray that this will be a Christmas year of peace throughout the world, and much to celebrate of life, health and family.
