Skating Uphill - December 2019
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
“The theme of this month’s issue is #BeTheDifference—
a variation of a quote by Ghandi. His quote verbatim is
‘Be the change you want to see in the world,’
which actually makes it MUCH harder!”
– The Uphill Skater –
Honestly, Elizabeth Millen, our darling editor/publisher, comes up with the best themes for Pink. What a challenge to actually bring home something as broad, yet right to the point, as one person being the difference in the world; and then to think that person is perhaps you. Fact is, it’s each one of us.
I can think of many ways we can make meaningful changes in our surroundings, and if we look at the small view of say writing a check to an organization, even that has its place in betterment. As you read this article, consider yourself—actually see yourself. Are you thinking there is not much you can do to make a dent in the big wide world? Think again.
Do you have an extra pocket book or two floating around your closet? Go to the dollar store or Wal-Mart and buy some feminine hygiene items, a wash cloth, a pair of socks, some lipstick, a pair of underpants and a t-shirt—stuff like that. Add a five- or 10-dollar gift certificate to a fast food restaurant and give it to a homeless woman. If you can't find one, go to your local shelter, or better yet, go to a local church that has a soup kitchen program for the homeless. Believe me, you will be shocked at how easy it is to find a homeless woman, and statistically, she will be over 50. It makes you want to cry, doesn't it? Be sure to go in person!
Next, I am asking you to stand your ground. You have opinions, emotions and strong feelings about many things. Think your own thoughts and act on them. Don't let others deter you from your ideals. Is something happening to you in your job or life or to someone else you care about? Do you see a big injustice, or better yet, a little one? Step up. Little hurts and unfair acts are only little to the person who is not involved in it. Remember that.
See a need and fill it. This is an easy one. I have a dear friend who was a victim of sexual assault when she was young. She is African American. She was moved by an article she read in her newspaper about a rape victim who was a visitor to her town and knew no one. My friend went to the hospital to see her and was denied admittance because she had no training to handle this type of situation. Give up? Not on your life. She went to the Rape Crisis Center and took the three month training course and began to advocate in her local hospital and began to visit victims. This is the heart part of this story: In almost every instance the victim was black, and usually, she and the victim were the only African Americans in the room. Just imagine how a victim of abuse would feel seeing not only a sister, but finding out that her visitor was a real sister not just in color, but so much more importantly, in life experiences. See a need and fill it.
My favorite #BeTheDifference is the easiest, and potentially, the most fun. Tutor or mentor a child! Oh, poor you. You don't know a child who may need you. Go to your local Boys and Girls Club. Go to your local elementary school. Ask at the library or at your church. There are many children who need academic help, a warm coat, a backpack of food to take home over the weekend, a friend and on and on. I go into my grandson's Pre-K classroom once a week, and it was easy to spot the little girl who needed help. Now when I go to read, I spend 15 minutes with her afterwards. It has been so good for me, never mind good for her. When you help someone on a face-to-face basis, it is just as beneficial to you, as it is to the child or adult you are helping.
Finally, do something you know needs to be done. I can't tell you what it is. Maybe something in a neighbor's yard. Maybe a bag of food on a doorstep. Maybe a coat for a child you see in the classroom where you volunteer. Maybe something as simple as a phone call to a shut-in. If you think that things like this don't change the world, you are dead wrong. These, in fact, are the only things that are going to change the world. In the process and as an unforeseen side effect, you will be changed, too.
Visit www.skatinguphill.com blog for new recipes, daily thoughts and décor ideas.
Also find reprints of Pink articles and shared comments. Blogging is fun and easy.
Look at my blog and maybe you will want to try it yourself!
Judith Lawrenson is a former Hilton Head Island resident who has a huge heart and is loved by all who meet her. She has served and volunteered with numerous charitable organizations while living in the Lowcontry making an impact wherever she went. She and her husband recently moved to the wild hills of West Virginia to be closer to grandchildren. Judith is an avid sailor, a retired reading resource specialist, and a children's TV host whose local show originated from the Boys and girls Club. Judith is also a long time seeker of healthy, happy living and a lifestyle dedicated to service to others balanced with love of God and love of self. Check out her BLOG www.skatinguphill.com for fun info, recipes and nutrition ideas, current updates on nearly everything in the world, and lots of comments and opinions.