July 13, 2013

WHO WILL SAVE THE CHILDREN?

WARNING: Heart-breaking content with uplifting call to action!

Today I explored Shanghai with a friend and colleague and I was confronted with the age-old question…to give or not to give to the homeless? I’ve always found this to be a difficult question because I have been blessed with much and always feel compelled to share. If I’m asked for help, I’ve traditionally complied. One cannot know if money donated will be used for food or drugs…or if the person is running an elaborate con to make free money. My mindset has always been to let God sort that out…until today.

When asked for donations today, I complied because it has been my nature. However, my friend (who lives in Shanghai) gently explained to me that in China, the government provides basic needs to citizens and strongly discourages giving to the homeless. She went on to tell me that this is because many cruel adults have handicapped homeless children (slumdog millionaire) and sent them on the streets to get more donations. The thought behind prohibiting donations is that if no one gets donations, these cruel individuals will stop handicapping children. Though this completely broke my heart, it gave me understanding and made certain that my whole practice on donation is being re-evaluated (and certainly stopped in China).

Any issues effecting children are always particularly sensitive for me for I feel that children do not have a choice. Poverty has a startling and resounding impact on children in particular and it is troubling that it goes ignored so often.

My support of organizations like School on Wheels and 1736 Family Crisis Center is precisely because these organizations focus so much effort on supporting children who need it most. These non-profits have set out to provide structure to the aide process and change the trajectory of lives through education, housing, counseling, and support.

I guess what I’m saying is…I’ll be re-doubling my efforts to give stronger support to these causes, and I thank you for all of your past, present, and future support in doing the same!

It is up to all of us to save the children.

 

Photo source: invisible children

 

July 12, 2013

HAPPY MALALA DAY!

“[the taliban shot her and other children in 2012 in a school bus] they thought that the bullet would silence us, but they failed. the terrorists thought that they would change my aims and stop my ambitions, but nothing in my life changed except this: weakness, fear, and hopeless died. strength, power, and courage was born.”

THIS is Malala!! Full support and love to her on her 16th Birthday!!

July 11, 2013

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW IN CHINA

So, the temperatures have been so hot here (90+) that I have not felt the vibe to go exploring in the Kunshan region of China (where I’m staying) to take photos. So, this photo is from inside the air conditioned comfort of my hotel room looking out haha

As you can see, the area is pretty industrialized here. (Shanghai is two hours away in the distance.) During drives around the city, I can say that the “sight-seeing” is pretty non-traditional. I completely empathize with workers I see resting in the shade!

And speaking of driving…I’m starting to think that honking is a way of communicating…and near accidents are a form of bonding lol I’ve made the decision to either read a magazine during drives or look out side windows for the sake of my nerves!

There are so many people here…and I was reminded during lunch with colleagues here about the government law restricting families to having one child! It is also illegal to find out the gender of a child before it is born (shockingly — and heartbreaking — parents were aborting female children so that their one child could be a son).

I’m definitely not in Kansas anymore…

 

July 10, 2013

TO BE TRULY FREE

Strange things happen when you’ve been up all night (it’s 4am in China) working on branding strategy while chewing gum (thanks mom/dad!) and eating kale chips (I miss Whole Foods!). Though it has nothing to do with anything I’m currently doing, these lyrics from Lauryn Hill’s song Selah keep running through my mind, “In all of my religion, I have fortified this prison…”

I keep thinking of a conversation that I had with a colleague here in China about the government here…he simply said, “We are controlled.”

Although religion and government can be seen as institutions which take away control from the individual (in favor of the collective)…others view both paths as means to liberation (religion offers some sanctuary…and an open/democratic government can be a sanctuary for people from oppressive regimes) .

As with all things…it is a matter of perspective.

 

Photo source: symbol of freedom

July 9, 2013

A CHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE

Though the process of traveling is not always the easiest (who really wants to deal with airport security? airplane food scares me! and travel can come with sticker shock.), I always appreciate its ability to instantly shift your perspective.

Now that I find myself in mainland China, I’m immediately struck by the taste of pollution in the air, hectic vibes (my private car from the airport came close to several accidents and I endured endless car honking!), and feeling extremely thankful for my nice hotel amidst the chaos.

In a land that has become a super power from the wealth derived from manufacturing, you have the instant sense that nature was forgotten in the process. (I hear there are Oxygen bars here…and as crazy as it sounds, I would love to visit one!) And though it’s a “People’s Republic”, you don’t get the sense that the government is really for the people. Freedom of speech does not appear to be a reality…I’ve already had difficulties with consistent Google access…and there is no Facebook, YouTube or Twitter access  in China (omg!).

It might already be time to go..lol Just kidding. I’m looking forward to interacting with the people here…hopefully there won’t be too much lost in translation.

Photo source: sunrise in the office

July 7, 2013

MAGIC

Today I attended a lovely beach party and had the most amazing time playing in the sand with a remarkable three year old (beautiful and brilliant) girl named Ella. She is a bundle of light and joy and I’m sure that I know her from a previous life…there is no other explanation for the energy and vibration that I felt from her beautiful soul!

When Ella asked me to stay longer, she said to me, “You came here just to meet me and I’m here just for you”… and then my heart exploded! (I didn’t leave until after she did.)

At three years old?! Are you kidding me?

Magic :)

Photo source: it’s not what you look at, it’s what you see.

July 6, 2013

IT’S UP TO YOU

“Do exactly what you would do if you felt most secure.” – Meister Eckhart

If only I had this….I could do that…Limited thinking arises within you.

If you want it…go for it. No goal is truly out of reach.

And honestly, if they did it, I think you can too.

And if it hasn’t been done yet, perhaps it’s up to you ;)

Lao-tzu taught us that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

So never limit yourself…just go do it :)

Photo source: on the run :)

 

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