make a difference

As we all know, the US Election is coming up. I am not American, not even living in the US, but I am sure many on here are. Here is where you can make a huge difference, not just in your own country, but in the world as a whole. Because, let’s face it, United States has a very big inpact on things.

Voting is a fantastic, easy way to make a difference. People might say that one vote won’t change anything so why bother, but guess what? It just might. And if too many people think that way, their non-voting certainly will. Voting is a right, but also a responsibility. If you’re allowed to vote, you should.

If you don’t vote, you’re laughing in the face of democracy. So vote. Even if you can’t really find a candidate you really agree with. You probably know whether you prefer the democrats or republicans anyway, so just take it from there. It’s unlikely you find someone with exactly your views on everything, but you might just find someone with your views on the things that really mean something to you (the war, education, taxes, inequalities, immigration, pensions, health care, whatever). And so you vote for them.

Still, politics is very confusing. But I have found a site that does all the hard work for you: http://www.ontheissues.org
It explains every candidate’s thoughts on all major issues. There is also a quick test to see who suits your opinions best on: http://www.speakout.com/VoteMatch/senate2006.asp?quiz=2008

Making a difference can be so many things. It’s all about making the world better, the world as a whole or just one person’s world. It’s all about change.
Sometimes it’s scary, getting out of your comfort zone, surprising yourself and others with what you can do. Sometimes it’s just listening to someone, making them feel heard and seen. Sometimes it’s helping out, sometimes it’s letting them be exactly as they are. In the end, it’s all about others. And about daring to reach out, to say something, give something, do something. To make someone’s day. To grow.
Try it today.

Boyfriend said I’m the most giving, caring person he knows. I’m so glad to hear that…I feel very happy, and appriciated. He’s had a very difficult time the last few years (still does), but I’ve been there for him in every possible way I can. And I think it’s helped.
If nothing else, at least I am making a difference to His life. I love him so much.

Dove has a new advert. In the ad a young girl is shown, before an onslaught of “beauty” ads showing the “ideal” woman and plastic surgery… at the end the ad suggests “talk to your daughter before the beauty industry does”. It makes you think.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaH4y6ZjSfE

Burma is closing down the phone networks and internet, but the mail system is still working. So it’s still possible to let the authorities there know what you think about their actions!
Amnesty International suggests you get a postcard with flowers (flowers mean peace in Burma), write:
‘I respectfully urge the Myanmar authorities not to use force against peaceful protests. I also appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all other prisoners of conscience in Myanmar. Yours respectfully, YOUR NAME’
and send it to:
Senior General
Than Shwe
Chairman of the SPDC
Ministry of Defence
Naipyidaw
Division of Mandalay
Union of Myanmar (Burma)

If enough people do so it can really make a difference!

‘DailyGood is a free, daily email service that delivers a little bit of inspiring goodness to 60,896 people without any costs, advertising or agendas. Simply to spread the good.’

This is such a lovely newsletter…it tells shortly about people who are really making a difference (with the option to click a link and read more). It makes you see how many unselfish, giving, loving people who are doing what they can to change things bit by bit…truly inspiring. If you don’t want to subscribe, you can read the archive on the net too.

http://www.dailygood.org/

Wear a red shirt tomorrow for Burma!!

The news from Burma today is appalling. Wear a red shirt (top, t-shirt, whatever) tomorrow to show your solidarity with the Burmese monks and other protestors who are simply demanding the freedoms of democracy.
If you are on Facebook then go to the Red Shirt for Burma event page and invite all your friends.

It might not make much of a difference, but if enough people do it it will draw attention to the cause, and let the world’s leaders see that people do notice, and care.

Copy and paste this questionaire and email it you friends. You get to know some really lovely things you had no idea they thought about you and it really brightens your day. And if you’re lucky, they’ll send it back to you so you can brighten their day too :)

What do you know about me – the QUESTIONAIRE WITH A TWIST

YOU fill in the answers about ME, and send it back to me.
But, send an unfilled questionaire to all your friends first, so they can do the same for you.
Be honest – it’s much more fun to get back! Maybe you’ll find out something you didn’t know about yourself. It only takes a couple of minutes – so don’t hesitate!
First – send the questionaire to everyone you know to see how well they know you. Then – fill it in about the person who sent it to you and send it back to him/her.

1. My name:

2. Where did we first meet?

3. How long have you known me?

4. How well do you know me?

5. Do I smoke?

6. Do I believe in God?

7. When you first met me, what was you first impression?

8. My age?

9. My Birthday?

10. Hair colour?

11. Eye colour?

12. Height?

13. Any siblings?

14. List one of my bad traits

15. One thing I like to do?

16. The first thing I ever said to you?

17. What kind of music do I like?

18. What is my best trait?

19. Am I shy or outgoing?

20. Am I funny?

21. Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?

22. Any particular talents?

23. My favourite colour?

24. Your best memory of/with me?

25. Three words that describe me

Just found something I thought was really interesting, and a wonderful way to make a difference in the generations after you:

“ETHICAL WILLS:
Preserving Your Legacy of Values

Ethical wills are a way to share your values, blessings, life’s lessons, hopes and dreams for the future, love, and forgiveness with your family, friends, and community.

Ethical wills are not new. The Hebrew Bible first described ethical wills 3000 years ago (Genesis Ch. 49). References to this tradition are also found in the Christian Bible (John Ch. 15-18) and in other cultures. Initially, ethical wills were transmitted orally. Over time, they evolved into written documents. ‘Ethical wills’ are not considered legal documents as compared to ‘living wills’ and your ‘last will and testament’ which are legal documents.

Today, ethical wills are being written by people at turning points and transitions in their lives and when facing challenging life situations. They are usually shared with family and community while the writer is still alive.

Ethical wills may be one of the most cherished and meaningful gifts you can leave to your family and community.”

Want to know more? Check out http://www.ethicalwill.com

‘Join millions of people around the world who are calling for decision makers to make trade fair. With your help, we can make it the biggest petition ever.’
Sign Oxfam’s petition to give poor countries / farmers / producers their fair share of profits:

http://www.maketradefair.com/en/index.htm