For Every Woman

Every woman deserves to hear these words in their lifetime...

{via middlechildcomplex}

When Worlds Collide and Make Magical Things Happen.

If you haven't heard about THIS then it's about time. Call it a restoration of your faith in humanity and all that is good and pure in this world. (Sounds like I'm exaggerating, but I'm really not.) This is genuine love. Not love for your husband, or love for your family, but simple love for our fellow men and women on this earth. As Jenny, the now infamous blogger, quotes at the end of her more-infamous post...

"Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead)

Yes, I feel a bit selfish (okay, very selfish) for not being one of those hundreds of individuals who gave selflessly to this cause. However, what I now look forward to is keeping this story in mind when I am otherwise upset at the dismal situation of this country and this world. Rather than complaining, I will contribute and conspire to make things better, even if just a little bit. I hope you'll join me in doing the same.

Women's Hearts

fun fact.

Be Kind

{via here}

From one of my Favorites

I am an avid reader of Pacing the Panic Room. I cannot really say what it was that particularly drew me to this blog. I don't have children (although one day, I hope I do), I am not married (I do have a pretty wonderful boyfriend, though) and I am the most amateur photographer you will ever meet (canon powershot is my tool of choice). It would seem as if I'm getting absolutely nothing out of this blog! However, Ryan (the author, dad, photographer, husband, etc.) is a fantastic writer, sharer, and image capturer. (I know, not a real word.) His pictures are truly inspiring, and he's not just photographing random crap all day. He uses his power for good.

Anyway, today he had some great insight into following your passion. It hit close to home for me, since I've been having difficulty as of late with my desire to become a nurse. I found myself utterly stuck this weekend, and sobbing like a big baby over the fact that I haven't even finished my prerequisite classes yet. This gave me perspective. It made me shut up and tell myself that a pity parade is getting me nowhere. It is time to get up and get going! :

"My best friend Devin told me once that pretty much anything you dream up that you want to do well, will take you at the very minimum seven years to become decent at it. Seven years of practice and education and pushing yourself to get better before you can even think about telling anyone you are good at it. I didn't believe him at first. I finally get it. Keep at it. That is what I tell myself every time I see inspiring images coming out of people and I feel like I am never going to get there. Keep at it."

So there you go. Don't try to look around at what everybody else is doing- it's distracting, unnerving, and overall unproductive. All that time you spend comparing yourself to others, or looking at what you have yet to achieve, you could instead spend getting there- getting to your destination.

Keep at it. You're doing just fine.

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." - John Muir

{via here}

This quote was in the Huffington Post today, and as beautiful as it seems, it is also tragic to read. The environmental damage that we as only one nation on this entire earth have caused is horrendous. As we witness the drastic and painful decline of the Gulf Coast and its waters, we must recognize our ever-increasing role as global citizens and do our best as individuals united to create change now and for our future generations.

Here is one very useful tip to shut down operations like BP and others whose offshore drilling only further endangers our fragile home...

RIDE A BIKE! I know it can be scary sometimes to hop onto a bike after not touching it since you were 10 years old, but once you do, oh! it is so liberating! You can pass traffic (I beat the shuttle into work today), you can climb mountains, improve your health and gain some killer leg muscles :) I recently bought a used Schwinn Traveler for Salman and it's in excellent condition! You can easily find an inexpensive used bicycle at places like Craigslist or your local bike shop. You don't need a fancy schmancy thing to have it serve it's purpose!

Happy Riding!

Greg Mortenson

Have you ever met someone so selfless, and so full of hope and spirit, that you can't help but want to jump onto the stage and give them the biggest hug ever?

We saw Greg Mortenson on Tuesday night and it was awe-inspiring to say the very least. His humility is so beautiful and rare. Best birthday present ever :)

(salman got to shake hands with Greg Mortenson after the presentation- I was too busy taking pictures and trying to capture as many moments as possible...)

Wisdom

“ young people love what is interesting and odd, no matter how true or false it is. more mature minds love what is interesting and odd about truth. Fully mature intellects, finally, love truth, even when it appears plain and simple, boring to the ordinary person; for they have noticed that truth tends to reveal its highest wisdom in the guise of simplicity." (Nietzche)

I'm not a particular fan of Nietzche, but this quote is so beautiful, it was worth sharing.

Day 4 Week of Women: Who Has Stronger Necks?

Nicholas Kristof, the NYTimes columnist, frequents the DRC as both a journalist, philanthropist and human rights activist. A video in today's NYTimes online shows Kristof documenting the strength and grace of Congolese women who must carry otherwise unbearable loads of materials (wood, cement, water) in order to earn a living and take care of their families.

{via here}

So, the answer to this question??? WOMEN of course!

For the Rough Days

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“There is an inner strength and an inner peace within us all, which the world cannot penetrate and the hypocrisy and ignorance of the human mind cannot poison.” -Naresh Jhali