See the world

Go out and see the world, I promise you will become a totally different person. Believe me when I say it because it happened to me. Travel with an open mind and you'll be surprised how the trip will change you. 

The world is a beautiful and wonderful place!

Make a difference in the world

Seize the opportunities to do good when they reveal themselves, because most likely nine times out of ten, you will become a better person, because of your kind actions. When you "go into the world and do good," you will be able to gain knowledge about yourself and the world around you.

I have seized the opportunity to make a difference in this world by taking an university seminar class with a mandatory service trip to Batey 50 in the Dominican Republic. The poorest of poor reside in this sugarcane village. When visiting the village, I am told, it's as though you are in a place and with the people the world has forgotten. Most homes have no foundations, their roofs are made of banana leaver or rusted corrugated tin. Every time it rains, their beds and food supplies get soaking wet.

 

I along with 22 of my peers and our Professor will embark to the Dominican Republic on December 28, 2012. We have been preparing for our trip since the beginning of the semester by examining the basic human rights, as well as cultural, economic, political and religious issues surrounding the hundreds of Haitians living squalid conditions in the bateyes of the Dominican Republic. Those living in the bateyes suffer economic injustice, racial persecution, oppression  and lacks basic education, healthcare, nutrition, housing, and access to clean water.

During our trip, we will be help build a home for a family in Batey 50. Until then, as a class, we have been working on various fundraisers to raise money to purchase food for the Batey. Visit our blog for more information about what we are a doing and how to help our fundraising efforts.

Giving you all the example of what I'm doing, now it's your turn to go out and make a difference!

Time Sure Does Fly

Man, oh man, time sure does fly. I cannot believe it's November 4th. How can that be?

And how is it I haven't blogged since August 8th? Oh I can tell you, it's because during that time I started freaking out that it was almost time head back home to hop back in the car to head to school for the semester....And here I am now, Midterms are over and there are only two more weeks of classes until a week off for Thanksgiving. Time is seriously flying fast...

Be Kind.

Acts of kindness have the power to change the world. No matter how big or small, these acts can make a difference. 

Make someone's day by completing one of these small, thoughtful gestures...

-Say "I love you" to someone you love. 

-Pay for the driver's order behind you at your favorite coffee shop's drive-thru. You may just start a chain reaction! 

-Offer to pick up groceries for your grandparents or elderly neighbor, especially in extreme weather.  

-Say "please" and "thank you"--and really mean it!

-Out of the blue, send flowers to a friend. Or send a card!

-Give a genuine compliment. 

-Don't interrupt when someone is explaining him or herself. 

-Call or write to a teacher who changed your life. 

-Send someone a hand written note of appreciation!

-Give up your seat for someone, not just an elderly person. 

-Tell all your family members how much you appreciate them. 

-Most importantly, SMILE A LOT. 

Make your own list and challenge yourself to completing at least one genuine act of kindness a day! 

Give A Little Bit

Winter is synonymous with the season of giving. And it should be as there are various special holidays during this time where loved ones are shown great appreciation by receiving gifts. We also celebrate the life of our loved ones on their birthday by showering them with well wishes as well as gifts again. Yet it is important not only to show our loved ones how much we appreciate them during these special times of the year but every chance we get. 

Yes, I know you are probably thinking to yourself, "how cheesy can this girl get?" But it's true we need to let our friends and family know we are there for them through thick and thin, just as you want to have them there for you in the same respect. Sending letters or small "Thinking of You" gifts are tokens of our appreciation for that person. Also it is a good idea to reward someone on a job well done with a "Congratulations!" Most importantly, however it is important to give a little more support to someone during hard times.

Be sure to be unique in your gift giving. Being creative allows your gift to memorable. It doesn't need to be expensive or difficult to put together. For example, the gift pictured below, "Knapsack of Hope," easy and costs barely anything at all. It is a great gift that would mean the world to someone.  

All it takes is a little creativity and a great presentation. For unique gift ideas, check out the blog, Darling Doodles, as there are ideas for almost every occasion. Or come up with your own! What I love to do is find little inexpensive items and make them have a deeper meaning. For example with candy, I like to give people who have helped me Lifesavers, get it "Life-Saver." And for people who are always bubbly, I give Bubbilicious bubble gum. Remember when gift giving to have fun, it shouldn't feel like a chore when finding a gift! 

Snail Mail

It's so easy these days to stay connected with loved ones. No matter the distance staying in touch with your friends and family are just a click away on Facebook, a short text or quick e-mail.

With that said, because everyone is staying connected with each other over the Internet and through text messages, why not resource back to sending physical mail to a loved one? 

It is easy to write on someone's Facebook wall, "I miss you!," but by taking the time and effort and sending a "Thinking of You" Card via snail mail shows how much you truly care about that person. Also who doesn't love receiving mail, especially when it isn't a bill.

Run down to your local pharmacy or stationary store and pick up a few blank cards. Write to your best friend, your grandparents, an Aunt or Uncle, college friends, etc. just saying hi.

Being away from home ten months out of the year, I like doing this. It's such an easy way to stay connected when you are thousands of miles away from someone.

Everyone is busy doing different things, traveling, going to school, and working. Everyone doesn't have time to talk on the phone or check their e-mail or Facebook. Sending a short and sweet letter, saying "hi and I hope you're well," is something that does not need a response. It is a nice gesture of appreciation, that is all. A letter in the mail can be considered somewhat as a gift as it is an unique token of someone's appreciation compared to that of a Facebook Wall Post.

Utilize Snail Mail and Send a Card Today! Put a Smile on Someone's Face!

Fundamentals for Changing the World

As most things are the above is easier said than done, but give it a go. Try and change the world we live in. By first taking a step back and looking at yourself, you will be able to make changes in your life. These changes no matter how big or small affect loved ones. By simply changing your life you may influence someone else to change their own self. It's a chain reaction.