Good News and Inspiring Stories From the Pandemic to Lift Your Spirits
When the ball dropped at midnight to kick off a new year and decade, no one could have anticipated what the year was about to bring. Only three months in, 2020 became all about cancelling trips/major events and social distancing. Navigating this pandemic is new for all of us, including working from home, protecting loved ones, getting supplies and staying connected to friends.
The internet has become a scary place. Instagram and Facebook are no longer a friendly escape to see what friends and loved ones are up to, but now often filled with alarming posts regarding the pandemic. It’s overwhelming for all of us…and the world at large is going through it together.
But with the bad comes the good. If you filter through the negative news, you’ll read about the everyday heroes, nurses and doctors on the frontlines and the soccer moms hand sewing masks. Hotels like the Four Seasons have opened their doors to medical professionals for their proximity to the hospitals. Positivity can be contagious, no matter who you are and how big or small an idea — pursue it and pass on the good. Here are some stories that will inspire you and lift your spirits from individuals to companies around the country…
Police Wear Pink To Push
When the ball dropped at midnight to kick off a new year and decade, no one could have anticipated what the year was about to bring. Only three months in, 2020 became all about cancelling trips/major events and social distancing. Navigating this pandemic is new for all of us, including working from home, protecting loved ones, getting supplies and staying connected to friends.
The internet has become a scary place. Instagram and Facebook are no longer a friendly escape to see what friends and loved ones are up to, but now often filled with alarming posts regarding the pandemic. It’s overwhelming for all of us…and the world at large is going through it together.
But with the bad comes the good. If you filter through the negative news, you’ll read about the everyday heroes, nurses and doctors on the frontlines and the soccer moms hand sewing masks. Hotels like the Four Seasons have opened their doors to medical professionals for their proximity to the hospitals. Positivity can be contagious, no matter who you are and how big or small an idea — pursue it and pass on the good. Here are some stories that will inspire you and lift your spirits from individuals to companies around the country…
Anti-Bullying Message
NOVEMBER 18, 2016 05:49 AM
Chatham-Kent police officers are standing up to bullies this week by wearing pink shirts.
Youth Officer Constable Derek Shaw says it’s part of a larger movement during Bullying Awareness Week that includes local schools and law enforcement agencies across the province.
“The whole idea behind the pink shirts is the need to stand up to bullying — everyone is different,” says Shaw.
The shirts are also symbolic of the fact that bullying isn’t just something that happens in school — it’s also an issue in the community at large.
Shaw says it’s important for everyone to stand up to bullies — especially with the rise of bullying on social media.
“Now our youth — and even some of our adults — go home and it doesn’t stop,” says Shaw. “It’s on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, all these other social media websites — sometimes it’s even anonymous, which makes it that much worse.”
Shaw says being a victim of bullying can also have a big impact on someone’s life.
“It causes anxiety and stress for people on a daily basis,” says Shaw. “I see it a lot with the youth — they get upset and have problems in school as a result.”
Shaw adds that it’s important for victims to stand up and speak to someone who can help them if they are being bullied.
He says there are a lot of supports available including the Kids Help Phone and ACCESS Open Minds in Chatham-Kent.
Should Christians do yoga?
I’m not religious, I seek a meaningful relationship with God every moment I’m awake, fully aware that I just didn’t land here on earth. I was created. So in speech, thought and deed, I live like it. There’s nothing “New Age” about that. I just choose not to let religion limit my lifestyle, and choose to “be the church”, not “go to church” as a weekly chore. Am I making sense?
‘Elections don’t change anything’: Why Zimbabwe’s middle-class women won’t enter the political fray
A new study paints a troubling picture of Zimbabwe’s disillusioned under-35 middle-class female population.
They hold top jobs, are privately-educated and are deeply dissatisfied with politicians – but some young middle-class women in Zimbabwe still don’t plan to vote.
A new study by the respected Research and Advocacy Unit in Harare paints a troubling picture of Zimbabwe’s disillusioned under-35 middle-class female population and asks: Why do these women not want to get involved in challenging a status quo that has sometimes made them scale down their dreams?
The findings of this study – titled “Very constrained and confined: The lack of middle-class young women’s voices in political discourse” – will worry those in crisis-hit Zimbabwe who are pinning their hopes on the 2018 elections bringing change.
Former South African First Lady Launches Network to Empower Women in Media
In an effort to transform the narrative and negative perceptions of African women and children, Graça Machel, the former first lady of two African nations, recently established a first of its kind Pan African Women in Media Network (WIMN).
The network of women journalists will work in conjunction with the Graça Machel Trust.
PERFECTION INFECTION + AN INTERVIEW WITH JILL SAVAGE
I now understand that my pursuit of being the “perfect mom” set me up for failure from day one.
There are no perfect moms—just imperfect women who will fall off the pedestal of their own expectations more often than they care to admit.
~Jill Savage. No More Perfect Moms.
DISCUSSED:
- Motherhood and expectations – the way mums often set themselves up for failure from day one
- ‘Perfection Infection’ – What is it? What causes it? How perfection infection shows up in our everyday lives
- The antidote to perfection infection: ways moms can reduce perfection infection
- Balancing healthy, with realistic expectations of motherhood
- Feeling good about the mum you are. Not feeling bad about the mum you are not.
- Practicing grace, forgiveness and self-compassion
Most moms play the comparison game dozens of times every day. We constantly look to see how we measure up to those around us. And we don’t measure up.
But how can we measure up? We compare ourselves to something that doesn’t exist.
We compare our messy insides—our struggles, our failures, our less-than-perfect lives—to other women’s carefully cleaned-up, perfect-looking outsides.
It’s a game we moms play that we can never ever win.
~Jill Savage
Self-confidence begins with your truth – Lady T
Habits 5&7 of highly effective people – #MotivationMonday
10 most effective ways to save water – #TriviaTuesday
Affirmations that will change your life today – #FunFriday
Don’t quit your job…yet – #TruthThursday
The Mysterious Plum Pudding
Emile Deschamps was in a restaurant when a stranger called Monsieur de Fortgibu sent over some plum pudding.
Ten years later Deschamps was in a Paris restaurant and noticed plum pudding on the menu. He asked the waiter to bring him of the pudding. The waiter said he was very sorry but the last of the plum pudding had just been served to a gentleman behind Deschamps. When Deschamps turned to see who it was, it was Monsieur de Fortgibu!
Six years after that coincidence in 1832 Deschamps was at a dinner party and was offered plum pudding. At exactly the same time Deschamps was telling his fellow diners the story of the plum pudding coincidences an old Monsieur de Fortgibu walked into the room!!
What does ‘#IAmPossible’ mean to you?
Being ‘possible’ is an inside job. Do the hard work and the heart work! What God fill in the gaps once you begin to move.
Get strategic sooner
The say a goal without a plan is just a wish. Find out how to get strategic planning tips to grow yourself sooner!
Single mom thanks 4-year-old son on her college graduation day
Jelina Sheppard says she would’ve never been able to graduate from college without her son’s patience and motivation.
When the 24-year-old single mom walked across the stage Saturday to accept her diploma from the North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University, she let out a sigh of relief, and thanked her 4-year-old son, Karter Sheppard.
Courtesy of Jelina Sheppard
Jelina Sheppard received her diploma from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
“Dear Karter, For all those nights you had to fall asleep in the library, for all those times you had to watch cartoons alone because I needed to do homework, for the early mornings in daycare because I needed to be in class, to being the last one there because I had to work,” Sheppard wrote in an Instagram post honoring her son.
RELATED: 87-year-old woman graduates from University of Nebraska
“Most importantly, for the moments of separation because I needed to get this done, thank you.”
“We have a really special relationship,” Sheppard told TODAY. “When I’m sick, he takes care of me. When I’m in need of a hug, he’s there with open arms. I never thought I’d have a little boy watching over me, but I’m so happy I do.”
Sheppard had been studying mathematics at the university since 2010, but unfortunately encountered obstacles that required her to take some time off.
Shortly after having Karter during Sheppard’s sophomore year of college, his father took off, which forced her to take online classes. Not only did this set her back in terms of credits, but she was disappointed to find out her scholarship didn’t cover those classes.
Courtesy of Jelina Sheppard
Karter Sheppard
When she finally decided to go back to school full time last year, her car broke down halfway through the semester, leaving her without transportation.
“I had to withdraw for the rest of the year and work as a substitute teacher instead to save up to get my car fixed,” Sheppard told TODAY.
RELATED: Daughter uses mom’s inspirational lunch notes for grad school thesis
Through it all, Karter has been the driving force behind her finishing her degree.
“You are the motivation for my heart to keep beating. I love you more than words can say,” Sheppard wrote on Instagram. “I finished because you needed to see me do it. I’m not strong because I want to be, I’m strong because I’m your first example.”
Courtesy of Jelina Sheppard
Jelina Sheppard kissing son Karter’s cheek
Sheppard is happy to now have her degree and plans to find work as a math teacher, while continuing to write her book, “The Boy With No Shadow,” which is about a boy growing up without a father figure.
“We’ve seen a lot and overcame a lot more,” Sheppard wrote. “To infinity and beyond, a mother’s greatest love.”
6 Movies To Watch In Theaters With Mom On Mother’s Day 2016
“Mother’s Day.” Of course this Garry Marshall flick is perfect for the holiday as it shares the same name. The comedy follows three families who try to bond ahead of the date. In the end, all of the charters will likely connect in true Marshall fashion. There are big names attached to the film, including Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson and Jennifer Aniston to name a few.
“The Huntsman: Winter’s War.” If mom is a fan of fantasy then she will likely love this prequel to 2012’s “Snow White and the Huntsman.” Charlize Theron returns as the evil queen and Emily Blunt makes her debut as Snow White’s mother, Freya. The film also stars Chris Hemsworth, so eye candy is guaranteed.
“A Bigger Splash.” If you happen to live near a theater that offers limited release films this independent crime-drama is a unique option. The rated-R feature follows a superstar, played by Tilda Swinton, whose life is flipped upside down when an old friend’s daughter (Dakota Johnson) starts getting close to her lover (Ralph Fiennes).
“The Boss.” If you’re looking to share a laugh with mom check out the R-rated Melissa McCarthy comedy. The actress plays an unapologetic businesswoman who loses her fortune and moves in with her employee. She works to earn back her name by creating a cookie-selling business, which upsets the local Girl Scout-esque troupe.
“Keanu.” A great alternative to “The Boss” is Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key’s comedy. The two star as friends trying to infiltrate a group of drug dealers to bring back their stolen kitten Keanu. R-rated jokes and a cute kitten, who could ask for more?
“Captain America: Civil War.” Those in favor of action films should check out Marvel’s latest epic during Mother’s Day weekend. The story pits Captain America (Chris Evans) against Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr. ) as the two disagree over the idea of the government controlling superheroes. This film, which officially debuted Friday, will be popular, so make sure to buy your tickets early.
If mom prefers to stay in on Mother’s Day, considers watching one of these holiday inspired movies and TV shows on Netflix.
Do babies and toddlers in Namibia eat imported infant cereals or those that are locally grown and produced? If imported, have you ever asked why?
Anesi (16 years old) and his brother Osine (14 years old), are two remarkable young boys from Nigeria.
When they were 9 and 7 years old, the two of them started their own business called “BluDoors”(http://www.bludoors.com/), they were inspired to use the name “Doors” from the name Bill Gates’ used for his own product, “Windows”.
The story of the Nigerian brothers is a classic story of how great entrepreneurs are launched. In the series of the “Fast Follower”, I pointed out that when a service or product that you are using frustrates you, instead of railing insults at some poor shop assistant, or call center operator, just sit down and make something better.
Even at the tender ages of 9 and 7, they had already developed an interest in computers, and a few years later were learning CODING. I have already said that the next billionaires in Africa, will include those who learn computer Coding. In Hong Kong, Coding is now being taught to five year-olds!
The two boys taught themselves Coding on platforms available on the Internet such as the Code Academy.
As they got better they recognized that there was a “need” to develop a “browser” which could be used with the type of cheap smart phones that people in Africa generally buy…. Cheap phones or imitations cannot process data as well as more expensive phones, causing the user many problems.
Imagine the audacity of these two youngsters; to sit down and re-imagine the Browser from the mighty Google, known as “Google Chrome”…….But they did!
Today they have their own business promoting their own browser which they called, “Crocodile Browser Lite”. It is available for free on Google Play Store: (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details…).
If you want to see Africa and the World’s next “Bill Gates”, they will look like these two young boys from Nigeria! This is how Bill Gates and Paul Allen also started.
Let me also tell you a great secret:
These young boys will not need to go looking for money, money will come looking for them!
“ProVISION always follows a great VISION”
Latest Posts
The Most Powerful Questions to Ask a Loved One This Valentine’s
I’m a hearts, roses, chocolate and sunrise/sunset kind of girl. But I talk way too much too, so as you can imagine, I cherish deep conversations. My love language? Easy: talk deep to me while I hold my flowers, eat my chocolate and gaze at the sunset or sunrise and give me peace and pray…
Misconceptions About Starting A Business in 2023
It’s 2023 and look at you, friend; you’ve survived January with flying colours, ’cause, well, you’re here… reading this. Mazel tov! If you’re like the greater part of the world’s population, you’ve probably been mapping out your year the whole of January, trying to make the Math, math. Guess what? You’re not alone. Besides health…
Self-improvement Is Becoming A Toxic Trend. Here’s why…
Most people have built successful businesses on the back of self-help and as a result, it has become a big deal, especially on social media. Self-help gurus from Oprah, Iyanla Vanzant, Lisa Nicols, Tony Robins to myself (yep, me too😎), preach ‘becoming the BEST version of ourselves’. The billion dollar question is: why are we…
Thanksgiving Is A Heart Thing
Have you watched ‘Maudie’ or know who Maud Lewis was? Well, if you’re a folk art aficionado, you may know her background of humble beginnings but not the in-between journey to greatness marked by lack and desperate times. How easy it is to look at the meager offering we hold or the scarcity of our…
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Phenomenal Magazine 