Sunday October 12th, 2008
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LEND A HAND
Posted by Vicki_R on January 19, 2007 - 7:57pm.
I always wonder what more we can do as individuals to better our own community. What inspires us to get "hands on" with a non-profit organization or to volunteer our time for a particular cause. A recent article stated that the current generation Y, those born in the late 1970's through the 90's have different priorities. These younger generations are more likely to roll up their seeves and do volunteer work than donate money. Young people want to see an immediate benefit. They want to feel good about themselves. How can we find the time in our busy lives to help make our community a better and greener place for our children? I be happy to hear some inspirational and practical thoughts!
I was born in France, nearly died twice, lost my real and step mums (and could not be there to say goodbye because of distance), got on the streets, been in a gang, even worked in factories under poor conditions, which injured me up to now on my right hand and wrist. Add to that leaving home at 16 and working in five countries where I had to learn not only to speak different languages but to adapt to different thinking ways to survive even succeed in myself. Done Catering, Telecommunications, Law, commerce, Fire fighting, Army, Business and private Service for financial known personalities… and then some… I decided to put all this to positive work but I was doing so much that I was not looking at the big picture: it was not about ME here…it was about what you do for others: compassion, kindness. That is the TRUE measure of someone. So, I tried to go into myself: doing Martial Arts (Judo, Karate, Tai Chi Ch'uan) as an adult in order to control those aggressive male hormones. Then, for a while weigh training to turn my body from 138lbs to 182lbs and to look after myself with respect…Also to go out of my way by helping the environment and humanitarian causes for 18 years unpaid , from writing letters to e mails, to being a member of associations like BCI, WSPA, WWF, etc…I was then in my 30's. After all that, I did think how to share what I learned to show people what we can be…and to attain it quickly (still working for it of course, as, as I say, nothing is now, even instant coffee takes time!), so…I now (at 43) have created my site, infogatherer.com, to help, for the huge majority of people using my service, for free, anybody that wishes to have a chance to reach their dreams…with golden tips and info sent to them within 24 hours of when they ask me for guidance AND IT WORKS: I AM PROOF THAT WE CAN ALL, WITH FAITH, DEDICATION AND HARD WORKS, AS WELL AS INTEGRITY, BE OUR OWN DESTINY: to help others in what we are good at, and, even reach for higher spiritual grounds to shine back even more…And I am ALSO a Mister Mom! We are not judged in what we have or achieve but in what we did for our fellow man or woman. Faith (a lot of prayers to God asking for guidance and how to be more “noble” in my heart) as well as discipline then practicing kindness, did this to me. What did launch it? Call it a waking up call: 2 Things: tragedies happening in some lives where people leave with huge disabilities and STILL smile and do not complain and try to be always kind to others. I DO count my blessings of having all my faculties and the skills to have overturned horrible times…Also, when I did see what some people do for charities in the world via TV. Yes, there are heroes out there and you can be one..even a super hero (meaning you even go higher in level in how you can help and love) and trust me…no money can buy it! So…What did I do today again? I made another person's hope becoming more of a reality. I made them happy…
So…how can we lend a hand?
You can help at yout local thrift shop or animal rescue center..Simple...
Now, for yourself or anybody (to hep you to be even more part of the solution in this planet):
At the end of the day, we create our own destiny too..So..if anybody wants a better planet and a better future for it (climate included), the just do it…It is simple enough once you think and act that way:
1) Smile (it costs nothing and does much to improve all)
2) Economy of energies (from yours to literally your house (switching lights off when not needed, also anything that does not need to be on standby, get fluorescent light bulbs…Conserve water (take more showers than baths)…is an positive investment back into your lifestyle.
3) Reuse, regive, and recycle as you can. Shop like me often in Thrift Shops and online? Buy as new (like in Amazon, Barnes and Nobles…)
4) Exercise and use a car only when needed. If you have public transport to go to work, think about using it.
Want to learn more and in a very fast way? Go there:
http://www.infogatherer.com/extras.html
Ciao
Pascal Gillon
Founder
infogatherer.com
Dear Vicky,
Well I am giving myself an A+ for trying but I am just warmin' up!
I intend to change many people's lives via my circles and as much with my site: I already am getting A LOT of amazing feedback...Sure, it makes me feel goo BUT as a bonus, I leave a cool legacy for my 2 daughters: to show them what I did for your fellow man/woman as it is the real value of who you are...
Ciao!
Pascal
My organization, Virginians for Sensible Energy Policies, would love to have your support at a rally against Dominion Virginia Power this Friday from 8:45-11am in Boston across the street from the InterContinental Hotel.
Dominion emits roughly 33 million metric tons of carbon annually making it the 20th worst polluter in the S&P 500. Dominion is also looking into using federal eminent domain rules to bypass property rights in order to construct 15 story tall power lines through Virginia's farms, civil war preservations, and other scenic landscapes. The worst thing is that these power lines are not needed. Dominion has yet to provide data to backs its power line proposal.
Please join us in rallying against Dominion on Friday morning. It is time to send a message that it needs to clean up its act.