Help Someone Else

I recently received a sponsorship packet for a child I plan to sponsor in Kenya through Compassion International. He's an orphan and living in an area that has been devistated by AIDS. One of the distinguishing features of this organization is their desire for interaction between the sponsor and the child. Not only is each sponsor the only sponsor for the child, but interaction is very much encouraged. Looking at the sad face on the photo I received is a motivating factor that encourages me to do more than sit in a corner.

Interaction with other people is an important part of a healthy life. It's easy to succumb to the depressed desire to only sit in a corner or sleep. But actively participating in the world around you is not only healthy, but theraputic. And you'd be suprised as to how far a little love can go. For example, try opening the door for someone at the grocery store, or even pulling a cart out for them. Smile and say hello to someone you don't know. Your kindness will carry over into the rest of their day, and can affect untold numbers besides them. Not only does this benefit others, but it can make life a little brighter for you as well.

Sugar Dome Hunting

In the most terrible places grow the most necessary flowers

Never are people so kind, so sympathetic, so understanding as after a publicised tragedy such as the Virginia Tech killings. Instead of their usual ice-hard stares, grumpy old men will find themselves offering a warm smile. Rather than letting the door smash someone in the face, a teenager might hold the door open for an elderly couple. Phone calls. Cheer ups. Hugs. I-love-yous. These are the buds who sprout from the graves of the beloved. These dandelions whose perfect white domes shatter and spread the kind of sugar, the real-life sweetness, that helps to make the most bitter experiences bearable.

Play a Song

When life seems to be playing a cruel game, play a good song. Not just any song, but a song that's going to inspire you.

One of my favorite radio stations, Positive Hits Z88.3, is available online. Their DJ's are very personable individuals and all of the songs about hope, peace, love, the human experience, life, and God. If you like popular music, light rock, or inspirational music, I'd definately recommend giving them a try. It's one of the most popular stations in Central Florida.

If you like rock or alternative music, you can try Y Rock at radioY.org.

If you prefer rap and R&B, check out Y Hot, also available at radioY.org.

Their are oddles of other stations, but I'm more familiar with these three. No matter what kind of music you like, music has the ability to ease our spirits and help us along in our daily living as well as in times of crisis.

Draw a Picture

If you like to draw, a simple pencil-and-paper illustration can do wonders to lower your stress level in chaotic situations.



***

This past Wednesday, I took my mom to the emergency room. Although we did't even wait 10 minutes in the lobby (due to her simptoms), we still had to wait for, I think, about 4 and a half hours before they finally admitted her.

During our long wait time, I didn't quite know what to say. It was the same mom that I see everyday, but I just couldn't seem to find the words or even the subject to speak about (and that's really saying something). To make matters worse, she asked me to write her a poem. I love writing poetry. And it would have been nice if there was one I had already concocted for just such an event that was waiting quietly in brain for its moment to shine. But there wasn't.

I picked up my pencil and began to draw what I saw: my mom as a personicifation mortality and the frailty of human life. There she is on a sheet of paper I'd used to write a list of things to bring for her hospital stay. I was soon lost in the drawing itself, rather than in the horror of what could happen. She liked it. "Looks just like me!" And her cardio-specialist thought it was nice as well.

I can honestly say that it was a source of great relief for both of us.