Haiti has been devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, the largest to hit the country in over 200 years. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the West and has had to face many disasters and trying times before. Haitians are in need of a great deal of help and you may be able to assist them. Here are a few links that list organizations which are helping the victims of this massive earthquake:
In addition to donating to the organizations, please also consider sharing the above links of twitter, faceboook, etc. so that those who want to help can know where to go.
Swine Flu, H1N1, whatever you want to call it, has really gotten out of control. Well, technically it hasn’t gone out of control since there haven’t been millions of cases and deaths.
But in a week, the talk and worry about the flu has turned into something that has been blown way out of proportion.
Once you step back and look at the situation differently, you begin to realize it’s really not that bad.
To help you rethink this swine flu situation, here are 4 actual pandemics no one seems to be talking about, but may be having more of an impact on lives, including yours, than any flu. Don’t fret though, because included with each pandemic are ways you can cure yourself of the disease.
1. The news-created fear pandemic
The swine flu has become a “pandemic” because the news channels have turned it into such. Every new case is reported before it has even been confirmed. Many stations claim that people are in panic, yet I haven’t seen much of that. They get you glued to their program by telling you how to fight off the flu; which is such common sense advice such as, “wash your hands often.”
The real pandemic here is not the flu but the fear pandemic that many of the news programs conjure up to get eyeballs to their advertisers.
They did the same with the economy. Every day they discussed the rate of foreclosures and the declining stock market. They spiced up every story with dramatic words and phrases such as “nose dive” and “plummeted,” then they beat every one of these stories to death.
The vaccine
So how can you break free of the omnipresent news-created fear?
- Filter the news yourself
If I were you, I’d skip news channels all together and rely on the internet. You can pick and choose what you want to know about. Even Twitter is a great way to stay up to date on real breaking news.
- Don’t watch for more than 20 minutes
If you must watch a news program, you’ve got to keep yourself from being sucked into fear and into watching for hours. Give yourself a limit of 10, 15, or 20 minutes. If there’s serious breaking news they’ll show it to you in that time.
2. The not realizing how fortunate we are pandemic
If this was the early 1900’s I would actually be fearful of the swine flu. Most likely the outbreak wouldn’t have even been detected yet. And by the time it would be detected, it’d be too late.
People have been tricked into believing that the 21st century is a much more dangerous world. There are terrorists all over, kids can’t play outdoors, and there’s more crime than ever. Yet, people are living longer than ever because we know more about our bodies and medical techniques have advanced.
Despite economic and environmental concerns, we live in very fortunate times.
The vaccine
To break free of this mentality you’ve got to evaluate your life as often as possible to think of what you’re grateful to have and what you’re grateful to not have. Even when things are tough, you have to remember that someone else always has it worse.
A person dies every 3.5 seconds because of hunger; that’s 25,000 people each day. How often do we hear about this on the news?
The vaccine
Curing hunger is an extremely difficult and long battle to fight, but one that each of us can help with. The easiest way to fight hunger is through donations. Here’s a previous article on great organizations that need your help: http://www.lyved.com/misc/feed-your-hunger-to-help/
4. The whine flu pandemic
This flu has run rampant across America and the rest of the world for generations and it’s been accepted.
The symptoms of the whine flu are:
- A sense of entitlement
- Excuses
- Complaints about life and money
- Laziness
Too many people don’t like the way their lives are, but they rather whine then do something about it and our society had accepted it. These people believe they deserve better just “because”, they come up with excuses such as, “I don’t have enough money.” They say their lives suck but they won’t even take the first step towards change.
The vaccine
If you’re not one of these people, but have to listen to those who are, there’s really not much you can do to escape these whine flu zombies; they’re everywhere. However, if you’re strong willed and take one step toward a goal in your life every day; you’ll be able to keep yourself from being infected by them.
If you’re one of these people (you’re probably in denial if you are) who complains a lot about their lives but makes excuses instead of changing it, the best thing for you to do, is to realize that you’re the biggest obstacle in your life. The economy, the lack of money and knowledge can’t stop you like you can stop yourself.
The current economy has hurt millions of businesses, people, and families. Many are choosing to look at the “crisis” from a glass half empty perspective, which is understandable, but it’s also pointless. Being negative isn’t going to do any good. If we all want to get past this recession we need to see the benefits and learn the lessons brought on by it.
Here are 15 benefits and lessons we now all have from the economy.
Lessons learned
1. Generosity is alive and well
Sure, all we really hear about is the greed of the financial industry but greedy people aren’t more common than they were before and they aren’t taking over the world.
The opposite may actually be true. More people may be helping others than ever before. This crisis has humbled many Americans and people around the world.
Need some real life examples? Check out this story about Leonard Abess Jr, a banker from Miami who gave away $60 million of his own money to his employees, current AND old.
Or the story of this woman, the “foreclosure angel” who bought someone’s home at an auction and gave it back to the homeowner.
2. No single person is at fault
This mess isn’t entirely former-President Bush’s fault. It’s not the complete fault of the mortgage companies, the banks, or the government. So many factors are involved and many people have played their part; including ordinary people and homeowners.
3. Patience is a form of action
Patience is tough. Sometimes there’s nothing you can do during certain situations but wait and keep hope. This economy is certainly one of those types of situations. Do as many productive things as you possibly can, but also don’t underestimate the power of patience.
For instance, if you’re seeking a job, you’ve got to keep looking for listings, sending out your resume, but you also have to be patient because it might take twice as long to find a job than it was just a few years ago.
4. The downturn is natural
What goes up, must come down. This isn’t the first time the economy took a downturn, and it certainly isn’t going to be the last time.
5. Many people need to learn about basic finance
A lot of homeowners got in over their heads because they didn’t know much about rates, mortgages, and the basics of finance. The mortgage companies are a little at fault for tricking people, but ultimately it’s the responsibility of the homeowner to know the basics.
Perhaps the government should require the education system to include useful financial classes for all students before they graduate. It won’t help the current problems, but it will certainly help from creating more financial troubles in the future, personal and national.
6. We’re still in better shape than most
The complainers certainly haven’t learned this, but we in American are better off than billions of other people around the world even in this recession. Being “poor” in America is like being rich in the eyes of the billions of truly impoverished people who don’t even have drinking water.
7. Can’t rely on degrees and “recession-proof” jobs
It’s a common misconception that because you’ve got a degree from some big university that you’re guaranteed a job. That just doesn’t cut it. You need ambition, the experience, and many other things, for any job. This goes for all economies.
This economy has also shown that corporate jobs aren’t always as “safe” as people make them out to be. Being self-employed has always been thought to be very risky, but is it really? Check out this article Jonathan Fields, the author of “Career Renegade,” where he discusses the topic much more in depth.
8. Money doesn’t bring that much happiness
Just look at the greedy bankers…they don’t look too happy.
Benefits gained
9. Keeping us from buying crap
When money becomes tighter we stick to the essentials. We buy less food, use less gas, we stop buying the latest gadgets, and we live with what we have. What’s bad with having less unnecessary items?
10. Allowing us to connect with older relatives
You might not all have grandparents who experienced the depression and who are still alive, but for those of you who do, this may be a great time to connect with them and get to know them better. They’ve been through even worse economic times and might have some great advice for you and help you put things into perspective.
11. Kids are learning their own lessons
Many children are learning to cut back on toys and that money doesn’t grow on trees. You might not think these lessons will stick with them, but they’ll remember more than you’d imagine. If you make it apparent that you’re going through some tough times, they remember even more.
I’m sure you’d like to spoil your kids but it’s not in their best interests.
12. New opportunities
It might seem like there’s an extreme lack of opportunities. However, economies like these bring entirely new opportunities knocking. People are looking for bargains and different companies are actually hiring.
This crisis has also given many people time to reflect on where they’re headed in life. Perhaps this downturn is a great opportunity to try new things.
13. Those that are corrupt and greedy are being taken down
They’ve probably would have been caught anyway but no one is taking their B.S. now that things have turned desperate. So those who are greedy and corrupt are being caught much faster.
14. Our greatest qualities come out and grow
If we want to thrive in this economy our ambition, kindness, creativity, and other qualities need to be displayed, tested, and grow. It’ll make us stronger and readies us for greater times ahead.
15. Better times are coming
It might take a year, 5, or 10 years, but better times will come. The sooner we fix the problems today, the faster we’ll get there. We just need to keep hope.
Do you have any other lessons or benefits you gained from this economy? Please share in the comments below.
President Obama isn’t a miracle worker. He can’t fix every problem and he can’t do it alone. We have to do our part.
Even if we don’t have solutions to fix the economic mess, there are actions we each can take to move our country into a better direction and to help President Obama. Some are difficult, while others are easy.
Below are 8 things we can and need to do for President Obama.
1. Have patience
A week after Mr. Obama’s inauguration he’s not going to have every problem solved. It might take his entire four years to make any real progress or we might not even see any results until he’s out of office.
2. Keep hope
Hope is a powerful force. We need to keep it along with our positivity.
With President Bush, we as a nation lost hope. Even if the President didn’t display it, it was a blow to his morale.
When he and his administration believed that the nation’s people lost faith and hope in them, they began to lose faith in themselves which lead them to make bad decisions.
3. Understand he can’t please everyone
President Obama is going to make decisions and take action that you won’t like. There’s 300 million people in America and there’s no way he can please them all.
Keep fighting for what you believe is right, but don’t be defeated by his decisions.
4. Acknowledge that he probably can’t stick to all his promises
Even if he sincerely wants to stick to all of them, some of his promises will have to be broken. Problems will appear in the coming years that will throw his plans off course. It happens to all of us.
Hopefully when he breaks his promises, it’s for the greater good.
5. Don’t wait for change
Positive change has come to America, but has it come to you?
Change can come to our lives, but if we want it to be positive, we have to create it, not wait for it.
If you really want America to change, you’ve got to help, and it often starts at home.
President Obama isn’t going to fix your personal debts or problems. YOU have to.
6. Maintain enthusiasm
If we can maintain the enthusiasm that was displayed on election night, America is going to have many positive and prosperous years ahead.
It’s the exact mindset President Obama, his administration, and we need to get beyond the financial troubles.
7. Don’t idolize him
Mr. Obama is human just like the rest of us. He’s going to make mistakes, both big and small, and some of his ideas may fail.
Admiration for him and his amazing success is one thing, but placing him on a pedestal defeats the purpose of what the President of the United States is supposed to be.
8. Pursue life, liberty, and happiness
The greatest thing you can do for President Obama is something you need to do for your family and for yourself.
The Revolutionists, the Founding Fathers, Women’s Suffragists, the Civil Rights Activists, and soldiers didn’t fight for this country and for you, just so you could simply sit on your ass!
They wanted you to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.
Are you living life? Or are you merely existing?
Are you liberated from your fears and inhibitions?
Are you truly happy? Or do you believe material possessions bring you happiness?
If you aren’t pursing life, liberty, and happiness; then you aren’t fulfilling the dreams of all those who fought for you. And you clearly can’t be fulfilling your own dreams.
You can’t wait any longer and either can the nation.
“And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
John F. Kennedy’s speech still rings true today yet there are so many people who think because Barack Obama has been elected they can now sit back and let Mr. Obama and his administration take care of all their personal and financial problems.
These people are going to get an extremely rude awakening in the coming months and years. Because no matter who is President of the United States, they aren’t going to give you handouts nor should you want any. We all have to work harder to move our lives and this country into a positive direction.
Here are several ways you can help yourself, your family, and your country. There is at least one thing that each of us can do. Some of these are simple, and others difficult, but all are powerful and will produce change.
Take big risks
Remove money from your thoughts… Taking a big risk doesn’t need cash involved and now is certainly not the time to play games with your money. Nor is it a time to step back, curl up, or push your dreams aside. We need you to pursue your goals. If you want to start a business, bootstrap it and go for it! We need the jobs and innovation. If you want to land your dream job, then harness your uniqueness, work harder and especially work smarter.
Push all fear of embarrassment aside. Stomp on all your thoughts of failure because it’s no longer an option now that desperation has set in.
Drop the negative talk and thoughts about our future
There are people who are worried about the future of America because Barack has been elected, while others have called November 4, 2008 “a dark day in America.” Where are these people looking? Even if you don’t like Barack Obama, you have to admit you’ve never seen so much enthusiasm for a Presidential candidate. When he won, people were dancing in the streets, hugging, crying, and just being happy. How on Earth is that a sad day?
We need this positivity more than ever.
Point out those being racist
I’m shocked by the bigotry I have been hearing lately. I live in New Jersey, a state with racial and cultural diversity, but every week I’ve been encountering people’s racism. It’s beyond ridiculous and pathetic. 45 years later and Martin Luther King Jr’s dream still hasn’t truly been fulfilled.
Because of this election, people’s true colors are showing. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you know is right and call people out on their racism.
Take some responsibility and blame
The mortgage mess can’t solely be blamed on the banks or George Bush. Homeowners know the mortgages were too good to be true, yet they didn’t believe in the old saying. Corporate America did its part but so did you. The quicker you can get the blame game over, the quicker you can get back on track.
Voice your opinions
In the years of Mr. Obama’s presidency there are going to be things that get you angry. Don’t think your voice isn’t important or can’t be heard. Blog, talk on the radio, get on television, write, or even take to the streets in a peaceful protest.
Work harder
It’s time to celebrate the election of a new President but it is not a time to relax. We all have to dig deeper into ourselves and unleash the fire in our bellies.
If it’s a dim flame right now then throw some gasoline on it! The next four years will be full of ups and downs. When we’re at the bottom, we need to remember we can’t skate by, because “You can’t coast uphill” – Roger Crawford.
Understand that it doesn’t matter who is President
McCain, Obama, Bush; no matter who is the President, the opportunity to follow your dreams can never be taken away from you. But none of these people will hand you opportunities either. You have to go create and seize them yourself.
Whether the country is run by democrats or republicans it’s still America; a country where everyone can live their life, appreciate liberty, and pursue happiness if they truly desire it. It’s never been handed to anyone.
Enable the dreams of others
Where would we all be if everyone was told to follow their dreams?
When we are children, people tell us our possibilities are endless. But when we continue to dream into our teens and twenties, we’re told to get our head out of the clouds. Why is that?
As a nation we need to stop belittling the dreamers; it prevents them from becoming doers. Mothers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters; even your competition. They all have a right to pursue whatever it is that they desire and they deserve to be encouraged.
“Remember in the end, nobody wins, unless everybody wins.” – Bruce Springsteen
Have no fear
We do not have the time for it.
“There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Remember:
The platform needed for us to pursue the American dream has been laid since before 1776. Its supports have been strengthened by The Founding Fathers, countless Presidents, Martin Luther King, Jr., soldiers, and by every other American before us who has done good. Now it is our time to lay a new foundation for the future. A foundation not made of cement; but a foundation made out of hard work, risk, success, positivity, teamwork, creativity, dreams, heart and inextinguishable pride.
On Lyved (pronounced lived), you will find articles on various aspects of life. Every post is positive, motivating, and offers tips on how you can improve your life and change the world. To learn more about Lyved please visit here.
Swine Flu, H1N1, whatever you want to call it, has really gotten out of control. Well, technically it hasn’t gone out of control since there haven’t been millions of cases and deaths.
The current economy has hurt millions of businesses, people, and families. Many are choosing to look at the “crisis” from a glass half empty perspective, which is understandable, but it’s also pointless. Being negative isn’t going to do any good. If we all want to get past this recession we need to see the benefits and learn the lessons brought on by it.
President Obama isn’t a miracle worker. He can’t fix every problem and he can’t do it alone. We have to do our part.
“And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
