Luana Loves
So far this week I still have a cold that won’t let me breathe at night and a ton of assignments piling up on my desk. I found out my Windows 7 Starter doesn’t allow for the option of changing the wallpaper, threw a mini (nerdy) fit only to find fish on my plate for dinner. Then a documental came on TV about Africa, the forgotten continent. A few minutes in I just felt stupid, because I have everything and so many have nothing; then helpless, because I can donate but never really know whether or not that made any difference, and where’s sitting at home and doing absolutely nothing going to get me?
Remember Live 8? The G8 summit? Where’s that gone? So much research going into beauty procedures, how to enhance this and that, and so many people dying of diseases we might not even have heard of in Africa. I’m guilty too; it’s not like I think about it every day, or like I don’t indulge in makeup and shopping, but seeing things like this is a big slap in the face I think we all need once in a while.
“If anyone has any suggestions on how to stop this, how to make it better, please come and tell us. We don’t know how to stop the war, we need help because we are born into it and die in it”
That is what one of the Ugandan kids from the documental was saying. I wonder what it feels like to live in constant fear, to lose your family and have to live as the world watches on and does nothing about it. I’m not saying we can eradicate the wars, but so much more could be done. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like a lucrative option for businesses or pharmaceutical companies, and then it comes down to money over lives.
So this week, I’m loving everything in my life. I don’t think I’ve ever been truly unhappy, so I’m thankful for that! I invite you to take a step back and put things into perspective; what’s really important in your life, and what can you do to make someone else’s day/life/experience better. Join Bloggers Unite and blog for causes, help spread the word!
Seeing things like this certainly does put your own life in perspective. Here I am stressing about disposable income, and my phone bill, when these kids are stressing about food, shelter and clean water. You’re right about the slap in the face! At least there are people in the world who care enough to do something. :)
Miss Peregrin’s last blog…A Dose of Style – Blogger Edition!
It makes you appreciate everything you have in your life. We are so blessed..
We are not born into war or absolute poverty, we have delicious food, clean water, ample entertainment, freedom to socialize and the ability to empower ourselves through our use of online media..
Joanne Faith’s last blog…How to Make that Phone Call
agree with all the commenters! everyone feels guilty after seeing/reading/hearing about these sorts of things and it totally puts our lives in perspective.
i have nothing but utmost admiration for the people who make it their lives work to go and live in these war torn countries and do humanitarian work. its totally awe inspiring. and frustrating! these are the people we should be looking up to, not movie stars wearing millions of dollars worth of jewels.
sarah hannah’s last blog…Free Willziak
Yes! It is so courageous; I think if we weren’t so attached to our material things many of us would go for it more willingly (although there is still the safety factor.)
This really does help to put things into perspective! It’s so good to step back every now and then, to face the reality of what’s out there and how I’ve really got no room to complain. Thank you for this reminder! <3
Lisa's last blog…Sometimes, all it takes is a little color, and the world is new again.
It’s so strange how our thoughts are totally put into perspective when we are exposed to something like a documentary. Sometimes I’ll be in a bad mood when I’m out shopping, then I see someone who is handicapped and it instantly makes me feel horrible, and thankful for what I have. :)
Cafe Fashionista’s last blog…Thrifty Thursday: Tom Ford Claudia Sunglasses for Less
That happens to me quite a lot as well! A lot of the time I feel so stupid for wishing my legs looked differently or I had a different nose; when I just need to be thankful that everything in my body is OK and works!
Err, i mean “huge” not “hige” :S
Asylum Dolly’s last blog…SEX! Interactive fun for all!
Puts things in perspective doesn’t it? Lord knows I don’t have a hige amount of money, but I began donating money to Amnesty international on a monthly basis not too long ago after getting my own “slap in the face” regarding human rights (or lack thereof) in some developing countries. It’s very grounding to realise how lucky we are sometimes.
Kudos to you for writing this post!
Asylum Dolly’s last blog…SEX! Interactive fun for all!
That sounds like a great option actually, I’ve had friends volunteering for Amnesty International and it seems trustworthy enough!