Human Weakness

Minggu, 07 September 2008

Human Rights - ECO

Singer reaches out to Lynn students

Daily Item, The (Lynn, MA)
Author: ROBIN KAMINSKI; THE DAILY ITEM

Singer/songwriter Kelly Riley wants to extend her musical talents to kids in Lynn who are eager to learn how to make music. Having recently received an alumni grant from Berklee College of Music in Boston for $5,000, Riley, a Lynn resident, is ready to teach a handful of kids how to hone their own musical abilities. However, due to the limited funds, Riley said she is going to select the dozen or so kids by holding an essay contest. "I thought it would be a good idea to have a contest for kids to understand a little more about the Declaration of Human Rights because it has everything to do with music, creativity and the freedom of expression," she said. "Just a little paragraph or two about why they think it's important."

Riley said she got the idea for the essay topic from a volunteer gig a few years back, called Youths For Human Rights International in Boston. The group is an independent non-profit corporation that aims to educate young people on

their human rights.

"The more kids understand their human rights, the more they will understand people," she said. "I also plan to give each of the kids a booklet on all of the 30 human rights, a recorder, and voice once a week for eight weeks for school-aged kids who are seven to 17 years old. "I'm also looking for donations of small electric key boards and guitars," she said. "For those kids that can't get instruments, I'll give them voice lessons instead."

As a child, Riley said she picked up her older brother's guitar and quickly learned how to play the instrument, and is excited to help other children realize their own talents.
"The alumni grant is all about setting examples and doing good things," she said. "I thought it would be a good idea to teach a few underprivileged kids in the city."

Copyright, 2008, The Daily Item, All Rights Reserved.

Rabu, 03 September 2008

Inspirational Quotes To Get You Through The Toughest Of Days

In life, all of us experience passing moments of frustration, disappointment, and pain; there are times when things seems hopeless and pointless. No matter how hard we try to remain positive about certain situations, it can be a little depressing.

At times, we may not have our loved ones around us to comfort us or give us the self assurance we need. Or we may not want to “talk” about it.
Going beyond a bucket of chocolate ice cream or a thanksgiving flower, inspirational quotes can be great asset when you feel this way. I have tried this myself and found it to be very effective. It is amazing how some quotes can help uplift even the most negative situation.

There a few quotes I remember and recall on a daily basis. These quotes help me stay calm and collected (sane!!), amidst times of chaos.

1. When people pounce on your self-confidence

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Oh, there are some people who really suck self-confidence right out of me! There have been many occasions where I had to repeat this quote to myself.
Even though someone's words may be ugly (and even intentionally hurtful), no one can make you feel bad about yourself - UNLESS there is some part of you than agrees with what they're saying.
When we get caught up in emotion, all rationality is taken away. Remembering this quote is a good nudge to let you know that irrespective of what anyone says to you, if you know better, then there's no reason to take it to heart.

2. When you can’t take it any longer (& want to quit!)

"What does not kill me makes me stronger."~JohannWolfgang von Goethe

It’s no coincidence that I grit my teeth every time I say this to myself! It reminds me that whatever I am going through is just temporary; the “situation” I am in now will make me stronger to deal with other things life may throw at me.

3. When you are at cross roads trying to decide

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing that you will make one."~Ellen Hubbard

When I have a make a major decision, I generally look for a “guarantee card”. I know... life doesn’t work that way! Even though it’s something I am trying to shake off, there are moments where “the fear of making a mistake” is powerful enough to keep me immobilized.
That’s when I remember Ellen Hubbard wise words. The fear of making mistakes can prevent us from trying anything new or moving out of our comfort zone. This is such a waste of our skills and robs us from truly enjoying life.

Do you have a set of inspirational quotes that you keep in mind?

If not, compile a list of quotes for yourself. Try to recall the quotes when you are going through a rough patch.