Love the Hell out of them

Hello and Happy Hump Day. For some reason I was having random thoughts on my way to work today. One in particular made me chuckle somewhat and reflect, so I thought I would share it. As far as I know this is my original quote, unless I heard it somewhere else and my memory is just now recalling it? Either way I like it. Tell me what you think.

             "If you love the Hell OUT of someone, then they can be in Heaven"

For some reason I really liked how this quote came out of me. It is somewhat a version of kill them with kindness I guess, but in my quote nobody "dies". I find it is very true as well. If you just love and love and love someone, no matter what they have done or said or felt... then it is possible to love the Hell right OUT of them! Maybe not always, but it IS possible right? What do you think? Fantasy of mine or some validation? I feel my grandmother was very good at this!! God Love Her!!

I think these moose might love each other. If not, this photo makes me chuckle anyway. Taken this past weekend  in Millcreek Canyon near Salt Lake City. Such lovely, fun creatures I think.


Now Go Out and Hug The Hell OUT of Someone Today!!!

 

PJ's Forgotten Children

My cousin just introduced me to PJ's Forgotten Children in Sandy, Utah. What a lovely organization and idea. It is a non profit, run "soul"ly by volunteers. They collect clothes, books, hygiene products and some toys throughout the year, and then at Christmas they pack and distribute 500-700 gift bags for local children in need. The children they distribute to have been effected by mental illness in one way or another. Whether their parent, or a sibling, or they deal with mental illness. They are referred to the organization by therapist who work with the kids. It is a glorious idea and one I hope to join in with in November when they start dividing things up. If you live in the Salt Lake City or Sandy areas, I recommend joining in with donations or volunteering your time and your kid's time!

Below is a photo of a poem written by a 12 year old girl who benefited from PJ's generosity and kindness! I hope you can read the words clearly. If not, let me know and I can email them to you.

Now Go Out and Hug a Child Today!!!

Loving Lampposts

I watched another inspiring informative documentary recently. It is about Autism and what is really right and how do we proceed. It didn't give any specific answers or advice, but it was definitely thought provoking. It is essentially about one dad's quest to figure out what is best for HIS son who has autism. I highly recommend watching it.

I guess I forgot to mention the name of the documentary. It is called "Loving Lampposts"

 Also, a friend of mine sent me this quote so I had to add it to this post.

 “Everybody is a genius.  But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”  

  –  Albert Einstein

Autism has a special place in my heart. My very first clown experience was with autistic kids. In retrospect those kids should have never interacted with me. But they DID! Still not sure why, but after watching the documentary I have a little more insight.


I feel Autism is one of the most misunderstood medical "labels" out there. Most people hear the word Autism and they immediately think "Oh, boy. Low functioning, hard to handle child". A lot of Autistic people are just the opposite! And we, especially health care providers, need to start looking at Autistic people as..... PEOPLE! And individuals! Because they are all very unique, and isn't that what makes our world a special place in the first place? All the unique people in it?






I have often wondered if I have some mild autistic traits? And in thinking about it, I feel we ALL have some autistic traits in us. All part of our innate thoughts I think. Some people get a label because they have "more" of the traits or they are just more noticeable. Now, I know some are more effected than others. And I feel the solution is to try and enhance the traits to help each individual live a more happy, productive, meaningful life. Whatever that may mean to them individually. And furthermore, that is what we should try to do with EVERY person on earth. Enhance their personal traits to help them live more happy, productive, meaningful lives.


What do you think? I am starting a Documentary Club at work. A group of us are going to watch the film and then discuss what it means to us as  a society and as medical professionals. I will write a follow up post, but I invite you to join us on our journey. Any and ALL thoughts are welcome!


Now Go Out and Hug Someone Today!!!

I Am...

I recently watched a movie called I Am. It is a documentary and was recommended by a friend. What an amazing recommendation and now I Am recommending it to you! To me it is an extraordinary thought provoking and inspiring film that will surely challenge the way you think about... well...
                                              
                                            EVERYTHING!!!

Even the title is profound, but I won't spoil what it means. You have to watch it first. I so want to discuss the film and what it might mean to YOU.... to ME... to EVERYONE. 

So, if you do watch it and want to discuss it, please call me! Or we can discuss it the old fashioned way... by email :0).... Or perhaps in person over dinner or drinks! That would be the best option if it is a available to us.



            Now Go Out and Hug Someone Today!!!


                                                                                 

If I Had a Hammer

We lost a great musician and activist today. Pete Seeger was an incredible musician and man. I never met him personally, but my dear friend Uncle Stevie was great friends with him and even had the joy of playing in Pete's band in the 70s. The stories he told with his music were second to none.  He stood up for others who could not stand up for themselves. Not a bad way to live 94 years of living! May we all aspire to be more like Mr. Seeger.

If you don't know much about Pete, below is a link to a more informative article about the man, the legend.

http://music.yahoo.com/news/folk-singer-activist-pete-seeger-dies-ny-065217408.html

RIP Mr. Seeger. May your hard work here on earth lead to a more loving peaceful future. Thank YOU!!


Now Go Out and Hug a Musician or Activist Today!!!

Self Actualization and Yoga

I went home to Ohio recently and my friend Karen helped me to learn some yoga. I loved it and want to do more of it now. For some reason, after doing yoga I started thinking about being a self actualizer. I have heard the term self actualization, but didn't quite know what it meant. I looked it up and now I want to be a self actualizer more than ever!!






The short explanation is that self actualization is the desire to realize your FULL potential. It is also the final level of psychological development according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. If you believe in all that rubbish. Actually, I do believe it! I feel I do try to get the most out of my gifts in life, but to realize my FULL potential?!! Now, that would be something! To be honest I am not sure it is even possible to realize your FULL potential, but most of us never truly try. Including me. So, from now on I am going to try and do more to realize my full potential! Whatever that may be. I think yoga and meditation will help me on this path, so I am looking forward to learning more about it and doing it more as a habit and exercise.






The characteristics listed by Maslow to become a self actualizer are interesting. Maybe not 100% accurate in my opinion, but something to strive for. His list includes things like




Efficient perception of reality
Comfortable acceptance of self, others, and nature
Spontaneous and Natural
Autonomy
Non-hostile sense of humor
Socially compassionate
Few friends




And a few others.... I feel I have more than one of those qualities and the others listed on Wikipedia :0). Of course, few friends does not apply to me and never will... so if I am going to be a true self actualizer, I will have to do it with  many friends! Is it possible? I sure hope so. So, let the journey begin.






"Within you, you will find everything you need to be complete".




No Go Out and Hug Someone Today!!!

From Russia With Love

Spending the new year in Russia. What a great choice by me! I am soaking in the LOVE of my friends here. It is such a different trip from past trips as I have done very little clowning. And I am enjoying it for what it is. I wish all of my friends could feel the love and passion that my friends here exude!

Maria's birthday (Dec. 25th) was wonderful! Lots of old friends and new friends. Laughing and playing and drinking wine.

The new year will be something. It is the biggest holiday in Russia. Father Frost and The Snow Princess visit and bring gifts. Father Frost is a taller, skinnier version of Santa Claus and sometimes wears a blue suit. His red suit is different from Santa's too. The Snow Princess is Father Frost's helper like Santa's elves. I am sure little sleep will be had on New Years eve night as I fly out in the morning of Jan. 1st. What was I thinking? :0).

I hope you all have a wonderful celebration, whatever you are doing. I wish you

Snovim Godum (My best attempt at Russian phonics) It means Happy New year.

Now Go Out and Hug a Russian Today!!