empowerment – Women Move the Soul

Justice for Captain Clevy Nelson-Royster

Capt. Clevy Muchette Nelson-Royster is an upstanding young woman and officer who entered the military following the footsteps of her great uncle, a Tuskegee Airman, and her grandfather who retired as a highly decorated Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force. It is with honor and passion that she serves in the United States Army. She is highly accomplished and dedicated to her military career and her education.

Most captains are assigned one unit for command; Captain Clevy Nelson-Royster was assigned 2 units for most of her command - one in Texas and one in New Mexico: Commander, Echo Company One, 10501st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division and (temporary, but simultaneously) Rear D Commander for Grey Eagle.

She is enrolled in Master in Management and Leadership program at Webster University. Graduation date was to be December 2020.

She graduated from Tuskegee University Magna Cum Laude 2015 and earned two Bachelors Degrees during her four year tenure: Bachelor of Science Business Administration and Bachelor of Science Sales and Marketing.

She is considered upstanding and stellar. There will be more stories to come about Captain Nelson-Royster as we plan to do a series on her.

The family seeks donations to help with her legal defense. Donations can be made through cashapp to $justiceforclevy or via paypal to info@tgovan.com (her aunt is managing the funds). You can learn more at https://JusticeforClevy.com or http://ClevyNelson-Royster.com.

Carol’s Work to Help Divorcees and Peaceful River Massage

It is always about the journey. It is always about the challenges of the situations that we find ourselves in, the action we take while we’re in it and how we come through it. Carol had a long journey back after her divorce. After receiving help, she is now standing strong, confident, happy and helping others who need help feeling whole again as they go through their divorce experiences. She has a degree in psychology which she hadn’t really used until this time.

Carol Loughran also owns a massage company, Peaceful River Massage. It’s another way of helping people.

We hope you enjoy and get inspiration from her story.

_______________________________________________________________

You started a divorce support group. Can you please tell us why you started the group, what kind of experience you had to help you start it?

When my ex-husband filed for divorce, I had a really difficult time dealing with it. I attended a divorce support group, but then heard about something called DivorceCare that was starting up at a church in Wethersfield. I went through that course 3 times and when I started doing better, I wanted to do something to help others cope with going through divorce, as well. So, two of us brought it up to our church, Trinity Covenant Church in Manchester, and they gave the okay for it to start there.

How would one know if getting involved in a divorce support group is something they should try?

Why not give it a shot? If someone feels like they need a little extra support from people who are going or who have gone through the same thing, a divorce support group (in this instance, DivorceCare) is a great way to do it. My friends and family were very supportive, but none of them had been through a divorce, so they couldn’t really understand everything I was dealing with.

Does a group setting work well for those with certain attributes, for instance, if someone is very introverted and perhaps quiet?

The program we use is a great format for anyone. There is a video addressing a topic and then a discussion. It adds to the discussion if everyone is involved, but for those who don’t want to speak, there is no pressure. The only thing we try to stress is that everyone should be given a chance to speak – that no one takes over the discussion.

Group therapy or support is excellent for a number of situations. What is the main difference between individual therapy or counseling and group support?

I went through both. Individual counseling helps you to deal with all the personal feelings and stages you go through. It helps to really be able to have one on one therapy because you can just talk about anything and everything on your mind. It’s all about you. Going through a divorce, it is nice to know that someone is willing to listen to you, besides your family and friends and the advice and support is personalized and geared toward you and what you need and what you can handle. My counselor often gives homework, which wouldn’t work for a group assignment.

Group support is wonderful to hear other people’s situations, to help you know you aren’t alone and that everything you are feeling is absolutely normal. Especially, if you are the only one who has been through the divorce process in your family or group of friends. They may hear you say the same thing over and over and get tired of hearing about it. In a group, you’ll hear things like “that’s exactly how I feel! How do you deal with….” Or “I couldn’t put that into words, but that’s what I’ve been going through.” People can contact each other outside of the group and get together or pray for one another.

Should a person do one or the other, or both?

Everyone is different. I found both to be extremely helpful and got different things from each of them. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with things and how I could do things differently in individual counseling that I wouldn’t have gotten in a group. But, to be able to bounce things off each other and encourage one another in a group and know that what you are feeling or thinking is absolutely normal and all part of the process was also a great thing to be a part of.

Children too are very affected by divorce. Are children invited to this group?

Children are not invited to this group. There is a group called DC4K (DivorceCare for Kids) that works with the children going through their parent’s divorce, but unfortunately, it isn’t offered very many places.

Where is it recommended that children go to get support for their feelings during divorce?

One of the classes in DivorceCare really encourages parents to be the main sounding board for listening to their kids and how they are feeling. But, for parents who may not be able to fully take that on, individual or family counseling is a good option.

It is considered a recovery from divorce from those hardest hit by the process, correct?

Anyone is more than welcome to attend. We’ve had people who have been divorced several years. In one of my groups, a woman’s boyfriend encouraged her to attend to make sure she’d dealt with anything that might be an issue or identify things that might need more attention. We’ve had people that didn’t want the divorce and people that initiated the divorce. Since this group is held by several churches in the area, we’ve even had one spouse at one group and the other at another. Generally, it is those who either had a spouse want the divorce or those who felt they had no other choice but to file.

About Carol’s Company – Peaceful River Massage

Peaceful River Massage – what a wonderful, inviting name. How did it come to you?

I used to live on a street across from the Farmington River. It just seemed like it embodied what I wanted to convey.

A lot of folks are on the magical, reviving receiving end of a massage. Is it physically very demanding on the body?

Massage can be demanding for the massage therapist. We are taught to use our bodies correctly to make it as little stress on us as possible, but it can definitely be a challenge sometimes. Many therapists end up hurting their thumbs or wrists; for some therapists it’s hard on the low back or feet to be standing in one place for a long period of time.

Why did you decide to get into the massage therapy field?

It sounds like a pat answer, but God told me to. I can be extremely dense and often times need to be hit in the head with a 2×4, so to speak, to hear and get the point. Before I started school, within a 2 week period, I had my mom who is a massage therapist tell me I should do it; a friend who is a physical therapist ask if I’d ever thought about it, and heard an advertisement on the radio for the school’s exploration weekend. (That was a weekend where people who thought they might be interested in becoming a massage therapist could get a taste of what school would be like and ask questions. Basically, a short trial to see if it was really something you wanted.) I thought, “Okay, God, I got the point!” and followed through with applying to school.

What does the work do for you personally?

Wow, what does it do for me personally…when I finish up and my client says that I have magic hands or that they feel better already or when doing chair massage and the person says they were going to work from home that day, until they saw I was coming in. How awesome is that?! For someone to look forward to seeing you, to help make someone’s day or week, to help them be in less pain. There are very few jobs I can think of that are that rewarding for both people. It makes me feel so good to know that I am helping people.

Are you interested in really developing and growing your company or staying small — and why?

I’m a sole proprietor and I like it that way. I can set my own hours and really get to know my clients. I’ve worked in spas before and that rush, rush, rush, one person after another, and people you’ll probably never see again isn’t what I prefer. I do need to grow and develop my business, but I think I’ll always prefer to work on my own and have a personal relationship with my clients.

Where do you see Peaceful River Massage in five years?

I want to continue learning, growing, and developing as a massage therapist. I’d love to have a reliable set of regular clients. I prefer to do table massage, but my chair massage is picking up and I may find that that is more sustainable. I want to be helping as many people as possible while still maintaining a good balance in my life.

And finally, where are you going in life? What do you have passion for? Where is Carol next year and perhaps three years from now?

Wherever I end up and whatever I do, I want to be helping people in some way. I don’t know exactly how that will always be, but I want to have people say someday that I made a difference, that people were better off for having known me. I would like my massage business to increase and my schedule to have more regular, consistent clients. How that will look, I’m not sure. Maybe things will work out that I end up doing more chair massage than table massage. And I want to make things beautiful. I love to garden. I love that I can do something that will lift their spirits or make them smile when they pass by. I’ve had 3 years at my new house to work on my gardens and it’s getting there. And sometimes I get impatient, but I need to remember that it’s a process. Just like getting through divorce and trying to build a business and becoming a better me. I would like to have far more grace, forgiveness, and patience with myself going forward.

Five Self-Defense Moves Every Woman Should Know

Most women think sexual attacks only happen to others. However, the statistics suggest otherwise.

In America, sexual assault occurs every two minutes. Most victims (80 percent) are under age 30, though sexual assault can happen to anyone, of any age or demographic.

As sobering as these numbers are, women should take heart. According to a Houston sex crimes lawyer, those who fight back may cut their sexual assault risk in half. Try these 5 self-defense moves if you feel threatened by an attacker.

Make Noise

No matter how frightened or intimidated a victim may feel, making noise can help. Don’t hold back—startle the attacker with a loud scream or continual shouting. Some women carry whistles on their key rings. If so, pipe out several sharp, piercing whistles. Overall, though, shouting and screaming is just as effective.

The more you can bring attention to an attacker, the more they’ll be deterred. Attackers often run away when shouts of “He’s attacking me!” or “He’s trying to rape me!” are heard by others. At minimum, shouting can distract an attacker enough to allow the victim extra time to get away or use other defensive moves to the attacker’s disadvantage.

Use Nearby Objects

Most women carry a handbag with them. If the handbag is heavy, it’s also an effective potential weapon. An attacker may not be prepared for a hit over the head. If it’s not that heavy, use more leverage to make the impact more powerful.

Keys can also harm an attacker, particularly if used to scrape the assailant’s skin, face, or eyes. Consider attaching a small canister of pepper spray to the same key ring. Pepper spray is legal everywhere in America, and one shot can immobilize an attacker even at 12 feet.

Kick and Stomp

If the assailant restricts arm movement, use your legs and feet instead. Lift up your dominant leg and bring the heel down on your attacker’s foot, intending to cause pain.

By hurting the attacker, even minimally, a prepared woman can throw off the attack altogether, or unbalance the attacker. When this happens, get away as soon as possible. If the attacker holds on anyway, employ another tactic (like below).

Pull Assailant’s Ear or Attack the Nose

If an attacker has a close hold on his victim, that victim may feel powerless. Counteract this mentality and try to get at least one hand free to grab the assailant’s ear. Pull—hard—and even cup fingers under the entire ear while pulling. This movement causes significant pain to any attacker, allowing the victim a way to escape.

Broadsiding the nose from below is also an effective strategy. Bring your dominant hand up, palm side up, and jam the assailant’s nose up and back. In many cases, this move breaks the attacker’s nose, but at minimum, can cause pain and/or bleeding.

Scratch, Gouge, or Use Other Disabling Tactics

Sometimes, a victim’s mind goes blank from shock and fear. If this happens, use your hands, body, and feet to hurt your attacker. Scratch arms, face, and any other body part. Gouge the assailant’s eyes with fingers or knuckles. Knee the attacker’s groin.

The point is, stay alive and do whatever you can to hurt your attacker so you can run away. Be prepared and know how you can use your body and environment to your advantage in any situation.

Nepali Chhori Means Nepali Daughter

We came across the Nepali Chhori blog by accident — via a link a singer posted on google. So, we visited the link thinking we were contacting the singer, but were actually contacting Richa Pokhrel and her blog. After a couple of email conversations, we became aware of our mistake. However, we were so moved by the women’s stories and the other content on the blog that we wanted to share it here. Richa, first of all, congratulations on the award your blog received and second, thank you so much for allowing us to share you and your work here. We also thank you for uniting Nepalese women and helping the overall collective of women to gain more rights, respect, appreciation and understanding. Women need women. Together we are strong. The heading of the website reads: “Being a Nepali Woman in Today’s World.” First, tell our readers what “Nepali Chhori” means and second, what was your reason for starting your Nepali Chhori blog?

Nepali Chhori means Nepali daughter. I wanted to create a safe space for Nepali woman, no matter where they live, to come together and talk about things that affect us. I couldn’t find any place on the internet for just Nepali woman so I thought a blog was the way to go. I realize that we aren’t going to have the same experiences but we will be able to understand each other and come together.

How many different writers contribute to your blog?

Currently we have 6 regular writers, including myself but we do have guest authors from time to time. We are always looking for more Nepali women writers.

Are they all Nepali women?

All of them are Nepali, but we all live in different parts of the world.

We found several stories where writers talk about their experiences as a part of the culture of United States and how it conflicts or varies with the Nepalese culture that their parents hold on to. One story specifically was “Adulthood,” where the writer’s mother flew out to her college to meet with her college advisor. She felt it was a little over the top, but by her mother’s standards, it was perfectly appropriate. In your opinion, for situations like this, is this culture difference a really big problem or not a problem at all?

In that example, I think that was very extreme as in terms of cultural differences. I don’t think most Nepali parents would do that in America. In general, Nepali parents are very involved in their children’s lives, even as we get older. Even though I am in my late 20s, my mother still calls and asks if I have eaten and what I have eaten. I am married and they still see me as a little girl. Independence and individuality isn’t something that is taught in Nepal, we are a society that depends on our family and friends. For of us who grew up outside the country, we struggle with this notion because in Western cultures, independence and individuality is something that is taught early on. Sometimes the things our parents do seem extreme here but some these situations wouldn’t be extreme in Nepal.

Tell our readers a little bit about Nepal. For instance, where is Nepal? What is the population size and what is the dominant religion?

Nepal is a tiny country between China and India. It has roughly 27 million people and many different ethnicities and languages. It is also home to the highest mountains in the world known as the Himalayas. It is known as the Hindu Kingdom because majority of its people are Hindus but there also a lot of Buddhists and smaller populations of other religions.

We watched the segment on Nepal from the documentary entitled “Girl Rising” which taught us that girls are forced to work (as slaves) from a very young age under the guise of “bonded labor?” There was a law passed in 2000 to end that. Do you think it still continues?

Yes, it still continues. Unfortunately, even with the law passed, society is slow to make those changes and frankly some people are morally okay with treating girls as slaves. Also, due to poverty, parents get tricked when they think they are sending their children for a job but end up being trafficked. However, there are organizations that are working towards ending these practices across the country.

Nepali Chori was Honored as "Most Diverse Blog" — Nepali Chori was Honored as “Most Diverse Blog”

What is the woman’s role in Nepalese society?

In the traditional sense, it’s to be a good daughter, then a good wife, and a good mother. There always a male figure in your life that you are supposed to obey, your father, your brother, then your husband. However, there are a lot of women and girls who aren’t conforming to these narrow expectations. Many women are choosing to marry when they want, choosing to have kids later in life, pursuing their career goals, and being politically involved. Women in Nepal do a lot of work but never get credit for all that they do.

What kind of things do you feel need to be changed in that society as it relates to women?

Citizenship through mothers. Currently, it’s very difficult for people to get citizenship without proving both parents are Nepali. This affects millions of people, especially children who are born to single mothers, refugee mothers, mothers who were abandoned by their husbands, and Nepali women who married foreign nationals. They are deemed stateless. The Citizenship Certificate is needed to do the most basic of things in Nepal like registering for school, buying property, vote, opening a bank account, etc. However, children of Nepali men who marry foreign nationals don’t have this problem because they automatically get citizenship through descent. Nepal is currently working on drafting the new constitution, there has been big activism in changing the law so that citizenship can be granted either by the mother or father, not both.

Nepali Chhori Blog celebrated their first year – April 6, 2015

Education. Many girls in the rural areas don’t have access to education even though basic education is supposed to be free for everyone.

Access to resources. It’s nearly impossible to get bank loans and women can’t inherit land easily.

Menstruation practices. There are still practices of “chaupadi” in rural Nepal for women who are menstruating. This essentially means they can’t practice in normal activities like cooking, cleaning, being around others. This was banned in 2005 but it is still being practiced.

What can we do collectively to help create positive change for girls and women in Nepal?

We can believe in them, we can encourage them, and we can give them support. For any change to happen, we must fully believe in the capabilities of other women, especially those who don’t come from the same background as us. We as women need to let go our our stereotypes and we need to stop making judgements about other women’s choices.

What do you want out of life personally and what is your mission in life, if you have one?

My mission in life is to be the best person I can be. It’s very easy to try to be someone you aren’t, especially with all the pressure we get from our families, friends, and society. I want to live an authentic life that doesn’t dwell too much on how I look, how much money I make, and what things I own. But more on how I treat others and how I interact with nature. My life is filled with meaningful friendships, room for growth, and the ability to not take myself too seriously. I hope that continues as I get older. http://nepalichori.com/ https://twitter.com/nepalichoriblog

Unconditional Acceptance of Yourself

This is a reprint from ZenHabits.net. It’s a very short article, but a great one. Women especially are so guilty of bashing ourselves because of the way that we look. The media constantly tells us that we have to be “stick thin,” pretty and have long, flowing hair. Leo Babauta tells the truth in the most simplistic way. We should adopt these truths for ourselves and learn to love ourselves unconditionally.

Many of us are familiar with the idea of loving our spouses, children, or parents unconditionally — and we might even try to practice that unconditional love, though imperfectly.

But do we try to love ourselves unconditionally?

Consider whether you do any of these (I sure do):

Criticize your body.
Feel like you need to improve at things.
Feel guilty about things you do.
Feel undisciplined, lazy, unhappy with yourself.
Not feel good enough.
Fear that you’re going to fail, because you’re not good enough.
See yourself as not that good looking.
Feel bad about messing up.

For many of us, there’s an underlying feeling of not being good enough, wanting to be better, wanting to be in better shape or better at things. This isn’t something we think about much, but it’s there, in the background.

What if we applied unconditional acceptance of who we are? What if we took a good look at ourselves, our body, our thoughts, our feelings, our actions, and said, “You are perfectly OK. You are perfectly good”?

Would that be a whole different experience for you? Could you accept every single thing about yourself, just as you are, without feeling that it needs to be changed?

I know what many people will immediately say: “But what’s wrong with wanting to improve, with seeing things that need to be improved? Doesn’t feeling bad about ourselves motivate us to change?”

Yes, it can be a motivator. But feeling bad about yourself can also be an obstacle: people who feel that they are fat, for example, are more likely to eat poorly and not exercise, because they see themselves as fat. They are likely to feel bad about themselves and to comfort themselves with food, alcohol, cigarettes, TV, Internet addictions.

What if instead, you loved yourself, fat body and all? What if you loved yourself, laziness and all? What if you loved yourself, all that is ugly and incompetent and mean, along with the beauty and brilliance and kindness?

This person who loves herself (or himself) … she’s more likely to take actions that are loving. Doing some mindful yoga, or taking a walk with a friend after work, eating delicious healthy food like beans and veggies and nuts and berries and mangos and avocados, meditating, drinking some green tea … these are loving actions.

Acceptance isn’t stagnation — you will change no matter what. You can’t avoid changing. The question is whether that change comes from a place of acceptance and love, or a place of self-dislike and dissatisfaction. I vote for unconditional love.

http://zenhabits.net/unconditional/

Are You Prepared to Survive?

With the plethora of apocalyptic shows flooding the mainstream media, does it make you think how you will care for yourself and family if the worse did happen? Here’s a handy chart with a checklist that gives you some information. And, it’s important because women are the ones who really care for the family. Think about it, we plan all the meals, prepare the food, do the shopping, make sure everyone has what they need, etc. So, we need to make sure that our family is prepared, not so much for apocalyptic situations that may effect the planet, but if you experience a flood, a fire or other situation where you need to know certain things to make sure your family is okay.

Tasheena Womack Striving for A “Brighter Within”

Did you have your own experiences with dating violence?

Yes, unfortunately at the age of 17 & 22 I experienced dating violence.

How did you come up with the concept for Brighter Within

I came up with the concept of Brighter Within in graduate school. I knew what I went through and after doing tons of research, turning in my thesis and consulting with other students. I knew there was a true need for the program in my community.

People begin or support organizations that they are passionate about. Why are you passionate about the services that your organization provides?

I’m passionate about the services BW provides is due to the need in the community. I remember growing up and the same programs today being offered. I wish there was a program when I was growing up like BW. Due to the violence in my community, I could not take full advantage of some of the programs. I take boys and girls from five different towns/cities in a non-judgmental, non-bullying event and provide them with the tools they need to be successful in life.

Brighter Within supports both females and males. Is your male participation where you would like it to be?

Actually, our boys program has exceeded my expectations. The boys are really committed to the program and love coming.

Are the young people responsive to the techniques that they learn in workshops? Can you give some success examples?

Almost a lot of the services we provide for our youth. Our main goal is to provide them with the tools they need to be successful in life. Our youth have been very responsive. For instance we had a youth who who’s friend showed signs of being aggressive in a relationship. His friend was very controlling and verbally abusive to his girlfriend. The friend was in college and the girl friend was still in high school. That day we went over teen dating violence and after our group. I was approached by the young man and I was able to arrange an intervention with the parents. Once the young man saw what path he was going down he changed his ways. I actually received a Thank You card from the girl friend and the family. They had no idea what was going on.

Why do you personally think that dating violence is a reality? How is society responsible for the actions of young people?

Unfortunately we hear too often about dating violence. From the news to the celebrities below:

Jovan Belcher victim: Kasandra Perkins

Ray Rice victim: Mrs. Rice

Chris Terry victim: Wife

Ray McDonald victim: Fiancé

Society is responsible when they see a need and does nothing resolve the problem.

What kinds of things need to happen or change in society to make a difference for young people today?

A lot of our youth follow everything that see, from in movies, videos, and in the music industry. Our youth need more people that would like to step up to the plate as role models.

How can young people learn to be different when they are bombarded with sex and violence through a variety of media?

A strong foundation at home will assist youth with the peer pressure today. Teaching our youth early to not be a follower, and to carry themselves as a positive role model as well, because our younger children are looking up to them.

How long has your Brighter Within been running?

Brighter Within was founded in 2012. However, the concept was created in 2010.

How many young people has the organization been able to help?

Brighter Within has been able to assist over 200 people with our various services.

Why kinds of things do you need to, first, keep the organization running and second, to be able to grow to accommodate more young people?

Without funding, the support from our community, and a larger space it’s would be impossible to keep BW growing and running smoothly to accommodate the need in the community.

Where do the adult volunteers come from and how do they find out about you?

Most of our volunteers find us through social media and word of mouth. Our volunteers are mostly in college and/or recently graduated.

Tell us about the Women’s Circle. How did that get started, who is invited and what is the goal?

The Women’s Circle started as a club for Women entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. This group was started as a support system for female entrepreneurs. One of the biggest reasons businesses fail during the first five years of starting is due to the lack of support and education. The goal of the services is to be a support system for women who are entrepreneurs and provide them with the tools they need to keep their business open.

What plans or aspirations do you have for the future for Brighter Within?

The possibilities of BW are endless. I would love to have our programs/services fully funded and free to youth in NY/CT and MA.

For more information or to find ways that you can help, please contact:

Tasheena N. Womack
Chief Executive Director
Brighter Within, Inc.

Phone: (860)580-9511

Email: brighterwithin@gmail.com

Website: www.brighterwithin.org

Facebook and Twitter

The Be Life & Tiffany Wright

We love it when we interview someone and they come back with powerful updates. Tiffany informed us that she has published her first book and is now booking speaking engagements to uplift women.

“Be Love, Self Love, Daily Intentions Guiding to Self Love” can be ordered from her website here: http://www.livethebelife.com/be-love–get-the-book.html

We proudly share a picture from her first talk at Loyola Marymount University.

Congratulations Tiffany in recognizing that you are a women who moves the soul! We look forward to hearing more good news.

If you would like to read our interview with her, click the link: http://womenmovethesoul.com/tiffany-wright-wants-to-help-women-to-just-be/.

Janele Mckay – Looking to Do Something Meaningful

Janele Mckay posted a request for school supply donations on LinkedIn. When we saw that, we knew we had to reach out to this woman, who like so many others in this world, is trying to make a difference by helping others. Many of us would like to do charitable things, but don’t move beyond the thought or the idea. However, we are willing to donate and share if asked. It takes a special kind of person who wants to dedicate the time in their life to help others, especially children. We wanted to talk to Janele so we could learn a little more about her and what she wants to do.

You went from political work to teaching. What inspired the change?

The political work was an internship and a very amazing and insightful experience that I had the opportunity of doing while completing my A.S. in Human Services. I’m very interested in doing work in which I can make a difference. After obtaining my A.S. I struggled with finding positions in my field. So I went on to obtain a B.S. in Healthcare Administration and found my self in the same position. I currently work part time as a substitute teacher until I find more stable work and/or graduate with my M.S. At this point I wouldn’t mind being a college professor but would really prefer to do something more meaningful. Something that wound bring about recognizable change.

You are reaching out to people asking for school supplies for children. What prompted this?

A family member of mine is an advocate for gun violence and invited me to join her cause. I helped to chaperone the Jr. Newtown Action Alliance Teen Summit and now I’m helping her and another friend with the back 2 school function. We hope to have our own non profit in the near future. In the mean time I’m looking forward to dedicating my time to more functions similar to the two mentioned and find my footing so that I can fulfill my need to help others in need and do something inspiring.

How is the back 2 school supplies collection going and what items are needed most?

I personally haven’t revived much response. However, my partners have received a surprising amount of donations including clothing.

I would say backpacks and three ring binders are needed most. These items are a little more pricey. We tend to receive many items for grade school but could use some middle school items as well. However, all donations are accepted and appreciated.

What school district are you working with?

I usually work with the Terryville and Plymouth school districts as a substitute teacher through Kelly’s Educational Services.

What age groups?
I have worked with all age groups.

What are some of the more specific needs of these children beyond the need of school supplies?

They need attention! They are bored! They need a place to go. A place where they can be themselves. A place where people will listen and take interest in their ideas vs. shoving the need to go to school down their throat. Education is extremely important but its nothing if one doesn’t have a sense of being and confidence.

What else are you trying to do for these children?

My long term plan is to open a recreation center with an Arts and History focus/theme in mind. In the near future I hope to organize a successful Christmas toy drive.

What other avenues are you seeking for school supply donations?

This was an idea that started small and became bigger than expected. I just jumped on board and continuously offer my assistance as needed.

Do you have an organization or do you plan to start one?
I definitely plan to start one. I have big dreams but I’m hearing I need to start small. So I’m currently helping when, wherever, and however I can. In doing so I hope to be able to immediately give back to the community and connect with individuals that may help me support future projects.

Are you working with other people?

Yes. My cousin September Chatfield, and those in which she has connected with throughout her advocacy.

Have you reached out for corporate sponsorships or donations?

No. We are looking forward to starting a Hartford chapter with the Newtown Action Alliance group. However, I would like more information on how I can reach out to sponsors who would fund a recreational center. Our kids need an inspiring place to go. One in which they can both learn and fulfill their dreams.

What kind of help do you need?

We could use some guidance so that we can continue to work efficiently and effectively. We could also use some direction on how to obtain funding for larger projects. I’m currently writing our business plan and would love if someone could proof it and provide some expert opinions.

If people want to send donations or to help in other ways, how do they reach you?

My email address is Janelemckay@yahoo.com. From there, we can share phone numbers. I would love to speak to anyone who is interested in helping or donating.

What are your own personal goals for your future?

I’d like to run a non profit organization that help children change the way they think. One that would appeal more to their dreams while helping them understand the importance of education. Most of all give them a place they not only enjoy going but one they will truly grow from. I also hope to start a group for battered women. The group will not only give them a peace of mind, but will provide them with the skills and resources they need to truly be free and live a normal life. Again I’m looking to do something that is meaningful. Something that will change lives.

What inspires your desire to set up a group for battered women?

My inspiration for a battered woman group comes from personal experience. Much of the assistance available is not advertised. You really have to do your research and dig for it. This can be hard for individuals who are suffering from domestic violence. They need guidance support and direction. Many have asked how do I do it. My response is just that I do what has to be done. My children in all honesty have been my true motivation.

Please reach out to Ms. Mckay if you would like to donate items for children or if you are interested in helping her develop the non-profit organization to help children and/or battered women! Janelemckay@yahoo.com. You can also visit her website at http://RootedInGoodCompany.org.

Deborah Cantor – Motorcycle Mechanic

Who says a woman can’t fix cars n stuff? Ha!

Deborah Cantor has been a motorcycle mechanic for seven years now. She says her father taught her from the time she could sit on the bike and ride with him.

“He was always outside tinkering with his bike. He had an old Harley.”

She said that she wandered outside one day and started watching. Then she braced herself to start handing him the tools he needed. She quickly learned the difference between all of the different tools and their names. She said it was like when you’re at the dentist or with a doctor in surgery and they’re asking for various tools and the assistant passes them on. From there she learned about tweaking different parts, tightening this, loosening that. Then there’s the tell all of everything and that’s the sound of the engine. Is it running too hard, too high, too low, too rough? It’s like the heartbeat of the motorcycle and you can learn how to diagnose or at least know what parts to take a look at by the sound of the engine.

She has her own bike and has since she was 17. Whenever her bike needs to be fixed, she’s excited that she is the one that can fix it. There are a ton of discount motorcycle parts that are easily found, she says.

She’s every bit of daddy’s little girl. When asked how Mom felt about what she did, she says her mom was glad that dad got a bit of the son he always wanted!

Venture to do whatever moves your soul ladies!

My Business Trip to Chicago

I recently took a trip to great old Chicago. Among all the blah, blah, blah during the meetings all I could think about was getting a deep tissue massage which was going to be my reward after the very last meeting of the day. Other people wanted to connect further and go get a drink and food, but that was furthest thing on my mind. I needed to spend some time with myself in a relaxing environment and so I did.

It’s been a long run for me. Though most of my work is play, lately there’s been just too much work added into the play. But, that’s a mindset and one that I don’t have to confront as much as I used to, but from time to time, I deal with it and have to correct myself. I love what I do. I love the way that I spend my time, I just wish I had more time!

This trip to Chicago was important and many things were resolved and put into place. However, the most important thing that was resolved for me was some much needed relaxation.

So remember, ladies, take some time out for you. YOU TIME! It’s go time for you time anytime you feel you need it. If you can’t get away here are a few ideas that cost next to nothing except a bit of your precious time:

take a walk

sit outside in the beautiful sun at lunch time

go for a drive along a nice, scenic route

lock yourself in the bathroom and take a long, hot bath

nature rejuvenates – take a walk in the park or in the woods (just be safe – don’t go into isolated areas!)

sit around and watch the geese

is there a horse farm around? – go and hang out for a while

volunteer to help out at an animal shelter – (they usually don’t like one-time deals, but ask anyway)

go visit a farm

go pick vegetables or fruit at your local farm when the season hits

go indoor wall climbing

hook up with some other ladies or the girls in the neighborhood and jump rope!!

look in the mirror, hug yourself and tell you that you love you! (this should actually be done daily)

I like to occasionally take myself to lunch – go to a nice restaurant late and just hang out with myself writing notes and getting this organized.

go out dancing with your girlfriends – or better yet – invite them over and blast the music!

do a drop-in on a dance class and express yourself

just get loose and get funky

play dress up and get yourself all dolled up and take your picture

pretend you are being interviewed and sit and answer questions that you ask of yourself (might be some revealing things that come out about you!)

If you have your own favorite things to do, please share!

Setting Priorities – Backwards…

From the Editor

I start my day with a bang – racing out of the blocks with a full list of things that “must” get done. I have to remind myself that I am the one who sets my own priorities and I am the one who decides what is urgent and what is not. Quite often I find myself at the end of the day bewildered at the fact that the most important things didn’t get done. Don’t get me wrong, a lot gets done, but I’ve got my priorities backward.

I’m starting on a new journey to get deeper into music. I need to understand the language of it, the flow of it, the taste of it and truly allow myself to BE it. I am a singer and I need to set aside more time for practicing. I go to work – make sure I arrive early so I can get out for my 1-mile power walk and then I blaze through my tasks list throughout the day – knowing that there is never enough time in the day. But, I get quite a few things done. However, music is always at the bottom of the list because I think I’ll save that for when I get home from work. But then, when I get home – there’s dinner, some light cleaning and conversation with my roommate. Around 7:00 pm, I’ll look wearily at my keyboard, think about my music theory lessons I need to get to and think dreamingly about my lovely yard and how I’d like to just sit and relax for a time in the evening before embarking on anything else. Then, I’ll really open my eyes and look at the house and recognize how much cleaning I would really like to get done. I wish I had someone to clean my house – the other woman. I would welcome her and ooh and ahh about the amazing cleaning she could do for me. Nothing like dreaming….

Time to get to the music studies before I crash in the next couple of hours and start the day, the list and the lessons all over again. However, tomorrow, I will put music on the top of the list. I’ll shave and save that first hour for piano playing – then get to work, do my power walk and run down the list. At least then I will start to accomplish more things musically. I’ll reset my priorities from front to back, not from back to front!

Erin Pavlina – Tuning into Spirit Guides

We subscribe to Erin Pavlina’s posts via email. Women Move the Soul has reposted some of her articles because they are uplifting, inspiring and insightful. From time to time, it’s nice to check in with a psychic or a medium to help us to get a standing of where we are and where we’re headed in our lives. For most of us, life is a mystery and sometimes you would like to know that you are on the right track or if and how you should alter things to make positive changes. That’s what Erin does for people.

How did you first learn that you were intuitive or psychic? How old were you, what happened and what validation did you receive?

When I was very young, around age 4, I started having dreams that were premonitions of future major events. I would know someone had died before being told. I could tell who was on the phone when it rang.

When I was around 10 years old I was driving with my mother and told her we had to stop and get flashlights immediately. She was perplexed at my urgency but she stopped and got 3 flashlights. That night my parents went out to dinner, leaving us home alone with our older brother. A thunderstorm knocked out our lights and we huddled under the covers with our new flashlights until our parents got home.

Over the years, I started having communication with deceased loved ones. And from there I embraced my intuitive abilities and started developing them consciously, to the point I’m at today of being a professional intuitive, using my skills and abilities to help others.

Was there a “teacher” or “teachers” – someone who helped you to develop your gift as you grew older? Were there things that you did to further develop your skills?

I read a lot of books when I was young, but nothing out there really described how to develop intuition. When I was an adult, I had some spontaneous communications with other people’s deceased relatives and started to wonder if I was able to do that on command. So I looked around for training but kept getting blocked. Either the course was too expensive, too far away, already sold out, etc. So finally my own spirit guides told me how to tune in to other people’s guides and deceased loved ones, and I learned quickly from them.

To develop my skills, I basically started giving messages to friends and family, and when that resonated with them, I asked them to bring me strangers to read for. After I had read for about 120 strangers, I realized I had a reliable ability and started doing it professionally.

What are your specific strengths? In terms of your psychic ability, are there things that you cannot help people with? For instance, can you also communicate with living animals?

I’m mainly clairvoyant and clairaudient. When I connect with spirit guides, they give me metaphorical images to explain what’s going on with my client’s life. Or they will just speak to me in a way that I can hear them clearly without needing to interpret what they’re saying. I can sometimes speak with deceased family members but not in every reading. I’ve connected with deceased animals but not live ones. My ability to connect with a person’s guides is very strong, and I use that connection to relay information that will help my client on their life path. The advice given is usually extremely practical and useful.

Knowing that all human beings have the innate ability to be more knowing or intuitive, why do you think a lot of people do not endeavor to develop this skill? Is it that they just don’t think it’s possible for them…are they afraid…just don’t think about it? What’s your opinion?

Yes all of those reasons. Many people think you have to be born with intuition, but that’s not true as we are all born with the innate ability. Intuition is like a muscle. You have to exercise it in order to use it effectively and with strength. And yes, many people are afraid of what they might encounter on the other side. And still others don’t believe intuition or talking to spirits is possible.

In your experience, what are people most afraid of in life in general and why should they not be afraid?

I’d say people get too caught up in fear. They have forgotten that this is a playground where we get to explore, have fun, share, learn, and grow. They forget they are a spiritual being having a human experience. And they can’t remember who they really are and where they really come from. I believe that when you remember that nothing here can truly harm you, it frees you up to enjoy the adventure a lot more.

In your role as a professional psychic, what is the most often asked question of you?

There are two actually that come with the greatest frequency. “When will I get married and/or find the right person for me?” and “How can I transition into a career that will be more fulfilling?” Dissatisfaction with career and relationship status are the two most common issues that cause people to seek me out.

Sometimes we may have a question and we think that we don’t get an answer because the answer we get is not what we were “consciously” looking for. Were there questions that you answered for someone in this manner and they chose not to accept it because it wasn’t the answer they wanted? And, were you able to get them to understand the message and leave satisfied?

For the most part, information relayed through the guides resonates with my clients. Often what they are told is confirmation of what they were feeling or thinking, but hearing it from a complete stranger who doesn’t know them gives them that validity that their thoughts are not crazy. I’ve had clients resist information their guides were giving them, and then later come back and tell me the guides were right.

It is said that God tests us or the Universe tests us to see how bad we may want something. But, in reality, is it a “test,” or is that person subconsciously putting up their own obstacles out of fear or because they feel they don’t deserve something they desire?

Exactly, you can manifest just about any experience you want to have, but people send out a fear vibration which will block success from happening. What you think about, you bring about. So if you’re cruising the fear channel, you’ll get experiences aligned with your expectations.

Do you ever see big, major events that are catastrophic beforehand?

Not really. That happened to me more when I was younger. Nowadays though I can tune in to a tragedy and get information about what happened or what is happening. I’ve used my abilities to help the police find missing or deceased people, which is very rewarding, but rarely do I get information about something that is going to happen because the future is not set in stone. Until something actually happens there are infinite possibilities.

Knowing that everything happens for a reason, if you do see negative events either major or minor, can you prevent them or do you try? And, would it be “spiritually” correct for you to do so?

If you get the information I think it’s spiritually okay to act on it. If the guides and beings on the other side don’t want us to know something, they can block us from receiving it. So I think if you get information, using it is fair game.

When I’m reading for a client, I can see how certain decisions will turn out. My job as an intuitive is to give my client their options, informing them of what kind of experience they will have down each possible road. Then it’s up to them to decide what road they want to travel, but at least they are armed with a map to help guide them and help them prevent pitfalls. That’s why getting an intuitive reading is so powerful. It can shave years off your learning curve, save you from making a costly mistake, and prevent you from being unhappy.

What do you want most out of your own life?

To be in a state of joy as often as possible. To have a sense of peace and fulfillment. And to laugh as much as I can.

If you live to be 90 or 100 and you are looking back at your life, what will you see – what will you have done?

I have often taken a mental snapshot of where I think I am. I know I have sent ripples of positive energy through the world, and that makes me really happy. The more people I can help to have happy and fulfilling lives the happier I get. I also now train others to use their intuitive abilities professionally which makes me really happy because I know that after I am gone there will be a cadre of ethical, honest, accurate intuitives to carry on this work without me.

Women move the soul. Women are key. We are important. We are mothers, nurturers, life givers, strength, emotion…. Tell us what your spiritual understanding is of the role of women not just in life, but for the planet.

I think women are more likely to be open to trusting their intuition, so I believe that women can be great guides for our world. If they have the courage to act on their intuition, I believe the world would be a better place.

Erin Pavlina
Awaken. Remember. Love
www.ErinPavlina.com

Why Everyone Should Learn to Lucid Dream

Imagine this: you’re exploring things and emotions you never thought were possible. You have the opportunity to control anything that goes on, and have the power to change anything if needed. You’re exploring these crazy ideas as if you were doing it in real life, however you’re merely dreaming. Is there a monster chasing you as you lucid dream? No worries – with the power of your mind, you can dismiss that monster and completely modify the dream just the way you want it. So instead of being chased by a monster, you can talk with your favorite actor or be an actor yourself being chased by hundreds of fans! The act of lucid dreaming can be confronting, but can be an experience not to be forgotten or avoided. These endeavors can happen if you set your mind to it, and learn how to do it; or you may be gifted with this natural ability.

We’ve all experienced a nightmare; a falling dream; a daydream, etc. Imagine if you had the ability to be in complete control of what happens. Have the ability to fly through the sky, perceive a scenario from a different perspective. Sounds cool, huh? If you were able to live in your dreams, then wouldn’t going to sleep every night be exciting opposed to an inconvenience? We all know that there aren’t enough hours in a day, which is absolutely true. Lucid dreaming will make out as if you never sleep, but still receive the same effects. In saying that, whatever happens in your dreams will not (necessarily) happen in real life. For example, you may win the lottery in real life, but wake up as rich as you were the night before. Although lucid dreaming requires practice to ensure perfection, it is definitely achievable to anyone at most ages. It is not dangerous, nor will it physically affect you whatsoever. It’s simply a dream that you’re consciously aware of and able to manipulate.

Lucid dreaming can occur both accidentally or intentionally. It is not to be feared – it is to be honored as though you have a power; a sixth sense. It’s not uncommon for people to lucid dream, and those who are privileged to experience a lucid dream should be proud of their experience(s). As you lucid dream, you can explore your inner mind and view what you never thought existed. Maybe you’re anxious for a test, or fear public speaking: lucid dreaming is able to assist you positively to help you overcome this anxiety. So in theory, lucid dreaming is a perfect way to help assist some medical problems you may face on a daily basis. Whether or not you choose to use a lucid dream to help with your problems is completely up to you, but is something one should definitely consider. Does overcoming some personal issues in your life sound appealing to you? Never having to feel anxious to the same extent can be exceptionally relieving, and definitely rewarding.

Along with lucid dreaming comes things needed to be aware of. One of the most important things you must consider is whether or not you’re actually experiencing a lucid dream. Think about this: what makes you think that as you read this article, you’re not lucid dreaming? What makes it a reality? As you lucid dream, you can feel, see, read, smell, etc. just as you would in real life. It’s a scary thought, but once you are able to distinguish a lucid dream from reality, you’re able to feel more comfortable and begin enjoying your dreams. Remember that dreams are often illogical, which can be the first hint that it’s a dream – however that’s not always the case. Some dreams can make perfect sense, so don’t completely rely on a realistic event to differentiate a lucid dream from reality. In saying that, with practice comes experience and perfection. It will not be an instant accomplishment, however will become easier and easier in due time.

Lucid dreaming is an encouraged act and should not be avoided and/or feared. It can be a time to explore things you never thought existed, and experience things which wouldn’t be possible in real life. Why wouldn’t you want to overcome your fears and live a happier, less stressful life? Why shouldn’t you look forward to sleeping; now capable of controlling and experiencing your dreams as if they were real life? The exciting adventure you endeavor can be thrilling, and most certainly rewarding – and should be considered.

Submitted by: Kerry McGlone is a Lucid Dreaming enthusiast, and creator of http://www.dreamlucidly.info/

As a frequent researcher, she has attained knowledge and experience on lucid dreams, resulting in an enhanced understanding and having the passion to share knowledge with others. If you’re interested in becoming a lucid dreamer, feel free to give Dream Lucidly a visit!

Catherine Cazes-Wiley & Tinaliah

A conversation with Catherine Cazes-Wiley, her hats and homeless people. She’s having an interesting journey in life. We won’t tell you about it, we’ll let her tell you.

When I started this social enterprise I had no idea that a common thread was already running among job creation, social justice and the fashion industry. What seemed so far apart is now looking plain. Let me explain. Most quality homeless shelters in the US have some sort of job program and most job program revolve around computer skills, sometimes AC and heat tech., trucking and security guard licensing. Not everybody qualifies. Are we omitting manual skills and becoming too brainy?

I think so. Overseas we do farming, we sew, we craft and we create micro enterprises. Do you see what I see? America is becoming a third world, small jobs are resurfacing. Folks are readier to rethink their environment and are creating new methods for survival, but a lot do not have the skills. In Thailand, Cambodia and North Carolina rescued young women from the sex trade have no skills either but agencies are already in place and the young ladies are learning how to sew, creating clothing, bags even jewelry. There are more opportunities for men than there are for women in the U.S. and most of the time the small alterations businesses, which I do on the side, are held by foreigners like myself. Learning how to sew can lead to that and much more.

What is your passion with creating beautiful hats? Where does that come from?
Thank you for the compliment. This passion came from my heart where Jesus resides. I am inspired by flowers, by my childhood in the New Hebrides Islands, also by the fine craftsmanship of fashion houses in Paris, by fashion from the 40ths among other things.

Where does the name Tinaliah come from and why did you choose this as the name for your mission or business?

Tinaliah “the one who perseveres” is a tribute to myself for all I’ve had to overcome along my life’s journey. I was raised in Cameroon, France and the South Pacific and arrived to the U.S. as an exchange student. I found myself destitute on more than one occasion, but these unique circumstances opened my eyes to the reason for the U.S. homeless population, especially its women.

Are you a nonprofit organization, or are you just operating from your heart?
How did you know, I am working on becoming a nonprofit right now, for my heart is bleeding!

How is your marketing working? Are you getting enough people to come through and purchase products from you and all of the people that you are helping by selling their products?

I do shows, business expos, hat parties and I am expanding into bridal wear. People can find me on Etsy, www.etsy.com/shop/tinaliah. It is fun and exhausting at the same time but it is far from being enough, this is why I am looking forward to becoming a nonprofit or a benefit corporation to look for grants.

You worked in shelters as a craft instructor. Was that something that you proposed and organized or did they have such a program already established?
It was something that I was in my heart to create but when I arrived in New Haven such programs already existed. As I was looking for an apartment to rent I found laying on the rental agency counter a flyer advertising the very program I was imagining! I contacted them right away, the director asked me for a demonstration and I was hired that quickly.

How many different crafters are you working with right now?
There are the crafters and the artists. The crafters are part of a sewing group of seven women operating in a New Haven sewing studio. They produce shawls, scarves, wraps and aprons. I am now able to contract with them for my bridal veils. The artists draw and I coach them to produce saleable art such as hand painted caps, Tee-shirts and cards when we will have added capital.

You were homeless for about five years. How did you come to be homeless and what got you back “on your feet,” so to speak?
I was a missionary willing to experience the “open field”; I had some home bases where I would return after being sent to different locations and states. It came upon me as a surprise for I did not know it would last that long.

Homelessness is usually seen only as a curse but I now see my time as a homeless person as serendipity. Even though I was never in the streets, five years was a long time. And while it was extremely hard at times, I now see this period as a gift, just as someone who recovers from a major illness values their new found life. During that time I became more aware of who I was becoming and what I did not want to become “a cliché-women” modeled after societal stereotypes.

As Carl G Jung puts it in his memoir: Memories, Dreams, Reflections, “people can be unhappy because their life does not have sufficient content. People seek position, marriage, reputation, outward success and remain unhappy and neurotic even when they have attained what they are seeking. If they are unable to develop into more spacious personalities, the neurosis (the unhappiness) generally disappears.”

During those five years I was forced to rethink a lot of things. For example, being disabled, I am never going to be willing to be put on the shelf. Another twist to my call was the ongoing challenge of fitting the high end of fashion design while dealing with the heart in a social enterprise. It is still a thought mix. Thank God my faith kept me afloat. It just happened that when I was finished learning what I was to learn, it was time for me to get a job and to create Tinaliah and its caring Co-op.

Is this how you became interested in helping other homeless people, because you could relate to them and wanted to help?

Yes, I already had a good education but was in need of the actual experience. After my roaming period, I felt like I finally had both parts of the puzzle and Tinaliah “the one who perseveres” was born. I continue to build the environment, in which I move today, that attracts others like you since you invited me for this lovely chat.

It is true what you said about the lack of people developing craft skills in the U.S. Why do you think it’s like that – teenagers and adults alike don’t learn how to make things?

It is not the custom any longer. Society undervalues manual skills. The US marts galore sell cheap everyday objects which end up as trash somewhere. It is easier to buy, replace and not rethink consumerism meanwhile we stay poor, enslaved and ignorant. My teaching, coaching might just be a drop in the bucket, but I know many would find joy in learning how to make things. We might just create a revolution!

You see this as something that is coming back in this country. How so?
I really cannot answer that as bad habits are hard to change. What I can tell you is only what we personally are doing to help change that as value with education is added to the process. Value because when you make a hat with your own hands or an object or still, when you put your heart into writing a good article you feel good about yourself. The education will come through discussions like this one, with time and with the help of other crafter teachers I am networking with to broaden Tinaliah product line.

What do you do for a living now? How do you support yourself?

I also work as a French interpreter in the Court, plus I have an amazing husband.

What would you like to see happen with Tinaliah and how can others help with that vision?

I am thinking about a store near New York, possibly in the Bronx, with a warehouse to host classes for the community. I am looking for grant avenues that would benefit such venture, creating employment with the homeless and strengthening the ones in recovery. Feel free to contact me at tinaliah@ymail.com if you want to help, have questions or suggestions. God bless, thank you.

11 Spiritual Truths You May Want to Remember

1. Everyone’s path is different. Don’t assume you know how people should walk their paths. You don’t. Instead of advice, help people see their options.

2. No one knows the whole truth. As you learn and study, take the pieces that resonate with you and throw the rest out. No one knows it all. However, everyone has something to share that is of value.

3. Open your mind to other possibilities. Once you decide what is, you forever close the door on what may be. Stay open minded. New truths are just beyond the closed door.

4. You can’t save anyone. It’s not your job or your responsibility. Just be a beacon and let those who want to walk through your light do so of their own free will.

5. You’re not here to change the world. The world will change by your presence. Make your presence positive.

6. Don’t give your power to anyone. You are the author of your own life. When you give someone else the pen, you give them the power to change your story. But you’re the one who has to live it.

7. Learn how to be a vibrational match for your desires. Do not hope, pray, or wish for what you desire. Instead be in the vibration of knowing what it feels like for your desire to be a totally normal part of your life.

8. Love and gratitude are extremely high vibrations. Learn how to call upon them at will. One person walking the planet in a state of love and gratitude balances more than a hundred walking in fear.

9. Be kind to yourself. Everyone has moments they regret. Learn the lesson, shrug, and keep walking. Don’t drag your past with you into the future.

10. Don’t judge others. You don’t know what kind of life they’ve had, and you don’t know what lessons they’ve learned. Everyone is entitled to think the way they want to think. Even if it’s not the way YOU think.

11. You are a divine being, created from Love. You walk in Love, even when you don’t remember. You will return to Love, even if you don’t think you deserve it. There is nothing you can do to lose the Love of Source. Nothing.

Reposted from Erin Pavlina.com

Mom Has Homework

Submitted by Delicia Watson, Massachusetts

Going to school has been very challenging for me. I am 42 and have three teenagers at home. I also work full-time. I am doing this for a couple of different reasons. One, is that I always wanted to go to college but just never did. I started working and just kept working. The second is to inspire my children so that they will also strive for their own goals, especially when it comes to getting an education.

There are days when I am a little short with them and I would like to do a better job of catching myself before I start snapping at everyone. My husband is great and picks up the slack a little bit when I get snappy. He compassionately reminds me or points out when I need to back up a little bit or ease it down and tells the kids – “Mom has homework and she’s a little edgy.”

Then the whole environment lightens up and the kids play it off and say things to me like, “Yeah mom, I had to study really hard for my history exam!”

My family’s been great and I am honored to have the privilege to do this.

My husband has an engineering degree. He was smart and did the whole college thing right after high school. His support of me is amazing. Working, going to school and co-managing a household has been a challenge. But, I am determined to be fifty years old with a degree … even if no one hires me after all of my hard work because of my age! : )

I admit that occasionally I use the service of a company who can write my paper cheap. I don’t think it’s cheating at all because I do know all of the content and understand everything. It’s just that time – that old man time – is always on my back and I need to keep up with everything.

All in all it’s been a wonderful, fulfilling experience and I am blessed to be able to do this. Women Move the Soul, I know you are all about inspiration and I hope my little story has inspired someone else like me to take the challenge and get their degree. There is nothing like an education that gives you a further understanding of the things in our lives in terms of history, economics, etc. And there is nothing like college training that really teaches you to open up your mind and to think more clearly.

Coming Back from Soul Destruction – Ruth Jacobs

We know them. We all know a woman who struggles with drugs and alcohol. Perhaps she’s a woman in your family, a friend or even a co-worker, but we know them. If you have not been an drug addict then you cannot know what they go through. You can’t imagine the pain they feel from moment to moment and the things that they are driven to do because of that addiction.

Ruth Jacobs has been there – in the very recesses of hell – and she came back to us. And, when she came back, she came with a mission to rescue others. Not just her friends, but anyone and everyone who wanted help. Those stuck in the vicious cycle of drugs and prostitution have someone they can turn to.

Ruth is working very hard to make the world safer for people in prostitution. She is making them aware of their rights and helping to inspire them to have the courage to speak up when they have been victimized. Can a sex trade worker be raped? Absolutely, yes and Ruth is helping to change the laws and the awareness of society so it is not tolerated.

__________________________________

You have had experiences with drugs and alcohol. Were you an addict?

Yes, I was a heroin and crack addict shooting up and on death’s door during the late ‘90s. I didn’t expect or want to live back then.

What pulled you into a life of getting high?

I didn’t care about or value life. I hated it. I started drinking from a young age then in my early teens, I started smoking dope. It was to escape my reality. I was desperately unhappy due to trauma. I was self-medicating. The drugs I used escalated, as did the way I took them.

Were you also pulled into prostitution along with this?

Becoming a call girl wasn’t a decision made or needed to pay for drugs. When I first started, I didn’t have a heroin or crack habit. I think I’d tried those drugs once or twice, but they weren’t matched to my income so I didn’t take them. The day job I had at the time provided enough money to buy the drugs (dope, acid, speed, alcohol) I was using back then.

For me, prostitution is what pulled me into intravenous heroin and crack addiction. I was living in a fantasyland and to stay there I had to shut out what I was doing and what I was allowing to be done to me, as well as what I wasn’t allowing – I was raped by a client quite early on, and that wasn’t the only time.

Maybe my drug using would have progressed to the depths it did anyway from the original pain I was running from – I don’t know. Certainly having the money to buy the amount of heroin and crack I was taking played a part, but maybe I would have gone downhill slower if that wasn’t the case. Some of my clients, a lot of my regular clients, were drug users, not heroin though and none injected. But they took cocaine and/or crack and I’d take it with them. As an addict, being paid to take drugs when you’re in active addiction seems like a dream job.

What made you decide to change your life and way of living? What woke you up and saved you from this lifestyle?

I ran out of money, I looked too sick (abscesses from injecting/needle marks) to work, and none of my many attempts at suicide led to the only way out of life I could see.

In 1999, around the summertime, I’d already been hospitalised five times that year in London, even though I’d been out of the country until mid-late February and one of those hospitalisations was for two months. Some of those times I was sectioned, which meant I wasn’t allowed to leave and I had to take whatever medication was prescribed, which was very frightening, as was sleeping in an open-door room in a mixed locked ward with a rapist.

After the fifth hospitalisation, I actually went to the 12-step meetings I’d been saying I was going to attend the other times but never did. I used to say to myself just one more hit when I get out then I’ll go to a meeting, but the first hit on being released would lead to the next then the next then the next, and I kept finding myself back in hospital. So, I went to the meetings and some truly amazing, wonderful people saved my life and taught me how to live without the drugs I’d been dependent on.

I wasn’t planning to stop working, but my 12-step sponsor told me I wouldn’t stay clean if I went back to seeing clients. I listened to her and didn’t return to that life.

You began to write novels versus poetry and short stories. Tell us why you started writing.

I think that my grandmother being a writer inspired me to start writing. When I first began as a young teenager, I wrote poetry and I did that because it provided some kind of release for me from trauma, nothing like the drugs did, but then they brought their own trauma in the end. It wasn’t until I completed my first novel that I tried my hand at a short story, though having said that, I would have written short stories as part of my school work. I actually started writing my first book at around sixteen, but I didn’t finish one until twenty years later.

Your work is focused on bringing attention to the plight of those in the sex industry and helping those same people. Prostitution and drugs. How did you get involved with this? Why is this your focus?

I wrote my novel, Soul Destruction: Unforgivable, to show what the reality is for so many women in prostitution. Being a call girl has been glamorised in the media and I wanted to show the experience that my friends and I had had – we might have seen clients in five-star hotels and luxury residences in the most expensive parts of London, but that didn’t render us immune to suffering rape and other violence. I hoped my book would deter other women from entering the sex trade because I know so many of us still suffer from having been in that life and I didn’t want other women and girls to think it’s easy money because that’s the only portrayal they’d seen. I also wanted to show women who sell sex as the real people they are, which is why my book is about the women and not about what they do to earn money. And also to show that although many of us do have a history of abuse in our childhoods, we are strong women, fighters and survivors. I wasn’t planning on doing anything else; my non-fiction writing on the subject and activism just happened along the way from when I began writing a blog and connecting with other women activists, some of whom had also been in the sex trade.

Your most recent book, Soul Destruction: Unforgivable, is this story fact or fiction and where did the concept come from?

That book is fiction, but the main storyline is based loosely on events from my own life – though not how it ends.

You released In Her Own Words… Interview with a London Call Girl, which is a transcription of an interview you did with a woman in prostitution who you refer to as “Q”. Unfortunately, that woman is no longer living and you donate all proceeds from the sale of that publication to Beyond the Streets, a charity working to end sexual exploitation. How did you come to find this organization and why is it important to you?

I was searching for a charity whose ethos I agreed with and when I found Beyond the Streets and saw they also worked with a great number of other charities and projects across the UK they seemed perfect. I spoke with the director and liked their non-judgemental and empowering approach to supporting women who want to leave the sex trade and I am delighted my friend’s words are raising money for them, as I am sure she is too.

What, if anything, can the average person do to help women and others who are involved in prostitution?

Respect is the first thing that comes to mind. Just because someone is selling or has sold sex this does not make her deserving of any less respect than any other woman. This also includes respecting her agency and where she is at in her life, having understanding and compassion, as most of us have suffered, but not viewing and treating us all as victims which is unhelpful and disempowering.

Understanding what help, if any, a person wants is really the first step, and accepting and respecting their decision whatever that may be, including if they do not want to leave the sex trade. Anyone trying to make me leave that life or believe I was doing something damaging by selling sex when I was a call girl would have made me run a mile from them.

At a less personalised level, there are laws and policing models people can advocate for such as the Merseyside hate crime model, which has brought about astonishingly high conviction rates for crimes committed against sex trade workers. This policing model prioritises the protection of people in prostitution over the enforcement of the law, ensuring people in the sex trade have the human right of the protection of the law and recourse to justice when they have been the victim of a crime. Interestingly as well, this model – which is not focused on exiting routes (though offers the services) – has resulted in there being half the number of women involved in street prostitution.

Walking up to them at random is probably not the best thing. How do we know if they need or want help?

I think giving someone a smile is worth a lot. But if someone walked up to me and offered to help me, they may well have ended up looking for help themselves – to get to a hospital. As far as I was concerned I didn’t need help, but perhaps more importantly, I didn’t want help. I would never trust a stranger offering that to me. When you’re in that life everyone wants something from you and an offer of help would demand something from me in return.

However, if someone on the street seems like they might be in danger, say there is violence from what appears to be a pimp or a punter, or if a woman seems like she may in fact be a girl and underage, then people must call the police. It is imperative to remember that in the sex trade there are people who are there because they are being forced. Sex trafficking sadly is a reality and action has to be taken to address this. I’ve even heard about an area in London where the police were regularly driving past women in the sex trade who were being beaten in the streets. They didn’t stop and the public would do nothing either, just look on. This sickens me.

When it comes to sex trafficking, which means that this is done against someone’s will – especially if children are involved – how would the average person know that this is happening? Are there specific things we should look for?

I think it’s important that the term ‘sex trafficking’ is better understood. This horrific abuse, especially where children are the victims, can be happening in family homes. People are misled perhaps by the media and perhaps by the term ‘trafficking’ itself. I didn’t realise, until I actually understood the term, that a couple of the women I knew years ago had been victims of trafficking. For example, one young woman would give all the money she earned on jobs to her boyfriend and he didn’t let her leave the house unless it was to see a client. At the time, I just thought she had a controlling boyfriend and didn’t understand why she stayed with him. I was naive and young myself.

As I am not an expert on human trafficking, I won’t answer what is an extremely important question with regards to the signs people should be looking out for in order to identify trafficking victims. I would urge people to read this guidance provided by the UK government https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/187041/A5_Human_Trafficking_Guidance_leaflet.pdf and this which is from the US http://www.justice.gov/usao/ian/htrt/health_identify_victims.pdf

To change the subject, you are also doing interviews with writers, artists, musicians and filmmakers. Why did you start doing this and does it tie into your other humanitarian work or is this separate?

The majority of the creative interviews I do are separate from my other work but there has been crossover such as my interviews with survivors of sex trafficking and prostitution who are also writers and artists like Christine Stark and Sherry Dooley for example, and for filmmakers who are activists like Aimee Galicia Torres who is making a documentary, John: The Worst Story Never Told, with two of my friends who are survivors of sex trafficking, Michelle Carmela and Nikolaos Al-Khadra. Also author Sheila Quigley, who has written novels covering the issue of trafficking, took part in the series of interviews I ran at the beginning of this year for human trafficking awareness month.

I can’t remember what made me start undertaking the interviews, but I do remember it began with writers, and I also recall speaking with my friend Natasha Sandy in Canada about it at the time and who I will part blame for the somewhat cheesy title I chose: In the Booth with Ruth. She’d told me her title for a talk show if she ever had one, and in comparison, mine didn’t seem so bad. She needs to start that talk show!

Selling sex in the UK is not illegal but many activities related to prostitution are. Though the purpose of the trade is to sell sexual services, rape does happen and it is real. You are now helping to fight for victims rights through the Merseyside model and are pushing for that to be made UK wide. Again, why are you so passionate about this and how can others help?

When you are in prostitution there are so many barriers to reporting crimes committed against you, most of us don’t, yet we are the most likely to be raped and the death rate is shockingly high – in London for women in prostitution it’s 12 times the national average. When we do report crimes committed against us quite often we aren’t believed or it’s even perceived we were asking for it or it’s deemed a hazard of the job. It’s abhorrent to treat victims of rape and other violence like this. And then there’s the very real possibility of being charged with something related to prostitution. This goes back to what you mentioned about selling sex not being illegal here but activities related to prostitution are. If a woman lives with another woman in the sex trade or they are both working from the same premises for safety they could be charged with running a brothel, if she’s working on-street she could be charged with soliciting, if she lives with someone else they could be charged with living off immoral earnings, and for migrants who don’t have the right to live here it’s even harder as in addition they may risk being sent back to a dangerous country, separated from their family and children.

I care so much because I know this injustice in the law too well and how the current laws make people in the sex trade easy targets for criminals, knowing how unlikely we are to report the crimes they commit against us. My novel is about a group of women in prostitution who have all been raped by the same client – this is what’s based loosely on my own life– they aren’t able to turn to the police for help so to stop the rapist raping any more women they have to take matters into their own hands. This is not how the justice system is meant to work, not how the protection of the police is meant to fail women, yet it does.

Fourteen years later nothing has changed for women in prostitution when they have been the victim of rape – with the exception of the women in Merseyside. Merseyside is the only place in the UK where people in the sex trade can call the police when they’ve been the victim of a crime and know they will not be treated as a criminal and they will have the full protection of the law and recourse to justice.

People can advocate for the Merseyside hate crime model in their areas wherever they are in the UK or in the world. They can write to members of Parliament or Congress and campaign and raise awareness by any other means to get it discussed at government level and in the media spotlight. This short clip on BBC News from a documentary I presented will be useful in understanding the scheme and seeing how it works in practice. There’s also a great deal of information including interviews and articles here for people who would like to know more.

My Suffering Sisters

Submitted by Alison Gonzales from Los Angeles, California – USA

Immigration is a major issue not just in the U.S. but in other parts of the world. People claim their inherent right to exclude other races and cultures from coming into their countries. People of color specifically are perceived as being dirty, ignorant, lazy and as people who weigh heavy on public support systems. I can say personally that this is not true. Mexicans are just as intelligent and diligent as others and we should have a right to live side by side with others in America. I want to tell you to the story of Lolita, a young Mexican immigrant who is a mother, wife and daughter.

Lolita and her husband arrived in the US in 2010. They came to work in the agricultural industry. Both were very hard working people trying to make a better life for themselves and their families as they sent money home on a regular basis. Her husband was merely walking down the street one day and was attacked by Americans. He was badly beaten and taken to the hospital where he later died. Lolita suffers.

Juanita came to the US in 2007. Since she was here she had two children. Though also a very hard worker, doing the best she could to provide for her children, she was eventually discovered to be illegal and immediately deported. She tried to tell the officer that she had children in daycare, but they would not listen to her. She was put out of the US without even being able to see her children. Fortunately, she was able to get in touch with the woman who was was watching her children while she worked and is making arrangements for them.

There is the story of Rosita, who was raped and murdered during the perilous journey across the desert to America. Her murders will never be known and brought to justice.

These are just three stories that are indicative of the hardships my sisters face in trying to come to America to work and create better lives for themselves and their families. Believe it or not, there are some that are even far more horrific. I make an appeal to the American people, especially to women, to stand up and speak out against the discrimination that our sisters face. Please support immigration laws that allow human beings to be treated as human beings, not a creatures and things that should be discarded. We are sisters, mothers, wives and daughters, just like you.

If you are in fear of being deported, please seek legal help from immigration attorneys. There are people out there who want to help you.

Unhealthy Eating in America

healthylunches.co

A lot of us have forgotten some things, or perhaps never knew, as it relates to food. Our parents or considering the time – their parents – were raised on home grown vegetables, livestock that the family had themselves and good old, down home cooking. A meal was prepared with time and most importantly with love. Food didn’t come in a box with instructions to add water, or just to heat and serve. No. The time was taken to prepare each ingredient and to include that ingredient along with others to create a meal. Fresh eggs were in the chicken coop in the backyard.

The entire family was involved in the process, including children. There was a need to plant and to tend to the gardens. A need to pick the vegetables with a discerning eye which learned to select the good from the bad. The process of growing, caring and observing the food that was eaten gave a distinct appreciation and understanding of the life and the chain of life. Everything is alive!

Along comes the industrial age and greedy corporations who mass produced food products and included lots of chemicals in the process. Food was processed with coloring to make it look more appealing, flavoring to replace and enhance the taste because the real flavor was lost during to production process and finally, preservatives to make it last longer on store shelves. We all have access to the list of ingredients on the products that we eat. But, how many of us really look at what is in our food and research it to understand the effect it has on our bodies? Not enough of us because if we were really aware of what we were eating, we would make a stand against it and force companies to change they way they process our food.

Many Americans end up with cancer. Why? Do we look at the massive quantities of chemicals in the form of pesticides, preservatives, coloring, flavoring and other non-food ingredients that we consume over a lifetime? No. There is a no major scientific emphasis placed on such matters. If you want information about the effect of chemicals on our bodies, we have to dig for the information.

“Fast” food should be a considered a no no at all times. Teach your children healthy eating habits and about healthy meal preparation. Let them enjoy the process of preparing real food with you. Make the effort. Take the time. Start a little garden in your backyard or by growing food in pots in your kitchen! Children delight at the miracle of watching things grow. Learn together what the soil needs to be like for each vegetable or plant. How much light does it need? How often should different plants be watered? Make it their job to help care for the plants. Most young children would not consider this a chore at all. They will delight in the fruits of their labor – literally! There is nothing like growing a cherry tomato, picking it when it’s ripe and taking a bite of something they grew themselves. And when there is a nice little harvest, imagine their pride when the family sits down to eat dinner and they are eating the results of what you grew together!

With the internet and the instant availability of a myriad of recipes from all over the world, there is no excuse for not exploring diversity with meals. There is no reason why we don’t all have a greater understanding of nutrition, health and what the needs of our bodies are. We must get back to the garden of eden, or the garden of eatin’!

For a mother, who is usually the CEO of family food, there is no greater magic than the priceless results of a healthier you and a healthier family who understands that food does not come in a box. It comes from time, patience, a little bit of smarts, great healthy, recipes and lots and lots of love! Feed your family well in healthy ways and they will learn to do the same for themselves.

Rita Umile – Pushing Vitamin D Awareness

Why did you decide to become advocate?

I was definitely born with the heart of an activist. My mom tells me that from the time I could speak and reason, I would consistently stand up for the underdog. No child would be bullied in any playground I could be found in. I wouldn’t stand for it. Everyone was equal, or I wouldn’t play. No name calling allowed. I would pound dust if I had to.

At the junior high school level, I made a school switch. It was 6^th grade, and this is a difficult age group to begin with. I had a hard time being accepted; and truthfully I wasn’t very accepting, either! I was coming from a public school background and entering a Roman Catholic school background. It was a difficult structure change for sure. And I got to experience firsthand just how painful being bullied really is for a child. Luckily my self-esteem was already securely in place, and I was able to hold firm ground. It took 2 full school years, but I did ultimately become accepted as a leader within the class, and I won the group’s respect and award as being most compassionate of its members.

I think it was upon receiving this award and respect from a group of 35 kids who originally detested me so intensely that I made up my mind to become a champion for those who need me, and a champion for even those who don’t realize that they need me…a guardian angel, so to speak.

I never (ever) give in, up or out… I just don’t.

Was this something you’ve wanted to do since you were a child, or did an experience open you up to the idea?

I will share a personal story with our readers:

My mom’s brother married a lovely woman who developed schizophrenia at 27 years of age. They lived in California while we lived in Connecticut. My mom and I spent much of my toddlerhood living with my uncle and his wife, as she was under the care of a psychiatrist in California. When the symptoms were not controlled correctly, my uncle’s wife came back to Connecticut with us to be treated at Yale, by a pioneer in the treatment of this disease. He treated her really quite successfully with meds, and with structured activities, which helped her feel productive and useful. My uncle and his wife had a child, and lived as content a life as possible…Of course, let us remember that there are absolutely NO perfect lives…and so (so) many of us live with conditions like diabetes, M.S. Lupus, Bi-polar conditions, or Schizophrenia…

Certainly, Schizophrenia is a disease of disorganized mental thought and perception and therefore a very difficult disease for family members, loved ones and friends, in addition to the individual with this condition. But, my aunt was always grateful for her life, and my uncle…yes he was extraordinarily compassionate…loved his wife tremendously and they had a special marriage based on a deep understanding on my uncle’s part of what it means to extend a heart to someone in need.

My aunt while being treated at Yale lived with my family, so I got to participate in her recovery process. Later on in my teen years I volunteered at a local hospital in the psychiatric ward…I considered being a psychologist, but life led me in a different direction. Throughout my life I have been friends with individuals who have this condition, and I enjoy these friendships tremendously…these are extremely creative souls…and I honor each of them… I’m glad for our friendships, and I encourage everyone to always extend friendship openly to those suffering from this treatable health matter.

In my opinion, there are no perfect people, but there are perfect friendships…those friends with whom when we are present, the cares and troubles we all face in daily life seem somehow to melt away, at least for a while…those friends whom we may show our human frailties and know that we are accepted and understood, effortlessly…

There were other family experiences, which helped make activism a life choice for me. For example, I never believed in Santa Claus. My parents thought this was not the true meaning of the season. So, instead of receiving gifts from my parents for Christmas, I would go to the toy store with my dad, and we would pick out tons of toys, put them in a box, and then make home deliveries to needy parents from my dad’s place of employment. My dad would have me sit with the parents to choose appropriate toys for their children.

I have to admit that for several of my younger years I wasn’t too crazy about this tradition. And, I will also say that I did get gifts from my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

I wasn’t totally toy deprived!

But, this overall was a great experience for me. And, it was a life altering experience, in terms of how I came to view my place in the world, and what it means to be of service to others.

Things in our society don’t fix themselves without people like you becoming involved and pushing the solutions. In your daily life, do you often see things that need to adjust to better suit people? And if so, does that part of you ever turn off?

I helped organize a group of municipal workers so that they would receive better pay, health insurance, and job advancement. They were some of the lowest paid municipal workers in my state. They needed to unionize, and I assisted them to unionize. I did what was right; I have no regrets. And, no – that part of me never (ever) turns off. I always do what is right…well, at least what I think is right!!

How do you get more people involved in your agendas to correct things? What is your process like?

My world moves on trust, loyalty, and friendship. Once a friend, forever my friend. Until death, I will take care of you… I ask people to please respond to me based on my integrity. I walk my talk. I am who I am; I mean what I say; I do what I mean. And, I do it with love. Or, I don’t do it at all.

What can we do to get more people to become of aware of the things in our society that need to change?

Well, one person can’t change it all. We have to listen to our hearts, and choose a cause which resonates deep within us. And, seek out like-minded individuals…congruent individuals…with whom to associate.

I would say awareness is at least a several-step process.

First we must quietly reflect upon what matters to us.

Then we must look to unite with others who are similar in thought.

Of course, supporting each other, while forming a direction to push forward towards societal change.

Remember, we exist because we choose to belong, and to contribute. WE create our society—for better or for worse.

Tell us why you have so much passion for and write so much about vitamin D. The lack of it is a source of many illnesses, isn’t it?

In my opinion, vitamin D is the #1 public health issue facing our world in this century. Nature intended for us to get our vitamin D via sunshine, through skin mechanisms. But, because of our indoor lifestyles and our use of sunscreen, this is virtually impossible. Additionally, if you are elderly, carry a few extra pounds, or are of darker skin pigmentation, the process is even more difficult. And, if you live above latitude 35 degrees north, the sun’s rays simply aren’t strong enough to generate vitamin d during the winter months.

There is a lack of food sources for obtaining adequate vitamin D on a daily basis, if the dosage range used is 5,000 iu D3 daily, as recommended by the Vitamin D Council. There are absolutely no food sources which will provide you with 5,000 iu D3 daily.

Chances are high that if you aren’t supplementing with 5,000 iu D3 daily, you are deficient. And, there is good evidence that vitamin d deficiency leaves you at peril for cancers such breast, colon and prostate cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes II, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune diseases such as MS, Lupus and R.A.

Vitamin D is so much more important than simply bone health, though of course it is necessary for this as well.

What is the Vitamin D Council?

The Vitamin D Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, working to educate the public on vitamin D, sun exposure and health.

It was founded by Dr. John Jacob Cannell, because the evidence clearly indicates that humans do not get enough sun exposure to achieve and maintain optimal vitamin d blood serum levels. Many…if not most…humans are deficient in vitamin D.

As I stated previously, researchers are beginning to discover that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for many diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, researchers are discovering that vitamin D deficiency may make some diseases more severe. Even more, researchers are discovering that vitamin D can be an important piece in the treatment of some illnesses and diseases.

The Vitamin D Council is here to help and educate. It works to educate patients, families, doctors and health professionals. And, this is an extremely good thing, in my opinion!

Why did you decide to become involved with that organization?

I decided to become involved with the Vitamin D Council because I admire and respect Dr. John Jacob Cannell, and the staff he has working with him. They strive to present accurate and up-to-date data on vitamin D, in an unbiased format. This approach is what makes the Vitamin D Council’s information reliable and trustworthy. It is for me an impeccable nonprofit organization.

What is your ultimate goal? What is the one thing that you want most to leave behind and how will you do that?

Honestly, my life is currently artwork in flux. And, my ultimate goal is to lead a healthy, happy, and productive life.

For my son and my friends, I would like to leave them with the security of knowing they were well loved just as they were—they are perfect!!!

Regarding vitamin D, I would like to see 3 things happen in my life time.

1. I would like to see the IOM raise the 25(OH)D sufficiency level to 50 ng./ml

2. I would like to see the 25(OH)D test made part of the standard blood panel

3. I would like to see a food fortification program established for vitamin D

How will I go about doing all this? Well, I cannot do all this myself. I hope that perhaps I may be gifted with the ability to spend more time with the Vitamin D Council, performing any type of work that will benefit this outstanding organization.

I believe in a united approach to ending this very serious public health issue. I would like to see the vitamin d physicians and researchers work hand-in-hand with policy makers to create life-enhancing changes—like food fortification, for example—so that those in most need of vitamin D like pregnant moms, infants, the elderly and those without financial means are able to have sufficient sources of vitamin D via food staples.

By the way, this would not only benefit the health of so many, but it would certainly benefit the health of the global economy by trimming health care costs substantially. Less illness = less health care costs; and this is a very good thing.

My universe always seems to work in very mysterious ways. I have been so very fortunate to always receive what I request. And, what I always request is the ability to make a positive difference…to save a life…

I have the heart of an activist, and this is just who I am.

I’d like to take a moment to thank the following individuals who have so graciously helped me on my vitamin D journey:

John Cannell, MD, Founder and Executive Director of the Vitamin D Council, for his intractability (probably the only human being more intractable than me). J

William Grant, PhD, Vitamin D Council Board member, and Founder and Director of the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center (SUNARC), for his humor, knowledge and kindness.

Brant Cebulla, Development Director of the Vitamin D Council, for his forgiveness regarding my 1,000+ pushy emails.

And, a special thank you to Michael Greenwood, Communications Director, Yale School of Public Health. This video is due to his patience and good advice. I am forever in your debt, Michael.

– Rita

Visit the Vitamin D Council:

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/