Free hugs and a Smile

The world as we know it is rapidly evolving.  My new MAC is already a dinosaur, families are growing, and I'm sure by the time you finish reading this, there will be a new Iphone.  Have we forgotten to smell the roses?  Just like my original IBook, patience, respect, and volunteerism are a thing of the past.  What ever happened to "love thy neighbor"?


When I was in sixth grade, I was involved in my first volunteer project.  We went to a small school in Goulds, Florida where we played and tutored children. While I was worried about my next Stussy t-shirt, these children were lucky if their parents could afford clothes at all.  However, I was given a glimpse into the real world outside the fancy walls of my private school.  I was finally pinched and woke up from my dream life.  I never forgot those children and the run-down playground they had.

As beautiful, lavish, and luxurious as Miami is, we have a lot of troubled cities within our surrounding neighborhoods.  These neighborhoods contain the forgotten children growing up on the streets of Miami.  These are the children I think of.  While Florida is known as a beach getaway and an endless supply of fake boobs, we also have a silent problem of sex-trafficking and illegal prescription pill mills.

Into my teens and college years,  I continued to serve our community and did other various charity works with local organizations.  I continued to learn about the diverse populations in our communities and superhero organizations en route to help poverished neighborhoods.  Meanwhile, "My kids", as I liked to call them, are still ducking bullets, hiding from drug dealers, and merely trying to survive.  It's important for us to serve those in our community who need it most.  If they fail, we ALL fail.  If you can inspire one child to stay in school, that's one less child on the streets.  In turn, that's one less pregnancy, one less crime committed, and one less spot in jail taking up our tax dollars.




Furthermore, it's time we take charge and restore faith in our humanity.  I have been inspired most recently by a new friend, a friend I have yet to meet, to write this and take some action.  I have been blessed in-between Olivia's naps (while I should be tackling our mountain size laundry pile) to take time to share stories such as this, and have complete strangers from around the world thank me for doing so.  Something as simple as words has brought hope to so many people.  Well, then it's the least I can do.



My husband recently engaged in conversation with an old friend.  It went something like this:

"Hey B! So I constantly read your wife's blogs and I have caught myself teary eyed at times... So I was reading another blog catching up and I drew something that made me think of her... Mind you I don't even know her but by reading her blogs I feel like I've known her forever. She seems to be an extraordinary individual, a great friend and an amazing mother..."


"Tell her to keep up the good work... She is Inspiration to many others through her thoughts and her words!  I put wings because the flying pink elephant reminds me of butterflies and how free they are... They mean rebirth and a new beginning to me...  I will have to meet that wonderful wife of yours one day... She truly inspired me and made me so emotional last night and made me rethink of what is important and what isn't!"


Well, my new friend, while I may have inspired you, it is really you, who has inspired me.  I am humbled and grateful for your kind words.  I can never truly tell you how much they meant to me.  I too was moved to tears.  I appreciate your time in drawing the pink elephant as well.  Continue to inspire and be inspired. Work hard for you and you're family, the rest will follow.  Never forget what is important.  Again, I am truly thankful for your picture and kind words.  For my other followers and do-gooders, thank you, for being you.  I appreciate all your thoughtful comments and emails.  Please keep them coming and update me with all your beautiful stories.  

I realize now more than ever, what limited time in the day we have.  We have family, friends, work, and somewhere in there, a bathroom break or two.  It is free however, to donate your time to a wonderful cause or to help someone in need.  Think of all those who have done something wonderful for you.  Send them a simple note thanking them and a BIG hug is always best.  Have a conversation with a stranger.  The homeless people on the street sometimes prefer a conversation over a dollar.  Leave a kind note on a stranger's car.  Volunteer. For more ideas, visit our friends over at Guerrilla Goodness.  The founder of Guerrilla Goodness and I shared a conversation many years ago and I never forgot it.  I was very inspired by her outlook on life and her willingness to share and spread love in a big and easy way.  Most importantly, I want Olivia to be grateful for the life she leads.  I want her to learn about humanitarianism and what it not only looks like but most importantly, what it feels like to help someone.  When we help others we get more in return without even knowing it.  Our good deeds in life never go un-noticed and if they do, smile knowing you did some good in the world because we need more people like YOU.

If you live in the Miami area and are looking for wonderful ways to get involved or make donations, consider these charitable organizations near and dear to me:

Honey Shine Mentoring Program

Shake-A-Leg Miami

Miami Children's Hospital

University of Miami

All pictures were borrowed from Pinterest.