Sunday, February 14, 2010

TO DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM…


















The other day when being busy at not being busy while busily reading a book, at my leisure I worked out that I probably read, watch, hear and catch glimpses of the world’s news on a daily average of four hours! It would be similar for many of us, I suppose. Every which way we look, we’re inundated with news – the good, the bad and the ugly - and there’s far too much of the latter two!

However, amongst all the mayhem and horrors are the positive, inspirational stories inordinately abounding with goodness, bravery and empathy. Individuals reaching for the stars, fulfilling their dreams, win or lose; some pushing themselves beyond the point of human endurance. Unselfish actions and random acts of kindness touch our hearts, often making us question our own values in life.

Unique individuals like Moira Kelly of the Children’s First Foundation whose unfaltering love and support of separated conjoined twins, Krishna and Trishna, together with the work she’s done elsewhere through the years is humbling to a mere mortal such as me. The powerful team at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital led by neurosurgeon, Wirginia Maixner, are the real “celebrities” of this world in which we flounder.

And let’s not overlook our young competitors in the Winter Olympics being held at Vancouver – Brittney Cox, the 15 year old mogul skier; 15 year old snowboarder Scott James and 16 year old figure skater Cheltzie Lee. Sure, it would be nice if they won a medal, but what’s more important is their dedication in following their dreams.

Let none of us forget our warrior of the high seas, Jessica Watson, either. This brave, adventurous young woman is attempting something that is beyond the imagination of the majority. I follow her blog, and each day I’m inspired by this 16 year old. She is an extraordinary young lady. We should all be proud of her. Get behind her; barrack loudly! When many of her peers are out binge drinking, causing harm and havoc, not only to others, but to themselves, as well, Jessica is proof the future is in good hands!

It's so easy to become weighed down by the heavy burdens the world thrusts upon us. Also, it's easy to become cynical, if we allow ourselves to be. We must train ourselves to look beyond all the evil-doers, and open our hearts and minds to those inspirational people who each moment of each day selflessly give themselves to the betterment of others.

We should learn to give praise where and when praise is due. We should not allow ourselves to fall into traps filled with derision and harsh criticisms.

Unfortunately, many find the latter easier to do than the former!

P.S. Sketch done by me a couple of years ago.

21 comments:

  1. Happy to see you get back to your site. Good thoughts.

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  2. Thanks, Marc! It's nice to see you, too. All the best to you and Sally. :)

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  3. You're spot on here Lee. The olympics seems to bring us all back to the top of our game. Thanks for the pep talk.

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  4. A bit of "The Good" side of the news never does any harm Lee.

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  5. Hi Cliff...we all need reminding, me included. We get swamped by bad news every day, unfortunately.

    There should be more of it, Peter! I get so tired of and saddened by all the horrible things that happen, not to mention angered and disgusted!

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  6. It's lovely to see you blogging again. I really like your sketch; you're quite talented.

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  7. Hi there Serena. Yes, it was a long time between drinks in the world of blogging for me...but I hope to do better!

    Thanks for your kind comment. :)

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  8. She lives! Callou callay, he chortled in his joy!

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  9. I was drawn to returning, Lee! How could I continue without you? :)

    Nice, as always, to see you. Thanks for popping by.

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  10. Lee,
    The News, I think, focuses too much on the cynical and the sensationalism of the negative segment of humankind. For the majority, who are just trying to get by, the world is actually a series of big and small celebrations of living. Look for the good in the world and you'll find it aplenty.
    rel

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  11. I'm a news junkie myself but it's probably true that I don't pay enough attention to the inspirational stories. Like you say, they are out there. I saw this comment on someone's blog--I was lucky to be born cynical. That way I'm never disappointed.

    I like your sketch.

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  12. Katfish6:22 AM

    If yall will permit me - I'll offer some inspiration 'BACA Style'

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4xUmhssOmI&feature=related

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  13. G'Day Rel, Dave and Katfish...unfortunately there is so much bad news around it to overshadow the good.

    I'm glad I'm not a cynic...that's something I never want to be.

    Thanks for your comments, guys! :)

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  14. What a compelling video, Katfish. That fellow is an excellent speaker, spreading a message all should hear...and act upon.

    With misty eyes, I thank you.

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  15. MsLee you should have Katfish mail dear.............

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  16. Gidday Lee,

    Lovely to see you back blogging. I too have had a bit of a spell (on and off) from blogging. Peter at Holtieshouse told me that you were back when I spoke to him on Friday night. It wasn't that I didn't have anything to blog about, but just got a bit lazy. Thanks for dropping by my blog and saying hello.

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  17. Interesting sketch, Lee. Funnily enough, it has the look of my cousin who is a photographer.

    I so agree with your comments about all the negativity, criticism and so on in the world. It's totally depressing but then comes along the news of someone who has done something wonderful and it makes it all worthwhile.

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  18. G'day, Wazza. I just felt I needed a break, too...a recharging of the batteries! And then other things got in the way and time just disappeared. Nice to see you

    Hi there Robyn...unfortunately the bad outweighs the good most of the time. When 12-year old school boys are getting murdered in their schoolyards and 82-year old women are raped and bludgeoned to death in their backyards by 18-year olds who've probably had nothing more constructive to do other than sniff glue or petrol or worse things are grim out there.

    Thanks for swinging by, my friend! :)

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  19. Lee
    I think it would be wonderful to have a news station with only good new and inspiration stories. Lots of the young Olympians have someone to inspire them. I thought it was inspiration that the Chinese couple won the gold after 18 years of trying. Peace

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  20. They certainly were wonderful, Lady Di! So was the other Chinese couple...I just swooned watching them and really got lost in the moment. I love the skating.

    Watching the Opening Ceremony, I was thrilled to see Anne Murray as one of the Olympic flag bearers, and of course, k.d. lang singing "Hallelujah". She does it so brilliantly. Her voice is unbelievable and she brings tears to my eyes every time I watch her sing it.

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