Take Nothing for Granted!

Lets Talk About It - From NYC w/Dana J.

Somebody once said to me to never take anything for granted. What we have now can be gone in the blink of an eye at any given time. There is no such thing as a guarantee. We come into this world expecting we are going to have everything we need such as a roof over our heads, clean water, food on the table, jobs, and money. What we are not told is these things are gifts we are blessed with. We have to work for the clothes on our backs, money in our pockets, food on the table, and a roof over our heads. NOTHING is free! What flows freely directly from our faucets is water. That being said, there are people in this world who do not have access to the clean fresh water we have at our finger tips day in and day out. Not mention the fancy and expensive bottles of water we purchase daily. Do you know how many people are dying from diseases and infections, including children, everyday due to unsanitary water? TOO MANY! It is staggering. SHOULD BE NONE! Think about if it!

The sad truth is that there are many who do not think or realize this because they are too busy complaining about work or trivial things. You know how many people wish they had a job to complain about. I want to scream when I hear people talking sometimes. It boils down the the unfortunate truth that we have somewhat become a selfish and superficial society. Be happy you have a job, be grateful for everything you have been given because there are thousands that do not have anything or half of what they need. Donating your time by volunteering is just as important as donating money. A dollar is all it takes. It all adds up if everybody takes the time. A friend of mine said to me once, "I do not have the capability to do as much as others or give as much". I said that is ok because any gesture creates change. The point is to get involved in whats is important.

All of us spend a good portion of everyday on the computer, so it makes sense that the word gets spread through social media. You reach people all over the world that are looking to changes lives and make a difference. There are some amazing organizations out there contributing to a cause such as @Water, @WWF, @HumanSociety, @joinred, @UNICEF, @AnimalDefenders, and there are many more organizations and charities out there fighting for a great and vital cause. Do what you can. Like a page on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, or go to the website, but it only takes one act to spread the word. A great deal of time is spent on Facebook and Twitter by millions so I recommend following some of these amazing groups and seeing what they have to say and seeing what we can do.

Seriously let's tackle world issues like the water crisis, hunger, health, unemployment, war, disasters, and the economic issues to name a few. I can go on and on because the list of problems is continuous. Just turn on the television or sign onto Twitter and Facebook because it is all over right in front of us. If we are going to complain, than at least complain about something that is worth complaining over. There are some amazing and beautiful people out there doing everything they can everyday to get the word out and get people to become involved. I HAVE to mention @Alyssa_Milano because she is a huge advocate and contributor to the water crisis in the world along with her other many lovely qualities. When a person says they would rather you contribute to their charity than receive gifts for their birthday, holiday, or special occassion, you truly know they are selfless. There are a plethora of other amazing and beautiful individuals who regularly recognize, share, and spread the word about pressing issues whether it be a celebrity or a regular Joe trying to do their part.

We are not really going out of our way. The next time you think you need to make that big purchase or buy those pair of shoes think for a second and say "DO I REALLY NEED THIS RIGHT NOW"? Maybe that time put it to better use. I am not saying we can't or shouldn't have things or to empty our bank accounts, but I am simply saying take a moment and think, give here and there and do what you can. If we can lavish ourselves with IPods, IPads, computers, fancy phones, and other material things, than I think we can take the time to make the simple things in life a reality for those who are in need.

Live like its your last day, give, love like you never been loved before, enjoy the simple things because that it is those things that truly create happiness in my book. Please take the time to consider where we are in the world. You would think that after such tragedy over the last decade that we would have made more strides, we have in some ways; however, we need to be closer to where we should be. Appreciate what you have. Look around you. Whatever you give will come back to you ten fold. The next time you take out your wallet for that unnecessary purchase think about how blessed you are in your life and what you already possess but might take for granted.

We can change the world one person, one tweet, one post, or one act at a time. It won't be in one day, but we just have to open our eyes and see what is happening that is not just limited to our nearby surroundings but throughout the world. The changes will slowly but surely be noticeable.

My own eyes are open much wider than they ever have been before since coming into contact with such unbelievably fabulous people and organizations of which I might have never known much about until others spread the word and I myself got involved. We are all guilty of life's pleasures, but we still need to stay humble! :)

One love!

Caio Caio
Many blessings...smile :)
D