Lost Generation by Jonathan Reed
I am part of a lost generation
and I refuse to believe that
I can change the world
I realize this may be a shock but
“Happiness comes from within.”
is a lie, and
“Money will make me happy.”
So in 30 years I will tell my children
they are not the most important thing in my life
My employer will know that
I have my priorities straight because
work
is more important than
family
I tell you this
Once upon a time
Families stayed together
but this will not be true in my era
This is a quick fix society
Experts tell me
30 years from now, I will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my divorce
I do not concede that
I will live in a country of my own making
In the future
Environmental destruction will be the norm
No longer can it be said that
My peers and I care about this earth
It will be evident that
My generation is apathetic and lethargic
It is foolish to presume that
There is hope.
——————————————————————-
And all of this will come true unless we choose to reverse it .

While you are there.  Show her some love and leave a comment.

of free will–the power of choice.

Our future is determined, in large part, by the choices we make now.

We cannot always control our circumstances,

but we can and do choose our response to whatever arises.

Reclaiming the power of choice, we find

the courage to live fully in the world.”

~Dan Millman

Following is their mission statment.

Yehu’s mission is to combat poverty by empowering poor rural entrepreneurs in Kenya to help lift themselves out of poverty through enhanced accessibility to sustainable financial services. This includes enabling them to save and earn interest while giving them access to micro-loans, which can be used to start or expand their small businesses. Yehu also provides some business training, micro-insurance and other services to improve the lives of its members. Ultimately, Yehu provides hope and a hand—up to those who have been marginalized by society.

The vision is to nurture a responsive, efficient, effective and sustainable MFI of first choice among the rural entrepreneurs in the coastal region in particular and the entire country of Kenya in general.

we can only help them discover

it within themselves.”

~Galileo Galilei

This passage is from the chapter The Law of Surrender.

Some think it’s holding on

that makes one strong;

sometimes it’s letting go.

~Sylvia Robinson

“Have you ever noticed how flowing water is soft yet powerful?  Yielding, forceful, flexible, it surrenders to gravity without resistance, adapting to the shape of any container.  Water reveals the most intelligent and powerful response you can make in any circumstance….Surrender.”

“The Law of Surrender means accepting whatever happens in your life, it does not mean passive toleration for what you don’t like, or ignoring injustice, or allowing yourself to be victimized or controlled.  True surrender is active, positive, assertive–a creative commitment to make use of your situation, in a spirit of appreciation.”

“…this law guides you to surrender to the moment–to accept whatever arises, including your response to whatever arises.  It means accepting not only life’s ups and downs, but also accepting yourself–your body, your thoughts, and your feelings.”

“…life doesn’t always give us what we prefer, so our desires lead to attachment, anxiety, and frustration.  Following your small will may lead to temporary satisfaction, but not to lasting happiness.  When you see clearly that life is not only about getting what you want, but also about learning to want what you get, you’ll align your life with the Law of Surrender.”

These words inspire me to embrace every situation life brings to me as a learning experience.  How I emerge sets the tone for the next situation.  I have no regrets.  Everywhere I have been and everything I’ve done has brought me to where I am today.  Today prepares me for tomorrow.  Resistance to change will not stop it from happening, it only prevents you from clearly seeing the potential of where you are.

Nydia Mata of  Polymer Clay Snails.  Please visit her blog and learn about life as a single mom in the city.  Nydia is witty and has posted a funny look at what will happen to Dora the Explorer since her makeover.

Nydia Mata

I’m a single-mom to a 4 year-old little boy I adore.  His name is Aidyn (if you haven’t noticed — his name is my name spelled backward … cool, huh lol).  So I discovered that there were Mom’s out there that blogged and decided that I love my son and I love to write so *BAM* a blog was born.  So, it’s basically just me and my baby … looking to conquer the world … one episode of SpongeBob at a time .

I found myself so very excited to be a guest blogger on Tier1 Living that I ran into a little blogger’s block. I decided that since the weather was perfect again, I’d skip the train and walk the 31 blocks home … Actually, I always walk home in the Spring/Summer seasons … It’s great exercise,  a nice way to check out NYC and thousands before me have used these very streets for inspiration
and now so will I …

So, I’m walking here … trying to think of a way not to disgrace my first guest blogging job when …

I pass a woman petting a dog … Wait! … She’s not just petting the dog, she’s damn near sodomizing it … I can understand ones love of dogs but do you have to make out with it … Wait! … that’s not even your dog??

So I continue on my way … trying to decide: should I write an open letter? or a witty entry? when …

I pass three young men who’s pants are hanging down just below their butts … I think to myself: Do you guys have to wear your pants that low?  I mean, how on earth do they even stay up?!  It just defies all laws of gravity!

I let out a sigh … switch the song on my iPhone to John Mayer … Perfect … now I’m relaxing and my attention is back to the blog entry when …

Omigod they closed Dunken Donuts!  B..B..But when did that happen!  Where will all the happy little Boston Creme and Jelly Donut’s live now?! I’m not gonna cry!!  I am not going to cry …

I shake off the shock, take a deep breath and return my attention to my entry.  Ok so I’m concentrating on the wonderful post I’m going to create when …

I hear some shouting over the “concert loud” music playing in my ears.  Uh oh! Someone’s in trouble with a traffic cop.  These are the worse people to mess with.  Traffic cops are cops that have settled for less and they walk around with a chip on their shoulders just waiting … waiting! … for someone to give them a reason …

Thank goodness that’s over … I decide to use the WordPress app on my iPhone to maybe jar up some inspiration by writing down some random stuff … I’m writing away when …

I damn near eat it big time as I’m quickly reminded that it’s never a good idea to type and walk at the same time …

I shut down my iPhone’s WordPress app and stick the phone back in my pocket … Frustrated, I wonder: Why can’t I just focus on one thing!  Oh I know! I’m on the verge of a perfect topic when …

I happen upon two of the most gorgeous cops – this planet has ever seen!  It’s like my calendar just spontaneously came to life.  I think to myself, “Hello Officer January … Officer March! God, I love a man in uniform … Do come serve and protect me anytime, fellas!”

Feeling all warm and fuzzy, I turn back to Tier1 Living!  I just can’t completely bomb my first time guest blogging … So how do I make this blog entry completely genius?  I’m gathering up some great idea’s when …

I’m almost run down by a jogger … Aww, she’s all fit and everything … I wish I could go out and get some exercise … The baby keeps me busy but somehow all his treats and cookies find themselves on my plate!  Note to self: back to the gym, STAT!

Hey I know! I decide I’ll write something witty about my love/hate relationship with weight and food when …

Ewww … Someone disagreed that streets are for walking …
and pee’d on it instead …

Now, there is no way I can concentrate on food after smelling that!  I’m panicking now, thinking I’m going to totally fudge my first guest blog post when …

I see a couple of bushy-tailed squirrels playing around on a tree and fence … I stop for a moment thinking, “How cute!  I wanna play … and partake of their game …

(Snapping back to reality): But I can’t play!  I have to concentrate on what topic I’ll write about … I’m surmising how Brandy’s never going to invite me back to guest blog when …

More joggers?!  WHERE ARE THESE PEOPLE RUNNING TO! AND WHERE ARE THEY COMING FROM!!

Back to my guest blog … Surely there is something that this city can inspire me to write about!

Ooooo cupcakes! … Look away!! Keep walking!

I’m in silent hysterics now and wondering: Jeez! this city is so distracting! when …

Finally!  I’m home … maybe now I can sit down and really start thinking about what to write!

Michelle is my first guest blogger.  She has a positive attitude, is really funny and has learned that taking care of herself is the most important part of being a great mom.   Thank you for your contribution Michelle.

My name is Michelle, I am a former stay at home, homeschooling mom turned divorcee caring for four kids on my own, turned blended family, work at home, wife of a fireman real estate agent with seven kids.  If it sounds crazy, you should have tried living it.  I believe in living your life to the fullest and never regretting anything.  I love my life and I wouldn’t have changed a thing.  I think that finding the humor in even the most mundane things in our lives is one of the keys to my happiness.  Not that there is much in our house that is mundane.  Seven kids under the age of 15 make things very interesting.

Michelle Hoad

Mommy Needs a Time Out

I was 37 years old when I finally decided what I wanted to be when I grew up.  Of course, that is assuming that I am grown up.  At times, I still feel like a 13 year old girl, trapped in the body of a slightly chubby, 30something mom with too many stretch marks and grey hairs.  Then I finally realize that the crazy woman hollering at seven kids is me.

I am stunned at times to realize how fast the past 25 years have gone by, but how long it took me to decide on a career path.  I don’t feel like what I do defines who I am, but I wanted to find a career that I enjoyed doing.  Time I spend away from my family has to be fulfilling to me.  For so many years, I focused all of my time and attention on my children.  So much so, that my first marriage ended.  Not paying attention to his needs or to my needs caused a huge rift in our marriage.

I felt that I could spend time on myself and my interests later, when all the kids are grown.  By ignoring myself, I often felt tired, worn out and short tempered.  There were times when I was just one cranky lady.  To me, giving all my time to everyone else was what I was supposed to do.  Taking time for myself was taking time away from my kids and that was virtually child abuse.  I mean, what kind of woman allows herself to go out with her friends and spend time away from her kids.  A sane woman, that’s who.

When I take time for myself, I am more patient and calm when caring for my kids.  Giving yourself permission to do what makes you happy is important, whether you craft, exercise, scrapbook, write, or just sit in a coffee shop with a good book for an hour.   Don’t just take what time is left over, schedule time and covet it like you covet your neighbor’s brand new 2009 loaded Suburban.  Sorry, maybe that’s just me.

It doesn’t matter if you are a working mom, taking a short stop to decompress after a hard day at work, or a stay at home mom who has been with her precious little screaming heathens all day long, we all need a little mom time.  You will find that giving your kids some time without you will make them appreciate you a little more.  They will come to realize that mom is more than the maid, cook and boo boo kisser.

They will learn that yes, Dad can do those things and more.  He might do them a little differently than mom, but that’s ok.  No, really, it is.  Going to bed without a bath for one night will not cause irreparable damage to their delicate little psyches.  The most important thing is taking time to recharge your batteries so you can be the best mom you can be.

She is a woman that is pursuing her goals. She pays attention to the signs that come her way and trusts her instincts. Please visit her blog and read about her journey to publish her children’s books.