Short and Sweet

Keeping it short and sweet this week.

I feel as if all I have been talking about lately is the upcoming Military Family Symposium 2018: Building Stronger Families. 

We have been working very hard to promote this amazing , FREE, event, and to make sure it runs smoothly. 

The symposium is TOMORROW!  Hence, this will be my last mention of it, for this year. Grin.

Thank you all for indulging my need to share good information.  If you are in the area, I hope to see you there.  If not... have an absolutely fantastic weekend!!!

You can pre-register here.

Sharing errors

In this day of social media, and the ease of instantly sharing information with the click of a button, I find it important to suggest that people check the facts before sharing errors.

Catchy graphics, and headlines grab our attention.  If the subject is something we have strong feelings about (good or bad) we are likely to read it.  Sometimes we are so moved by the information we feel the need to “share” it with our friends/contacts/network/followers/etc.  Sometimes that information is inaccurate.

What?  There is misinformation, or fake news, on the World Wide Web?  Say it isn’t so!

Unfortunately, it’s true.  Sometimes you will see a post about a person (especially a veteran, disabled person, or child), with a plea to “share” the information to help that person.  Do your research.  Often times, this is a phishing ploy and anyone who shares the post is caught in the web.  Sometimes they are legitimate, just be sure to check before you share.

Political posts.  Yeah, there is false information all over the place about politics.  If you feel strongly enough about the topic that you want to share the information, do your research.  Be sure the information is correct before you share.

Outdated posts.  It amazes me how old news becomes new just because someone shares it on social media.  When you read an article, look at the date it was written.  Yes, sometimes old news is worth sharing again, but when you do share it make sure you let people know its old news.  Often people will glance at it and share it, thus presenting it as current information, which is irresponsible.

Commemoration days.  This is a big one.  Someone will see a post that states “It’s (fill in the blank) day!  Share in honor of ___________.”   But, it’s not the correct day to commemorate that particular event/medical issue/etc.  One person shares it, their friends see it and share it, and the next thing you know, the country thinks its Valentine’s Day in June.  I know, that’s a bit of an obvious exaggeration, but you get the idea.

I’m sure none of us intentionally share misinformation.  I just happen to notice it quite a bit and thought I would bring it up.  Do your research.  Be sure the information is correct before you share.  Please refrain from sharing errors.

Night to Shine

As the Black Eyed Peas sing… “I gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night. That tonight's gonna be a good night.  That tonight's gonna be a good, good night.”

 Friday, the 9th, is the night that 540 churches, around the world, will be hosting Prom Night for people with special needs, ages 14 and up.

 Why am I telling you this? 

·         One reason is that our church is one of the host sites and Jim and I have volunteered to help with the event

·         Another is that I have worked with special needs youth for over 14 years

·         And, we have a grandson who is non-verbal, autistic

This group of people are very near and dear to my heart.

 This event is run by the Tim Tebow Foundation.  Regardless of how you feel about the man, his heart is in the right place.  

 Occasionally, you may read about a “differently-abled” teen having a date to their high school prom, or even being crowned prom King or Queen.  Yes, that happens, and it’s terrific that it does.

 More times than not, though, this group is left out of fancy social events.  Often, the needs of the individual make it difficult to attend such an event.  Sometimes, it’s social awkwardness, or sensory issues.  It could be dietary, or medical issues. It could even be the financial burden, of proper clothing.  Sometimes, it’s just easier to stay home.

 This FREE event is offered mostly through donations of products and services, and run by volunteers. If this is a group of people that you have avoided because you are afraid or because you don’t know how to react, this is a fantastic opportunity to get to know them. Individuals with special needs are people, just like us.  They have likes and desires, just like the rest of us, and enjoy getting out to have some fun.  I’ve seen some pretty great dance moves, too!

 It’s too late to volunteer for this year, since the event is tonight, but go to the Night toShine website and check out all the information about the event and how you can get involved next February!

Chronic Illness

I have a new respect for those who deal with a chronic illness.

 I have been fighting bronchitis since the 1st week of November.  It gets better, only to relapse.  I have been on a steroid inhaler, which reduces my immunity, so… I ended up with the flu, which led to a relapse in the bronchitis recovery.  I have been on a number of medications for three months straight.  As the author of Pete the Cat writes… “Does Pete cry?  Goodness no.  He just keeps on singing….”

 As I was seeing the doctor and receiving three more prescriptions to try and knock all this out, the PA with her said, “At least you have a good outlook about all this.”  My response?  “What are ya gonna do?”  I’m not looking for your sympathy.  I’m hoping that you will have a new respect for those who deal with a chronic illness.

 I just did a quick search to find some definitive information on how many different types of chronic illnesses there are and the information varies.  It seems some are “avoidable” and/or “curable” while others are a lifetime illness.  Of course, you have to add the invisible chronic illnesses as well, like depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.

 Let me suggest that, for this blog, a chronic illness is one that requires daily medications, or management techniques, and persists for a lifetime.  I do not consider my bronchitis to be chronic at this point and yet, I find it frustrating and disheartening at times.  That is why I have a new respect for those who deal with a chronic illness.

 Taking all the meds becomes routine after a while.  They can make someone feel better, which is good, but they can also make you feel worse (side effects).  We’ve all seen the commercials that talk about the horrible side effects of some medications and think, “Oh yeah, I want to take THAT.”  For some people the possibility of side effects is worth the chance to feel better.  It’s a rollercoaster ride that some people don’t have a choice but to step on.

 So, the next time you chat with someone you know who is dealing with a chronic illness, keep this blog in the back of your mind.  No, they may not be having a great day, but… cut them a little slack.  They may be having a wonderful day.  Be thankful and appreciate that person even more, as they fight for the joy in their lives.

 Remember to be kind to those you meet, for you know not their struggles.

 *Pam is a Board Certified Advanced Christian Life Coaching, in the Raleigh area.