We’re in the midst of Christmas shopping and want to choose presents that are different, thoughtful, appreciated, and useful. Maybe even something with a personal touch, something you put together yourself. Have you thought about a utensil kit? Or reusable makeup removal pads? Check out DIY CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT HELP REDUCE EVERYDAY WASTE to put your imagination to work.
Yesterday’s Thursday Thought was preparation for today’s annual U.N. Human Rights Day. The Day’s 2021 focus is this: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” The aim is for us to think about and act on improving the human rights of all people worldwide. That’s a tall order. But we can start with the people around us. Those attacked for their ethnicity or religious beliefs. Adults and children living with abuse. The homeless. The addicted. Prisoners. We begin by adjusting our attitude toward them, by leaving behind the feeling that they are somehow to blame, abandoning the “us/them” stance that places them at a lower level, with less dignity and fewer rights that we have. In short, remembering that they are actual human beings. Maybe, after we take thoughtful stock of ourselves, we don’t need this attitude adjustment — although most of us do to some extent — we know someone who does. Then it’s our responsibility to act, to speak up when we’re in the presence of the destruction of human dignity. It’s up to each of us, individually and together, to stand up for the rights even of strangers.
Every day should be Human Rights Day!
Yes, we should help our fellow human beings, because it’s the moral thing to do. But there’s another, more selfish, reason to do so, as Horace Mann points out in today’s Thursday Thought quote.
| “Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves. We must be purposely kind and generous, or we miss the best part of existence.” — Horace Mann |
When you talk to your older friend, look and listen. Do you see bruises or weight-loss, although she’s normally pretty healthy? Does a lady who used to be a Chatty Cathy now cut conversations short? Does she tell you about the bundle of money she’s getting from an unexpected source, and she just has to send a check to cover taxes? Or about a long-lost grandson whose story of financial woe broke her heart so she’s helping out? Are she and her caregiver having arguments? These are a few signs that your friend or relative may be the victim of elder abuse. You owe it to her to report the situation. You may be the only one who does. If it’s a life-threatening situation, call 911. Otherwise, call Adult Protective Service. Call even if you aren’t sure there’s abuse. They’ll get details from you, then, if they (the experts) feel there’s possible abuse, they’ll send someone to do a welfare check. You may be wrong; however, if you’re right you may save a life.
With Covid and divisive politics and Me-ism surrounding me for several years, this believer-in-my-fellow-human (me) was getting weary and wary of even friends and relatives, let alone strangers. It’s been hard not to feel that humanity is at its worst ever. I had a change of heart, though, when I saw this video. I remember 1969, and I keep coming across people like those described in this video. I hope your spirits are uplifted once you watch it.
‘Tis the season for giving–and scamming! Those thieves have a multitude of ways to trick us into giving them our money. Especially so during Christmas season.
The Better Business Bureau is watching out for us. And they’ve given us ways to watch out for ourselves. Starting with their The Naughty List: BBB’s 12 Scams of Christmas. Before you do any more Christmas shopping, especially online or on an app, read that article. You’ll be glad you did.
You’re having trouble with a feature on your new cell phone, or there’s a glitch in your tax-preparation program. You call the company’s customer service, knowing full well you’ll just be more frustrated. And Sam, the representative, has an accent, meaning more difficulty. After awhile, though, you find the person easy enough to understand and both knowledgeable and patient with you. Voila! The problem is solved. The next day an evaluation arrives in your email. Do not ignore it. Take the few minutes to give the company your feedback, including how much you were helped. Give Sam’s name, and be specific about how friendly yet professional Sam was. Explain that you were regretting buying their product, but now, thanks to Sam, you’re happy enough to recommend it. Or whatever positive comment you can make about the person who made your life so much easier. Why? Because this faceless person takes pride in a job well done yet seldom gets recognized for it. And because your action fosters the idea of Dignity of Work.
A friend sent this to me. I thought it was a great definition of “strength,” which is a much-misunderstood concept in our society. I pass it on to you as today’s Thursday Thought quote.
You may want to think twice when shopping for a new stove, especially if you’re considering a gas model. A UCLA study showed that gas appliances in 90% of California homes give off carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, formaldehyde. and other toxins. These are serious health threats to your family–and they don’t help the Earth, either. Before you go shopping, read this E/The Environmental Magazine article, Should I Ditch My Gas Stove? Learn about their impact on lung and heart disease, your vulnerability to viruses, headaches, and other health problems. Keep in mind that the study found that “children who grew up in a home with a gas stove are 42% more likely to develop asthma than those who didn’t.” The article also offers alternatives to gas stoves. It’s a worthwhile read.