Monday 16 November 2015

Seriously...I'm kidding

I was deeply upset when I read the news from Paris, and then angry. Very angry that they picked on young people and families, all innocent of involvement in anything at all. The anger scares me a little. It's not fear, it's an aggressive emotion. I don't think it's a good reaction to this tragedy, but there it is regardless.

A while ago I read Ellen DeGeneres book, Seriously...I'm Kidding. It's a very funny, entertaining read that made me laugh out loud a lot, in very public places. It does, however, end on a serious(ish) note.  While describing her secret to happiness, among other things, she says "Contribute to the world. Help people. Help one person....Just help. Make an impact. Show someone you care...even if we try the teeniest tiniest bit we can make this world a much happier and healthier one. And if we try even harder, we can do some pretty spectacular things."


If the disaffected chose this path, instead of one of selfish destruction, image the different world we'd live in?

However, we can only manage ourselves, so we need to increase our contribution, or offer a contribution to a neighbour, friend, or stranger. We can make the world a better place, and let's face it, we really need to. If like me you are feeling anger, then channel that energy into something positive. If you can't change the world globally, just start with a neighbour. It's easy and if we all make life better for one person, then it's a movement on a grand scale of sorts.

Here's hoping we eventually see some pretty spectacular things.

Linking with the BookNook

16 comments:

  1. I think many of us have feelings of anger over fear at the moment. I also think that if we start our movement for change with our neighbour then you will change the world globally. Did you see Waleed Aly's brilliant talk last night? Love Ellen, might hunt up that book xx

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    1. no but Handbag Mafia put it up so will watch when the house is awake....

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  2. I'm going to put Ellen's book on my Christmas wish list.
    That word "help" is the key I think. Just came across from Handbag Mafia and that was the stand out word for me over there too ...

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    1. and Jess's and Em Hawkers (or was it Wife, Mummy, Me?) - there's a bit of collective thinking on this, which makes me feel the movement could swell....

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  4. Thanks Lydia. Ellen's book sounds awesome. I love her straight talking way. She's right - we all need to just help. You're so right - imagine how wonderful the world would be if everyone embraced the helping philosophy and made a positive contribution.

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  5. I've never heard of this book, I'll have to check it out because it sounds great! It's so true that just helping one person can create a ripple effect of positiveness. #TeamIBOT

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  6. What a perfect book for Christmas gifting!

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  7. I must suss out the Christmas linkup. I'm very bah humbug about the whole festive season so perhaps it'll rub off on me!

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  8. You're not alone in your anger. I had the same feelings too. Thank you for sharing your Christmas link up. I'd definitely love to link up with you.

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  9. I loved this book too. I totally hear you and this year my Christmas is about doing things for others as well. Not sure if this is in your area but it's one of my causes this year http://www.sharethedignity.com.au/its-in-the-bag.html
    Have the best day xox

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  10. I read that book recently. Was funny. Ellen is funny. And kind. The best kind of celebrity.

    I've been focusing a lot on kindness at home, reminding my kids that we need to be kind with one another, reminding myself that the way I talk to my kids is how they are learning to speak to me. Small acts close to home are what will ultimately change the world.

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  11. I also love this book of ellen's and I share the same feelings in that imagine what we could do with this world if we all did just one act of kindness... just one xx

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  12. I love that book and it's been years since I read it! I watch Ellen most days and love her positive message, I love that she finishes her show every day with "Be kind to one another"... If only more people took this advice seriously, and if only it was that easy....

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  13. This sounds like s book more people should have on their shelf just in case

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  14. That is a beautiful sentiment. If only people were more tolerant and understanding of each other.

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