Tag Archives: disability

Day 1904: Platforms and Circles of Influence

Everybody has platforms through which they can make a difference – that’s what I know.

It’s 12 : 28 PM on day 1815 of my journey towards independence and I’ve managed to brush my teeth, pray, read 1 Corinthians 5, publish my Disability of the Day feature, learn one new thing –Bugs Bunny was the second cartoon character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; the first was Mickey Mouse– have breakfast and do some work.

This morning I was thinking about our reverend, Ian, he’s not monetarily rich or famous but every Sunday from his pulpit he talks about issues that matter and in so doing makes a difference just goes to show everybody has platforms through which they can make a difference.

Day 1903: 21 Icons season 3 episode 13: Jolynn Minnaar

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“I’m focused on trying to understand how we can tell stories and allow other people to tell stories, and in doing so, better understand the South African identity.” – Jolynn Minnaar

It’s 12 : 48 PM on day 1813 of my journey towards independence and I’ve managed to brush my teeth, pray, read 1 Corinthians 4, publish my Disability of the Day feature, learn one new thing – Camels have two rows of thick eyelashes to protect their eyes from the desert dust. They are also able to close their nostrils and lips to keep out the dust. – have breakfast and hang out with family

Yesterday I watched season 3 episode 13 of 21 Icons featuring filmmaker Jolynn Minnaar I love that Jolynn is using her art to make an impact. Watch “21 Icons: Jolynn Minnaar: Short Film” below:

Day 1902: To Kindness Boy and his parents

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The smallest acts of kindness can leave the biggest impression on one’s heart – that’s what Kindness Boy taught me.

It’s 12 : 17 PM on day 1812 of my journey towards independence and I’ve managed to brush my teeth, hang out with family, pray, read 1 Corinthians 3, publish my Disability of the Day feature, have breakfast, publish my Kid of the Week feature, learn one new thing – Titular [tit·u·lar] adj. Relating to or constituting a title. “The titular head of the business.”- and do some work.

Yesterday I was in a clothing store with my sister and somehow we ended up crossing paths with this kid – let’s call him Kindness Boy because I don’t know his name – just as I was passing by he made eye contact, smiled and gave me a thumbs up and I did the same I swear to God in that brief moment that me and Kindness Boy shared I had never felt so seen it was like he knew something about me that nobody else knew I have tears in my eyes just remembering what that kid did. To Kindness Boy: I don’t know your name and I may never see you again but you have imprinted on my heart like nobody else on this planet I will pray every morning and every night that you grow up to be healthy, happy and successful (whatever that word means to you) I love you so much buddy. To Kindness Boy’s parents: You should be SO PROUD of your son even though he probably didn’t know what to say to me he still acknowledged me as a human being through his actions which is more than I can say for some people five times his age.

Day 1901: “You can grow new brain cells. Here’s how”

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“Jonas Frisén from the Karolinska Institutet, has estimated that we produce 700 new neurons per day in the hippocampus. You might think this is not much, compared to the billions of neurons we have. But by the time we turn 50, we will have all exchanged the neurons we were born with in that structure with adult-born neurons.” – Dr. Sandrine Thuret

It’s 12 : 00 PM on day 1811 of my journey towards independence and I’ve managed to brush my teeth, pray, read 1 Corinthians 2, publish my Disability of the Day feature, learn one new thing – Sagacious [sa·ga·cious] adj. Shrewd; showing keen mental discernment and good judgment. “A sagacious remark.” – and go shopping

Yesterday I watched “You can grow new brain cells. Here’s how” – a Ted Talk by Dr. Sandrine Thuret about neurogenesis, the adult brain’s ability to produce new neurons – my inner-geek found this Ted Talk absolutely fascinating. Watch “You can grow new brain cells. Here’s how” below:

Day 1900: Making every day magic

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We have the power to fill every day with magic – that’s my message to the world.

It’s 12 : 30 PM on day 1810 of my journey towards independence and I’ve managed to brush my teeth, pray, read 1 Corinthians 1, publish my Disability of the Day feature, learn one new thing –6 to 8 months after planting, bulb ceases production of new leaves. Nutrients from the leaves descend to the bulb, which becomes ready for the harvest.– have breakfast, make sandwiches for the kids in our sisi’s (housekeeper’s) neighborhood with sisi’s help as part of Virginia’s Sandwich Run –(thank you sisi for all your help today) – and do some work.

This morning it occurred to me that we have the power to fill every day with magic by being grateful and expressing love every moment of every day.

Day 1899: Discovering the purest versions of ourselves

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When we look for the best in others we find it in ourselves – that’s what I realized today.

It’s 12 : 16 PM on day 1809 of my journey towards independence and I’ve managed to brush my teeth, pray, read Romans 16, publish my Disability of the Day feature, learn one new thing –There are around 10,000 varieties of tomatoes worldwide! – have breakfast, listen to music and do some work.

Today I realized when we look for the best in others we find it in ourselves every time I look for the best in others and want the best for others it’s like I transform into the purest version of myself it’s something that’s hard to explain in words but something that I wish for every human being.

Day 1897: “I Had A Dream” by Kelly Clarkson

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I had a dream that we were more
A generation to behold
Lighting fires with our words
Instead of useless smoke that blurs
The lines of right and wrong
Expression that lives on
An army with a song
That lingers when we’re gone
I had a dream

– Kelly Clarkson, “I Had A Dream”

It’s 12 : 03 PM on day 1807 of my journey towards independence and I’ve managed to brush my teeth, pray, read Romans 14, publish my Disability of the Day feature, learn one new thing –
Bromide [bro·mide] n. A commonplace remark or notion; a platitude. “Her speech contained the usual bromides about teamwork.” A tiresome or dull person; a bore.- spent time with the staff and kids at UThixo Ulungile Ministries @ Stoney Drift – the kids sang for us and recited a Bible verse (it was lovely they’re so adorable 🙂 kids have this enviable ability to be joyous no matter what circumstance they’re in it’s great) -have breakfast, hang out with my sister and listened to music.

A couple of days ago I heard “I Had A Dream” by Kelly Clarkson and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since it’s really the perfect song for young girls today. Listen to “I Had A Dream” by Kelly Clarkson below:

Day 1896: 21 Icons season 3 episode 12: Kyle Shepherd

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“What I love about jazz and improvisation is the freedom it gifts you. It allows you to be yourself.” – Kyle Shepherd

It’s 12 : 08 PM on day 1806 of my journey towards independence and I’ve managed to brush my teeth, pray, read Romans 13, publish my Disability of the Day feature, learn one new thing – Confluence [con·flu·ence] n. The act or process of merging. A flowing together of two or more streams. “A fortunate confluence of factors led to his success.”- have breakfast, hang out with family

Last night I watched season 3 episode 12 of 21 Icons featuring accomplished pianist Kyle Shepherd I loved Kyle’s passion for his art and the respect that he had for the elders in his industry. Watch “21 Icons: Kyle Shepherd: Short Film” below:

Day 1894: Me and Chasing

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I’m used to having to fight for approval and acceptance that’s why I chose to help people I have to chase after– that’s what I realized this morning.

It’s 12 : 20 PM on day 1804 of my journey towards independence and I’ve managed to brush my teeth, pray, read Romans 11, publish my Disability of the Day feature, learn one new thing –Obfuscate [ob·fus·cate] v. Render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible. Bewilder (someone). “The eclipse will obfuscate the sun’s light.”– have breakfast and hang with family.

This morning I realized that I’m used to having to fight for approval and acceptance that’s why I choose to help people I have to chase after which is dysfunctional but it makes sense in a strange sort of way needless to say now that I know why I do what I do I’m so done chasing people if they don’t want or appreciate my help I’ll just take it somewhere else.

Day 1893: What Antoine Leiris taught me about forgiveness

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Forgiveness is refusing to give people the power to hurt you any more than they already have – that’s what Antoine Leiris taught me.

It’s 12 : 47 PM on day 1803 of my journey towards independence and I’ve managed to brush my teeth, pray, read Romans 10, publish my Disability of the Day feature, learn one new thing –Egress [e·gress] n. The action of going out of or leaving a place. “The company’s egress procedures.”– have breakfast, make sandwiches for the kids in our sisi’s (housekeeper’s) neighborhood with sisi’s help as part of Virginia’s Sandwich Run – (thank you sisi for all your help today) – and hang out with my sister (she’s back from varsity for summer break)

Yesterday I watched “Paris attacks: “I won’t give you the gift of hating you”” – Antoine Leiris’s message to the terrorists who killed his wife in the Paris Attacks – I was so moved by the strength of this man and inspired by his refusal to be changed by this horrible thing that happened in his life. Watch “Paris attacks: “I won’t give you the gift of hating you”” below: