Thursday, October 11, 2012

Why do we Bully ?


As most of you know when I was younger I had a serious neck accident and from that point on I became overweight due to the inability to be able to work out from pain and migraine headaches. I was teased and bullied and fortunately I overcame the hurt with the assistance of a strong family and 2 of the best friends you could ever imagine. Just knowing that I had someone to depend on that would not judge me for my actions and just love me for who I am was KEY.Be that person for someone. There came a point as I matured that I realized that I don’t care what others think of me this is who I am , and not to sound full of conceit , I love who I am. You know not one person ever asked me why I was the size I was and just assumed that I was an over eater.
Life is all about options and the choices that we ultimately make every day we are alive. One choice that’s made every day for the wrong reasons is the choice to become a bully. So often you hear of people that have taken their own life due to the actions of others. The case of a young girl Amanda Todd comes to mind. She made a poor choice to bear her breasts on the internet, because of the impulsive action this young beautiful woman was ridiculed mentally tortured, beaten up and eventually took her own life. Why are we so cruel? Have we all not made mistakes? It is heartbreaking to know that the same people that you see on a daily basis could play a HUGE part of someone wanting to live or die. Please view Amanda’s story  http://t.co/xN8WqoGd
You may remember that I am a mental health worker who also works with persons with all different disabilities’. On a daily basis I am subject to seeing the teasing, the stares, and the giggles and hear the whispers towards my clients.  Some of my clients do not have the capacity to understand what is being said or are oblivious to the stares, fortunately I am not. I become thoroughly disgusted at the way those persons who are different, people who have made mistakes and persons who just want to be different and express themselves in various ways whether it be clothing or sexual orientation. Who are we to judge? Next time you see a man in a wheelchair rolling down the street don’t assume “oh he’s retarded” think to yourself I wonder what could have happened? case in point there was a man at the football game that I attended that actually asked me what it was like to work with “retards” I kindly informed the man that this “person I am with tonight was struck by a Drunk driver and has irreparable brain trauma has lost his home , kids wife and entire way of life. I also said to the man that “he is one of the smartest individuals with the most heart I have ever met and he intends to walk and talk again just as you and I do”. in closing to the fine gentleman “when he does walk again I would love for him to meet you on the street and you call him to his face a Retard, have a great night and enjoy the game”.
Is the way we act a product of upbringing? Mob mentality, the overwhelming desire to be part of the IT crowd? Be happy to be you! Each and every person on this earth is an amazing human being who deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. If others don’t love you or say that everyone hates you! Tell them that is not true because FVsecretsanata loves you just the way you are!
Please support the following
Mindcheck.ca           all avenues that support NO hate and suicide prevention.
Be kind to one another life is short enough as it is

Friday, October 5, 2012

Special Thanks to Special People


Well hello everyone:
As I sit here and write this week’s post I am reminded and humbled on how #FVsecretsanta got started on twitter with my first 2 follower’s @gypsy_mamma and @kiatopia. Due to the belief of these two fine people FVSS has now grown to over 600 followers and have had a donation from @timhortons of 10x$10.00 gift cards, hats and team photos from the @bclions and just found out the other day a very generous donation from an anonymous follower who sent money to @ronaldMcDonaldhouse because of FVSS and will be sending money direct to a Santa Charity of choice. And countless people are performing Random Acts of Kindness. Thank you
Because of the generosity of others I have the chance this week to take 2 individuals to their first professional sporting event on Saturday night. The @bclions  have been so gracious in helping me to make this a special event for these gentlemen by arranging seating for them and their attendants (thanks LISA). I would like to thank Travis Lulay , Adam Bighill and Geroy Simon for taking a few moments to sign a team photo and personalize the autograph for my clients. As big fans of the sport but no funds to purchase tickets I know that this will be an event they will never forget.
Just as a small example to explain why these gentlemen cannot afford to go to sporting events or many community events at all. One of the clients I will be taking to the game is a fantastic 27 year old man with Cerebral Palsy, this man has seen his share of obstacle’s in his life and with the government cut backs, he remains in a home that he is supported and loved but now receives what is called comfort funds in the Total of $12.02 per month for activities. This is no joke but I am not sure who of us can live on $12.02 per month. So when you see me trying to fund raise and gather tickets or event passes this is why I am trying. Most persons with mental health or in the care of the ministry receive a maximum of $95.00 per month to live.
This week with the help of Tim Horton’s we have been able to Drop cards off to unsuspecting people in the community. I was able to meet with Travis Lulay and he has signed a couple of the cards so that the persons receiving them get a special extra bonus and maybe a smile that is a wee bit larger.
I have also tried to promote a Charity hockey game that will be taking place called Kevin Bieksa and Buddies
The money will be donated to Canuck Place, fantastic event and a great cause. The NHL strike has not just affected us as the viewers and fans, but also the staff at the arenas, surrounding businesses and the local charities that hockey supports. Let’s not make the children suffer no matter whose side you are on in the NHL debate, please support this cause. @kbieksa3 follow him and keep updated on this game or possible games in your area to help local charities.
I will personally donate $100 to the @canuckplace on behalf of FVsecretsanta and friends when my follow account gets to 1000. Help us get there for charity.
The weather is starting to turn cold I would encourage everyone to have a quick look through your closets for any blankets or warm clothes that you may not wear anymore and find a shelter or drop off center to donate. Giving back is the best way to ensure that people don’t give up!
Thanks everyone and I truly hope that you all Build a Great week. Find someone you love and tell them they are an important piece of your life’s puzzle.