The Social Media Kindness Project

The Social Media Kindness Project
by: Talin Orfali Ghazarian

Social media has become a big part in today’s society and some people use it for goodness, positive and inspiration, but others not so much. Some people tend to use social media in a negative and toxic way to spread hate, bullying, rudeness, and sending terrible comments to anyone. As previous generations have taught “If you have nothing nice to say or do, do not say or do anything at all”. That is the golden rule.

So, with that I have come up with the social media kindness project. You have no idea what someone is going through in their lives. It is always a good idea to be kind and use social media in empowering and positive ways. This is going to take a village to do. Social media needs a big makeover and we need to start somewhere.

I cannot believe that we have to teach people proper behavior and how to act these days, but we have to. It has become too much and has gone way out of hand. We are not perfect and we do mistakes, but being rude and unkind is not a mistake. It is a bad habit and we need to eliminate it as much as we can.

Social media should be a place where we can be free to post pictures, updates, videos, status updates, stories, ideas, opinions and suggestions. It should be used to get us out of our daily life and to unwind, have fun and share a bit of our lives, but not to the point where it can be misused.

Now, here are instructions of what we can do together to build a safer and happier community online:

• If you see unkind, rude and horrible comments made by somebody in any group, pages, or to an individual person, report it to the social media outlet that it is found on, and then if you are able to, send that person a private message to teach them kindness and to point out what they did wrong in a civil way. Remember, we are trying to make a difference and be kind to unkind people, so that they can hopefully learn from their mistakes.
• Vulgar language, inappropriate posts, swearing, threats and other profanity should have no place on social media, especially when shared with people of all ages from children to elderly. Respect each other and create a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
• If you see bullying happen, someone being made fun of, being humiliated and ridiculed, step up, report it, take screenshots, record everything, time, date and names involved in the bullying and then find out who you can send the information to. If the situation becomes to the point where authorities need to be contacted, please do. Silence is not the answer. It could save lives, it could prevent from further escalation of the situation.
• We are all entitled to our opinions and how we feel, but there are all kinds of personalities and people in all walks of life online and we need to be general as can be, and we cannot discriminate. There needs to be 0 tolerance in racism, making fun of someone’s color, orientation, religion, beliefs and how they live their lives. We are all human and deserve love, respect and being treated equal, and fairly.
• Everybody needs a friend, we all need to feel included, to feel welcome, and be amongst people who care, who needs good advice, love, and being in diversity with all kinds of people. We need to give people positive empowerment.
• Some people have lived in a toxic lifestyle with nothing but negativity and bad days in their lives, and we need to make sure that these people can be in a place in their lives where they can count on us and it is important to mean it to make them feel better, to take them out of that negativity to be there for them in great ways, to mentor them and to let them know they are not alone and they can come to us at anytime.
• Social media is open 24/7 365 days a year and there are people in every time zone, It will be amazing and so incredibly beautiful to see social media blossom like flowers to see a fun place for us all to enjoy, be safe and to use it wisely.

This is not some kind of chain letter or those copy and paste posts. This is authentic and very real. This project is very important. I have seen so much as a person who has used social media, since it began before the MySpace days, Asian Avenue and all that. It has been a long time. I have seen a lot of rude and unkind people online and it is very disturbing. We need to combat and make a difference in people’s lives. So important.

What do you think should be done? What are your opinions or suggestions or other measures we can take to get this project underway? Would love to hear from you in the comments below.

This Kindness project will help billions of lives online, and it will make this world a better and safer place. Let’s do this, and let’s start to get things back on track. Now, are you with me on this?

I cannot do this without you. I would appreciate it. Thank you.

How to Keep Busy at Home During The COVID19 Pandemic – Self-Isolation Quarantine

I know it is a difficult time for us right now where our lives were filled with our busy lifestyle, going and coming, going out, but now with COVID19 CoronaVirus pandemic going on, we need to really focus on being isolated and quarantined just for a while until things clear up. Our Governments want to keep us healthy and safe as much as possible keeping us at home so that we won’t become a statistic too.

We need to entertain ourselves while we are quarantined and isolated at home and social media, the internet, and communication with others are so important right now as it always has been. Some people underestimate social media, but at times like this, we need to connect more than ever right now.

I know it is serious what is going on in the world and I am thinking about the lives lost and families ripped apart and those who are currently in the COVID-19 condition and those heroes in the front lines Nurses, Doctors, Pharmacists, Grocery workers, Teachers, public transportation workers, and others. I love you all, I respect you and I thank you. I appreciate all of you.

Some Tips from me to keep busy at home during this difficult time we are all facing during this pandemic of COVID19:

1. Play board, card, and other games do crafts, puzzles, and color, do things without screen time for a bit.

2. Have a baking or cooking challenge. Search for a recipe online or do something on your own, and then share your progress on social media. Hashtag it to #QuarantineRecipeChallenge

3. A good time to do spring cleaning around the house, organize closets, pantry, and drawers. look at your medicine cabinets, bathroom and organize and discard any expired medicine, shampoo, creams, and other things that have been laying around for a while.

4. Watch movies, TV Shows, and anything to steer your mind away from COVID19 related issues.

5. Read books or look up a subject online, do some research and write about it. Like a book report or something.

6. take out a pen and paper and start writing or do some doodling.

7. Communicate more on social media and phone and just keep connected with your friends, family and the world. Share funny memes, inspirational quotes with each other, and have fun with others virtually while being physically distant.

8. If you sometimes don’t want to cook, order some take out and have it delivered to you. Also if you need to stock up on food, go out once a week safely to the grocery store, pick up whatever you need and then come home, restock everything.

9. Take this time off from the fast-paced busy lives as an opportunity to catch up on sleep, rest and things that you wanted to do for a while around the house to accomplish it.

10. Work from home if you can.

11. Get some fresh air outside your home, balcony, look out the window.

12. Walk around your neighborhood being physically distant from others at least 6 feet for half an hour or less.

What other tips do you have? Share in the comments below.

Most importantly Stay Healthy, Wash your hands often, wash your clothes or put them in the hamper right away when you go grocery shopping for essentials and focus well on hygiene and keep safe.

 

My condolences to those lives who were lost during this terrible illness.

The Celebrity Feel – Toronto Pearson International Airport

In life, we are given this incredible privilege to travel and see the world and how aviation, technology, engineering, and aircraft make this world a smaller place by getting to places quickly. Toronto Pearson Airport is an airport that is so near and dear to me with all the great memories created whether it is traveling, dropping off, picking up and just spotting aircraft nearby. Very special to me.

Every single time that I land in Toronto Pearson Airport, as soon as we taxi, gate, get our belongings from the aircraft and walk our way out to the terminal, to get through customs, to claim our baggage, the adrenaline, and that feel of seeing flight attendants, captains/pilots and amongst CATSA and CBSA officers, plus other passengers sharing the same atmosphere. It makes me feel so incredibly appreciative and thankful to the travel industry and our beautiful Airport of Toronto Pearson.

As we are about to claim our baggage, that moment comes along where we begin to exit to reunite with loved ones, meet colleagues, or go get a shuttle, bus, taxi, uber, lyft or other transportation to take us home or where ever else.

As you are walking out, you see all the eyes on you as you are carrying your baggage, that automatic celebrity feels where you glance at everyone and people are smiling and making eye contact with you. It feels like you are a celebrity coming home. So at this point, I walk a bit slower and I do the same looking at everyone else and I smile too. I just absolutely love that moment. I appreciate every moment and cherish it and this is one of them.

That part whether it’s at Terminal 1 or 3, is one of my favorite parts of the airport and of course when I am at the gate waiting for my flight and watching beautiful aircraft go by. Toronto Pearson Airport is a sentimental place for me and I always feel like a celebrity there. I am thankful to all the workers and volunteers at the airport. Appreciation, kindness, and patience go a long way when traveling and expressing that is very important. It makes life and people’s day go by a lot better.

Toronto Pearson Airport, Thank you – I love you. Safe, well wishes and happy travels to all of us.

YYZ ALL THE WAY!

The Hard Truth & Sad Reality of Social Media – Devices That Consume Us

The sad reality of how smartphones and other devices are consuming us and face-to-face human interaction and communicating is diminishing and at a rapid rate. We need to set limits within ourselves to go offline, explore our world around us, connect with humans at a personal level, show emotions, and develop our personalities.

This is the fact and the hard truth and it has become a huge problem in our society, when we prioritize what’s on our screens, and play with apps. We no longer need to do any critical thinking anymore, we no longer need to learn the basics, even mathematics, spelling, counting. Everything is done for us and there are apps for everything.

We are putting smartphones and devices first in our lives, and physical communication with people second. Even paying attention to our families and friends have diminished. I see it happen far too often where people get together at restaurants and coffee shops and they sit around not talking, but they are on their phones and showing no emotion, and no personality. It is so sad. Why have we come this far? Why do we have to do this 24/7?

Here I am talking about this on a social media blogging platform.

We have become so dependent on these devices that we even ask Siri and Alexa to do basic chores around the house like taking down decorations for example, but we know that it won’t happen that way, but maybe one day. I wouldn’t put anything past it. Screen time is consuming our time at a very alarming rate.

So much of our lives are going by and we don’t realize it. Spend time with your loved ones and create memories without these screens. want to take pictures? Buy a digital camera and take pictures and then look at them later. Smartphones have made it easy to take pictures and to share instantly too

Our brains are no longer functioning without these devices that we stare at for hours and hours a day. People cannot even put these devices down when driving, walking, and even shopping. This has become a big disease and it is running people’s lives.

It’s very serious. I am very concerned about the coming generations.

These images are so powerful and the description exactly and spot on of what these devices are doing to us. Hopefully, it will make people think about their actions and take these matters seriously. What can we do to combat this? How can we take a break from this all?

I am definitely making changes in my life. Life is too short. 

NoGarlicNoOnions – Introducing Anthony Rahayel – Food, Travel Blogger

A couple of months ago, as I was going through YouTube to find some literature and information on Lebanon and Lebanese foods, I came across a video NoGarlicNoOnions, so I was intrigued and decided to click on the video that was close to an hour long, so I decided to watch the whole video, and a couple of minutes in, I became hooked, and then I watched another few following. So, these videos have been around for a few years now, and I just suddenly found this now, which is better late than never.

NoGarlicNoOnions was founded by Anthony Rahayel back in 2012. Anthony and his film crew began introducing us to Lebanese culture, food, taking us to villages, cities, and towns of Lebanon and amongst him visiting Armenia and Italy tasting all kinds of foods amongst other places he has traveled. He also travels and explores at the same time when he is tasting delicious food, that you just want to eat your screen.

Anthony’s contagious and positive approach and the way he explains how the food is made, the texture, quality is out of this world and so much fun to watch. He speaks Lebanese and also he says a few words of English as well. Thank goodness my mother and my neighbors who are my family now, translate words, phrases and sentences to me, so that I can understand what Anthony is saying and its incredible how many words and sentences I know now of Lebanese by just watching Anthony, NoGarlicNoOnions. Thanks to them all, I am more aware of what is going on when I watch.

His passion and drive toward the culinary world is extremely visible. His expression and enjoyment can be felt. He has over 2500 reviews on various topics from air travel, restaurants, gadgets, food and more.

He also goes out to search for restaurants, and small family owned eateries for them to gain exposure, so that tourists, Lebanese people who live in Lebanon and others can go to those places and support these vendors. These hidden eateries are discovered and explained so well.

NoGarlicNoOnions goes above and beyond when explaining. Thorough, detailed and never boring. When he went to Armenia especially really excited me even more about him. I am Armenian and I truly appreciate him going to visit, spending time with Armenians, tasting our food, embracing our culture and having his viewers know about Armenia and Armenians and the food. I truly appreciate him for taking the time to go there and to enjoy our Motherland. It means a lot. NoGarlicNoOnions has a special place in my heart.

You can now say that I am obsessed with Lebanon further and I have the desire to visit hearing all the stories and my desire for tasting the delicious food, desserts, ice cream, drinks, and everything. I have a lot of Facebook friends and I also have family in Lebanon as well. Anthony gave me the idea, and understanding on how Lebanon is and now I have a better picture in my mind of how it is.

Lebanon is such a beautiful country that is on my bucket list to travel to. Hopefully, in the next couple of years, my dream will come true. I hope that Anthony Rahayel will be there to give me a guided and professional tour around the beautiful country and take me to great places to eat and enjoy the ambiance of it all, to enjoy the nightlife as well.

My family and I are hooked on his videos and I have subscribed and followed all of his social media accounts online. Recently, I contacted him expressing my admiration toward him. He can be found on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter and he has his own website called nogarlicnoonions.com – He also have photographs of his travel adventures, food, and so much more.

Anthony and his team have received travel, food, blogger, awards and more. Search for Anthony Rahayel and NoGarlicNoOnions and you will see what I am talking about. I am hoping that I will meet him in person. I am now a fan of him for life. Thank you, Anthony, for taking me up close and personal through videos. Hopefully, I will come and see the real deal and soon.

Following links for more information.

http://www.nogarlicnoonions.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nogarlicnoonions
http://instagram.com/nogarlicnoonions

Tweets by NoGarlicNoOnion

https://www.youtube.com/user/rahayel
https://www.zomato.com/nogarlicnoonions

Fitting in is So Over-rated – Fit Out Instead

In life as we grow up, some people have the tendency to always want to impress people, and be like everybody else and be someone they are not in order to fit in. Ladies and Gentlemen, boy’s and girl’s, it is important to never try to fit in anywhere. Take a step back and think about who you associate with, or where you are and want to be employed with.

Being yourself is the best fitting in you can do. There will always be people who will appreciate and accept you for you. In this world, I truly believe that we all have people that suit us, who can relate and understand us. It may take time, and sometimes not, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel that you will see. Fitting in is so over-rated. If you ever think that something is wrong with you, and the way you are, that is just something absolutely ridiculous.

If ever in your life, you find that you are in the wrong place, the wrong chapter of your life, change your place, change your chapter and change your life. These are messages that are being sent to you saying that, its time for you to put your foot down and do something that will benefit you. Not for others.

Don’t ever be afraid to disappoint people just because you are not in their league, or do what they want you to do. Never allow others to make a mockery of you. Just because you are where others are, it never means that you do not have what it takes to do something or be someone special, because you are special and you do have what it takes.

Always be happy with who you are. Do not be afraid to fail, and never be afraid to try. Who cares if you do not fit in? you are in the right direction to be an individual that you are. Not on other people’s standards. Others standards do not matter, what truly matters is how you want it to be.

Don’t ever give up with anything in life. That is the easy way out in any situation. There is a quote I have read online “Why fit in, when you are born to stand out?” I truly believe in that. Stand out to people who are like you, and they will come to you or you go to them.

These quotes I found online as well. (unknown)

– Things just do not happen right away.

– be the change you want to see

– Some of the most wonderful people are ones who do not fit into boxes.

You are the example of your life, and never allow others to write the story of your life with your pen. Never allow them to hold it either. Not even for a fraction of a second. Everything you do comes down to holding your pen and writing chapters of what you want to do and be in your life. Never forget that. Don’t ever fit in. Fit out and do what and be what makes you happy. You are in control of your own happiness.

I Absolutely Love Social Media – Brings People Close Together

At Almost 11 years that I have been on Facebook, I can honestly say that I have made some great friends through this social media outlet through groups, pages, mutual friends and more. Some, I have met in person for the first time in the last 6-7 years. It was a special moment and we have created some fabulous memories and hopefully we will reunite again soon, however, there are some of my dear Facebook friends, I still have yet to meet. Sometimes I ask myself this question if I am ever going to meet them too? God willing it will happen and to finally see someone face to face instead of looking at pictures and communicating through screens. I am so blessed on great people from all over the world that has a special place in my list, my heart, mind and soul. Thank you for making the world smaller, but hopefully, it will become smaller at the moment we meet physically. I want to make this happen.

Thank you to Social Media for uniting great people to communicate with. Without social media, never knew some people existed, never knew how lovely people can be. Of course being careful all the time. You just feel that gut instinct by the way; someone communicates with you, you feel it in their tone and everything when they write, what the person posts and everything. You automatically feel this closeness or this instant comfort when you being communicating and creating bonds with people. That personality of a person shines and you feel like you have known them for so many years.

It is always good to find people you can relate to, who you have stuff in common with and those who just understand you and so much more.

However, there will always be some people who are not what they say they are and of course; you have to exercise caution at the same time, but you will know. You can sense it. Technology is great at bringing the world of people together but never forget who is near you, beside you and those who are physically with you as well and those who you share your life with. They say that the more further you are, the more sweeter you become, but don’t forget your friends and loved ones who are right there with you. That is super important to remember.

Missing Jay Leno & His Headlines

There was a show that I used to enjoy and watch almost every night before going to bed and it was The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I remember when he used to share Headlines everyday and the headlines were about errors in newspapers whether its a spelling issue, or a “You Had One Job” type of error and advertising that were absolutely hilarious. I used to enjoy watching it with my family and friends.

I really miss it a lot. Now that Jimmy Fallon has taken over, I was hoping that he would bring the headlines to his show with of course getting permission from Jay Leno and the show broadcaster from it. I have sent Jimmy Fallon and the crew many e-mails about getting the headlines back into The Tonight Show, but no response. I guess with all the e-mails and messages they receive on social media per day, It tends to get lost and probably never even read it yet.

I Miss Jay Leno a lot. I love Jimmy Fallon too. I just wish he could bring some of what Jay Leno’s show did to his production. I know that wouldn’t be right to take things off from another show that was there, but they should continue the tradition. Headlines was my absolute favourite and it was done in such a way, that I just laughed my head off.

I just miss it. Did you enjoy headlines too?

Chores are Development of Responsibility & Life Skills

As we are born and become children, majority of our parents/grandparents/guardians have taught us about responsibility, doing chores around the house and to gain experience and knowledge on to keep clean, tidy, and organized. Also teaches kids to obey, and prioritize life to do what is important first, and then make time for fun and play after.

When children wake up in the morning, they teach them on the importance of getting up to make the bed, brush the teeth, groom themselves, wash up and shower for good hygiene, and then they teach them how to eat, and then venture off to school with the grandparents/parents/guardian or with a school bus.

During school, the teachers and other staff of the school teach kids on importance of learning about the world, how to read, write, to learn about many subjects such as sciences, music, gym, dance, language classes, mathematics, chemistry, and the most important thing to teach children to be kind to other classmates, develop group skills during group work, also leadership.

When school is over and the children are on their way home, that skill to teach them about sharing, kindness, respecting others should also be implemented at home, so as they can continue that outside of school. The children come home, and the importance to wash hands, and change out of their clothes, and to start homework if they have homework that day and teach them to do homework first before they play with toys, tablets, colour and all that.

When it is time to make dinner and set the table, it is always a good idea to get your child involved in cooking, helping set the table with plates, cutlery, and then children should start to develop skills on washing dishes, and after dinner to help clean the table with a cloth, taking the dishes to the sink, and make the parents/guardian/grandparents life easier and for the children to help them out. This also teaches them for the future when they have greater responsibility when they get older.

Nowadays, it is so difficult to teach children these life skills because of the screens, video gaming consoles and technology that has taken over. Nowadays children always want to feel that sense of entitlement to do whatever they want, whenever they want without having to listen to their parents/guardians/grandparents. They feel the need to always want to be on their screens and not develop skills that will benefit them in the future. some Kids these days are immune to technology and less hands on skills, not having manners, not respecting and being kind to others, talking back to adults and also rude gestures and mannerisms. Some children are so spoiled and tend to have an answer for everything. We should never allow it for it to get that far.

Children see everything, they are observant, they listen to everything that goes on in the house. start them early, influence them in such a way where it becomes easier to ask them to do chores. Tell them to do things in such a way where they won’t feel threatened. Give them conditions that if they do not help clean, or do simple things like washing hands or whatever, tell them that they will not have a birthday party, tell them that they will not be allowed TV Time or play time if they do not eat, or listen to do things around the house. Also, nowadays children do not have an idea of responsibility and helping out family. They need to learn that.

Nowadays, children are untouchable, and if heaven forbid, you really yell at them and give them discipline, they will use it against you and they may involve teachers and other authorities. These days, showing children how to do chores, and get them off of their bums to help around the house, and develop these important skills is a chore and a very difficult task in itself. These screens, smartphones and devices are like a magnet to them.

As adults teach their children that it is bedtime, that means washing up again, brushing teeth, undoing the bed, getting clothes and everything ready for the next school day or whatever else, making their lunches, and everything.

Then the days that children are at home, it is important to teach them how to vacuum, wipe and mop the floors, dust the furniture, clean doorknobs, clean the kitchen counters and the table, take out the garbage, help wash the car and everything. Of course it is important to give them time to play, and do fun stuff as well. I am not saying that they should always be doing chores and everything, but they need to learn balance, time management and everything. There is a limit and time for it all.

It is the time now, and to be strict with children. strict in such a way that will not intimidate them, but to put them on track. Set rules, guidelines, time limits to screen time, and monitor what they look at and supervise them to make sure they are making good decisions while on the computer and so much more. That is the important thing.

When you see they are trying and everything and doing great work at school, and at home, give them gifts, or surprise them to a movie, take them out to an amusement park, take them to play in the park, when they obey and do good, give them an allowance of whatever amount you wish, teach them the value of a dollar when they do get allowances and teach them about spending accordingly.

One day when I have children of my own, all these things will be taught to them and I will not allow them to do whatever they want all the time. Not going to happen. they need to be taught lessons of life and develop skills.

If you have children and/or take care of them such as being a guardian, babysitter, or grandparents. What skills and what things do you teach them?

Social Media Spam & Fake Accounts Beware

In the last few years, as technology of communication across the world has become a lot easier with transmitting information instantly across the world with just a single submit, post, or publish button. The world has come a long way with all that and it is incredibly amazing where technology has taken us. Some for the good, and some for the bad. The bad part about social media, e-mails and accounts are spam and fake ones.

I am sure some of us or if not all of us have encountered people saying “If you follow me, you can get instant thousands of followers back”, and then you see these accounts with fake usernames with so many numbers and a name with it like “Joy34342432456” or profile’s with suspicious fake photos, and then they try to add you as a friend, but you don’t even know them. After they send you e-mails saying “Hey, I saw your profile, you look great, and I want to get to know you and some sort of stuff” I am just getting so tired of all these bot’s and fake accounts that are circulating the internet.

I think the most important priority for these social media website creators, and those who work for these social media companies especially the IT, Security and safety teams, should really begin to clean out fake profiles. I know it is easier said than done and sometimes these fake profiles, hackers and everything made it so complicated to tell, but I can tell right away if it is a fake account.

So many things to look at when dealing with a spammer and fake account holder. here is my list:

– They only have 1 photo of themselves or they don’t have a profile photo and they put a picture of a unicorn or something. That becomes suspicious

– When they do not post anything on their profile pages.

– When you hashtag *#* or write about a certain thing on Twitter, an automatic bot will detect people’s status messages and retweet, like and follow you.

– They spam people to look at adult content videos

– They tag you in potential virus content that will mess up the security of your computer that will steal your passwords, and personal information.

– When they say, follow me and you get thousands of followers

– when there are e-mails that are like this “3535serger345gvdrgererwaefqw@swewed34325435fsfsada.com”

and so much more.

You must be so careful on what you add, who you add on your social media accounts.

I am going to begin to set up a petition online for these social media, and e-mail companies to really start cracking down on fake accounts, bots, and spammers to delete, remove and clean up the internet. Instead of focusing on new layouts, exciting new features and updates on these social media outlets, They should really be focusing on and managing security and safety of all the other users, by making it a little harder in the beginning when signing up for an account to ask several questions, to “I’m Not a Robot” or some sort of captcha, number to type down before creating a site, and go through extra steps to ensure safety and security of us all.

We should also be helping out these social media outlets. If you do see something that is not right or if you feel that you are being followed by robots or whatever, tell your social media outlet, report it, send an e-mail or whatever the case maybe, and they will investigate it and deal with it. There are millions and millions of accounts on these social media outlets and Facebook has over 1 billion people worldwide using it, so it can be quite difficult to combat all these accounts, so we as account holders should help them out and report these fake people or IF we can even call them that to them. It is so important.

Do not be discouraged of joining the social media world, just because of these things that are happening. Social Media outlets are awesome and it can be a fun, enjoyable and great place to keep in touch with loved ones, share photos, status messages and everything. I am not deterring anybody from this age in technology, I am just merely suggesting and advising people to really be so careful on who you add, and everything. If you do feel that it is suspicious, please report the account and delete and block it.

Have you been a victim of social media spam? What have you encountered?

Best wishes always, and remember to make wise decisions when Spammers and Bots come to you. best thing to do is to ignore, delete, report and then block. The social media outlet will see that it happened, as everything is on file at their end. Just be safe and enjoy social media.

Positive Thinking Quotes to Live By

I absolutely love these quotes, so I decided to share them with you all.

credit goes to — Addicted2Success

Original Article Posted Here:
http://addicted2success.com/quotes/50-positive-thinking-quotes-for-more-inner-strength-growth/

“Life has many ways of testing a person’s will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once.” – Paulo Coelho

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.”  – Edith Wharton

“With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.” – Dr. Wayne W Dyer

“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” – Norman Vincent Peale

“Hate. It has caused a lot of problems in this world but has not solved one yet.” – Maya Angelou

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle

“An attitude of positive expectation is the mark of the superior personality.”  – Brian Tracy

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill

“If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar

“The only place where your dream becomes impossible is in your own thinking.” – Robert H Schuller

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” – Anais Nin

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas Edison

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” – Douglas Adams

“Learning is a gift. Even when pain is your teacher.” – Maya Watson

“I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened” – Mark Twain

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha

“Hope is a waking dream.” – Aristotle

“The past has no power over the present moment.” – Eckhart Tolle

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.” – Francesca Reigler

“I do believe we’re all connected. I do believe in positive energy. I do believe in the power of prayer. I do believe in putting good out into the world. And I believe in taking care of each other.” – Harvey Fierstein

“If you want light to come into your life, you need to stand where it is shining.” – Guy Finley

“Today is a new beginning, a chance to turn your failures into achievements & your sorrows into so goods. No room for excuses.” – Joel Brown

“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” – Tony Robbins

“We are all here for some special reason. Stop being a prisoner of your past. Become the architect of your future.” – Robin Sharma

“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

“No matter what the situation, remind yourself “I have a choice.” – Deepak Chopra

“All you can change is yourself, but sometimes that changes everything!” – Gary W Goldstein

“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” – Confucius

“If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.” – John C Maxwell

“Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.” – Mary Tyler Moore

“I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.” – Muhammad Ali

“We are responsible for what we are, and whatever we wish ourselves to be, we have the power to make ourselves.” – Swami Vivekananda

“The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them.” – Unknown

“If someone tells you, “You can’t” they really mean, “I can’t.” – Sean Stephenson

“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” – W. Clement Stone

“Whatever you want to do, do it now. There are only so many tomorrows.” – Michael Landon

“When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion.” – Abraham Lincoln

“The difference in winning and losing is most often…not quitting.” – Walt Disney

“You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” – C.S Lewis

“All things are difficult before they are easy.” – Thomas Fuller

“Success is falling nine times and getting up ten.” – Jon Bon Jovi

“Happiness, like unhappiness, is a proactive choice.” – Stephen Covey

“Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” – Kurt Vonnegut

“You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It wont happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, ‘I don’t care how hard this is, I don’t care how disappointed I am, I’m not going to let this get the best of me. I’m moving on with my life.” – Joel Osteen

“The next time you feel slightly uncomfortable with the pressure in your life, remember no pressure, no diamonds. Pressure is a part of success.” – Eric Thomas

“When the world pushes you to your knees, you’re in the perfect position to pray.” – Rumi

“If you can change your mind, you can change your life.” – William James

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor Frankl

“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.” – John Barrymore

“The best way to gain self-confidence is to do what you are afraid to do.” – Unknown

Book Smarts Vs. Street Smarts

Intelligence Vs. Education
Logic and common sense

I’d rather have street smarts, intelligence, logic and common sense. Yes, people go to school to get educated, get all these fancy degrees and all that, gain knowledge about mathematics, science, biology, English, and other subjects, people have this perception that if they do not earn high marks in school that they are not smart or anything, and then lose all the confidence in the world to try to prove a point. To me, those numbers mean nothing. Every person has their own ways of learning and at their own pace. Each person is great at something. What I look for in an individual is that they have intelligence, the know-how, common sense and logic in reality. Those are the most important things in life. Not a number. being book smart doesn’t determine if you are street smart. That must come within yourself and of course from the teachings of your past teachers, teachers assistants, family and friends.

I am not saying that book smart people don’t have the intelligence and common sense, and all that. That is not my intention to say that at all.

I went to grade school, high school and college, and my biggest strength was English class, social studies, civics, writing and reading. I did bring high marks and excelled in that above the 90’s. Other subjects did not seem to get me motivated to learn it.

A lot of people knew I had it in me to write and there were a few teachers I had that said, “Talin, you will go places in your life with your writing, creative writing”. She also stated “Talin, I know in my heart that you will make a difference in this world, do not worry about others who have bullied you emotionally and mentally”. Do what you love doing and do not worry about trying to prove a point with bringing high marks”.

Now, look where it is has got me. I have almost 2, 500,000 followers of my writings, my blog site worldwide in all of social media combined, University Professors from the US are using my words and my craft to use in their lectures and more. I’d rather make a difference in the world, use logic, common sense than having those fancy/schmancy degrees and trying to boast, and impress people, but it is not good to brag to people constantly about it.

Never Give up Your Passion & Talents

Never Give up, and never allow others to allow you to give up.
You never need to prove yourself to anybody.
Your passion(s) and talent(s) are born with you. utilize them, and don’t waste it.

Always be you, follow your passion, do what you want to do, focus on positivity, happiness, what makes you smile and go forward in life. The right people will understand and recognize that. whether it is family, friends, your blog fans and followers, social media friends you met online.

There are some really mean and terrible people out there who discourage, putting jabs at you every chance they get, they say the worst things and hurt your feelings so much that it can and will scar you for life.

I know ignoring it is the toughest thing, but always know that you win when you ignore, you win when you keep your head up high and still follow your passion and talents.

For example, on social media we bloggers, video bloggers would always like positive feedback and kind comments and everything. Depending on what it is all about. I know that people will not always agree and there will be really mean and unkind comments, but there is a way to say things to people, and others do not care if they hurt the person’s feelings. No matter what they say. Now, that is unacceptable.  Never allow someone’s negative opinions and comments get the better of you. Somethings are better left unexplained, rather than explaining to those who will not understand you. Unfortunately, that is how life is and how some people are.

Usually, when people keep throwing jabs at you and those who are negative, really tells a whole lot about the life they are living, and they also think that they are right all the time, and everyone should be agreeing with them with whatever goes on. Those are the type of people who could be jealous and insecure about themselves, so they end up making everyone else’s lives miserable and you end up in the middle of that crossfire. Never allow others to walk all over you. Always speak up and defend yourself. When you do speak up, you will see the reaction. If it means that the person will no longer be communicating with you and everything, then so be it. Not everyone will be like you and not everyone will think like you. That is fine.

That will be a lesson to the person always putting you on the spot, throwing jabs at you.

Sometimes things happen in life that makes us open our eyes, to select our friends wisely and to find true people who will always stay by you, support you in whatever you do in your life. You create your own destiny. No matter how fast or slow and no matter what it is.

Always feel comfortable and you know when they say, you have to get out of your comfort zone? Sometimes that is true, but most of the time it is not. You have to be comfortable with however your life is and will be, and whatever you can handle.

True friends and true people will always encourage you and steer you to the right direction.

Not everyone is and will be on the same chapter of your life’s book. That is why Some people are just beginning to read the table of contents and the introduction and some have not even opened the book and already began judging it by the cover.

Don’t ever give up, be the pen of your life, and write your own life. Don’t ever let someone else hold the pen.

I want the best for everyone, may all your wishes and dreams come true, and Best wishes always.

My Full House Nostalgia – My Dream Came True

By: Talin Orfali

As you may or may not know, from September, 1987 to May, 1995, there was an American sitcom named Full House which was created by Jeff Franklin. It was a Miller-Boyett production. They only broadcasted eight seasons as well as 193 episodes. The show then has been syndicated and rebroadcasted. They then created a series of books and other merchandise that were in the market. In 2016 on Netflix, they will show brand new episodes and a reunion.

The actors and actresses of the show were Bob Saget, Dave Coulier, John Stamos, Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Lori Loughlin, Andrea Barber, Scott Weinger, Blake and Dylan Toumy-Wilhoit, as well as their beloved and adorable dog Comet.

The Show was based out of San Francisco, California, however the show was filmed in Los Angeles in a studio.

The opening theme was “Everywhere you look” performed by Jesse Frederick and composed by Bennett Salvay & Jeff Franklin.

The show was nominated and also won many awards as well as the actors and actresses on the show.

You would hear the iconic quotes and sayings from the show “How Rude?” “You got it Mister!”, “Have Mercy”, “You Got It dude”, “Wake Up San Francisco”, “Tattle-Tale”, “Oh Mylanta” “Not the Hair” “GA-GA-GA-” “I’m Popeye the sailor Man” and a lot more.

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In May, 2015 I ventured out to San Francisco, California and my nostalgia hit me pretty hard. My Dream had come true. I began to cry with happy tears and thoroughly enjoyed my experience in seeing the Full House on Broderick St and then the Painted ladies homes at Alamo Square Park. I also saw the Golden Gate Bridge, Fishermans Wharf. I also began re-enacting the theme opening of the show. Some people saw me and started to laugh and knew what I was doing. It was pretty cool. I could not believe I went up close and person with the real deal.

I will never forget it. It was absolutely an incredible feeling that was so indescribable, that I saw it all from always watching the show from my childhood. I hope that I can one day meet all the actors and actresses from the show. That is also on my bucket list that I want to cross it off. Their Stage names are DJ Tanner, Stephanie Tanner, Michelle Tanner, Danny Tanner, Uncle Jesse Katsopolis, Aunt Becky, Kimmy Gibler, Steve, Uncle Joey Gladstone, Nicky and Alex.

I always felt like I was part of their family and I felt like I knew them. When I was a kid, I would always have imaginary friends and I would include them in it and then that is where I was dreaming of celebrities coming over to my home, and trying so hard to reach out to the show. I wrote many letters to the production, but I knew how many letters they used to receive, that I got nothing back in return. Which then afterwards I understood why with all the fans and people also writing to the show. Which is completely okay. I was not upset at all.

It was a great show with family values, taught people lessons on how to act, behave, to have manners, to instill responsibility, and so much more. There aren’t these kinds of TV shows anymore that instill family values with quality and excellence.

I will forever love this show and always will. I am excited to tune into the Fuller House and continue with my Nostalgia. Thank you for the memories Full House. You all meant and still mean a lot to me. I love you all very much. I will always cherish each moment as I was growing up with them.

Talin’s Mouth-watering 2 Layer Penne Lasagna

I know you are probably thinking Penne Lasagna? I’ve made that possible. Who says that you always need to put Lasagna dough sheets to make Lasagna? Not to me. As long as you have Pasta Noodles of any kind that is large to mid size. I am not saying the Acini De Peppe, Orzo, and small noodles you use for soup and all that. I am saying Penne, Spaghetti, even Rotini. I have tried, tested and tasted. It is delicious! Well, let’s get started.

Depending on the number of people that you are serving in your family or your friends. It is in your preference.
This is for a family or friends of 4 or 5.

You will need:

– 900g of Penne Rigate Package (depends on your pan size as well and number of people)
– **Onions or Garlic are Optional. (It is your choice)**
– Oregano
– Basil
– Tomato Paste
– Tomato’s
– Mozzarella Cheese
– Parmesan Cheese
– Cottage Cheese
– Extra Lean Ground Beef
– Sea Salt – (Never use table salt) **To your added preference**
– Grinded Black cracked Pepper
– All Spice

To begin:

1) Mash the extra Lean Ground beef into small pieces, cook it well done in a pan. That is where you will add just the Tomato Paste and Sea Salt. add about 4tblsp full of tomato paste and 1 and a half tsp of sea salt. (Add water, but not too much) You do not want your Lasagna to be Soggy. Add just enough to mix the tomato paste with them together.

2) In a separate small mixing bowl add 1 tbsp Oregano, as well as Basil, and all spice – Mix them together

3) Wash and Slice 4 fresh tomato’s – use Tomato on a Vine or Roma Tomatoes. put them aside.

4) In a mixing bowl add the grated Mozzarella Cheese and Cottage cheese. Mix it together.

To make the Penne:

1) Make sure you put a little more than half a large pot of water

2) Boil the water and put Sea Salt and as soon as it boils, add the Penne. (Never put any kind of noodles in a non-boiled water, it will stick to the bottom of the pot and stick to the other noodles)

3) Immediately stir the Penne so that all the noodles will become tender evenly and keep mixing ever 2-3 minutes. Let it boil on medium heat for about 10 minutes. If it needs more time, then go to about 11-12 minutes. MAX. (Do not overcook and make it mushy. Take it out while it’s al dente)

4) Drain and set aside to make 2 equal parts of the Penne Rigate, but first Mix the ground beef/tomato paste mix with the penne before Parting them. Add the Oregano, Basil and All spice mix with them as well.
In a Medium to Large Pyrex Pan:

1) Add cooking oil spray to the whole pan.

2) Add the first layer of the Penne and even it out.

3) Add the cheese mix – then Put Parmesan Cheese

4) Add the layer of the Tomato’s

– **for the Last layer – Repeat Steps 2-4 but add #4 first, then #3– Add the Parmesan Cheese last.

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Oven Settings:

– Bring the Oven to Convection – to 375 degrees before you put the Lasagna in.

– Let it cook for 30 Minutes

and there you have it.
Penne Lasagna. Bon Appetit! Enjoy!