The power of education.

Today I watched the speech made by Malala Yousafzai to the UN on July 12, 2013. She survived a gun shot wound from the Taliban in her home country of Pakistan, after fighting for education for everyone. This attack has left her with continued determination to advocate for women's rights and education. She's only 16 (she made her speech on her birthday, in fact!), yet she speaks like a true leader in civil rights.

She states, "Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first." 

I am in awe. I encourage you to watch her speech: 

And that's inspiring enough to stand alone. Looking forward to seeing the work that this young lady continues to take on in the world. 

Thank you, Malala, and Happy Birthday! 

Cheers to education, courage, and taking on change at a young age,

Anna 

The journey continues...

Hi blog o'sphere!

Inspiration item number one: AIDS Walk NY 2013.

Before delving into the inspiration of our universe currently, I'm going to share from my own life about the inspiration of this walk. From carting stands up Manhattan streets, to visiting Duane Reade stores, to fielding questions in the office as a receptionist, to the Day of the Event, it was an honor to be a part of this campaign for the last few months.

On May 16, 2013, 30,000 people gathered in Central Park and trekked willingly through pouring rain to raise money for direct services for those living with HIV and AIDS.

Among our special guests was Alex Newell, from Glee, whose song spoke to the power of this walk:

People gathered from all over the area, bringing together a vibrant community of support (which was appropriate, considering the theme of "community"!).

And then, hours later, the results were revealed:

WOO HOO!

Not bad, eh? 

I am so proud to have been a part of this campaign. 

And now that AIDS Walk is done, I have time to share some awesomely inspiring stories! 

Here are a few to get started today: 

In response to THIS, (a ridiculous letter from the CEO of Abercrombie, which stated that "fat" people don't belong in his clothes)

an awesome lady posted THIS on her blog, 

and subsequently, 

THIS ended up as part of a piece in Huffington Post. 

(It should be noted that a brilliant photographer friend of mine was the photographer behind the photos.)

Awesome.

And this special moment, when a survivor from the tornado in Oklahoma finds her dog amidst the rubble:

Beautiful.

Okay, now on to the rest of the day! I'll keep you posted. <3

Cheers,

Anna 

Cart-toting

Hello friends,

This post is a little different, but I've been feeling the need to share my own thoughts, so wanted to here:


For the last few weeks, I have been walking around New York City promoting the AIDS Walk by foot, toting a full cart filled with supplies to businesses.

Yesterday was our final day on foot. I worked from midtown to South Ferry, pushing what felt like 75lbs (or more!) down the street, dropping off "pin-ups" at Duane Reade stores around the city (they are our presenting sponsor). (Now when you go in Duane Reade, you can donate to AIDS Walk right at the register!) While I felt like quitting several times (especially when my wheels jammed), I made it through. Feeling grateful to be in a cozy house.

What inspired me through that day?

Well, this did: (I listened to it on repeat at various points on my way to work, and it got me pumped for the day!)

Never have I felt more grateful to not have to navigate Manhattan streets and subways with a cart.

Have a good day, everyone.

Best wishes,
Anna

Inspirational Soup!

Hello friends,

It has been awhile since my last post...but alas, here I am! I lost track of updating, when in the midst of the winter months, but now here we are, in the beginning of spring...and there is lots of inspiration to share all around! 

Lauren Davis, New York City, NY, was kind enough to share a slew of inspirations over the last few months...so even though I wasn't active on here, she was active in sharing lovely moments for the blog! So this post is dedicated to each of these nougats, each ingredient contributing to a delectable soup, if you will. Enjoy, and thank you, Lauren! 



First, the last week of October was memorable this past year, not just for its celebration of Halloween, but for Superstorm Sandy's arrival. Check out Buzz Feed's collection of moments that demonstrate that though the Big Apple is big, it has a strong sense of community. 

Next, Lauren shared this video, in which the caption reads: "We asked moms if they could go back to before their first baby, what would they tell themselves. These are their answers." 

And then, there's Ellen. Who is always inspirational. 

Whether in an early stand-up performance (check out the last 2 min if you don't wanna watch the whole thing): 

Or, more recently, when she featured this wonderful duo on her TV show: 

Thanks for all these gems, Lauren! I will be back soon with more inspirations. Wishing you all a good night!

Cheers,

Anna

December.

December has brought big changes. Hard to believe that it's 12/12/12, and Christmas is only a little under 2 weeks away.

I've come across lots of awesome stories/links/videos recently. Here goes:

1.) This came out a little while ago, but was reintroduced to me recently, and gets my heart every time. Powerful video, song, and message!

2.) Good job, Seattle:

Inspiring Moments from Seattle's First Day of Marriage Equality
AND...
It gets better...

3.) This great artist from America's Got Talent and The Glee Project created a music video with her girlfriend (also from The Glee Project!), as a way to share their relationship with the world. A heartfelt testimony to their relationship, with a lovely message about love knowing no bounds:

And that's that for now. See you all soon!

Cheers,
Anna

Recent inspirations...

In the whirlwind of starting work, I lost track of you, blog! I am back, pulled here by the winds of so many delightful postings on Facebook. I found myself thinking, "Wow, I'd really love to collect all of these musings and put them somewhere..." and then remembered, "Oh yeah! That's what I have a blog for!!" Ha. So here I am. The weather is frostier, the leaves are changing, The World Series is happening, and an election approaches. And with all of these changes come more inspirational moments...

First, a man writes a powerful letter to Ann Coulter, in response to her use of the R-Word. 

[John Franklin Stephens, author of letter]

Second, two women kiss in from of anti-gay protestors in Marseille, France, on October 23, 2012. 

And finally, a preacher, whose speech sounds anti-gay, but turns out to demonstrate the strong link between anti-gay and pro-segregation rhetoric. So cool:

...and so many other powerful stories, images, and videos continue to show up on my Facebook newsfeed. I will continue to share!

For now, happy Thursday evening to you all,

Anna 

Fall approaches...

As I ran through the sheets of rain today, I felt grateful for the warm 80 degree air, thinking, "Wow, this still definitely feels like summer..." thinking about the times in months to come, when rain will fall, but it won't feel quite so refreshing. Though the weather hasn't shifted much, something else has. This time of year always has a buzz to it, like we're all worker bees getting our jobs and goals ready for the upcoming months. I think back to years past, as I loaded up my backpack with new school supplies, hopeful and nervous for the year ahead. This morning, I did just that. I thought about what books I'd like on the shelves of my therapist office in the elementary school where I'll be working this year, and what outfit I'd like to wear for my first day of school. As I approach another school year, I'd like to leave all of you with a powerful quote that I witnessed while visiting social work schools, before I began my journey towards social work, two and a half years ago. It was plastered on the wall by the building, and I jotted it down, wanting to implant in my memory. It reflects the work I care about, and the work I am about to do...and I think it speaks to the larger message of what I hope our country will commit itself to, though I'm sure the next couple months will be very telling. I also have had this quote on my facebook profile since I saw it written those 2.5 years ago, and I feel ready to replace it with something new, knowing that I will carry this with me as foundation for years to come.

And with that, I share it with you:

"When I see brokenness, poverty and crime in inner cities, I also see the enormous potential and readiness for transformation and rebirth. We are creating an art form that comes from the heart and reflects the pain and sorrow of people's lives. It also expresses joy, beauty, and love. This process lays the foundation of building a genuine community in which people are reconnected with their families, sustained by meaningful work, nurtured by the care of each other and will together raise and educate their children. Then we witness social change in action." -Lily Yeh


To all you worker bees out there, I wish you well on your journeys. And I will be in touch as I move forward with mine.

Adieu!
Anna