One.org

I'll admit it. I've had my head in the sand for some time now. It was purely defensive, because I could see so many things wrong in the world and I had no idea how to help. So I did nothing, and felt guilty and powerless.

But I'm changing that, for me. I'm finding that there are MANY people and groups out there making a difference. By adding my voice, my support, my energy to the cause already in motion, I can make a difference. It makes me feel better. I hadn't realized just how heavy this burden I've been carrying around was, until I decided I could put it down. And in putting it down, looking at it differently, I'm not afraid of picking it back up. Because of my willingness to consider changing, I feel better, lighter...hopeful.

I know that if I feel this way, there are others out there. I encourage you to look at the possibilities open to us to help. It doesn't have to cost you anything but time. To begin, I'm investing an hour a day looking into these possibilities, becoming educated, and taking simple action. I'll sign a petition, watch a video, become informed. Later, I might volunteer my time, open my checkbook, take on bigger causes. But just now, I'm relieved to find a place to begin. I invite you to join me.

Today's link is http://www.one.org
I've added my name to their member list, signed the Declaration and looked for an event in my community that I can participate in. I'm smiling! Together as ONE we can make a difference.

Sharkwater

Today I saw the documentary "Sharkwater" and it changed my life. During the course of the film, I totally changed how I think about sharks. They went from being scary monsters to being interesting creatures. I came away wanting to know more about sharks and what I can do to save them.
http://www.sharkwater.com

The movie was beautifully filmed. The underwater photography is excellent. We not only saw sharks, but all sorts of wonderful and unusual plants and creatures. When it centers on the sharks, and what is being done to them I had to cry. Partly from compassion for the cruelty being inflicted on the sharks, and partly from humiliation at being a human.

I've often been horrified by man's inhumanity to man, but when we start with our inhumanity to creatures, I am embarrassed to be classified as a human. Because we are only as good as our lowest common denominator, and that is pretty low indeed.

The line, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem" came to mind, and I vowed to become part of the solution.

So, what CAN I do?

There are a number of links at the site. I tried a couple of them, and got signed onto a petition to put pressure on a company that sells shark fins online. I pledged to talk about sharks to my friends, and to learn more about sharks. I want to go further, and find ways to support educating people as to the non-value of shark fins. It isn't good as medicine, and as a food source--well, it's virtually tasteless. It has a status symbol value! The only way to get people to change, is to educate them.

This film is a beginning. Click on the link above to see the preview. Then, try to find it playing somewhere near you.