I’ve had a (mostly) good week. I think. I’m not even that tired as I write, but the threads of memory seem to be drifting in the breeze. As good as the week has been, it’s also been a slog, and right now I want to sit on a deck-chair in the sunshine, under bright blue skies and golden shimmering sunshine, and just watch the threads as they dance.
Oh, I’ll buckle down and be thankful – you can count on that – but today what I want to do is tell tales of heroes; stories of wonder and delight, which will leave you glowing with pleasure that the words you’re going to read are not only fantastical, but TRUE.
So snuggle up to me, lovelies, on a picnic blanket beneath the trees, and I’ll begin…
When the World Between the Wires first began, there was astonishment and such delight that people from opposite sides of the globe could be linked so immediately. Because we humans are designed to connect, the growth of this World was wonderously fast, and hundreds of thousands of people joined it each year, swelling its numbers and populating its corridors with their virtual presences. The draw was always that through the magic of technology, new communities were founded and people drawn into them to rub shoulders with the others there.
Whenever and however people meet, if there is connection on more than a superficial level, a meaningful relationship can flourish, and so it has been with the Blogosphere – this corner of the World Between the Wires where we’re currently idling away our time, sharing our weekly ritual together. And truly, this community built around the Ten Things of Thankful hop is one of my favourites – you are kind, determinedly thankful, engaged people, whose capacity to cheer each other onwards and offer support and encouragement, ASTONISHES me with its depth and robustness. You are not shy about being FOR one another, even as you report back on your own successes in finding moments which left you grateful for the experience.
The TLDR version is that YOU ROCK, and so do lots of others, but if you’re happy to sit with me a while longer, I’ll introduce you to a few of the characters I find particularly inspiring in this tale of the space we share.
I’ll start with a few of the bloggers I’ve known longest.
Christine is a quiet one, in spite of her loud and joyful sense of humour. Her acts of kindness, charity, and support for people in her local community are done quietly and not bragged about. She doesn’t ‘get caught’ doing them – she just gets on with filling needs where she sees them in her local community. She’s carefully involving all of her family, and role-modelling to them how to live in a manner which acts as though the world is how we would prefer it to be, rather than how it is.
Hasty struck gold with an idea which turned into the #BeReal series – a positive landslide of guest posts at her blog, where people share what their real is, and the ways it matters. The point was to look determinedly away from how society tells us we should be, and to celebrate who and how we truly are. I can’t remember the last time I saw so many people get so excited about being part of something, and that’s because it makes a point to cherish and nurture each individual, for the ways they are most perfectly, imperfectly, themselves. I wrote for it waaaay back, and it was glorious.
As Kristi’s son grew from a baby into a toddler, it became apparent that he had some additional needs. In spite of never discovering what they were, in spite of all the tests and appointments, she was determined that her little boy would NOT grow up in a world which saw his special needs, judged him wanting, and proceeded as though he was ‘less than’. So she set about changing it – the world. All of it. As you do. Her method: to encourage people to change their mindset to live in a land of compassion, empathy, and wonder. And in this world, her son would not only always be accepted, but appreciated for all that he is, just as he is. And you know what? That world – she’s changing it.
Beth has many superpowers, but the one which makes a daily impression on me is how very, very much she shares other people’s writing around the internet. It’s a relatively small act of service, but a big deal for the writers. She does it with such consistency and variety, that it leaves me just HAPPY to know someone so determinedly generous with shares. I know lots of people share each others’ work, and that’s great – it’s what we all need as bloggers (especially) in order to improve those niggly things like ‘reach’ and ‘engagement’. If you do it, KUDOS to you, and keep going.
Kerri decided that she was sick and tired of the state of the laws and gun violence and the havoc they wreak on people’s lives. So she started a group of people who were all keen to join in with her call for common sense and fresh dialogue, providing a place and an opportunity for people to air respectful, mindful viewpoints about the prevalence of gun crime, and their pleas that things might be changed for the good of all. She inspired me to write for this, earlier in the week.
Onward to people who are newer to me, but their actions in this here Blogosphere are OUTSTANDING!
Matt might be one of the most intensely supportive men I’ve ever had the pleasure of encountering. When his friend was incarcerated, Matt did quite literally ALL THE THINGS to make sure that she continued to be ‘in the loop’ and feeling as ‘normal’ as possible. She wrote about him here, but her thanks are really the tip of the iceberg, for the depth of his care is outstanding, and made me feel quite honoured to know him, even a little.
Byron is a fella with a very traumatic, painful past – entrenched in childhood abuse, but he determined early on that he would conquer the demons instilled in him then, and use his hurts to help others. His gentle manner, his kindness, and his brightshiny soul are all utterly wonderful. He’s currently involved in a filmmaking project showcasing a group of bikers, who stand vigil outside the homes of children who have been abused, and are going to testify against their abusers. This makes the kids feel safer and more able to make it through court – to have these compassionate bad-asses on their side, backing them up. It’s an amazing group, and an amazing film will surely come of a story with such heart.
Katie, in addition to blogging, has founded a group on Facebook where the entire purpose of the community is to raise their hands in support of each other, when one of us is suffering for some reason. There are many and complex indviduals there, with a plethora of challenges and hurts, but we are all together in just being there when one of us needs to know that yes – someone out there DOES care.
Sarah founded the Stigma Fighters blog to allow people with mental illnesses to share their stories in a safe environment aimed at promoting acceptance. SO many *makes air quotes* normal people *winks* have mental illness plaguing their days, and whilst some of the time we know, or it’s obvious, a lot of the time it’s a hidden condition. The invisibility of mental illness can lead to misconceptions and harmful stereotypes being made, and prejudices developing against sufferers. Stigma Fighters combats this with huge diligence and success.
Jeanette is the last and most ‘current’ (that will make sense in a moment, lovelies) of my heroes. Her friend…our friend…found herself trapped in an untenable position in her home life – stuck with an abusive partner, and with very little hope of escaping due to a lack of funds. So Jeanette started fund-raising. She’s not near her goal yet, and YES, if you have it in you to donate, then please do, because this is a very real, very bad situation, and a very simple fix. But what a wonderful answer to need.
THIS is where the Blogosphere makes a difference. Whilst many people can make a difference in their everyday lives, in Real, their impact tends to be limited to their local community. The Blogosphere knows no such bounds, and as such, ANYONE can reach into someone’s world and make all the difference. I’m even going to do a bonus shout-out to Erin, who posts something *twinklysparklyawesome* on my Facebook wall most days, just to cheer me up and keep me going…and it really helps and encourages me, just to know she’s thinking of me and sending virtual glitter in my direction.
But my lovelies, don’t just let me leave you there, basking in the delight of such stories of awesomeness – let me tell you something really magical: it’s not just them! These are everyday super-heroes. They’re changing the world with one good deed at a time, and the MOST awesome thing of all is that SO ARE YOU! Every time you behave towards others with empathy, compassion, and a desire to improve upon their day, you are backing the winning side, and acting with LOVE.
And we ALL know that #LoveWins.
Glitter wins a bit, because it’s *twinklysparklybeautiful*, but mostly it’s LOVE!
Whichever, though, these people, AND YOU, are all wonderful, amazing beings, capable of such incredible GOOD. And I’m convinced you’ve made at least SOME of it happen this week. So I made you a present to download and keep and splatter anywhere you want it seen. Because *I* think you’re marvellous.
Let’s all keep making this story more and more glorious, together, shall we?
Meantime,this is NOT The End – let’s have your thankfuls, shall we?
Your hosts
What a beautiful TTOT post you have written about some amazing people! And you are just as amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh thank you for thinking so. I’m so happy that I know such a number of extremely wonderful people 🙂
LikeLike
I want to be Christine when I grow up…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think she’s an ideal role-model for those of us not ready to be grown-ups yet 😉 ❤
LikeLike
I envy you your ability to see so much good in so many people. Life has left me somewhat jaded and I confess my ability to trust and to give love is growing smaller, not bigger, as the years pass.
Your tributes to your friends are very touching and I hope they all know how lucky they are to know you.
LikeLike
Aww. That’s a damn nice list of wonderful people you have here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES! I’m so happy to know them all, yaknow? Like. Really. I love that some parts of my world are star-studded 🙂
LikeLike
It truly is a wonderful truth that though the world is filled with anger and hatred, it is also populated by many, many people who care, and love , and add beauty. Sadly, somehow the anger gets more coverage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I heard that’s a biological function – that we pay more attention to bad news. Supposedly it’s based in our heritage; if we pay as much attention to the beautiful flower as to someone calling out “Shit! There’s a tiger coming!”, we’re apt to get eaten by the tiger. Bad news triggers priority.
BUT, that’s no reason not to be mindful about sharing the flowers.
LikeLike
That’s a pretty amazing list of people. You are indeed a very lucky woman.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re awesome. I love that so many of these world-changers are my friends. And that you are my friend. I’m often very thankful for you 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
Hi Lizzi! I so agree–our words do matter and what we share and write about has the potential to change the world. Thanks for all you do and for sharing all these other incredible bloggers and writers who are adding their piece to create a better world for us all! ~Kathy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our words matter hugely, and I just hope that somehow, the more good we can put out there, the better we can collectively make this world we live in. I do what I can, and I just hope it makes a difference. I love being able to share where I see that other people are making that difference.
LikeLike
The blogosphere is a force to be reckoned with! We hold the power these days; I really believe that. The power to inform, support, educate, befriend, love, share, and connect. Thank you for including me among this incredible group of movers and shakers. ❤ U, BW.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You belong there. Truly. YOU are a force to be reckoned with, and I see no-one else who shares quite so much as you do. I think I want to do more of that (yaknow, when I grow up or something). But seriously – it makes SUCH a difference to people’s connectability. It’s awesome. You’re awesome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
xoxoxoxoxox ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
*MWAH* ❤
LikeLike
What an amazing group of friends! I have the pleasure of having some connection with some of them through social media as well. Can I just tell you what I love most about this post? Ever since we met IRL I can hear the words in your voice and that really adds so much to my reading experience. Don’t forget to add yourself to that list of “ordinary” heros, because what you do with this blog hop brings so many of us together and lifts us AND our readers up. You touch more people than you know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
*sniggers rudely* I certainly touched more people than I knew while I was in Murica 😉
But no, for reals. I’m so glad you like this, and I LOVE knowing that it adds to your experience to hear it in my voice. I accidentally heard myself in a WhatsApp recording earlier, and EEEEEK! I just hope you all don’t hear me the way *I* sound to me!
And yes. A STUNNINGLY amazing group of friends. I could have even cited more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: * Veni, natavi, vici | Teachezwell Blog
Lizzi, glad that you had the chance to meet up with our awesome friends, most of whom are so near, yet so far. To greater connectivity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve seen some but not all of these. And those I met, I loved. LOTS 🙂 Here’s to greater connectivity. Always.
LikeLike
Btw – you made me come on to WP after such a looooooooooong time! I only ever manage to read blogs via fb links and only comment there. Nice to be back here 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well YAY! I’m so glad. And I’m thrilled because it sounds like WP was totally receptive when you came on to it. Wait…whut…?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah baby I got me some reception! WOO!
Just learnt something too – went through some of the links on your linky and one of the TToT’s was done in a very impersonal way, using news, facts etc – i’m kinda inspired and even more tempted to join in now! I just always thought I had to get personal. Ah well, learn something new everyday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope. No need to necessarily be personal. There are many things for which you can be thankful, without giving away details you’d rather keep personal. YES to you joining us 🙂 I really hope you do. It’s such a great hop.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am going to try my best missy! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
BOOM, baby 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely list! Nice to read more about them and you’re right they are worth celebrating… I’d put you on top of that list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohh you’re very sweet to say that. It’s my list though, so I kind of feel like I’m all through it 🙂 They’re lovely people. Definitely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deffo 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
what’s the old saying about the internet? “…an imaginary place where we can experience our dreams played out by people of like mind and similar heart.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, that’s quite a high bar you’ve set there! So glad to learn more about these folks and as always, I appreciate your heart’s desire to see a better world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thing is, EVERYONE does wonderful, heroic things. YOU do. I just know it. You encourage, you support, you participate, you connect…and so much more, without doubt. All of these things work together for GOOD, and when people do good things, it helps to tip the balance for everyone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right, there are SO many people doing good. Maybe no person even sees them but God does. The smallest acts of kindness are sometimes the greatest, like a simple smile or welcome. We may not yet know the full impact of many things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. And it’s scary that the reverse is also true – that our bad deeds are seen and have impact. Time to buckle up and keep doing good 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
The Blogosphere really is a wonderful place, and I’m so happy to have connected to this TToT community!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Blogosphere is SO chock-full of people who are utterly wonderful, and I love that I know so many of them.
LikeLike
You, my dear, are a sweet hero. Champion of connection and love and twinklysparklygoodness********^^^^^^^^^””””’***********
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhhh THANK YOU! I like being a champion of those things. Especially all of them ❤ ..,,~~**~~,,..,,~~**~~,,..,,~~
LikeLike
Ah, Lizzi, you are so sweet. In the spirit of being good at taking compliments, thank you. 🙂
There are so many people doing so many good and wonderful things in this world. Of course you, one of the best encouragers I know, would list them in a TToT list.
BTW, the herpes of crafts? Ha! That Kristi…
LikeLiked by 1 person
There really ARE so many people doing wonderful things, and it makes me so happy and so incredibly thankful that I know SO MANY of them. And thank you for saying I’m one of the best encouragers you know – I really appreciate that, because it’s something I love to do. I really enjoy cheering my friends on and seeing them succeed and being part of their support network as they strive for whatever-it-is.
And yeah. Kristi’s got a total downer on glitter (and has had for a loooong time) but I’m working on her. She’ll like it. I’m determined 😉
LikeLike
Oh wow…I really did what I know so many others would do in that moment. You included! ❤
Because it really is just the right moment that you know you have to do something…especially if you’ve been through it yourself, on any level.
I just set it up. I think everyone who has given, wants to give, is thinking about them, and are promoting this (including you, again!) should ALL be on your list. ❤❤❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was absolutely most definitely the right thing to do (and something I’ve done before, in another time, for someone else in a very sticky situation) and it kinda doesn’t matter that lots of people ‘would have’, because you’re the one who DID – you got in there with the initiative and made it happen, and are making a REAL difference to our friend’s life. Even if the target isn’t met, the support and the knowledge that so many people care – that’s pretty awesome, right? (THAT SAID – I so hope you make the target, because it’s needed…)
And YES to everyone who’s promoting it too, being heroes. And everyone who donates it or shares it or somehow does something to raise its profile and make it all happen.
We can all be heroes 🙂
LikeLike
I’m thankful for you, for your spirit, your optimism.
You are a hero.
You are amazing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ohhh well, that’s really very sweet of you, and thank you. But I called you a hero first, so no backsies, ok?
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s always backsies!! Usually. Sometimes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heheh. How bout we split the difference and both agree we think the other’s pretty awesome?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent plan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great list of people for this week’s TToT.
🙂
What a week, with #1000Speak and #StopGunBiolence and the rest. All ending with the thankkfuls.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I know it all came out as a bit of a mishmash, but I DO think these people are worth celebrating.
LikeLike
Sparkle scares many of us. Glitter is, after all, the herpes of crafts. Anyway, this is FANTASTIC and I’m so honored and yes *sparkly* to be a part of it. So much. Thank you. I hope we can change the world. Because really we just have to right? xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
*pouts* Well if it’s the herpes of crafts then like the other herpes, it should at least be one you smile whilst catching 😉
And you’re welcome. I’ve long found your determination to change the world a source of hope and inspiration, because yes – we have to. But we need people to start us off.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I suppose you’re right to the smile while catching it 🙂
And yeah we need ppl to help. You’re getting them. They’re getting It. Slowly but they are.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re all in this life together, right? Might as well do our best for each other, and that way we all get looked after a bit 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
FRIST!!!
Excellent post Lizzy, as usual. So much happy. Oh and p.s. I GOT A JOB!!!! Yippee. So THANKFUL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhh SO CLOSE to FRIST! 😉
And thank you for finding it happy, and YAY YOU GOT A JOB! THAT’S TOTALLY COMPLETELY AWESOME 😀 😀 I’m so happy for you, cos not having a job and needing one, is a dire place to be.
LikeLike
Thank you Lizzy !!! I am very excited.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Holy crap I’m first!!!! Thank you my friend for helping me this month when I asked how to start a movement. Thank you for helping people like Jenny. Thank you for spreading sparkle and glitter two substances that scare the crap out of me 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehehe BOOM, baby! FRIST!
Sparkle scares you? Hehehe. But you’re welcome, and thank YOU for taking the initiative for change. I think between us all, we’re on the right tracks 🙂
LikeLike