Who Has Changed Your Life?

I'd love to know who has changed your life without knowing it and how they did it. I am interested in all the things we can do to make the world a better place if we would only think of it. Please leave a comment or contact me at CanIChangeALife@yahoo.com.

Thanks for enhancing my life.

Janet

From Suicidal to Successful

My teenage daughter loves the clothing, music, and accessories at www.C28.com. Like many teenagers, she also has firsthand experience with school bullies. She is very independent, and this does not go over well with kids who want everyone to conform to their ideas of "cool".

I first read about C28 in Reader's Digest. I was intrigued because of their message of complete acceptance of everyone. I wish that there was a local C28 store because it would be a perfect place for my daughter to work and spend time.

Intrigued by the article, I looked up information on the founder. His name is Aurelio F. Barreto III. He created those Igloo dog houses you see everywhere. He eventually sold the company and walked away a very wealthy man.

But wealth doesn't buy happiness. I don't know what demons possessed him, but he ended up with depression serious enough that he considered suicide. Thankfully he decided against it. Even better, after he made the decision for life, he ended up on a mission to enhance the lives of countless others.

If you want to know more about his story, check out www.C28.com. It's also a great place to find quality clothing, music, and accessories. We have bought several items from them and always been pleased. Customer service is also terrific. Lately I had some questions for them and have been corresponding with a gentleman named Justin, who has been exceptionally patient and quick to respond to me.

Aurelio F. Barreto III is a great example of somebody moving from suicidal to having a terrific life. I would love to hear the stories of others who have done this, especially those who have overcome great odds to choose life.

Feeling Suicidal?

Lately it seems so many people are struggling with depression. I know of several teens who cut themselves in an effort to feel something. Many of them are dealing with suicidal thoughts.

This is not just limited to teens, of course. I've known a lot of people who have seriously contemplated suicide, and my life has been touched by family and friends who have successfully left us this way.

If you've read my other posts, you won't be surprised that I listen to music all the time. I was listening to Evanescence this morning, in particular My Immortal. It is said that she wrote it on the suicide of a loved one. I don't know if this is true or not, but it perfectly captures how it feels to be one of the people left behind.

If you're considering suicide, please look up the lyrics to My Immortal. If you have any love left for anybody in your life, listen to it thinking how they will feel. Please don't put them through this.

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just so much that time cannot erase

Sounds a lot like any of you considering suicide, but it also completely describes those who have survived a loved one's suicide. Read on, and think of anybody who has tried to help you. Before responding with "Nobody cares, nobody has tried," be honest with yourself. You know there have been people in your life who tried to reach you. Sometimes people give up because they think they're not able to help and not wanted. Here's some more lyrics:

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me.

Consider those you love, and find a way to struggle through the pain until you get some relief.

This blog is meant to highlight ways that others can impact a life. I hope I can touch at least one life today.

Great Reality TV

NBC is hosting a great new reality TV show this year called Three Wishes. They are granting at least three wishes per show, and say that others might be granted that will not appear on the show. I don't know who came up with the concept and who ran with it once it was suggested, but both have to be applauded for actively making a difference in many, many lives.

I wonder if they realize the magnitude of what they are doing. Just hosting the show will inspire people they will never meet, people who will watch the show and make their own wishes or the wishes of others come true.

When television was first introduced, it was often suggested that it could be a major force of good or evil. In this day and age when we're always complaining that there's nothing on, or that all news is bad news, NBC and all involved have done something magnificent.

They are still taking wishes. Check it out on NBC.com.

I am in awe.

Musicians Who Mean What They Sing

My title is referring to the Oak Ridge Boys. After seeing them in concert in April, 2005 I went to their website and logged onto their message board. There I found that the "Boys" actually respond to their fans and even post their own thoughts. When they write, it becomes clear that they sing what they believe.

I now own two of their CDs. One is Common Thread, a Gospel CD. The other is called Colors and is filled with patriotic music. I play both of them all the time. Soon I plan to add From the Heart to my collection.

I would give you a link to check their music, but you probably already know you plenty of sites you can head to (though I'd recommend http://www.oakridgeboys.com). Instead, I want to honor them by sending you to a place that is dear to their hearts. It's http://www.feedthechildren.org. This is another great organization assisting Katrina victims.

At some later date I may write more about what the Oaks have meant to me and my family. For now, consider clicking on that link and being a person who makes a difference.