Reflections: On Hope – Don’t Quit On Your Life…
“Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Reflections: On Hope – Don’t Quit On Your Life… celebrate life… don’t quit!
Reflections: On Hope – Don’t Quit On Your Life… Join us Washington Square Park…
At different points in our lives, we come up against some very dark times and it is in those moments, our darkest hours, that we must hold onto hope and not quit… Life is both exhilarating and excruciating, and while it throws all of us surprising curve-balls, we can take a dark time and change it for good. Two years ago, in November 2009, my dear friend Esmeralda lost her son Andrew to suicide. It was a sad and painful time for all of us, and as everyone mourned, it was understood that effort should be made to help others in need.
“Get Your Wellness On” Second Annual Fair
Event Date: September 10, 2011, 11:30am – 5:30pm
Washington Square Park, Alexander Holley Plaza, NYC
*If you, or someone you know, is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)* Get Help via NSPL
Since that terribly sad and tragic day, two suicide prevention fairs have been organized to bring people together and help those on the brink of despair. These are difficult times for many globally and we all need the loving support of others… There is no reason to spend time alone when feeling down, and there is no shame in asking for help, please reach out and connect with others as it is a great healing opportunity…
“I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.” Dalai Lama
Reflections: On Hope – Don’t Quit On Your Life… Celebrate Life!
On Saturday, September 10, from 11:30am – 5:30pm, Get Your Wellness On and The NY Chapter of The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will again co-host a Get Your Wellness On – Suicide Awareness & Prevention Fair. The focus will be on our physical and mental well-being; to empower the mind and empower the body. Last year’s fair brought a huge turnout and we were able to help a few women who were on the edge, climb back and reclaim their lives. The event brought many volunteers together and we expect a huge turnout on Saturday. If you are in the area, do stop by and enjoy the festivities and put a smile on someone’s face. The activities planned include:
11:30 • Performance by N’Harmonics
Noon • Opening Remarks
NOON to 5 – Healing Tent
NOON to 5 – Therapists Tables
12:05 • Live Musical Jazz Performance
12.30 • Qi Gong/Chinese Yoga by Jenna Ritter
1:00 • Hoopnotica
1:30 • Fencing Masters
2:00 • Live Musical Performance by Greg Petronzi
2:30 • Yoga with Chintamani Kansas
3:15 • Hoopnotica
3:45 • Fencing Masters
4:15 • Qi Gong/Chinese Yoga by Jenna Ritter
4:45 • Live Musical Performance by Zack Zwiebel
4:50 • Live Musical Performance by Moon Hooch
5:20 • Closing Remarks
Do join in and If you, or someone you know, is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)* Get Help via NSPL
“Hope…is the companion of power, and the mother of success; for who so hopes has within him the gift of miracles.” Samuel Smiles
Reflections: On Hope – Don’t Quit On Your Life…You are the joy of life!
Reflections: On Hope – Don’t Quit On Your Life… Rejoice for your life!
As we all get on with the art of living our lives, I do hope we can take a minute to send healing light, love, and hope to all who have lost a friend or family member to suicide and more of same to heal the survivors. I do believe that we can all make a difference in the lives of people around us… We just never know when we will be in need of the succor we offer others. Hope your weekend is happy and bright. What are your thoughts? What are your plans for the weekend? Have you cheered someone up today? Do share! Thank you. 🙂
This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: When is it OK to quit something? Many cultures frown on people who give up on things. But is it ever good for everyone involved for someone to quit? Whether it’s a job, a relationship or a dream?
For More: Women’s Lives & Issues
Positive Motivation Tip: Add your voice to Suicide Prevention… You could save a life.
More Wellness Boosters/Affirmations & Resources
Related articles
- Dangerous and Sad: Rising Suicides by Chemical Fumes (wired.com)
- R.I.P. Trey Pennington of Greenville, SC (otir.wordpress.com)
- If you’re thinking about suicide…read this first (the-inside-out-project.com)
- Suicide Prevention Week-My Story (missriki.wordpress.com)
- Suicide Prevention Awareness Day is September 10th (drdeborahserani.blogspot.com)
- Why People Commit Suicide (psychologytoday.com)
- Gearing Up for the Out of the Darkness Walk (ashersparents.wordpress.com)
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos Washington Sq Park, via Wikipedia. White Flower by Sophie a, Celebrate Life via sirwiseowl, Life by Akbar2, Joy of life by Olga Oslina via Flickr
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Trackbacks
- Weekly Photo Challenge: Opportunity… | Mirth and Motivation
- Weekly Photo Challenge: Opportunity… | The Blog Farm - A Growing Blog Community
- Weekly Photo Challenge: Opportunity… » The Blog Farm
- RIP Robin Williams: Gone Too Soon… | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Mondays: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | Mirth and Motivation
This sounds like a great event, I would love to attend if I lived in NYC instead of Texas. My heart goes out to your friend and what she went through, I have known a few people that have lost friends to suicide and I can only empathize with them.
I DO know what it’s like to be in a spot of your life where suicide seems like a way out and I have known many others that have been there too….because of bullying, but I know there are others stuck in abusive families, etc. that have also felt this was the only way out and my heart aches for them. Life can be rough sometimes so I am glad there are people and events out there like this that are there for the ones who need it.
TY Sharon and yes, I know you get the full picture of these events… TY for your kind words and I know you will be with us in spirit tomorrow. TY again 🙂
And the thing is, a simple smile, or hello to someone we don’t know is contemplating suicide may be all it takes to make them think someone does care.
Thanks E, for this post.
So true Angeline… as I witnessed same last year at the fair… a smile goes a long way for people who are hurting. TY! 🙂
the Washington Square Park was that place in Manhattan (beside the Public Library at 42nd Street), where we got plenty of hope: so much happy people there, singing, dancing, performing – that’s the way paradise should be …
It is still a happy place, though I remember when it was also a drug infested park… Times do change and I’m glad it is now a beautiful gathering place, TY! 🙂
Wonderful quotes and so important. As one who was a near suicide case and is now valuing life again I know.
Thank you.
TY for stopping by Caroline and I’m happy that you turned a corner in your life… TY again for sharing… 🙂
That event sounds really great, but being in the UK all I can do is hear about it from you
TY Peter, It went well and we had a lot of people show up to get information and enjoy the festivities. 🙂
You always amaze me and your words of inspiration and the lovely photo’s or words of quotes that make my day. Life is meant to be lived. Moment by moment. Thanks for posting today.
TY for your feedback Jackie. It turned out very nicely… 🙂
What a good idea for an event. I hope it goes well.
TY and it did go well… We had some rain showers but then the sun came out and the air was fresh with hope and promise… It was a lovely event. TY! 🙂
Why am I not surprised that you will be part of such an event…spearheading an effort to bring positivity and hope to others. 🙂
Thank you, Eliz, for talking about this topic (just read on another blogger post that 1 in 11 teens attempts suicide) and highlighting this event and the resources available to those in need…it just takes one person, as we see so often, to make a difference. And sometimes a smile and a kind word can change the direction of a person’s life.
Yes, a smile and a kind word can make a huge difference in someone’s life… I keep that in mind and the event yesterday was a reminder of how much people appreciate being told that someone cares… TY! 🙂
and if there is a place, who can be an argument vs. suicide, it is the Washington Square Park …
I’m not sure what you are trying to say here… I was a great event yesterday and we had a good turnout. TY! 🙁
There are really many mental illnesses around me.
It’s serious problem.As you say, don’t stop your life by yourself.
There is always hope everywhere.
Yes, there is always hope around the corner… TY for sharing so honestly Cocomino. 🙂
So like you to immediately find a way to pay it forward. You are truly an inspiration Elizabeth.
Thank You!
b
TY Barbara and I won’t take any of the credit as this is a collaborative event by my dear friend and the AFSP… I was happy to be part of the volunteer team offering healing help and information. 🙂
after a very famous soccer keeper made suicide: the whole German TV was bold enough to discuss depression (supported by the widow) and how to help and prevent. better than to hide the topic …
Yes, it is best to talk openly about this subject and remove the stigma attached… It is still a subject that makes people uncomfortable… I understand. TY! 🙂
Hope the event is a resounding success filled with positive energy.
Yes it went well TY Nancy! 🙂
my dad … 20 years ago
my beloved brother …4 years ago
the pain and sadness is always under the surface.
the organisers of these events are very brave. they must be able to redirect their pain into planning, organising, and doing. i have thought of becoming a counsellor for suicide support groups, but i’m nowehere near ready.
I am so sorry to read about your loss… My heart goes out to you Narelle and I can’t even pretend to know the pain you still feel years later… My friend Esmeralda send you hugs, love and healing light for your pain… TY Narelle and sending you virtual hugs and loving light.
Whenever I hear of a suicide – for whatever “reason” – I think what a waste of opportunity. Yes, there are many situations where Hope is invisible. But Hope comes from a large family: Her siblings are Gratitude, Forgiveness, Kindness, the twins Endurance and Resilience, and Trust. One of them is always in reach, and every one of them has the ability to pull us from the swamp onto safe ground.
TY Maria and my prayer for all who suffer unbearable pain is that they find that hope and get the much needed help they deserve… TY!
Such an important post and so many special comments. Enermazing’s comment is particularly inspiring…I would like to remember her words and share them with some others on my own blog…may I use enermazing’s words on a “page”?…especially on days like today, September 11, when so many sad memories are being remembered…to focus on “hope” and “her family members,” not just on the remembered sadness and grief. (I’ll go to her blog and ask her too) Thank you..kathy
Oh go right ahead Kathy and I’m sorry that I didn’t respond sooner… Please use it and anything else. TY also for your comment… yes, Maria is an inspiration too.
I hope the event went well for you. There is much sadness in the world. If we cant’ stop it, maybe we can change the way we perceive and accept it. Great post Elizabeth.
TY Mariam… there is so much sadness and you know, we do the best we can in adding our voices and our volunteerism… It was a success and we had lots of attendees. TY!
I think it is the loss of hope that often leads to suicide. It is good too see so much being done. I especially like the phrase “There is no reason to spend time alone when feeling down, and there is no shame in asking for help, please reach out and connect with others as it is a great healing opportunity” .
While so true, often times in the midst of the fog that can descend, seeking help is the last thing many are actually capable of, so it is up to the rest of us to stay aware and reach out to those experiencing difficulties, if they will let us.
Hi Robyn, TY for your thoughts and words… I’m still reeling from your post as I never knew how much this subject is a part of your history… The loss of hope is sometimes hard for people to shake and my prayer is that if anyone reads this post that they reach out… and yes, I pray that we are vigilant enough to do same.
I see Narelle above too has experienced similar losses.
Don’t reel, keep doing what you are doing – articles like this spread the word and educate – if just one child is spared similar losses, you will have worked wonders.
I wish I could have been there. I love that it exists, though, and I love the thought of it reaching people who need reminders that hope yet lives external to them while they find a way to bring it inside, finally or again.
Where there is hope, there is possibility, and life… TY Deb and you were there in spirit. It was a great event and I’m sure it gave hope to many who stopped by. TY!
This is an important event. I hope you had a good turnout.
TY Marcia and yes, it went well even with some rain showers… 🙂