Skip to content

Motivation Mondays: Relief or Relieved?

19/06/2017
tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Heavy hearts, like heavy clouds in the sky, are best relieved by the letting of a little water.” Christopher Morley

Motivation Mondays: Relief or Relieved? World Refugee Day

Motivation Mondays: Relief or Relieved? World Refugee Day


 
Motivation Mondays: Relief or Relieved? World Refugee Day - Be the light...

Motivation Mondays: Relief or Relieved? World Refugee Day – Be the light…

 

Each day, and the living of it, has to be a conscious creation in which discipline and order are relieved with some play and pure foolishness. May Sarton
Those who enjoy their own emotionally bad health and who habitually fill their own minds with the rank poisons of suspicion, jealousy and hatred, as a rule take umbrage at those who refuse to do likewise, and they find a perverted relief in trying to denigrate them. Johannes Brahms

Tomorrow is World Refugee Day and this gives us a chance to celebrate the courage, strength, and perseverance of millions of people who, over the years, have been forced to flee their homes because of strife, persecution, and hope for a better life. As these refugees arrive in new countries, they receive relief or rejection and are forced to make a decision to seek asylum, stay put in limbo or seek solace elsewhere. Until they find a welcoming home in a nation that accommodates refugees, there is no true sense of relief; it is merely a temporary, stop gap feeling that is interspersed with moments of sheer terror and despair. Once they are settled in a country or community that welcomes them, as they would a long lost sibling, they are relieved and go about starting their lives over, motivated by their feelings of gratitude and a determination to make their lives matter. The lives of Refugees can be viewed through the lens of disenfranchisement, struggle, and wistful dreams of a day when they can return to the homeland. The crisis of living dislocated lives haunts many, and making the acculturation shift to adjust in a new culture can be very difficult. They view the new country as an oasis of temporary joy; their heavy hearts still tied inextricably to the land and loved ones they left behind. So are they in a state of relief or relieved?

As a child of war, my family came close to that refugee state. What spared us a life of being transplanted from our home into the unknown was that, on the day the war ended, the only airport open was packed with lots of families and expatriates attempting to flee the country.  So many families gathered, in a desperate final effort, to leave from that makeshift ragtag escape route at the end of a brutal and destructive civil war. The airport was merely a strip of tarmac in the middle of the forest, and that last night of surrender that served as the last gasp that ended the Biafran war was fraught with fears of imminent annihilation. Many families sought relief at the airport in the hope that one of the rickety combat/red cross relief jets would ferret them to a new place. Few escaped by air that night, and the rest of us fled into the interior in search of a hiding place, until we could get reassurances that we won’t become the last victims of a genocide. We had some relief when we found a family in the interior who welcomed us into their home with open arms. A day later, armed robbers descended on the family home as news got out that there were some refugees staying there who looked like they had riches to be taken. My Dad, a smart man with nerves of steel, faced the robbers and calmly reasoned with them while negotiating for our lives. The incident remains one of my proudest memories of my father’s wisdom and calm in the face of great danger; there is more but I will save it for another time. So in our case, relief was replaced with terror and demands for a ransom and … finally we were reprieved and relieved.

Food For Thought: Charity begins at home; each of us has a duty to extend our help to those in need. Even with its domestic issues, this beautiful, great country, the USA, remains the wealthiest nation on our planet. We can afford to help others and still continue to help our own. An act to make another happy, inspires the other to make still another happy, and so happiness is aroused and abounds. Thousands of candles can be {lit} from a single candle, and the life of the single candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

 

“When you taste super-success after tasting super-failure, there is huge relief.” Akshay Kuma

Motivation Mondays: Relief or Relieved? World Refugee Day

Motivation Mondays: Relief or Relieved? World Refugee Day

Relieved – no longer feeling distressed or anxious; reassured.happy that something unpleasant has not happened or has ended: . Learn more.
Relief – feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress

 

What does Relief or Relieved mean to you? When we think of both words, we think of words that offer comfort from pain, fear and suffering. They are close in meaning yet each has a distinction that sets it apart from the other. Such is the power of words…. When we are relieved, we are in a state of resolution and we feel a period of great distress has subsided. Our pain and struggle is in the past and a new day has arrived with hope and better prospects. The word “Relieved” offers a positive solution to a challenge we faced. We have answers and our motivations are aligned with staying on top of whatever caused us pain. Relief on the other hand can be/is temporary. When we receive relief, we are grateful for the break that comes through the kindness of others or the treatment by a medical professional, and we know that we will need to stay motivated to get to our goal of being fully free of what ails us.

We see this in action, every day, in our lives or in the lives of others around us. When we are forced into a tenuous situation; arguments with friends, challenges on the job, accidents or the many ways life throws us curve-balls, our inner drive is to do everything we can to overcome those interruptions or objections and get our lives back on track. Sometimes, our sheer will wins the day and, at other times, we see the mighty hand of an intelligent force guide us in a new and improved direction that helps us learn and grow from the experiences. So, not all disappointments are intended to destroy us and if anything, we see the human spirit rise and shine in the face of violence, inhumane attacks and depraved aggression. In times like we see in our bruised and brutalized world today, there is hope for relief and we must not give up.

The details for Motivation Mondays are below. Join in! The themes for May/June 2017 are:

 

MAY

05/01  – May Day, World Lyme Day, 02 National Teacher Day, 03 World Press Freedom, 04 National Day of Prayer,
05 Cinco De Mayo, 06 Kentucky Derby
05/14 –  14 Mothers Day, 20 Armed Forces Day
05/21 –  22 International Biological Diversity, 24 National Brother Day, 25 Ascension, 27 Ramadan starts
05/28 – 29 Memorial Day, 31 World No Tobacco Day

JUNE

06/05  –  World Environment Day,  08 National Best Friend Day,  08 World Oceans Day
06/11 –  11  Trinity Sunday, 14 Flag Day
06/18 –  18 Father’s Day,  19 Juneteeth,  20 World Refugee Day,  21 Summer Solstice/International Yoga Day, 23 Intn’l  Widow’s Day, 24 Ramadan Ends
06/25 – 25  Eid al Fitr,  26 Against Drug Abuse Day,

 

 

Are You Looking for Ways to Stay Creative in 2017?

post-a-week-2017-md
– Join the Daily Post Post-a-day or Post-a-week Challenge.

BHWritingLab_052016_post_PROMPT1A

— Join the BlogHer Writing Lab

 

 

More Below!
“Can I see another’s woe, and not be in sorrow too? Can I see another’s grief, and not seek for kind relief?” William Blake

Motivation Mondays: Relief or Relieved? World Refugee Day

Motivation Mondays: Relief or Relieved? World Refugee Day

Motivation Mondays: Relief or Relieved? World Refugee Day

Motivation Mondays: Relief or Relieved? World Refugee Day

The blues are what I’ve turned to, what has given me inspiration and relief in all the trials of my life. Eric Clapton
Life is where you’re at. Whatever you’re doing is enough. You don’t need to do everything well all the time. When you live your life like that, it’s a huge relief. Cindy Crawford

What can we do to help others find relief in sorrow? When we take time to help others feel relief or relieved, something deep inside of us feels relieved because, by nature, most of us are social beings and are motivated by our desire to show others that we care, are compassionate, and can empathize with the struggles of our fellow men and women. However, like in any arena, there are those who lack those qualities and thrive on the misery and pain of others. They are sociopaths, psychopaths or ill-informed folks who cannot function unless others are experiencing grief and the deepest pain. They don’t grasp the secret of generosity because they operate from a poverty mentality. To assist a person or a community in need is NOT  to deprive your community of their needs.  We offer help because we can. We do so because we know our resources won’t be exhausted because we’ve given another soul a bed and food to eat.

Please would you think about it? When you extend your hand in charity to others, do you stop and calculate how many bags of chips your help would buy you?  No. We often give because we know we can afford to give. We give from our largess not from a stingy belief that by giving we are depriving ourselves of more. We are NOT. In the teachings of the great Buddha it is said that:  “An act to make another happy, inspires the other to make still another happy, and so happiness is aroused and abounds. Thousands of candles can be < lit > from a single candle, and the life of the single candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.  When we understand that life is about give and take, about reciprocity, we will start to appreciate the opportunity to give to others. Did you know that many of the wealthiest nations across the globe have created their wealth with the natural resources that come from  struggling nations?  To help is not just to give charitably but to recognize the debt we owe each other. Holding on to everything as if by giving some to the neediest will make it all disappear is selfish;  we cannot let such character traits or beliefs override our common sense.

 

Have a Happy, Healthy 2017!

 

Share

 

 

This post was partly inspired by a WP Daily Post prompt – Relieved

Positive Motivation Tip:  Be a source of relief for others….

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM
Related Posts

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos via Refugees Wikipedia  and/or Freedom, Refugees  via Pixabay

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

from → Global Events, Motivation Mondays, Positive Advice, Posts & Photos 2017
172 Comments leave one →
  1. natalielovesbeauty permalink
    19/06/2017 4:25 pm

    I really like how you put it, that when we helps others feel relief, we also feel relieved ourselves. I never though of it that way, but it rings true!

    Reply
  2. ojandcigs permalink
    19/06/2017 5:29 pm

    What a great, meaningful post! Thank you for reminding us to stay motivated. Love your use of quotes too, super inspiring.

    Reply
  3. Nicole Anderson permalink
    19/06/2017 6:25 pm

    So many of us have never been subjected to the terrors that refugees have faced and therefore have no real appreciation of what they have been through. It was very enlightening to read this post and try to obtain some understanding for what you must have been through. Luckily you have managed to overcome and are now in a position to educate others who do not know what it is like. More power to you.

    Reply
  4. Travel Blogger permalink
    19/06/2017 7:23 pm

    I never thought about what it must be like to be a refugee until I had kids. I often look at those escaping war, suffering the heinous torture of their governments and just trying to survive, and it makes me want to cry. I cannot imagine what it must be like to live that way or to come so close to death just because of where you live. You sound like you have such an amazing story, and it makes me want to reach out to refugees. I have the means to help, and I know I need to step up to help where I can. Thank you for this. It is a reminder that even just welcoming refugees into my state and offering small comforts can be a big help.

    Reply
  5. Kristen from The Road to Domestication permalink
    19/06/2017 7:53 pm

    I’ve never heard of world refugee day, but it seems to me there ought to be one at least once a month. There is so much happening in the world that we in our safe little havens know nothing about! We need more awareness!

    Reply
  6. Sona Jain permalink
    19/06/2017 9:13 pm

    I am impressed to see the detail of emotions and how it is impacting your life. Very inspiring.

    Reply
  7. Neha Saini permalink
    19/06/2017 9:50 pm

    All these pictures are really great. Its good to give chance to celebrate the courage, strength, and perseverance of millions of people who left their home due to some reasons. Tasting the failure is the relief.

    Reply
  8. 조이 Czjai (@RebelSweetHrt) permalink
    20/06/2017 1:15 am

    It must have been quite an ordeal for you and your family back then! Thank goodness your father was able to protect you and the rest of the family!

    Reply
  9. Ivianat permalink
    20/06/2017 1:55 am

    Very inspiring post. I think I’m relieved instead of relief. I would like to join the challenge if I have the time!

    Reply
  10. rhianwestbury permalink
    20/06/2017 2:37 am

    Refugee’s have such courage that they’re willing to flee everything, I can’t believe what you have been through x

    Reply
  11. Chei Pangan permalink
    20/06/2017 3:21 am

    I was relieved after reading this blog. Yet motivated that I have to let go of anything that is bothering my heart and soul. Thank you.

    Reply
  12. GiGi Eats Celebrities permalink
    20/06/2017 6:09 am

    Relief and Relieved sort of mean the same thing to me. It’s calming, it’s freeing, it’s empowering and it’s comforting.

    Reply
  13. prettybrownnomad permalink
    20/06/2017 6:32 am

    Thanks for always being there to provide such good content. The community appreciates you.

    Reply
  14. nadaliebardo permalink
    20/06/2017 9:03 am

    Hey,

    Such an interesting post, I love that quote. Failure and success are not opposites, one closely follows the other. Thanks for the motivation!

    Reply
  15. D permalink
    20/06/2017 11:07 am

    Very inspiring, thank you for sharing this. The images are also beautiful – did you photograph them ?

    Reply
  16. Samantha Bye permalink
    20/06/2017 11:59 am

    That’s an incredible story of your father which you have shared here, I can’t even begin to imagine the fear of having your life turned upside down in such a way that you’d have to experience that. Thank you for sharing this post!

    Reply
  17. Kristine Nicole Alessandra permalink
    20/06/2017 12:45 pm

    I love this post Elizabeth. Nowadays there are so many incidences around the world that cause grief and sorrow. How can we make these people who lost loved ones feel better? How can we relieve them of their sorrow? For me, if I can be there physically, I will give them a tight hug, a compassionate smile. I can sit with them and listen to their heartaches. By offering them my time and attention, I know I have given them some relief from their suffering.

    Reply
  18. Eileen permalink
    20/06/2017 1:46 pm

    It is a relief for me to be made aware of a person’s true colors. Sometimes, your initial perception of a person changes drastically when an unfavorable situation arises. I am relieved because I no longer have to find that out. It has all been made clear with one unfavorable situation.

    Reply
  19. Shigufa Saleheen permalink
    20/06/2017 4:59 pm

    Wow, great post! Hoping and praying for all refugees around the world to finally feel fully ‘relieved’ sometime in their near future!

    Reply
  20. erinchoward permalink
    20/06/2017 5:02 pm

    Wow! Thank you for sharing your story and giving us such great insight. I had also never thought about the difference between these words, so I appreciate this post!

    Reply
  21. Angela Milnes permalink
    20/06/2017 5:56 pm

    so so interesting. i never heard a quote like the one on heavy hearts before. it’s a good analogy.

    Reply
  22. Heather permalink
    20/06/2017 6:05 pm

    Elizabeth! I had no idea you were a refugee. I am very inspired by your story and yet that time in your life didn’t consume you or turn you against the world. You still see so much beauty in it. You are amazing!

    Reply
  23. Carol Cassara permalink
    20/06/2017 6:08 pm

    Refugees are amazing people, they are full of hope and they never stop dreaming. We should draw some inspiration from their thirst to live life even through the darkest days. It must have been horrible, as a young child to experience being a refugee. It’s the perfect experience to describe relief.

    Reply
  24. Claudia permalink
    20/06/2017 6:44 pm

    Thank you for bringing up this important subject and sharing your story. Most of us living in the US are privileged to have never experienced a war or a revolution, so it is difficult to really understand the struggles of a refugee.

    Reply
  25. Adriana Martin permalink
    20/06/2017 11:11 pm

    No doubt this is an important but difficult subject. I have never experienced war nor I am a refugee. So I cannot image the pain and sorrow but I can talk from the perspective of loss of a loved one and it is very difficult to feel relief so I pray a lot.

    Reply
  26. Julie Syl permalink
    21/06/2017 12:33 am

    I love the topic! relief or relieved! theres a big differences of the two that make you realize the importance of hard work.

    Reply
  27. kelly reci permalink
    21/06/2017 1:01 am

    “When you taste super-success after tasting super-failure, there is huge relief.”
    I agree with this quote! I have been experiencing ups and downs and it is a total huge relief after soo many failures.!

    Reply
  28. faithhopelove627 permalink
    21/06/2017 3:45 am

    I cannot imagine going through what refugees go through. I hope we can help them be relieved so their suffering can end. Thank you for sharing your story. Very touching.
    Relieved for me means my suffering has ended, whatever I may have suffered with. Relief for me means a problem has worked for a short term, but not permanent.
    I can’t do much to help refugees, but I do pray everyday that they can be relieved and that they would be welcomed, rather than rejected in a new country.

    Reply
  29. Kait permalink
    21/06/2017 4:50 am

    It is so easy as people living in a developed country to forget about the struggles of others, but we cannot turn a blind eye to it. There are so many out there that just want a better way of life. They just want to go home and live in peace. They want the same things we want, and we can help. After reading your post, I actually looked up how I can help refugees being relocated in my own state, and I can sign up to do small things like show them around the town or help them shop for groceries. There is so much we can do. We just have to reach out. We would want others to do the same for us.

    Reply
  30. Emily permalink
    21/06/2017 5:24 am

    Such and amazing post. Thank you for sharing this story from your past. It was highly motivational!

    Reply
  31. momglenz permalink
    21/06/2017 4:17 pm

    Your posts are always motivational and inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  32. parentingpatch permalink
    21/06/2017 8:05 pm

    I had no idea about World Refugee Day. I just wish the US would do more to help those people throughout the world in need. We can do so much better.

    Reply
  33. Lisa Rios permalink
    21/06/2017 8:30 pm

    The best way I seek for relief is writing and pondering. Having time to think in a quiet space alone helps me find peace.

    Reply
  34. Jennifer permalink
    21/06/2017 9:00 pm

    I couldn’t imagine a life as a refugee. I know it must be a tough experience to be displaced from one’s home. I don’t think I’ve ever thought about relief in terms of helping someone who is experiencing a hard time or going through sorrow. But I have had a recent experience where my daughter’s close friend was experiencing sorrow because he had to move to a different foster family. I’d like to think we provided relief to our dear friend by praying for him and with him and offering our home to him for family dinners and events until it was time for him to go.

    Reply
  35. Sondra Barker permalink
    21/06/2017 10:44 pm

    I always love you Motivation Mondays, they are always so touching. I sad to hear that you and your family had to go through an experience like that, it is not right that one has to pick up where their life was at and move due to difficult circumstances.

    Reply
  36. livanies86 permalink
    21/06/2017 11:58 pm

    I love the idea af having a motivation monday!

    Reply
  37. Moyinoluwa permalink
    22/06/2017 1:29 am

    That quote at the start by Christopher Morley really touched me. Really. Letting out just a little water… Motivation is what the world needs.

    Reply
  38. Oh Beehave! permalink
    22/06/2017 1:47 am

    To have had to flee your home must be one of the most terrifying things a person could have experienced. I think people often don’t understand just what it takes for a person or family to make the decision to flee their country and seek refuge in the hopes of one day returning to their home.

    Reply
  39. Freya Farrington permalink
    22/06/2017 1:59 am

    I love reading your motivation Mondays, it always brings a smile to my face and sets me up for the productive day and week ahead!

    Reply
  40. Raine C. S. permalink
    22/06/2017 5:01 am

    Wow, what a story you have to tell! How intriguing. I can feel the pride you have for your dad from that night. I can’t wait to read more about it. Thank you for opening up and sharing what you did.

    Reply
  41. lex permalink
    22/06/2017 5:20 am

    i like this. i have read other motivation monday but this one is unique, unique in the sense that the images tell such wonderful stories from nature to the statue of liberty and a lot more tiny details, in all, one needs to believe positively in themselves and expect nothing but the best from their inner being. best quote for a good Monday start up.

    Reply
  42. Sarah Bailey permalink
    22/06/2017 5:31 am

    I had no idea it was world refugee day this week. It is definitely a good time to talk about the things people have to go through to try and experience a normal way of living, one most of us take for granted.

    Reply
  43. Ana Ojha permalink
    22/06/2017 7:33 am

    Sorry to hear that your family had to leave their country and experience a refugee state! Relief and Relieved are very powerful words. Someone who has experienced the agony and distress will understand the true value of happiness!

    Reply
  44. Gloria permalink
    22/06/2017 7:58 am

    My family is from Croatia (former Yugoslavia), the only reason I was spared the experience of being a refugee is that my father took me with him to Germany when he saw where the political system was heading. That was 15 years before the war started. Reading this brought so many things into perspective.

    Reply
  45. Alicia Taylor at Taylorlife.com permalink
    22/06/2017 8:36 am

    To me, relief means peace. It’s such an important part of my life that I have wall decals throughout the house talking about peace.

    Reply
  46. ljdove23 permalink
    22/06/2017 8:51 am

    Gosh this really was inspirational and motivating. I am so sorry that you and your family experienced such horror but how amazing is your father to fight them off and protect you all in that way! I love how you instil so much emotion into your reader, I always leave your blog feeling very educated!

    Reply
  47. Jessica Taylor permalink
    22/06/2017 9:09 am

    I had no idea it was World Refugee Day! Such a great way to support those fleeing in hopes of a better life

    Reply
  48. nlampert permalink
    22/06/2017 9:10 am

    Your father sounds like an impressive and brave man! I can relate to your story a little because there have been refugees in my family in the past. I didn’t know about World Refugee Day but I’m glad it exists.

    Reply
  49. Corinne & Kirsty 🌸 (@corinnekirsty) permalink
    22/06/2017 10:57 am

    It’s a beautiful post. Made me think a bit. Don’t really know how i’ll stay creative in 2017. I realized that as long as I was happy, I was creative so I hope staying happy will make me stay creative! xx corinne

    Reply
  50. Chelsea Elizabeth permalink
    22/06/2017 12:35 pm

    I love Monday motivation! It sets me up for the week and if I start with a good attitude then it usually helps me keep focused for the rest of the week

    Reply
  51. fashionmommywm permalink
    22/06/2017 4:30 pm

    Your own story is one of survival, your dad sounds like an incredibly brave man.

    Reply
  52. Angela Ricardo Bethea permalink
    22/06/2017 5:45 pm

    I am currently expecting … so I am in between relief and relieved. Morning sickness is a battle and so having that ease up helps a lot. I love this motivation monday topic. Thank you for empowering us.

    Reply
  53. Claudia Krusch permalink
    22/06/2017 7:20 pm

    I have never really thought about the difference before. I always enjoy your posts. They always get me thinking.

    Reply
  54. Keeping Up With Candy permalink
    22/06/2017 8:01 pm

    Although I do REALLY feel bad for the refugees, I still believe we should take care of home first before helping our neighbors.

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      23/06/2017 2:11 am

      Charity begins at home; each of us has a duty to extend our help to those in need. Even with its domestic issues, the US is the wealthiest nation on our planet. We can afford to help others and still continue to help our own. An act to make another happy, inspires the other to make still another happy, and so happiness is aroused and abounds. Thousands of candles can be < lit > from a single candle, and the life of the single candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

      Reply
  55. Michelle Paige permalink
    22/06/2017 8:37 pm

    My heart breaks for the refugees. I could not even imagine going through that.

    Reply
  56. alisonrost permalink
    22/06/2017 8:44 pm

    I had goosebumps reading the story of your family. I can’t imagine what that must have been like, especially seeing your father so bravely trying to negotiate with people out to do you harm. I follow as closely as I’m able the plight of refugees around the world. While some in our country say that we shouldn’t help and instead put ourselves first, I beg to differ. Certainly we can’t help fully in every situation, but I think we have a moral obligation to help as much as we’re able.

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      23/06/2017 2:08 am

      Thank you Alison! Indeed, as members of the human race, we have a moral obligation to not sit on the sidelines and watch our fellow man/woman die. But for the grace… <3

      Reply
  57. London Mumma permalink
    22/06/2017 9:56 pm

    I love your Monday motivation posts! They always open my mind and my heart.

    Reply
  58. Made Adayasa permalink
    22/06/2017 11:02 pm

    What an interesting article . Love to read your long article .

    Thank you for sharing

    Reply
  59. Ophelia Tang permalink
    22/06/2017 11:33 pm

    Thanks for sharing. Your post was very insightful and informative.

    Reply
  60. charbear009 permalink
    23/06/2017 12:50 am

    Your motivational post are so inspiring and can really help people in a time of need. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  61. elizabethbrico permalink
    23/06/2017 1:11 am

    Wow. The story of your family’s escape is incredible. Your father sounds like an amazing man. What a memory to be able to hold in your heart of the man who raised you. You also must have an insurmountable inner strength to have undergone such trauma and still be the beautiful, peaceful, intelligent person you so clearly are. My mom and her family came from Cuba under refugee status. Nothing awful happened in terms of violence, but I know the humiliation and displacement were traumatic to my mom, who was 13 at the time. I can only imagine…I have a lot of sympathy for refugees, and I wish more people in power did too.

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      23/06/2017 2:06 am

      Thank you Elizabeth! What some folks tend to forget is that becoming a refugee is not a life goal for anyone. Most flee out of desperation and dream of returning to their native lands. If we can imagine ourselves in such a position, I hope we will want the same help from other more powerful nations. We love our families and want the best for them… so do all the desperate refugees fleeing oppressive leaders and warring factions in their homelands.<3

      Reply
  62. Rachel Naylor permalink
    23/06/2017 1:25 am

    Thanks for sharing your post, it was a lovely read so thank you. Your photos are lovely to see too.

    Reply
  63. Yadira Castro permalink
    23/06/2017 1:47 am

    Beautiful poem/quotes to start such great article, it is people like you who make a difference in the life of refugees creating such awareness. Relief and relieved should be available to us all.

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      23/06/2017 2:25 am

      Thank you Yadira. Until we are touched by pain and suffering, some of us prefer to turn a blind eye to the plight of others in our global family.

      Reply
      • Yadira Castro permalink
        23/06/2017 2:51 am

        I hear you! Life isn’t fair the least we can do is be there for one another.

      • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
        01/07/2017 7:50 pm

        Help one another… yes.

  64. aniahalama permalink
    23/06/2017 3:12 am

    Wow such a beautiful touching story. I wouldn’t be able to even imagine being put in that situation and trying to escape. Your family is so brave! I’ve met a couple refugees along my travels and I am always so impressed with their stories. You’re amazing!!!!

    Reply
  65. Nicole Caudle permalink
    23/06/2017 6:13 am

    The story of your family’s escape is exactly why we should take others in. People who shout ‘help our own first’ are usually the ones who do nothing in the first place. I’ve worked with a few refugees over the years and they have all shared stories of the tragedy that would traumatize many of the people here in the states. I had to stop volunteering because it was too much to handle emotionally. I could never imagine growing up in such conditions that you are willing to risk your life just to go some place better. This should be a great reminder to those here that we are very privileged to live in a place that does not actually restrict our freedoms and that we should be willing to ensure others have the same opportunity.

    Reply
  66. Sam permalink
    23/06/2017 7:48 am

    Loved the part about charity begins at home. It struck me a lot reading this. I think it’s an important issue to be aware of, and I love all the resources and information you put in here too. Inspirational and powerful!

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      01/07/2017 7:29 pm

      Yes and I added that part because people confuse the phrase by thinking it means stay selfish. No, it means we teach charity first in our own homes and our family carries that attitude of giving or withholding everywhere. Teach charity towards others at home and watch the world blossom.

      Reply
  67. Amber permalink
    23/06/2017 8:37 am

    I always believe in being kind to others. Refugees should be treated with respect. Everyone should.

    Reply
  68. Danielle permalink
    23/06/2017 12:04 pm

    Wow your father sounds like an amazing man, I feel so sorry for refugees,makes me realise how lucky I am xxx

    Reply
  69. Cătălina-Iuliana Nini permalink
    23/06/2017 2:00 pm

    Happiness never decreases by being shared. Well said, Buddha.

    I am disappointed when I hear people believing that one single act of kindness can`t change the world. It surely can! If we would all have the same mentality that we can`t change anything, we won`t.
    Can

    Reply
  70. Cătălina-Iuliana Nini permalink
    23/06/2017 2:03 pm

    [I hit enter by mistake and I couldn`t finish the comment]
    Your father is so courageous and so are you for sharing your story. Your blog is such an inspiration and I visit it quite often to read the stories you insert at the beginning of the poss.

    Reply
  71. toastycritic permalink
    23/06/2017 3:47 pm

    The story of your family going through that refugee crisis was harrowing. And to think about anyone contemplating genocide is just awful. I am glad that you and your family made it through that situation.

    Reply
  72. Sondra Barker permalink
    23/06/2017 9:11 pm

    Wow, this was really touching and awareness is so important. I like how you said charity starts at home because that is so true.

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      01/07/2017 7:23 pm

      And I meant it as a way to remind us that we must begin in our homes to start thinking of helping others and making a sincere effort to do so.
      It is not just about helping our own but seeing the connectedness between us and others…

      Reply
  73. Eileen permalink
    23/06/2017 9:37 pm

    I cannot imagine how scary that experience was for you as a young girl. This made me think of those photos and videos about Syrian refugees. If I could only adopt those poor children, I would! It is not right for them to suffer that way. I am praying that one day, they will be relieved of this war and suffering.

    Reply
  74. Brittney permalink
    23/06/2017 9:44 pm

    The story of your escape is truly amazing. I wish it was a more common thing for people to help out those in their area as the people who took your family in. Inspiring indeed!

    Reply
  75. themomnoms permalink
    23/06/2017 9:52 pm

    I can’t even imagine what it would feel like to be ripped away from your home like that. To be scared, lost, lonely, confused… All of these feelings at once. Once finding a home, I would feed relief. A sense of calm for the moment, but never completely being relieved, because I would still feel like I would get ripped out of my home again.

    Reply
  76. Christine permalink
    24/06/2017 7:08 am

    Wow, I can’t begin to imagine what your family went through! But love the quotes at the start!

    Reply
  77. MELANIE EDJOURIAN permalink
    24/06/2017 7:21 am

    I always do my part when I can. I donated food to the Grenfell Tower disaster (London) as another mum had arrange a van to go and delivery whatever could be put together. I think we all need to help each other where we can and I have been quite regularly recently.

    Reply
  78. Sarah Crowther permalink
    24/06/2017 8:45 am

    Helping others has always been very important to me. Even something small can be done to help someone!

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      01/07/2017 7:18 pm

      True… we can all do a little bit. Instead of waiting for some imaginary force to take care of it all, lets do our part.

      Reply
  79. Laurie Mecham permalink
    24/06/2017 9:24 am

    This is great information and I agree that we need to take care of our own and help others. Not to the point of enabling, but everyone needs a support system. Especially, when someone’s at their lowest, they do need someone there for them. I think this applies to refugees and others in our own backyard. I also love that you’ve added the beautiful pictures and quotes.

    Reply
  80. Michele Pappagallo permalink
    24/06/2017 9:56 am

    There are a lot of great points in your article, and I do agree that the US should be a welcoming sanctuary for people. However, I truly believe that the US should take care of its own people first before concentrating on people from other countries. It is unfortunate that the US (one of the wealthiest countries in the world) has so many homeless, starving, abused, unemployed people living in the streets. I think there needs to be a balance somewhere.

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      01/07/2017 7:16 pm

      I don’t think charity should be a tit for tat game. We live in the wealthiest nation on the planet yet, there are those who don’t see the need to provide the basics to all American citizens. Helping our own should be a given not a political debate… helping those in need no matter where they are should be an act of compassion and not a trade off. This nation can take care of its own and also help folks from other nations but, our giving must be done with fully open hands. When we start by saying help our own first, we have already started down the road of selfishness. Why do you think there are so many people hurting in this great nation?

      Reply
  81. TColeman permalink
    24/06/2017 1:31 pm

    Relief should be something that all of us are able to feel. It is a shame that in this day that is not the case.

    Reply
  82. ohmummymia permalink
    24/06/2017 2:15 pm

    Wow! what a story of your family! I understand why you are proud of your father. He is really a brave man but you always do for your family what you need to do

    Reply
  83. jayhumphrey91 permalink
    24/06/2017 4:02 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing your story !! It gave me chills this is something no one especially a child should suffer through.

    Reply
  84. Milton Goh permalink
    24/06/2017 9:58 pm

    This is such a great reminder that we all need to be generous and to live life without clutching our worldly possessions so tightly in our hands. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  85. akamatra permalink
    25/06/2017 1:21 am

    That’s a very powerful read. I am glad you were lucky enough to stay safe. My ancestors came to Greece as refugees when Asia Minor fell and we as Greeks know all about war and loss of home. I wish we could treat Syrian refugees better today

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      01/07/2017 7:06 pm

      I wish we could all remember our shared history too, At some point in our collective histories , we were the nomads, refugees, transplants, and/or immigrant. May we never forget to help our fellow man/woman.

      Reply
  86. TheGracefulMist permalink
    25/06/2017 1:36 am

    Helping those who are sorrowful can be done even through the smallest ways. We can`t do everything but we can do something.

    ❀ Grace ❀

    Reply
  87. Kean Raph permalink
    25/06/2017 2:13 am

    Beautiful quotes and articles I love reading more about this and thanks for making me Inspired

    Reply
  88. Samantha permalink
    25/06/2017 3:26 am

    I’m really moved by your family story, I can’t imagine what that was like. I agree with you about the need to help others.
    Here in Italy we have a lot of refugees, who have awful stories and they need our help.

    Reply
  89. agentizerozerosetter permalink
    25/06/2017 5:21 am

    Your personal story is so touching, you sure are a strong woman! I think everyone of us should help others for what is in his power, if we all do this we can all live better.

    Reply
  90. Gennifer Rose permalink
    25/06/2017 7:23 am

    I cannot even imagine the struggle that refugees go through. They’re so brave and have to endure so much.

    Reply
  91. headcasechristian permalink
    25/06/2017 9:23 am

    In this time of political turmoil in America this is a great reminder to never forget that there are truly people in the world who just want to survive, live, and love. Thank you for this.

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      01/07/2017 7:03 pm

      Your kindness is appreciated. We must remember that America is blessed with enormous riches and advantages. To whom much is given, much is expected. Thank you!

      Reply
  92. franckxethee permalink
    25/06/2017 9:23 am

    Relief can be uplifting and once you are on firmer grounds you get relieved. It’s really important to read about the plights of refugees.

    Reply
  93. margarette permalink
    25/06/2017 11:51 am

    Your stories are an inspiration to all people. And this story is amazing. I have a same story as yours to my family and i am glad we are relieved.

    Reply
  94. Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen permalink
    25/06/2017 12:40 pm

    Wow! Your father sounds like such a great man. He is fearless. It is true, relief is in our everyday life.. even listening to a friend unload her stress and discomforts helps relieve her.

    Reply
  95. toastycritic permalink
    25/06/2017 1:13 pm

    I know it can be so difficult at times in the world. And it’s sad that one group of people should think that they have the right to commit genocide against another. We should definitely be aware of the world around us and do what we can to help.

    Reply
  96. Ronnie Epsi permalink
    25/06/2017 1:17 pm

    My father too was a refugee as a child. His and my grandparent’s hardships have taught me to be kind to others in need. I spent most of my youth doing for others and worked in non-profit for many years. I always want to feel like I am making the world a slightly better place, even if it is a drop in the ocean.

    Reply
  97. tumandok permalink
    25/06/2017 9:23 pm

    Happiness is like a sunshine which radiates to anyone whom you have come across. In that case, those who are downtrodden could be relieved from their ill feelings without obvious reason. Just like the sun shines when the sun rises, everyone, good or bad, could benefit from the sunshine. Thus everyone should be happy and grateful for such relief that the sun offers. – Gil Camporazo

    Reply
  98. Nati permalink
    26/06/2017 10:01 am

    This article is so precious and mind-opening. The country where I live now, Switzerland, does not really integrate refugees into society. All refugees here remain in a kind of social limbo, although their papers allow them to stay and receive a proper accommodation, they do not have the right to work or study here, so they actually live marginated, generating also resentment from (stupid)sectors of society who are “tired of paying social assistance for them”. This is seriously so wrong.
    I am an immigrant in this country, and I know it is very difficult to fit in, but this society builds walls between “national” people, “foreigners” and “refugees” making integration even more difficult. While I think in the desperate situation of a person or a family having to flee their country escaping war this could be perceived as a “relief”, I honestly still think the hosting society lacks humanity.

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      01/07/2017 6:56 pm

      Natalia I hear you and that is what we see more of in our world today. There is the veneer of helping but, it is hurting when people are isolated and made to feel like scum. Most immigrants, given the choice, would prefer to be in their homeland with peace and security for their loved ones and for their country. It is a travesty of justice to treat people who arrive with such indignity. Breaks my heart because I know we all have the same aspirations… to build a better life.

      Reply
  99. maryosadolor permalink
    26/06/2017 10:53 am

    Like you rightly said, charity begins at home, helping other shouldn’t be seen as a burden on one’s self, but as a measure of one’s ability to feel the pains of others. Wonderful post, enjoyed it thoroughly.

    Reply
  100. jennifer L permalink
    26/06/2017 12:00 pm

    I absolutely love this week’s topic. Giving back takes so little effort on our part but can truly make a difference to many.

    Reply
  101. Blair Villanueva permalink
    26/06/2017 4:50 pm

    Refugee are still humans who need humans help. It is our least way to repay the blessings we receive everyday. Helping is more beneficial to our spirit.

    Reply
  102. Krystal // The Krystal Diaries permalink
    26/06/2017 5:24 pm

    I can’t fully imagine what you and your family went through. I think every person should try and do their part to help others and keep them safe.

    Reply
  103. andrea permalink
    26/06/2017 5:33 pm

    helping those who are in need is a wonderful feeling. i think we should welcome people with open arms.

    Reply
  104. Denice Diaz permalink
    27/06/2017 2:31 am

    I can’t imagine what you have gone through as a refugee. It is great that you are encouraging us to also help out in our own special way. I do believe that we can help without spending money. Time is a great way of helping and so are prayers.

    Reply
  105. arainofthought (@arainofthought) permalink
    27/06/2017 10:03 am

    it’s so funny that despite the fact that I can’t swim, i’m at peace when i’m by the water and I do have a sense of relief.

    Reply
  106. Leo T. Ly permalink
    27/06/2017 2:04 pm

    Being an an immigrant myself, I know how hard it is to adapt to a new environment. I understand at a young age that even though my new country has a great deal of opportunities, people still need to work hard to achieve their goals as nothing is free in life. You need to earn your keeps.

    Many times in my life, I have received a bit of help from other to get to where I am today. If there are opportunities for me to help other, I am happy to provide a helping hand. This is one of the reasons that I start my finance blog.

    Reply
  107. Fashion Panache by Bhushavali permalink
    29/06/2017 1:46 pm

    OMG! I didn’t know about your past! Its just melting my heart to read this! I can’t imagine what you must have gone through! Indeed your father is a very brave man!

    Reply
  108. Befitting Style permalink
    30/06/2017 2:34 pm

    Happiness doesn’t decrease by being shared. Wow! People need to truly understand that.

    Reply
  109. travelnidajourney permalink
    03/07/2017 9:42 am

    Reading this.. is such a kind of relief for me !! Thanks for share.. some quotes really worth it

    Reply
  110. Ana De-Jesus permalink
    05/07/2017 4:21 am

    It must be so frightening to have to leave your home but I admire the courage in the face of terror. Charity definitely begins at home I would say, it feels good to help others x

    Reply
  111. Tiffany Yong permalink
    12/07/2017 11:27 pm

    It takes a combination of both, for me. I will help within my capabilities and I will hope they feel relieved too.

    Reply
  112. tumandok permalink
    13/07/2017 1:42 am

    There is so much joy in giving as what the Bible says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” There is a feeling of relief once you give to the needy or to the poor whether you have much or less as long as you give. This is how I feel once I give unconditionally to those who are least in life. Gil Camporazo

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Motivation Mondays: PERSEVERANCE | Mirth and Motivation
  2. Motivation Mondays: Dream BIGGER – Independence Day | Mirth and Motivation
  3. Motivation Mondays: MINDSET – #WorldPopulationDay | Mirth and Motivation
  4. Motivation Mondays: ANGER | Mirth and Motivation
  5. Motivation Mondays: PARENTING | Mirth and Motivation
  6. Motivation Mondays: Revisiting Friendship | Mirth and Motivation
  7. Motivation Mondays: Life Is a GIFT | Mirth and Motivation
  8. Motivation Mondays: ASK | Mirth and Motivation
  9. Author Interview – Sarah Fader – CEO of Stigma Fighters and author of “#ThisIsWhatAnxietyFeelsLike: When you think everyone hates you & so much more” | toofulltowrite (I've started so I'll finish)
  10. Motivation Mondays: ECLIPSE | Mirth and Motivation
  11. Motivation Mondays: STRUGGLE | Mirth and Motivation
  12. Motivation Mondays: LABOR of LOVE | Mirth and Motivation
  13. Motivation Mondays: Patriot Day – Remembering 9/11 | Mirth and Motivation
  14. Motivation Mondays: STAY STEADFAST | Mirth and Motivation
  15. Motivation Mondays: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | Mirth and Motivation
  16. Motivation Mondays: SAILING | Mirth and Motivation
  17. Motivation Mondays: Overcoming Adversity | Mirth and Motivation
  18. Motivation Mondays: Stumbling Blocks | Mirth and Motivation

Your Comment is Appreciated!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Mirth and Motivation

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading