What’s Goin On…

This video came up in my Facebook feed yesterday and I initially wasn’t going to watch it because it meant that I would have to download some special software. First world problems. I did eventually download the required software and watch the video because a few more people reposted it and curiosity got the best of me.

So I watched it and I don’t think I moved for the entirety of the video- I was completely transfixed by this young man from Toronto- Jonah Mowry. This is perhaps one of the most moving videos I have ever seen and I hope all of you take a few minutes to watch.

 

 

Sometimes people who are hurting are able to hide behind smiles and quick ‘I’m OK’s', when really they are suffering. Take the time to check in with your friends, face to face, putting the phones away for a moment. It is so fantastic to see that Jonah’s video has received over 3 million hits as well as personal messages from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. On the same note, there are a lot of people in pain who can only hope to have one person tell them ‘I am here for you’. Hopefully this video will inspire you to be that person to the people you care about.

Thank you Jonah- your courage will help so many.

- Sioned

PS. If you are a youth in crisis, please speak with someone you trust or call the Kids Help Phone Line: 1-800-668-6868.

#INSPIRED

Relevant then & even more relevant now:

“If a child on the street, who has nothing, is willing to share. Why are we, who have everything, still so greedy?”

Smile, It’s Wednesday (almost Friday)

Let’s t take 2 minutes and 48 seconds to remember Michael Jackson beyond Conrad Murray’s verdict and way beyond all the typical MJ jokes and negativity cause at the end of the day, he was the greatest of all time.

Smile & remember this kid:

MJ We Want You Back!

FYI

Hi everyone,

Happy Monday- I hope everyone had a funny weekend! I was looking for a little inspiration this morning so of course I hit up Icandread, my go to website for a creative spark. About three pictures down, I came across this quote:

(image via icanread.tumblr)

 

This quote got me thinking. Be with someone who makes you happy. Sounds easy and practical enough. 

 

But…

 

It also got me thinking about how we are sold this idea that our own happiness exists in the affection, love and support of someone else. Kate Hudson has made millions off this idea. Sometimes it’s not even someone it’s something, like money, or any number of material goods. The whole ‘if I had insert dollar amount or material item here’ then I would be happy,’ complaint is a losing battle. The reality is that no amount of money in the world can make us happy if we are not happy within ourselves. Take a look at the number of rich celebrities who seem to take turns falling apart.

 

(image via google images)

 

Some money is important, excessive amounts of money is not the key to happiness. It is the same with a relationship- no person will be able to give you the happiness you deserve if you don’t first have it yourself.

 

So with all this in mind, I did a bit of editing on the above quote and here is what I came up with:

 

(image via icanread.tumblr)

 Be someone who you want to hang out with. Enjoy your own company. Spend time doing things that make you happy. Love yourself for all your quirks. This will give you the real happiness that we are all looking for. Afterall, you are the best person in the entire world at being you.

 

Take care,

 

Sioned

A special Smile Wednesday

So there are a few reasons why I am posting this particular video today. The first is that if you know me (or my mother) you will know that I am very proud of my Welsh heritage. My name Sioned has given me a lifetime of mispronunciation, explanations and headaches but I would never change it because it represents one half of who I am.

 

The second reason is that the Rugby World Cup is going on right now and I am borderline obsessed with the tournament. I have grown up watching my siblings play rugby and all my relatives from Wales are die-hard fans, so you could say that I have been a little influenced. I love the no commercials during games, the confusing rules, the fans and the amazing camaraderie amongst opposing players.

Australian fans via www.rugbyworldcup.com

French fans via www.worldcup.com

Samoan fans via www.rugbyworldcup.com

My third reason is that Neonology is about undoing all the oppression that exists in our communities. A big part of that oppression exists within the language we use. In our presentations we talk a lot about the term ‘that’s so gay’ and what it really means. We try to connect the fact that people are using an important part of someone’s identity to describe something bad. It doesn’t make sense and it doesn’t ever feel good. If you are having a hard time with this, try taking something that you love about yourself and imagine if everyone used that to describe something that sucked. ALL THE TIME. Imagine you heard that everyday by people you love and respect. It would be terrible right?! No one deserves to feel so unworthy.

And fourth and most importantly (because you are all wondering how the first three points relate to one another), is Gareth Thomas:

Gareth Thomas via www.blog.bettor.com

Gareth Thomas is Welsh, Gareth Thomas plays professional rugby (and is one of the most celebrated rugby players in the world), and Gareth Thomas is gay. In fact, Gareth is the only openly gay professional athlete still actively playing in professional leagues. This video gives a brief glimpse into his life before and after he came out to the world.

 

 

I have always been proud of my Welsh heritage but learning about Gareth Thomas a few years ago, has made my heart sing with pride! He breaks stereotypes about what being gay means, he recognizes the role that the sports world has in regards to stopping homophobia, and he is living his truth, which at the end of the day is what we are all trying to do.

Thank you Gareth for being a living example of Neonology!!

- Sioned

Smile, It’s Wednesday!

Take some time out of your busy day and have a LAUGH on us: