Happy February!
February, the perfect month to think about kindness and love, and to apply that kindness to the people around you, and to all the people you meet. Here is the new February calendar. Happiness Calendar
Wishing you new friendships, and happiness this February!
“We the women and girls are fed up with this compulsory hijab. We want to manage our clothes and what to wear” Women in Iran protesting the hijab
In November I was a tourist in Iran wearing a scarf covering my hair. No, I was not thrilled at the idea, but the chance to spend 8 days in Iran over-ruled my freedom. Wearing a head covering created a solidarity with Iranian girls and women. We were all following the rules of the Iranian Shiite government that were implemented in 1979 after the Iranian revolution. Maybe in the winter it would be comfortable to wear a hijab, but even in November, some days were too hot to keep my head, arms and legs covered,. There was no doubt that a woman’s identity and personality are lost wearing a head scarf and long loose-fitting clothes
Male dominated governments can be unfair to women. They need scapegoats for their problems and women can become their target!
The people of Iran are very friendly, the friendliest place I have ever traveled. They practice citizen diplomacy to welcome their visitors. Many wanted to know what we liked about their country, and they felt a strong connection to Americans. Their message was clear, ,”We both have bad governments, but we the people, we are friends!”
Read the whole story about the hijab protests here.
https://health4earth.com/2018/01/23/citizen-diplomacy-and-iran/
I need a boost of positive energy, and these stories are full of hope and energy. I hope these positive stories get your week started with gratitude and full of positive energy. Enjoy!
** McDonald’s has announced a new commitment to sustainability. The fast-food chain will launch recycling in all of its restaurants and by 2025, 100% of its packaging will be sustainable. I am assuming this means compostable or recyclable? Also Boston will ban plastic bags, and Iceland and Denmark are doing research to create biodegradable plastic bottles.
** Recent victories for our oceans.
** 52% of Norway’s new cars are electric
** Clean energy investments throughout the world reach 333.5 billion in 2017.
** France will shutter all coals plants by 2021. Read at France and Macron
** Reasons to be hopeful for our earth! From EcoWatch
** And from Climate Reality local climate action reasons to be hopeful.
** Unique gym class in suburban high school is what we need during divisive times. Read at diversity
Other Good News:
https://health4earth.com/2017/07/21/ready-for-good-news/
In November I was fortunate to become one of the few Americans to travel to Iran this past year. We were there for 8 days. After hearing what an awful country Iran is for the past 40 years, I was thrilled to find a vibrant, friendly people. Their friendliness was amazing It was difficult to go for a walk or get anywhere because they stopped us to give us candy, find out where we were from, and they would ask: “Where are you from?” “How do you like the food” How do you like our country?” I think some of it was they are so isolated and we were a window to the world, but they are genuinely a friendly people. One couple came up to me at the historic site Persepolis and told me they loved me because I was so kind. We heard over and over,”We both have bad governments, but we the people, we are friends!”
An interesting article from the Washington Post, five myths people believe about Iran. myths of Iran
This article blames the recent protests on water issues, and they do have a serious drought problem. Read about climate change and a lack of water in Iran at Climate
2018 is the year of the bird!
What does that mean? It means Audubon, National Geographic, Cornell, BirdLife International, and most importantly, bird lovers everywhere are teaming up for a year of action for birds! 2018 is the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and what better way to honor our most important bird-protection law than with our own small ways of protecting birds. Sign up to take a pledge to help birds here.
Birds are struggling because of loss of habitat, and heavy use of pesticides and other chemicals by farmers, corporations and gardeners. My thing is creating a friendly habitat for birds. Audubon has plants for bird friendly yards. Read at Audubon
I am sending a message of Hope on this World Day of Peace
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today… Aha-ah…
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace… You…
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world… You…You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one John Lennon
December kindness continues:
This my third post on December Kindness. I hope you can help spread some kindness this week. Kindness is a sustainable behavior. How can we all make our communities more kind and pleasant?
** Show gratitude, “Thank You!”
** Take a walk, focus on the beauty of winter.
** Make a special effort to watch for pedestrians when you drive.
** Smile
** Positive Energy Day: Be positive to your family, and those you encounter at work. Admit if you make a mistake!
** Volunteer
** Listen with eye contact
** Use real dishes and silverware, reuse. Think, “Zero waste!”
** Complement People Day!
** Sacrifice Your Place In Line Day!
** Shovel or sweep someone’s sidewalk.
Other ideas for kindness: https://health4earth.com/2017/12/01/kindness-spread-it-now/
I want a world that treats all people with respect and kindness.
“Make improvements, not excuses. Seek respect, not attention.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Eight more ways you can spread kindness. These are my ideas for a kinder week for us all:
Friday, December 8, Celebrate Friday by smiling at people.
Saturday, December 9, Bring your reusable bags shopping, and be kind to the earth.
Sunday, December 10, Practice forgiveness.
Monday December 11, Start the week right and donate to a local food shelf. Second Harvest
Tuesday, December 12, Think of that person you have been meaning to call for a while, and dial them for a positive chat.
Wednesday, December 13, Be kind to the earth and donate to Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Thursday, December 14, Make it a zero landfill waste day: Recycle, compost, and reuse.
Friday, December 15, Friday gratitude: Today think of the people you are thankful for in your life.
Other ideas for kindness: https://health4earth.com/2017/12/01/kindness-spread-it-now/
Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.
~ Theodore Roosevelt
Health4earth 
