Can anybody hear me?

Going public. I recently listened to the 'Ideas' podcast on the CBC radio website; one series in particular caught my attention, called; The Origins of the Modern Public. Perhaps a bit of a history lesson and the length of a short lecture, but as a history student, I can't complain. The podcasts trace the origins and development of the idea of public opinion, which has had a surprising influence on our modern society. The host opens by pointing out that in listening to the show, I have become part of a public community of listeners. I am the public. We are the public. Later on, the podcasters discuss change and the power to make it happen; exploring how the public sphere was created, changing the shape of society.
Today, we have incredible amounts of media to reach each other and communicate with the public world. We have grown from speeches in small theatres to broadcasts over radios to podcasts over blogs. We have so many means of communication, the question now is; do we have something to say?
Podcasts themselves can be used for instructional purposes, as 'how-to' manuals for the audio-learner. But they can also be used for inspirational purposes, to provoke thought and spread information. Use the media available to you, don't shy from the world, embrace it! Take advantage of the technology and go global!

Joy to the World!

Joy! Joy is simple. It is a simple word, a simple emotion and one that is easily found. To make a change for the better, take joy in the small things. Take joy in simplicity. Crack a smile, a genuine one, for the little things that make life joyful. A giggle, a birdsong, the smell of fresh baked cookies or a morning coffee; simple sensations that offer you comfort and joy. Take the time to notice something small and lovely today and tomorrow. Brighten your day, brighten your life! Be joyful!

Bring the attitude to a whole new altitude

Attitude. It needs to change. Attitude can be the root of any number of problems. A negative attitude leads to a negative perception and experience. True, not everything in life is positive; but it is this very fact that urges us to change our attitudes for the better. To spread the good, to spread positivity. The only way to start the change is through the root; the attitude. The way you view the problem, the way you view the world. Look on the bright side, find joy in the little things, make a change.

MINE!

Selfishness. We need to shed it. We live in an exceptionally ego-centric society with all advertisements geared at YOU. And with products like the iPod, iPad, iPhone,and iwhatsit all bouncing around, it's no wonder we think so highly of ourselves. Even children's clothing brandishes'It's All About ME' slogans. And that is where it starts; but if it is all about US, then we have the control to make it all about each other. We have the power to change the selfish attitudes we all hold and trade them in for more compassionate 'you' and 'we' attitudes. It can be as simple as pouring someone a glass of water instead of them having to do it themselves. Serving someone first without begrudging them. Having the control and thoughtfulness to NOT take the last piece of cake. It's up to YOU.