A FEW THOUGHTS

Archive for the ‘Read and Learn’ Category

Newsdesks all over the world are now covering the situation in Haiti after the mindblowing earthquake that shook Port-au-Prince with 7.0 on the Richter’s scale.
I’ve just read the story about a couple, she working in christian aid in Haiti and got stuck in the collapse of the office building but manages to call her husband for ten seconds. He of course gets in the car and drives for six hours to get there. Manages to find the building in the rest of the chaos, jumps into a hole and finds his wifes hand waving. And after being pulled up with cuts and bruises she has now told rest of her family she can’t go home but have to stay to help others. Some of her co-workers had worse injuries. This is one of many stories we will hear I am sure. And we need to hear them. What we need to know is also that these are stories of people making it. We will not be told the stories of the hundred thousand or so that did not make it and the families they leave behind.

What struck me first was the idea of the stress and thoughts the husband goes through while he is driving for six hours with no idea of where his wifes is and how bad it is. What thoughts goes through a mothers head while se frantic digs through concrete blocks and dust for her children. What thoughts goes through a childs mind after finding his/hers family members killed. And what can they do, other than to search for loved ones.

Video of CNN in the streets of Port-au-Prince

People of Haiti are now digging by hand. Corps are lying around in the streets. They have no power or water. I know that help is on the way, but this is a situation that is not going to get solved the next week. It is time for each and everyone to do something. And I am sitting here in my nice and cozy home, 5000 miles away and wondering what the hell to do. Trust me, I have already praised the aid organisations, the volunteers, Wyclef, Brad and Angelina and the rest of the people that are standing up to help out. And I wish I could do the same. I wish there was something reasonably helpful I could do in this situation. Thats my grief. Not really much compared to the real problems. So…

If you cannot go yourself: Donate to those who can.

If you can not donate: Get someone else to donate.

There are many organisations on the way there and they need money to continue their work. If you do not know to which organisation to turn to: One of the teams that are able to help the situation are among others the Doctors Without Borders.  Here is a link for how to donate.
Please, let us not have another Tsunami- or Katrina-situation here.

Rescue teams. Get on your way. I beg you.
People – Get on your way – or open your wallet.

illustration by: Ron Tandberg

Both in our everyday life and on journey we are faced with new people and that often means making up an opinon on that person, his/hers beliefs, actions and way of life. Christine Garvin just wrote an interesting post at the BraveNewTraveler where she debates this issue and how we as humans interact with others based on what is often only our first impression. Maybe we all have something learn by some inner soul searching and maybe a more critical approach to our own fear and prejudice.

Reading through one of my favorite travel websites I came by The Gutsy Girl’s Guide To Drinking Alone, and the first impression is that this is a post on how girls are to have a drink alone without getting bored or necessarily getting picked up by guys. But reading closer I realize these are great tips for any traveler, single or not, traveling alone or not, just to get in touch with local people and get that “extra flavour” to your journey. Because that is one of the main things it’s all about, isn’t it? I find that the more I travel the more I want to find and get in touch with the local residents, get their tips and experiences, learn about their way of life and see if that doesn’t expand yours just a bit too ;) Happy traveling everybody !

I just read an interesting article from Gill Corkindale, an executive coach and writer from London, decribing the different types of leadership in terms of working inwards to your team or outwards to the organisation (very simplified). It is interesting reading which could give you a couple of “breakthrough facts” about yourself. This can really be key areas on your self-development as a leader and how to maybe get the edge on your own career. One of her hints refers back to another letter of her which argues the importance and benefits of actually setting up time in your calendar for yourself and your own reflection. How are you to improve – as a person, as a leader, your ways and methods- if you dont actually prioritize it yourself? Recommended reading.

Inc Magazine have announced 11 businesses you can start in your pajamas

As a fan of traveling I am sometimes a bit torn between the part of me that want to “see the world”, experience everything the destination has to offer and come home with tons of experience, expertise in my destinations little perks and interesting aspects. The other part of me is interested in slowly digesting the inner soul of the place while I somehow miraculously evolve into a better human being in touch with his inner self. That last one sounds like it’s right out of a magazine, and I guess it probably is. But somehow I want that. Who doesn’t want to know themselves better and maybe come home from a journey with new profound peace in mind and heart. But does it just take a trip somewhere? Anywhere? I don’t think so. I have a feeling I am gonna read a whole lot more magazines on adventure travel and journeys to far away islands, jungles, deserts and even slow cities where I can spend time with me and myself – before I find the combination or moment where I get a match. I will however try. I think everybody have the possibility to, by listening to others experience, with simple means get more out of their travelling. More time to themself, more reflection of their trip along the way and afterwards and perhaps even find more joy in traveling. The last couple of days I have read two articles from BraveNewTraveler going into just this subject. Christine Garvin and Jill K. Robinson touches one part of the subject close to my heart; The importance of quiet time during travel. How to both find and enjoy the quiet moments when traveling. How to make sure you actually get some rest during that trip which was supposed to be vacation but will probably just lead to need for more vacation when you get back unless you take some time off the “tourist-wagon”. The other aspect of this is described in the article of Cameron Karsten; 10 things to learn about yourself when traveling alone. If anybody after reading his piece doesn’t want to go out on a journey on their own, please read it again No really, it’s just nice reading and it gives a certain idea of what we can do to get more out of our trips and journeys, and also maybe next time plan for something a bit more special that will in the end gice us som reward of experience in living life.