Day 32.  It's getting cold in my part of the world.  This is my favorite time of year.  Although, I am not impressed with the cold mixed with rain, I love the colorful canvas that fall paints for us.  It's amazing how things work in this world.  It's amazing how our bodies work.  I am really trying to appreciate all the things we usually take for granted.  It's very true when people say you don't miss it until it's gone.

What's on my mind.  I am a huge advocate for children, especially teens.  I think they have vibrant and wonderful minds that need support and encouragement.  The saddest thing I've ever encountered is having a teen disclose something to her parents and them not believing her.  Our children look up to us for guidance, love, and support.  They look to us for how to survive in this world.  When a parent falls short on these special survival skills it is truly tragic for that child and the world.  If they can't rely on their parents, or have anyone in whom they can trust, what kind of world does this become for them?  I have learned that the things I think are common sense some people really do not understand.  We all know that children who aren't nurtured and loved can end up working against the common flow of society.  Many studies will tell you this and prove this as being one of the main reasons our prisons are overflowing.  If we didn't need millions of dollars to take care of prisoners that money could be spent on better education, more opportunities for everyone.  It's a sad thing.  This conversation is still relevant even if you don't have children, but have nieces or nephews and even younger cousins.  I am a strong believer that it takes a village to raise a child.  It only takes moments to make impressions on children creating a lasting bond with someone in whom they can rely on.  If everyone did their positive part could you imagine what kind of world we would live in?  If everyone was kind to everyone, made good choices, never hurt each other in any way....geez that would be an awesome world!  If we teach our children how to live like this it doesn't have to be a fairy tale, but can be a reality.  The challenge today is to stand for what you believe in and don't just stand for it, make an active move towards acting on it.  We sometimes stand on the sidelines waiting for someone else to show up when we need to stand up and show up.  So, please show up!!!!  Today I will leave you with inspirational quotes.

"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children."- Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa

"If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children."- Mohandas Gandhi, political and spiritual leader in India

"Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them."- Lady Bird Johnson, former U.S. first lady

Nothing shines brighter then the smile of a happy child-
Keisha