Lowcountry

5 Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners

May 15, 2018 by 1 Comment
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By Mark A. Leon

Small business owners take on many hats when they conceptualize, design, finance, launch and manage their small business.  Whether it is a brick and mortar space, mobile business or online, marketing and branding is a critical part of a business growth and success.  Often, small business owners are not versed in marketing side of the business.  They know their product/ service and their customers, but the connecting the dots on how to reach and engage them is a challenge.

We have developed five key tips to help small business owners maneuver through the challenges of developing and maintaining a strong marketing presence.

  1. Don’t get on social media if you do not have a plan – We have all heard it said, you must be on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and even Pinterest if you want to be successful. Before you jump on the bandwagon, remember these few points:
    1. Simplify – Select one or two platforms to focus your content
    2. Have 2 – 4 weeks of prepared content before you launch (Images, testimonials, blog posts, product images)
    3. Learn how to build your audience (Tagging, Content Development, Imagery, Partnership)
    4. Diversity your content (Video, Imagery, Stories)
    5. Ensure your communication strategy is intelligent, visually stimulating, engaging and relevant to your target customer base.
    6. Learn how to measure results of your communication campaigns – Many social platforms have built in analytics and they are very user friendly. Also, ensure you have Google Analytics built into your company website.
    7. Don’t get caught up in the numbers game. The number of followers is not as critical as the engagement level (% of your followers that react to your content).  Never lose sight of that.
  1. Everyone is a potential customer, but don’t structure your marketing that way – A common mistake in small business marketing is the “throw it and see what sticks approach”. If there is a holiday, we must do a holiday post; if there is a major festival, we must piggyback on that; if there is a major weather event, we need to link that to our business.  Stay focused on the content that is important to the customers that are loyal to your business and those that will embrace your products and services.
  1. Over Marketing Will Kill You – Respect your audience. Too much content can kill your brand.  Try to put out one or two pieces of content daily.  There are always exceptions.  If you are running a special or have an event, keeping your audience aware is critical to its success and justifies an exception to the rule.
  1. Quality over Quantity – Your target audience would rather see a great post with relevant and engaging content once every two days than five irrelevant posts in one day. Quality and relevancy will always be valued.
    1. EX: GOOD:  For all first-time customers, use the code FIRSTSALE for 25% off vs. BAD:  It is a hot one today, so come to our store and see what we have in stock.
  1. Customer Service and Engagement is Key – Don’t ever make your marketing plan a one-sided affair. Your customers and audience have a voice.  Listen, respond, and engage.  An online presence must be a partnership between business and customer.  The customer is your number reason you open your doors (physically or metaphorically) every day.  Don’t be afraid to solicit their feedback.

BONUS:  Share your success stories.  Every business has great stories of customer loyalty, great product experience, relationships, community partnership and more.  Share your stories.  Whether that is a short video, blog or a testimonial, stories paint a visual of your business and bring awareness to others previously unaware.

Good Luck and please share your brand in the comments section

Charleston Missed Connections (Grammar and Literacy Not Required)

May 15, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Given that Charleston was voted the friendliest city in the United States, one would think that a Missed Connections section would not be necessary.  If we see someone we like, we just use our Southern Charm and approach that lass or lad and state our feelings.  It is just the natural way in these parts.  Alas, that is not true for all, and because of that, we have found some fun and unique ways to reconnect with those strangers that left us smitten.

Here are some Charleston and Lowcountry Missed Connections worth celebrating.  To those that authored them, good luck in your pursuit of love, lust or whatever it is you seek.

Headline:  you’re pregnant and single
I’d love to get to know you better while I’m in town.

Headline: Total wine
I was loading a truck last week and you where the gorgous brown haried woman who asked where the party was. Tell me what i said if you would like to meet up some time.

Headline: You walk a german shep around sangaree
I often see you walking your dog around the neighborhood and you always catch my attention but i never manage to try and have a conversation with you but maybe you will see this or we might strike a conversation one day who knows but for now just know yiu are extrmemely beautiful and btwi love the shorts you were wearing the other day

Headline: Glenn McConnell , Maroon caravan (Stop light)
You pulled up to my truck in your minivan. I think it was a caravan. You looked smiled and as I pulled up further I could not quite get your attention. Your beautiful and I was immediately drawn to you when you smiled. Your had a pink shirt, maybe a scrub top, blonde hair, maroon caravan and you turned into grand oaks. Reply with the info about the truck , I have been thinking of you since I first saw you.

Headline:  Always wanted a Sister
I have often wondered what it would have been like to have a sister. Instead, I had two older brothers.
Maybe you had a similar family life. Maybe you’re a female who grew up without a brother.
Now that I’m older, I really feel like I missed out on a good sibling relationship. I just have never had the closeness of a caring sibling, one with whom I could talk to about anything or depend on for support or advice or be there for them when they needed me.
Of the two brothers I grew up with, the one who I was closest to, died few years ago. This has left a huge void in my life because, there is just not enough of a good relationship with the one remaining.
I don’t know why, but seems here lately, I have really been wishing I had a sister.
If you are reading this, and have any thoughts to share, your thoughts are more than welcome.

Headline:  At Walterboro drug store
You work at a drug store in Walterboro, I have long admired you! You are a cute guy and I’d like to get to know you and make mad love with you! The only thing is I don’t know if you’re gay or not? I am just too shy to come out and ask such a question to a stranger. I am a bi guy looking for a handsome man to love for a LTR. If you are gay or bisexual and interested please write me back. I am a white professional man, 6’2″ and 235 lbs, looking for love and romance with a guy like you. Looking forward to hearing from you! (I don’t want to mention your name here!) I am very attracted to you and want to take a leap forward by posting an ad here, I hope you see it!

Headline:  dollar General
I saw u Wednesday evening in the dollar General in Macedonia. U are very good looking u were wearing a dress. I would love to hook up with u.

Headline: Pretty blonde lady in bright red dress Home Team 4/10
You looked stunning! Could hardly keep my eyes off you.
Honest truth… I’m married and not looking BUT I just wanted you to know how beautiful you looked.
Glancing smiles made my night.

 

Catawba Brewing Co. Hires Manager for Palmetto Tasting Room

May 14, 2018 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Catawba Brewing Co. announces the hiring of Rick Rice as Location Manager at their Palmetto Brewing Tasting Room, 289 Huger Street, Charleston, SC.

A native of Buffalo, NY, Rick attended Gannon University in Erie, PA, where he graduated with a B.A. in Communication Arts, and entered into the world of broadcasting. The last 18 years have seen him living in Asheville, NC, where he managed two properties for iHeart Media and served as on-air personality.

As Program Director for WROO in Greenville, SC, and WQNS in Asheville, Rick worked closely with the craft beer community, partnering with the Asheville Brewers Alliance on multiple projects including Asheville Beer Week. While working with individual breweries, Rick launched the Behind the Tap video series, Beer-of-the-Month promotions, and Taproom Tour on-location broadcast events.

Rick has also been very involved in the local sports community, as the long-time public address announcer for the Asheville Tourists Baseball Club, UNC Asheville Basketball, and the Southern Conference Basketball Tournament.

Rick joins the Palmetto team as major renovations are underway in Charleston, where the company is investing in upgrades to the Palmetto production brewery, tasting room, and a private event space. Catawba’s newest facility was acquired in December to increase brewing capacity and expand product lines for both Palmetto and Catawba brands.

“During my career in radio, I came to appreciate the passion and vision of industry leaders in Western North Carolina’s amazing craft beer scene,” says Rick. “Catawba Brewing and the Pyatt Family have always been such a huge part of that throughout my 18 years in Asheville.”

Now Rick is looking forward to moving to Charleston and embracing its fast-growing beer scene, as Palmetto sets out to expand its local presence and distribution networks. Given his personal history in the Holy City, he expects an easy transition.

“My wife, Stacy, and I honeymooned in Charleston in 2001, and we’ve been returning every year since. The thought of living and working in a place we’ve both grown to love is a dream come true,” Rick says. “Who knew that decades of enjoying craft beer would qualify as job training?”

About Catawba Brewing Company

Founded in 1999 by the Pyatt family, natives of Western North Carolina, Catawba Brewing operates a main production facility in downtown Morganton, NC at 212 S. Green St; a boutique brewery/tasting room in downtown Asheville, NC at 32 Banks Ave; a tasting room in Asheville’s Biltmore Village at 63 Brook St.; and a new Catawba brewery/tasting room in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood at 933 Louise Ave. Catawba beers can be found in NC, SC, TN, AL, GA, and coming soon to VA. Learn more at www.catawbabrewing.com

About Palmetto Brewing Company

Palmetto Brewing of Charleston, founded in 1993, is SC’s first craft brewery. Formerly owned by the Lipov family and deeply rooted into the Charleston community, they have experienced growth from 2000 barrels in 2012 to a forecasted 16,000 barrels in 2017. Palmetto beers are currently distributed in SC, NC, and parts of GA. Their brewery/tasting room is in Charleston, SC.

Mother’s Day – Original Poem

May 13, 2018 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

At birth, we are bestowed with the greatest gift, the eyes of a Mother, whose promise and blessing to nurture, shelter, love and foster a life of happiness for us is written in the stars

On this, our Mother’s Day, we remember the times, we embrace you

The butterfly kisses
Stories at night
“I loves you’s” just before bed
Hugs so close, so safe, so warm
The tears of joy
The gentle touch to wipe away the sadness
The gleaming eye at times of celebration
My biggest fan

There you are mom
Always and forever
My guiding light

Unconditional and without regret
You put your dreams on hold, so I may see mine through this glimmer of innocence and awakening
Holding me in your arms, my fears turned to hope
A new world unwrapped and you my first vision

My first steps, you were there holding my tiny fingers just before you let go
My first day of school, you held my hand all the way to the steps of the bus
My first scraped knee, you kissed it and healed it back to health
The first heartbreak, you shared stories until the sun rose to the sky

In school, I aspired by your example
In love, I sought the goodness of the heart
In life, I journey for happiness for me and you

On this, our Mother’s Day, I celebrate you
A woman of sacrifice
Unconditional and selfless love
A force of nature with a gentle breeze

I look back on the memories and see a future so clear
A home, a family, a place where fantasies come true
Just like you gave to me

Mother, a part of your soul remains in my heart all my days
I love you always and forever
My shining star

On this, our Mother’s Day, I am reminded of purpose, a gift given by you
A blessing, a protector, a friend and my mother

R&B and Blues Power Rocker Samantha Fish Returns to Charleston Tonight – Exclusive Interview

May 12, 2018 by 2 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

The spirited sounds of R&B and Blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Samantha Fish are coming to the Charleston Pour House this Saturday.  Earning the #1 Blues Album the Billboard Blues Chart, putting out her sixth and seventh studio albums in 2017, and bringing a unique rock and roll style stage show to fans around the world, Samantha has only begun to see the potential of her talents.  Shortly after checking into her hotel somewhere in the rolling mountains of Western Virginia, I spend some time on the phone talking about her tour, roots and her civic responsibility as a visible and powerful female ambassador.

With the heart pounding rock style, reminiscent of legends Pat Benatar and Joan Jett and the deep soulful voice channeling the likes of Amy Winehouse, Samantha has been winning fans since she set out to pursue her musical dreams as a teenager.  Scoring a VMA, Number 1 Billboard Album and 8 albums, Samantha has been so busy, she may not even realize the success that is right in front of her.

From shy beginnings to an evolutionary change that has resulted in a retro look, short hair and vocals that can blow through a concert hall, this small-town Kansas City area girl has come a long way.  Now based in New Orleans, Samantha is fueling off the inspiration of a city with a long history of great musicians.

CD:  You first picked up first guitar when you were 15.  Was there a defining moment when you knew?

SF: “I started on drums and then guitar, but I couldn’t sing.  My first ever time on stage was my defining moment.  I was so shy growing up.  I was a shy kid.  I could hardly talk, but loved music.  I was forced on stage at 17 and that changed me.  I changed my plans and at that point, I wanted to be a live performer.  Every record put out feels like a turning point and every album is a defining piece of my musical legacy.”

One of Samantha’s biggest breaks occurred when she landed on the Girls with Guitars Tour running dates through the United States and Europe.  This gave her exposure to much bigger and often sold out audiences and let her spread her wings and experiment with new sounds.  It also awakened her to the power of the audience and the fan base.

CD:  With a VMA, #1 Billboard Blues Album, 7 Studio Albums and 1 Live Album since 2011, are you where you want to be at this point?

SF: “You have to get out of your head a little bit and see the progress sometimes.  Being on the road, you don’t often have time to stop and see what is around you.  I need to slow down and see what I have accomplished.  I am blessed.  You get stuck in the day to day sometimes.”

CD:  Your clothing is an important part of your image:  Is it an extension of yourself or the sound?

SF: “I feel like having a whole package.  Everything needs to come together, the music, the style and the stage presence.  I always appreciated vintage style.  I didn’t know how to

SAMANTHA FISH

dress when I was younger, so now, committing to something more iconic is important to me.  I make a statement with my music, so I should with my make-up and clothes as well.”

CD: Who is Samantha Fish beyond the stage presence and the guitar?  What is the personal side of you? 

SF: “That is a complicated question. I am reserved in my personal life.  I have a few personal friends.  I am close with my family.  We are so active on tour so when we get off the road, I try to do remove myself, but being in New Orleans there is so much to do making that difficult.  Now I am working to put down roots and focus on what I want to say in my next album.  Music is my life.  I want to stay inspired.  Also, I like girl stuff like shopping and I have a cat.”

CD: What inspires your sound?

SF:  Traveling inspires me.  I spend a lot of time starring at the highway driving between shows.  When you are a traveling musician, you have a bubble you live in and that becomes your universe and that is inspiring as well.  I like to write about feelings a lot.”

CD: What is your pre-concert routine, if you have one?

SF: “Yeah, yeah, yeah definitely.  When I was a teen I started on drums and then guitar.  That is also when I started singing.  It wasn’t a natural thing for me and I took lessons for years and years.  I do these annoying abrasive vocal warmups before a show.  It bothers everyone, but often, we have so little time before a show when we arrive at the venue, that the routine is short.”

CD: Nina Simone seems to a quite an influence on you, can you expand?

SF: “She is one of the deepest musical artists to come out of the United States.  She is deep.  Her lyrics, her fashion.  She is iconic.”

CD:  You speak so complimentary about your fans and I love that.  What do you want new fans that have never seen you live to take away from your shows?

SF” “When I was a teenager playing clubs, I remember how other artists and fans treated me.  They support me and stood by me.  Sometimes their dedication is more important than the music.  It is their kindness that keeps me going.  Music is a great connector.  We are all going through something in our lives.  If I can connect with people, then that is my job”

CD:  Have you always been an old soul?

SF: (Laughing) “Some say I am immature.  It depends how well you know me.  Growing up, I didn’t connect to people my age as much as I should have.  I grew up hanging with my dad’s drinking buddies.  Their stories were so much better and they played music and instruments too.  They were a big influence for me.”

CD:  What is Samantha Fish’s big dream?

SF: “When I started playing, I never imagined going this far.  Now that I am here, now that I got from A to B, the impossible is now possible.  You can’t settle for being content.  Once you are content you stop moving forward.  I still have that desire to go forward.”

SF: “I love rocking out” The core that got me into music in the first place is rock and roll and while I still have the energy to do it, I am going to.  I see the new album being tougher.  I will know more when I get to the studio and start playing.  I am with a newer and bigger band.  With a bigger band, it is more challenging than the trio I played with in the past.  In this new band, we are mixing horn and fiddle and this was a newer concept.  They are two spectrum instruments.  The first album in 2017 was R&B and the second Americana, so we needed to figure a way to make this all happen together.  Making the sounds fit was fun for us.  That is part of the reason I moved to New Orleans because of the wealth of musical talent.”

CD:  Being a powerful leading female vocalist in this current social climate, do you feel you have an obligation to your fans and the music industry to represent empowerment?

SF:  I have gone through phases in my life as I began to play music.  When I started, I didn’t want people to see me just as a woman.  A female playing guitar was like a gimmick or novelty.  It happens to women in all kinds of industries.  I wanted it to be about the music.  In the last couple of years, with all that is changed socially and politically, I have felt the sting in the industry.

I feel a responsibility to the female fans who are rocking out in front of us when we play.”

Music truly is the soundtrack of our lives.  It lends poetry to the moments that define us and adds drama to those who need it in their lives. If not already, Samantha Fish should be a part of your personal soundtrack. So, do yourself a favor and make it out to the Pour House tonight and let her music surround you and lead you to where you need to be, even if only for a couple of hours.

Samantha Fish Ticket Information and Purchase – Charleston Pour House (Saturday, May 12, 2018)

Lowcountry on the Table Releases Findings From Pilot Program

May 10, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Community dialogue highlights education, affordable housing and transportation

Charleston, S.C. (May 7, 2018) – Lowcountry on the Table, a community-wide conversation about issues that matter in the Lowcountry, is pleased to share findings from a successful pilot program launched on May 1. The initiative drew a variety of civic discussions from over 400 Lowcountry residents across 63 tables in private residences, local restaurants and workplaces.

“One of our main goals is to engage people in conversation with those they would not otherwise meet,” said Library Foundation President George Stevens. “After analyzing the surveys, we were delighted to see that 87 percent of participants met someone new while candidly sharing ideas on how to improve our community.”

Initial analysis of social media responses and online questionnaires indicate that 99 percent of participants were satisfied with the quality of the conversations while 75 percent personally committed to taking action to improve the community as a result of the program. The most frequent issues included education, followed by transportation, affordable housing, traffic, flooding and growth. Survey demographics represented residents a mix of ethnicities from rural, suburban and downtown areas in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties.

Janet Segal, Chair of the Library Foundation of the Lowcountry said, “We look forward to expanding the program’s diversity and carrying this momentum into September’s public-facing event.”

Lowcountry On the Table continues this September and is open to all Charleston residents. For more information visit www.lowcountryonthetable.org, call (843) 608-1223 and follow updates on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

About The Library Foundation’s Lowcountry on the Table

Lowcountry On the Table is a region-wide initiative to explore the ways in which we have the power to collaborate in order to make our communities stronger, safer, and more dynamic The initiative allows community members to come together, collaborate and to become more involved and committed to our community. While we know that there’s no “quick fix” to the issues facing the Lowcountry, progress will result from residents and organizations listening to each other and working together to create changes that will add up to help unite the place we call home. For more information, visit www.lowcountryonthetable.org.

Lowcountry

Graduation is in the Air at the College of Charleston – Letter to our Future Leaders

May 10, 2018 by 2 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Reflections of Graduation 2018:  All the buzz is in the air this brisk morning as the soon to be graduates of the College of Charleston prepare for the honorary ceremony that will beckon their call to the trials and tribulations of life’s journey: professional achievement or personal failure. Gowned in white dresses and tuxedos, these bright eyed and bushy tailed students are ready for the next stop.

Some biking to the ceremony, others, walking alone and in groups and some crawling recovering from an evening of celebration. One student may have truly summed up the package in one permanent visionary memory. A long white gown with a dozen red roses and Red Bull in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Promise, gluttony, and addiction all wrapped up in one.

Today is a day of family and a day where we leave social status and prejudice behind and reflect on academic achievement. This is the moment when our youth steps out of the Utopian society of college and into the melting pot of life.

Happy Hour is replaced by staff meetings, fraternity parties by the Tonight Show and all-nighters, well they never go away.

With career planning books shelved at the bookstore and cases of champagne waiting to be uncorked it is a blend of pure emotion ranging from exuberance to fear. What is going through the minds of students at this defining stage? Post graduate studies, travel abroad, career, unemployment, following in their parents footsteps, continuing the same lifestyle, athletics or living for the next sunrise. So many questions without answers, so many decisions with lifetime repercussions.

This is a time of discovery; a time of judgement.

Last week, the United States Unemployment rate hit a low of 3.9%.   This can send shivers down the spines, but that is when you dig deep into your heart, into the trenches of life’s greatest challenges and find the passion to change lives, to change the world and to leave a legacy burning along the way.  This is your time.

There are hundreds of thousands of articles written about you, the Millennials.  Some call you the creative renaissance; others the lazy generation where every moment is defined by a SnapChat or a 140 character observation,  Some say you are focused; while many claim you lack direction.  At the end of the day, you are not a defined as a group.  You are not a collective new generation, but the individual person you see on the other side of the mirror.  You define you.

When you look back fondly on those walks down Calhoun Street, late nights at Addlestone Library, dreaming on Cistern Yard or lazy days tanning at Marion Square, know you did something great in life.

To you, the college graduate, your time is now.
This is your chance to take your education and make a difference.
We salute you, wish you luck and thank you in advance for the impact you will make in the future.

Folly Association of Business Donates $25,000 From Festivals to Local Charities and the City of Folly Beach

May 9, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Folly Association of Business Donates $25,000 From Festivals to Local Charities and the City of Folly Beach

Proceeds from the three 2018 Folly events will go to city beautification and charity organizations

Folly Beach, SC – The Folly Association of Business (FAB) is honored to donate $25,000 in proceeds from the three FAB hosted events that have taken place so far this year: the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge, January’s Taste of Folly and February’s Folly Gras. A total of $10,000 was donated to the City of Folly Beach last night at the City Council meeting held at City Hall. This donation was for the beautification of Folly Beach and island assets. An additional $15,000 will be donated to local civic and charity organizations.

The $10,000 that was donated to the City of Folly Beach is designated for the following projects; $1,500 – City of Folly Beach Beautification; $500 – Center Street Holiday Decorations; $1,500 – New Year’s Eve Clean-Up; $5,000 – Water Fountain at Folly River Park; and $1,500 – Beach Renourishment.

On Thursday, May 10 at 6:30, FAB will host a check presentation ceremony at the Tides Hotel to award $15,000 in donations to several local civic organizations and charity groups: $3,000 – Folly Anglers; $3,000 – Warrior Surf Foundation; $3,000 – Surfer’s Healing; $3,000 – Folly Beach Exchange Club; $1,000 – Folly Civic Club’s Halloween Carnival; and $2,000 – Big Brothers Big Sisters / Warrior Surf Camp.

FAB president, Lewis Dodson says, “It’s humbling to be able to offer such a substantial amount of money to these charities who do such amazing work and to city projects that elevate our quality of life and our visitor experience.”

FAB is a non-profit organization made up of Folly business owners who are dedicated to the community in which they live and work. FAB works closely with Folly Beach residents and City Hall to help make Folly Beach a thriving beach community that is a comfortable home for residents and a welcome respite for visitors. The next FAB hosted event is the annual Sea and Sand Festival which is scheduled for September 22, 2018.

In Honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week: In the Eyes of a Child…The World is Perfect

May 8, 2018 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

To all the educators, parents, friends, mentors and visionaries that teach us each and every day, we honor you.  Without your insightful view of the world, the innocence of youth will never see the full potential of their greatness.

Ode to the Teachers:

Time changes all of us. We are and will always be a product of our surroundings. The lessons taught by our parents, our religion, friends, home town, region, news, teachers and even the imaginary friends we create. As a sponge, we soak in all things, good and bad and through the eyes of innocence, we often as children are unable to filter the information.

What ultimately gives the child a fighting chance to become the adult of virtue?

The beauty of a child is simplicity and wholesomeness. The daughter of a close friend of mine still tells her mother I am the “bestest and she should marry me” Who could argue that logic and this coming from an adorable young girl that made me a Rutgers fan made out of paper and a Popsicle stick. As adults, we look at the whole situation, the challenges, the consequences and the responsibilities. She sees it as a nightly sleep over, movies and popcorn and outings to the zoo. That sounds like the perfect relationship to me.

Because I see the world as a daily challenge, am I to say this idea of marriage because they want their mother to be happy and she knows a fun, caring guy is wrong? I don’t think so. I think she is right but as much as women and men at metaphysically different, so are children and adults.

It’s a shame. How often to we wish to do it all again. For some the pursuit of eternal youth is a deeply rooted fear of death but the thought of a life of simplicity and innocence forever is utopia.

I want to play on the swings and look up at the clouds
I want to play hide and seek all around the neighborhood
I want to play baseball until it is so dark we can’t even see the ball
I want to imagine being in space and touching all the stars
I want to hug a complete stranger just because they look sad
I want cuddle with all my friends in the middle of the day
I want to sing songs while skipping down the road
I want to make believe I am someone different
I want to be your friend because you are silly
I want to kiss you and then giggle about it
I want to slide down the mountain in the snow and scream just because
I want to build a tree house and make it my mansion where I will live forever
I want own the beach and become the King and make it free for everyone
I want a puppy that will be my best friend
I want to wear 500 silly bands and cover my hand with the rainbow
I want to touch a rainbow

Who is to say we cannot return to innocence. We are adults. We are well educated individuals that has experienced all of life’s offerings and can now see the difference between right and wrong. Morals have been fortified and a foundation is set. If we embrace the memories of childhood, know good and bad, why then is there still prejudice, hate, greed, gluttony and all the other morally corrupt feelings and behaviors around us?

In the eyes of a child, “I don’t know”

I know I am wishing for something that is unattainable and no single person can define a movement that will set the bricks for this new world but so many have tried

John Lennon with his words
Martin Luther King Jr. with his vision
Gandhi with his presence
Jim Henson with his Muppets
Abraham Lincoln with his fortitude for equality
Steve Jobs with his brilliance
Bill Gates with his generosity
Mother Theresa with her heart
Princess Diana with her beauty and warmth

All shared a vision of a better world and took the next step to allow their hearts to guide their path.

We all have the capability to be the children we once knew. We all have the strength to make this world a better place. I am not looking to change everyone, but asking you to look inside yourself, find that inner child that never left and start seeing the world the way it was meant to be.

 

10 ways YOU can change the world

May 6, 2018 by 2 Comments
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I am sure many have become disillusioned by humanity, emotionally void of connection and in a way losing the battle in the pursuit of a better world.  It isn’t hard to lose faith when we are hit from all directions with endless negative media dropping on us like anvils from the sky.

Maybe there is a way, that each one of us, if we make some small adjustments, can truly change the world for the better.

I believe we have the capability to defy the odds and re-create a world fueled by love, not hate, sharing not greed, hope not despair, peace not war and faith over darkness.

Here are 10 ways, each of us can change the world.

  • Spread positive – We are surrounded by terror, murder, prejudice and hate.  We are demoralized by the death of innocent people throughout the world and close to home.  It is time, we channeled our pain and start spreading some good positive energy.  Bring sunshine on a day of rain, give a hug to someone in need, share a story of success to drown the failure and helped change the mood of society by showing that a positive attitude can change a behavior and a life.
  • Plant a garden or participate in a community garden – One of my favorite things to do in Charleston is to go to the MUSC Urban Farm.  I love that great escape right in the heart of the city.  When I arrive, the first thing I do, is brush my hands against the rosemary.  I love the smell of that herb on my skin.  It is like a beautiful natural cologne.  Flowers, plant and herbs bring a calming balance to our lives.  They provide us with healthy food, fresh scents and a reminder of the natural wonder of Earth.  Don’t let Earth Day be but just one day.  Make it a part of your everyday life.
  • Meditation – We often get lost in the translation of meditation.  Many see it as yoga or something similar, but meditation can take on many forms.  In essence it a recharge or the mental release of stress or pressure.  However you define it or choose to exercise it, meditation takes you to a place of peace and tranquility.  In a day and age where everything is moving faster than the speed of light, we all need to step back, shut down the mechanism and just let life happen in a way that calms us from life’s pressures.
  • Clean up and recycle – Our planet is a precious gift that is becoming a giant garbage can.  We can’t just get up, get in a rocket and leave our planet (at least not yet), and therefore have a duty and obligation to treat our home with the same respect we must treat each other.  There is no way to change the behavior of everyone.  There are those that will throw garbage or cigarettes out of their moving car on the highway, folks that will leave garbage on our beaches and those that don’t recycle reusable items, but if each of us does our part, perhaps a domino effect will happen and others will follow.  A cultural or behavioral change can only happen if ambassadors lead the way.
  • Take action / Get Involved – History has proven that peaceful organized protest and standing in solidarity can affect change.  Great men and women have taken center stage to motivate, organize and demonstrate the awesome power of protest.  Change can happen, but we must get involved and be part of the movement that ignites the flame of change.
  • Practice wellness in your diet and exercise habits – The greatest gift we can give to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren is to be there for them.  To watch them grow and blossom cannot be measured in dollars.  Lasting memories are made and cherished when shared with others.  Treat your body right and live a long and healthy life.  That will certainly make around you happy.
  • Volunteer – Give back to something you are passionate about; something you believe in and something you hold close to your heart.  So many organizations and causes need the support of the kindness and generosity of others.  Give of your time.
  • Be Kind – Sometimes we are hurt, physically or emotionally.  Whether it is digital bullying, caustic words on the street, physical violence or losing a loved one, we all feel pain.  Step up with kindness and be there.  It is easier to walk away than step to the plate, but the lasting effect is so much greater than you can ever imagine.
  • Learn about where you clothes and products are made – Bargain shopping embedded into our thinking.  We naturally progress to the ways we can save money and cut corners, but do we see the big picture.  Where are our products made and by what means.  Is it from forced labor, overworked labor, child labor?  Do research and learn if ethical practices are involved in where you materials items are made and fight back by not purchasing them.
  • Make a real friend – We are all connected today, but never before have we been so disconnected.  The socially advanced digital world of social media has made every human being on Earth (and some animals) connected in some way, but how many true friends do we really have?  It seems that number is dwindling.  Make a determined effort to add one more close reliable friend to your circle.  If each of us adds one, think about how large that number will be and how much trust will grow.

There it is, the 10 way you can change the world.

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