 Nine years of age – children barely out of nappies, not yet in puberty; child of innocence and purity; bones not yet fully-hardened; body incomplete; sexually undeveloped; neuronal intelligence – decades left for the making; untouched by society; used to promote a life of debauchery – children trusting in human nature and people they call a loving family; enslaved to a life of rape, abuse, injustice and cruelty; unloved and unprotected – just used for sexual gratification. What childhood should ever look like this – what marriage ever became this, under the auspice of love? But this is exactly, what a new legislation will look like in Iraq – technically known as Law 188, which in 1959, tried to prevent all that is now on the chopping block – to throw out the legal protection offered to women that prevents the cultural marriage of a minor, below the age of 16 years. This change in law will see young girls preyed on, stalked, abused and groomed at the early age of nine (9) years for perverse individuals who know not how to: love, honour and respect women; the sanctity of marriage; nor how to protect a minor, while in their most vulnerable state of undeveloped, unmatured physical being. The ultra conservative Muslim parties seek to strip women and girls of their most basic human right – to grow up and mature into womanhood – after which the natural process of finding a partner and mating can occur. All species on the planet are privy to this natural law. Politics, religion, nor cultural beliefs should ever be imposed on a young child – by coercion or physical power, purely for sexual relations before the body has matured physically, psychologically or emotionally. It is an unnatural and harmful demand on nature that no species ever enters into…  Photo Creative Commons - Courtesy of: Marco Di Lauro on Getty Images - a beautiful Iraqi girl So, how is it that the human race - in all its supposed, superior intellectual prowess and development, cannot comprehend nor abide by this fundamental law of nature?
One can only assume that such immoral behaviour comes into being, not through intelligence, but from closed-minded individuals, who appear cognitively impaired. So, if such countries like Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran who operate under similar practices, consider themselves to be progressive - by all extremes of this word, they will without doubt, shut-down and eradicate such archaic thinking. They will uphold the rights of women and young girls who just want to grow up as nature intended. They will take time to think about the direction of their culture, and how they wish to be perceived on a global scale; in what direction they want to see their culture develop and what this law could mean and say to their population of people. They will not be swayed by a minority of dictators to stay in the past, but will be inspired to go forth - into a powerful and impressive future grown out of love, empathy and consideration for women and young girls who are the lifeblood and incubators of their people - without whom they would not exist. !!! ALERT !!!
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 Image Courtesy - Vision of Humanity |  Image Courtesy - Vision of Humanity |
Image Courtesy - Vision of Humanity
2. Mental Health and Productivity
Enhanced Mental Health: Happiness and love contribute significantly to mental well-being. The World Health Organization reports that countries with higher levels of happiness experience lower rates of depression and anxiety. For instance, Denmark and Finland, known for their high happiness indices, also report lower rates of mental health disorders.
Increased Productivity: A positive and supportive work environment boosts productivity. The Gallup State of the Global Workplace report reveals that employees who are engaged and satisfied with their work are more productive, have lower absenteeism, and contribute positively to their organizations. Creating a culture of kindness and respect leads to more innovative and effective teams.
3. Reduction in Crime and Social Issues
Lower Crime Rates: Societies that emphasize kindness and compassion tend to have lower crime rates. According to the Crime and Justice Survey, countries with strong social support systems and high levels of trust in community institutions experience less violent crime. For example, Japan, which has a strong culture of respect and kindness, has one of the lowest crime rates globally.
Less Social Burden: Promoting a culture of care and empathy reduces the strain on social services and healthcare systems. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that societies with strong community bonds and support systems spend less on emergency healthcare and social services due to lower incidences of mental health crises and social dysfunction.
Enhanced Mental Health: Happiness and love contribute significantly to mental well-being. The World Health Organization reports that countries with higher levels of happiness experience lower rates of depression and anxiety. For instance, Denmark and Finland, known for their high happiness indices, also report lower rates of mental health disorders.
Increased Productivity: A positive and supportive work environment boosts productivity. The Gallup State of the Global Workplace report reveals that employees who are engaged and satisfied with their work are more productive, have lower absenteeism, and contribute positively to their organizations. Creating a culture of kindness and respect leads to more innovative and effective teams.
3. Reduction in Crime and Social Issues
Lower Crime Rates: Societies that emphasize kindness and compassion tend to have lower crime rates. According to the Crime and Justice Survey, countries with strong social support systems and high levels of trust in community institutions experience less violent crime. For example, Japan, which has a strong culture of respect and kindness, has one of the lowest crime rates globally.
Less Social Burden: Promoting a culture of care and empathy reduces the strain on social services and healthcare systems. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that societies with strong community bonds and support systems spend less on emergency healthcare and social services due to lower incidences of mental health crises and social dysfunction.
WHO - Download the Mental Health Action Flyer for your workplace, school or business. Image Courtesy - https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/mental-health-action-plan-2013-2030-flyer-what-partners-can-do
The Impact of Acts of Kindness
1. Creating a Giving Culture
Fostering Generosity: Acts of kindness, such as volunteering and charitable giving, create a culture of generosity and support. Research by the University of Oxford highlights that communities with high levels of volunteerism and charitable activities experience better social cohesion and improved quality of life.
Teaching Respect: Instilling values of kindness and empathy in younger generations promotes respect for others, property, and the environment. Studies show that children who engage in acts of kindness develop stronger social skills and are less likely to engage in delinquent behaviour.
2. Encouraging Empathy and Compassion
Building Empathy: Encouraging empathy and understanding helps reduce prejudice and fosters a more inclusive society. A study published in the Journal of Social Issues found that educational programs focusing on empathy and cultural awareness lead to more positive attitudes and reduced discrimination.
Combating Self-Centeredness: Moving away from a self-centred mindset towards one of compassion and care benefits society as a whole. Research by Harvard Business School demonstrates that individuals who prioritize helping others and community involvement are happier and more satisfied with their lives.
Understanding Acts of Kindness | Psychology Today
Image Courtesy: https://lindsey.blob.core.windows.net/posts/random-acts-of-kindness-header.png
Conclusion
Spreading happiness and love has far-reaching benefits that extend beyond individual well-being to global peace and productivity. By fostering a culture of kindness, understanding, and empathy, we can address pressing issues such as conflict, mental health challenges, and social dysfunction. Embracing these values not only enhances our quality of life but also builds a more harmonious and productive global society. As we collectively work towards spreading love and happiness, we create a foundation for a brighter, more compassionate future.
Spreading happiness and love has far-reaching benefits that extend beyond individual well-being to global peace and productivity. By fostering a culture of kindness, understanding, and empathy, we can address pressing issues such as conflict, mental health challenges, and social dysfunction. Embracing these values not only enhances our quality of life but also builds a more harmonious and productive global society. As we collectively work towards spreading love and happiness, we create a foundation for a brighter, more compassionate future.
UNESCO World Ocean Day
How many of you have truly thought about our oceans; about how they contribute to everything we do; how they affect each and every one of us, on the planet.
Although - June 7th was UNESCO World Ocean Day, did you even know? And now you are reading this article, are you curious as to why we need to celebrate, make known and consider our oceans far more than we do?
Polluted waterways, melting polar icecaps, oil spills, ever-increasing global temperatures, exploding nuclear power plants, warring nations, over-fishing, species extinction, illegal farming, excessive tourism, destruction of habitats, dying coral reefs, drilling and noise pollution and yes, fireworks. The list goes on – and yet, few will make an effort to contribute or change one’s habits - in the most minute way, for the betterment of our oceans, and ultimately - our planet.
Although - June 7th was UNESCO World Ocean Day, did you even know? And now you are reading this article, are you curious as to why we need to celebrate, make known and consider our oceans far more than we do?
Polluted waterways, melting polar icecaps, oil spills, ever-increasing global temperatures, exploding nuclear power plants, warring nations, over-fishing, species extinction, illegal farming, excessive tourism, destruction of habitats, dying coral reefs, drilling and noise pollution and yes, fireworks. The list goes on – and yet, few will make an effort to contribute or change one’s habits - in the most minute way, for the betterment of our oceans, and ultimately - our planet.
 |  Gaza - New York Times |
Citizens of every country say, “but it’s got nothing to do with me… How can I do anything? Someone else will fix it – I don’t need to worry. What can I do? I’m only one person – are you kidding me? Who needs to think about that?”
The fact of the matter is – we all need to think, act and make a difference as to how we treat the earth in general, for eventually everything ends up – either in, on or affecting our oceans, which in turn affects our food source; the health, maintenance and continuance of all species - in our oceans and on land.
Everything is linked and the sustenance of all species is at risk. We are at risk, not just the animal kingdom. The cycle of life and death affects everything and everyone – we are inextricably linked, far more than most of the human race realises.
It is so easy to throw down rubbish at one’s feet, so easy to say – “the cleaner will pick it up, it doesn’t belong to me. I didn’t do it – why should I pick it up?”
The fact of the matter is – we all need to think, act and make a difference as to how we treat the earth in general, for eventually everything ends up – either in, on or affecting our oceans, which in turn affects our food source; the health, maintenance and continuance of all species - in our oceans and on land.
Everything is linked and the sustenance of all species is at risk. We are at risk, not just the animal kingdom. The cycle of life and death affects everything and everyone – we are inextricably linked, far more than most of the human race realises.
It is so easy to throw down rubbish at one’s feet, so easy to say – “the cleaner will pick it up, it doesn’t belong to me. I didn’t do it – why should I pick it up?”
Greenqueen.com.hk
Why? Because like any problem, ‘what you walk past – you accept.’
What about - assault and battery, rape and sexual misdemeanors of children, women, men; war crimes against humanity, inequality, racism, gender crimes… Do you walk past these? Do you look away – pretend you can’t see or hear the screams of pain – the agony of brutality – the viciousness of repugnant, vindictive, human behaviours upon others? Do you say stop? Do you make any effort to prevent it? Do you watch it on TV, socials or make fun of everything your eyes are glued to? Do you re-post this appalling behaviour and add to the continuance of its prevalence on our planet?
“What you walk past – you accept” – as ‘the norm’.
Because you make it ‘the norm’, by turning away from the problem.
Our oceans need and deserve our attention – not because we make ourselves out to be more superior, more important or feel we are more relevant in the grand scheme of things, but because everything matters – we all matter – you matter to someone, somewhere on the planet. And… on your deathbed, you are going to ask, “Did I matter?” “Did I do everything I could have, to be a good person? Was I loved, will I be missed or remembered when I am gone? Have I said everything I wanted to say – have I appreciated everyone while I was here?”
And you will say, “I don’t want to leave.”
What about - assault and battery, rape and sexual misdemeanors of children, women, men; war crimes against humanity, inequality, racism, gender crimes… Do you walk past these? Do you look away – pretend you can’t see or hear the screams of pain – the agony of brutality – the viciousness of repugnant, vindictive, human behaviours upon others? Do you say stop? Do you make any effort to prevent it? Do you watch it on TV, socials or make fun of everything your eyes are glued to? Do you re-post this appalling behaviour and add to the continuance of its prevalence on our planet?
“What you walk past – you accept” – as ‘the norm’.
Because you make it ‘the norm’, by turning away from the problem.
Our oceans need and deserve our attention – not because we make ourselves out to be more superior, more important or feel we are more relevant in the grand scheme of things, but because everything matters – we all matter – you matter to someone, somewhere on the planet. And… on your deathbed, you are going to ask, “Did I matter?” “Did I do everything I could have, to be a good person? Was I loved, will I be missed or remembered when I am gone? Have I said everything I wanted to say – have I appreciated everyone while I was here?”
And you will say, “I don’t want to leave.”
https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2019/11/26/gender-alert-global-protests-denounce-violence-against-women/
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There is not one species on this planet that does not deserve our care and attention. We are all gifted the breath of life and the finality of death – we all bleed - equally.
World Ocean Day is not just about the cheers, the drinks and the parties to pat oneself on the back. It is about looking around us – seeing how we live and recognizing that what we do every day - affects someone else, some other species, someone else’s habitat – home or environment. We can choose to selfishly ignore – destroying everything good in the world, or we can choose not to turn a blind eye - pretending problems do not exist.
We can choose not to walk past any of it - anymore.
We can choose to stand up for all life forms; we can choose to say “enough!” and not wait, for the person next to us - to do something. We can take responsibility and do our part – each and every one of us.
World Ocean Day is not just about the cheers, the drinks and the parties to pat oneself on the back. It is about looking around us – seeing how we live and recognizing that what we do every day - affects someone else, some other species, someone else’s habitat – home or environment. We can choose to selfishly ignore – destroying everything good in the world, or we can choose not to turn a blind eye - pretending problems do not exist.
We can choose not to walk past any of it - anymore.
We can choose to stand up for all life forms; we can choose to say “enough!” and not wait, for the person next to us - to do something. We can take responsibility and do our part – each and every one of us.
genetics.org.uk
We all went to school – either in an institution or by some family home education – we all tell our kids to do the right thing – stand up for one another, to not harm or destroy. Why? Because deep down we all know what is morally ‘right’. It is in our blood – imprinted in our DNA – this is who we are.
But, we just follow the pack – because no one likes to not be part of the majority, because that means the majority can pick on us. So, like sheep, people follow ‘the norm’ – making ‘the norm’ - more ‘the norm’
Let’s change ‘the norm’.
Bite the bullet. Stand up for what’s right – be that on World Ocean Day or on some other level, where we see injustice happening every day, every hour, every minute and second around the world.
But, we just follow the pack – because no one likes to not be part of the majority, because that means the majority can pick on us. So, like sheep, people follow ‘the norm’ – making ‘the norm’ - more ‘the norm’
Let’s change ‘the norm’.
Bite the bullet. Stand up for what’s right – be that on World Ocean Day or on some other level, where we see injustice happening every day, every hour, every minute and second around the world.
ANDRIJA ILIC/AFP via Getty Images
chipandco.com
Start by picking up after yourself – help each other – our kids, family, our next-door neighbours, people we walk past in the street - to understand that it is not right to expect the world to be just given to them; you have to earn the right to be here. That means standing up for every, living being on this planet – whether they can speak for themselves or not…Yeah, it’s hard. Yeah, you will get resistance. Yeah, you will get, “but why?”
Because every living thing, matters on our planet – they are family. And just because an entity does not speak our language, does not mean they do not speak at all, or feel, or wish for things to be different. We just have not learned their language and vice versa.
Let’s change ‘the norm’.
Because every living thing, matters on our planet – they are family. And just because an entity does not speak our language, does not mean they do not speak at all, or feel, or wish for things to be different. We just have not learned their language and vice versa.
Let’s change ‘the norm’.
In a year now past - of troubles and turmoil, so many loved ones across the globe have sacrificed their lives for the freedom and safety of others. It is time for the world to shed hatred, deceit, pain and suffering on others. Consideration of cultural values, ethics and moral rights need to be understood. Invasion of lands, personal space and the feelings of others are not to be trodden on - for the sake of greed and personal gain.
We are not living in the dark ages; we are a modern and evolving race who fully understand the consequences of overpowering and manipulating others - societal habits, businesses and countries who are set on sucking our planet dry for their own benefit, obliterating other species and all that is good in the world.
Now is the time to think - how does your presence in another’s life, affect them? How can I pick up the broken pieces of this world and make it better? We maybe one small snail existing among the great and powerful, but a band of caring snails can restore our garden of Eden.
Make this the first day for change!
#sketa #justice #unicef #unitedstates #familyfirst #friendsforever #school #library #mankind #footprint #you #your #responsibility #makeachange
@sketaozgroup @selinakucks
Music - creative commons - Nathan Angelo•Spread a Little Happiness
Thank you, Nathan! (Nathan Angelo)
We are not living in the dark ages; we are a modern and evolving race who fully understand the consequences of overpowering and manipulating others - societal habits, businesses and countries who are set on sucking our planet dry for their own benefit, obliterating other species and all that is good in the world.
Now is the time to think - how does your presence in another’s life, affect them? How can I pick up the broken pieces of this world and make it better? We maybe one small snail existing among the great and powerful, but a band of caring snails can restore our garden of Eden.
Make this the first day for change!
#sketa #justice #unicef #unitedstates #familyfirst #friendsforever #school #library #mankind #footprint #you #your #responsibility #makeachange
@sketaozgroup @selinakucks
Music - creative commons - Nathan Angelo•Spread a Little Happiness
Thank you, Nathan! (Nathan Angelo)
It has been a couple of weeks since last I did a blog, so here is what I have been up to - Not a whole lot!
Watercolour has again touched my palette and I am busy with a series of mousy characters that will be used as plates for a new bundle of commissioned work. As you know, I like to take my time throughout the whole process from ideation to testing and then laying out the watercolour. I do heaps of research to get characters looking just the way they should or rather would have looked in the days of Beatrix Potter. Actually, I find the whole process an incredible step back in the past and puts me very much in touch with my technique. I get so worried I will stuff up the treatment of work that sometimes, I think I overwork my pieces for fear of failure. This is something that I fear most in all spheres of my artistic world, as many of you well know. If it is not just right, I will rip it up and start again, no matter the hours spent on creation of the piece. Tell me, I know not if that is good or a bad thing.
Watercolour has again touched my palette and I am busy with a series of mousy characters that will be used as plates for a new bundle of commissioned work. As you know, I like to take my time throughout the whole process from ideation to testing and then laying out the watercolour. I do heaps of research to get characters looking just the way they should or rather would have looked in the days of Beatrix Potter. Actually, I find the whole process an incredible step back in the past and puts me very much in touch with my technique. I get so worried I will stuff up the treatment of work that sometimes, I think I overwork my pieces for fear of failure. This is something that I fear most in all spheres of my artistic world, as many of you well know. If it is not just right, I will rip it up and start again, no matter the hours spent on creation of the piece. Tell me, I know not if that is good or a bad thing.
A good friend of mine always reminds me that this is not always a good decision and suggests to, “just put it out there and get perfect later”. I reckon this works well for most things in business, because as one develops a product you can always tweak the product a little way down the track. Yet, as you know this is not the case for creatives of illustration, tales, design or performance. All are what make up my being. So I guess, even though I would love to follow this suggestion – it is not as practical as when I first thought.
On a personal note - I would like to thank all of you who have encouraged and given me strength over the past trying months with the Big C. It has been a huge learning curve; lots of mental adjustment and just trying to move forward and not thinking about any of it. I feel so blessed and much stronger than I was a couple of months ago and with God’s blessing, all of this will be very much behind me. So again, thanks to everyone. Mwa! 😊
On a personal note - I would like to thank all of you who have encouraged and given me strength over the past trying months with the Big C. It has been a huge learning curve; lots of mental adjustment and just trying to move forward and not thinking about any of it. I feel so blessed and much stronger than I was a couple of months ago and with God’s blessing, all of this will be very much behind me. So again, thanks to everyone. Mwa! 😊
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by Selina Kucks
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About Sketa
Get to know Selina a.k.a. Sketa, where she's come from and where she's going to...
Get to know Selina a.k.a. Sketa, where she's come from and where she's going to...
Sketa's Illustration
Discover the artistic talents of Sketa; from sketch to pen and ink, acrylic to watercolour.
Discover the artistic talents of Sketa; from sketch to pen and ink, acrylic to watercolour.
Sketa's Books
Read up on Sketa's lastest children's books releases; what's coming soon and what's in store for her captivating characters...
Read up on Sketa's lastest children's books releases; what's coming soon and what's in store for her captivating characters...
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