CitiZen Zen's primary purpose is to use our skills, knowledge, and wisdom to help others. We feel our local community needs are widely overlooked and as "community assistants" it's our responsibility to assist and inspire our local communities.
Okay folks, it's been awhile and I finally have a moment to get on and say hi. I have been so caught up in my own mess, it seems so easy to forget about the few people who read this for some inspiration. Honestly though, I'm not feeling to uplifting these days. This economy has hit my family hard. The company I worked for cut me lose in December and the job I had lined up, bailed out saying they did not have the time to be there to train me. On top of that, we have had to move out of the home my wife and I truly loved, and relocate into the basement of her mothers.
I fought for years to get out of my parents basement, to get on my feet, and to make something of myself. Now, 7 years later, I'm back at square one. So forgive me if I get a bit side tracked.
I can do two things, hold my head up or wallow in pity, and it is real easy to do the wrong thing, down here in the dark, cold basement. I can wallow with the best of them, but I refuse. I am going to take my licks and keep on fighting, this situation is just temporary and I will get by. My family still has a roof over their head, the kids eat and go to school, and my wife is working. I am currently involved in several things such as teaching first aid and cpr and I have a Pet First Aid class this weekend. I'm also on the Reston Festival committee and will be helping to plan that out, which will enable me to network a bit and possibly meet some job oppurtunities. I have sources in every corner of the dc area and have already made a few bucks brokering a print job and have some ideas in the horizon so there is hope.
I will continue to stand tall, and hold up my head and I urge others to do the same. If you are still working, do everything you can to keep your company afloat cause man it's dark out here. If your scraping by, keep scraping, if your doing great, do what you can to help out others.
I was in CVS yesterday and the cashier and I were chatting about the CVS coupons and deals, he stated that CVS is doing it to beat Walgreens, which is a great plan, then he started to say how Walgreens just let 6% of it's executive board go, and at that moment I think we both felt it..normally, a conversation like that would be..alright, that's awesome, but it was almost sympathetic. He started to brag, caught himself, then mumbled the rest as if he realized that today, that is not so great. This economy needs everyone working and spending, not closing it's doors.
So in the spirit of Citizen Zen, do what you can to help whomever you can. This is America, and capitalism is king, but if your competitor isn't working, then the families he employes aren't buying, then the stores they support arent selling, and all products aren't moving, then your doors are closing, then you be here in the dark stumblin.....
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
This message is a response to one of my favorites bloggers...
CitiZen Zen's primary purpose is to use our skills, knowledge, and wisdom to help others. We feel our local community needs are widely overlooked and as "community assistants" it's our responsibility to assist and inspire our local communities.
I often wonder if an internationally connected virtual world can make positive change through blogs and websites. At CitiZen Zen, I try to motivate and inspire the group to make positive change in their communities.If we find away to do good in our lives with those around us, then is it not our civic duty to inspire others to do the same, world wide. We,the humans, are in real trouble and it's obvious that all the hate out there is spinning out of control. This will never be stopped with bombs and troops, don't get me wrong, I'm not some angry protester, I just feel that in many cases we should take other steps to mend these situations, rather then violently trying to force them to end.
In every single religion out there a version of the golden rule is the backbone of it's philosophy. Research it, it's there. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you..that's it, right? So if people continue to hate, murder, and terrorize each other, sooner or later that will just be how it is. Because if we have accepted that as our guide, yet continually do harm to one another, then aren't we asking our "GOD" to make sure these things continue to happen.
"We hate, therefore we wish others to hate us."
That's the message we are putting out there folks, and it seems to me, our message is being heard loud and clear.
I often wonder if an internationally connected virtual world can make positive change through blogs and websites. At CitiZen Zen, I try to motivate and inspire the group to make positive change in their communities.If we find away to do good in our lives with those around us, then is it not our civic duty to inspire others to do the same, world wide. We,the humans, are in real trouble and it's obvious that all the hate out there is spinning out of control. This will never be stopped with bombs and troops, don't get me wrong, I'm not some angry protester, I just feel that in many cases we should take other steps to mend these situations, rather then violently trying to force them to end.
In every single religion out there a version of the golden rule is the backbone of it's philosophy. Research it, it's there. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you..that's it, right? So if people continue to hate, murder, and terrorize each other, sooner or later that will just be how it is. Because if we have accepted that as our guide, yet continually do harm to one another, then aren't we asking our "GOD" to make sure these things continue to happen.
"We hate, therefore we wish others to hate us."
That's the message we are putting out there folks, and it seems to me, our message is being heard loud and clear.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Help...will work for lessons!
I really would love some computer lessons. Back in the 80's and 90's I was way to busy "gettin' my grove on" to worry about this whole PC nonsense so when it came time for me to benefit from the many uses, I have been in the dark. Everything I know about the computer I taught myself, which is like getting a blind man to teach himself how to read. So, in the spirit of CitiZen Zen, I will trade services for computer 101.
As a Zen, I feel I must remind you that this is what our primary goal is and hope to be able to use this aspect on a much larger scale. I see people from all walks of life trading info and skills like one would see in the streets of Morroco, and the benefits of this is that if you want to learn or understand something or just recieve some service, It is possible, and for nothing other then your time, and your skill.
I urge that you go check out Citizen Zen if you have not signed up, and joined the social site at www.citizenzen.ning.com . There is a lot going on in different areas and if you really want to help out your local communities check it out and get started.
As a Zen, I feel I must remind you that this is what our primary goal is and hope to be able to use this aspect on a much larger scale. I see people from all walks of life trading info and skills like one would see in the streets of Morroco, and the benefits of this is that if you want to learn or understand something or just recieve some service, It is possible, and for nothing other then your time, and your skill.
I urge that you go check out Citizen Zen if you have not signed up, and joined the social site at www.citizenzen.ning.com . There is a lot going on in different areas and if you really want to help out your local communities check it out and get started.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The Z
CitiZen Zen's primary purpose is to use our skills, knowledge, and wisdom to help others. We feel our local community needs are widely overlooked and as "community assistants" it's our responsibility to assist and inspire our local communities.
Ok Zen's, I'm sure you have noticed by now the Big Z. Ilove the letter Z and I think it really snazzes up the name, how about you?
Ok Zen's, I'm sure you have noticed by now the Big Z. Ilove the letter Z and I think it really snazzes up the name, how about you?
CitiZen Zen looking to make some changes to the way we donate stuff...
Hello all,
I hope most of you have fully recovered from your New Years Eve and are enjoying some time with your families. I am getting ready to do some more moving today and thought I would get this out and possibly get some great minds rolling this around in their head.
I have stuff. I have kids that have stuff. I want to give our stuff to others that need it but I often feel comfortable taking it to a local thrift store that looks like it was left alone for ten years, and unfortunately most of them around here look that way. Now before you say it, I understand most of those places run on little if no income and just don't have the necessities or attention to cleanliness as some snooty South Ridian like me would expect.
I have been donating to those places for years and honestly feel it does serve a purpose, but CitiZen Zen is focused on local community and honestly I know there are a lot of people out there that may have to much pride, or are even fearful or ashamed of going to the local Goodwill or Salvation Army to pick up a Pack and Play. This does not make them bad people, nor should it result in them going without something, or digging themselves deeper in debt to get what they need.
I also don't quite understand the process of me taking a bunch of stuff up to a local drop of point and seeing it sit in the same spot for days, almost weeks, getting dirty and banged up.
So what I am posing to you is this: How can we use CitiZen Zen as a way to cut out the middle man? Can we possibly add a "Freecycle type addition to our site and get the word out? I would love some insight on this and until then I will post some things I have and on our home site...www.citizenzen.ning.com I am not looking to start a Zen's list or anything of that matter, i'm just trying to get stuff to locals that could really use it today. This would also make our siter a little more useful to all that come on and could really help us with some other causes also. So let's get thinking and start something new.
Thanks everyone...
I hope most of you have fully recovered from your New Years Eve and are enjoying some time with your families. I am getting ready to do some more moving today and thought I would get this out and possibly get some great minds rolling this around in their head.
I have stuff. I have kids that have stuff. I want to give our stuff to others that need it but I often feel comfortable taking it to a local thrift store that looks like it was left alone for ten years, and unfortunately most of them around here look that way. Now before you say it, I understand most of those places run on little if no income and just don't have the necessities or attention to cleanliness as some snooty South Ridian like me would expect.
I have been donating to those places for years and honestly feel it does serve a purpose, but CitiZen Zen is focused on local community and honestly I know there are a lot of people out there that may have to much pride, or are even fearful or ashamed of going to the local Goodwill or Salvation Army to pick up a Pack and Play. This does not make them bad people, nor should it result in them going without something, or digging themselves deeper in debt to get what they need.
I also don't quite understand the process of me taking a bunch of stuff up to a local drop of point and seeing it sit in the same spot for days, almost weeks, getting dirty and banged up.
So what I am posing to you is this: How can we use CitiZen Zen as a way to cut out the middle man? Can we possibly add a "Freecycle type addition to our site and get the word out? I would love some insight on this and until then I will post some things I have and on our home site...www.citizenzen.ning.com I am not looking to start a Zen's list or anything of that matter, i'm just trying to get stuff to locals that could really use it today. This would also make our siter a little more useful to all that come on and could really help us with some other causes also. So let's get thinking and start something new.
Thanks everyone...
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year Zens!
Hi everyone, and welcome to 2009. I want to spend only a moment speaking of the past, then be done with it. It is not a place I plan to visit again, therefore should not occupy anymore time and energy then needed. The past gives us experience, knowledge, and opportunities to be better people, TODAY.
Last year, for many, was possibly the roughest year they have faced. Some of the stories I've heard would make my year seem like a vacation to Disney World.
For instance:
Last night at 4pm, my step father-in-law, called everyone into his office, all 100 of his employees, and informed them that due to the financial problems the company has faced, it will be forced to shut it's doors and as of right now, they were all let go. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Man, that is a bad day for so many, and as we spoke about it, this gruff, giant of a man, opened up and with glistening eyes, muttered" That was the hardest thing i have ever done." Then walked away, head down, quietly sobbing.
And a dear friend of mine I lost contact with for quite some time shared this story with me about his wife:
These stories are every where and I know all of you have them, so take a moment, do what you need to do to get past this, then let's focus on what we can do, together, Now!
Lets take from these experiences and everything else we have been through and use that to be better today, tomorrow and in the upcoming year. We all have lots of work to do and like many, we will be very busy in all aspects of our life. We must remain committed though to our selves and to what we value, and if you can align that with your goals, then you will do just fine.
2009 for me, promises to be a year of rebuilding. I start a new job on Monday, with that comes a lot of responsibility, dedication, and time. I am moving in with family, along with my wife and kids to be of assistance to them and use the situation to better our own. I have made some great contacts and plan to use the resources we have hear at CitiZen Zen in order to direct our efforts in a more coordinated, structured manner and will have plans laid out by the end of the month to fund and run CitiZen Zen as a true non profit should. I will solicate the assistance of some of you to be leaders, and help guide us on our journey. I know that we are all busy, family focused people and i will continue to respect that. All I ask for is 4 hours a month. Break it down to an hour a week and that is a piece of cake. We can all do that, and it will pay off in the end.
CitiZen Zen relies on all of you to do one thing, and that is inspire. So I challenge anyone who truly embraces what it is to be a CitiZen Zen and participate in our daily blog, enlist others to join the cause, and get out in your neighborhoods and make a difference. The rewards are endless, and I promise you that if we can do what we set out to do , we stick to our four principles:
* Be ready and available to serve the community in any way…
* Strengthen the community by offering up your skills and talents for everyone to use…
* Educate your community with your knowledge, freely give it....
* Instill good moral values in others by living them and modeling kindness and generosity, everyday...
and we continue to extend our hand out where ever it is needed, than we will make notable changes in all that we do.
Happy New Year everyone!
Last year, for many, was possibly the roughest year they have faced. Some of the stories I've heard would make my year seem like a vacation to Disney World.
For instance:
Last night at 4pm, my step father-in-law, called everyone into his office, all 100 of his employees, and informed them that due to the financial problems the company has faced, it will be forced to shut it's doors and as of right now, they were all let go. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Man, that is a bad day for so many, and as we spoke about it, this gruff, giant of a man, opened up and with glistening eyes, muttered" That was the hardest thing i have ever done." Then walked away, head down, quietly sobbing.
And a dear friend of mine I lost contact with for quite some time shared this story with me about his wife:
She was a special Police Officer responding to a 911 call when she lost control of her cruiser on the wet road. She struck a tree on the driver side door. I am a Firefighter in the same area and our company received the alarm for the accident, my Squad was first to arrive and I could see it was her as we pulled up. I crawled into the car and tried to evoke some response and to assess her injuries. It took us 58 minutes to cut her out of the vehicle and en route to the trauma center. She spent 3 days in a coma from the head trauma. I made the decision to let her go on Sept 30. Before she left us she donated her Heart, Liver, and both Kidneys saving 4 lives. We have been Married 15 years and have 2 Daughters ages 14 and 11. She was our world our souls our LIFE.
These stories are every where and I know all of you have them, so take a moment, do what you need to do to get past this, then let's focus on what we can do, together, Now!
Lets take from these experiences and everything else we have been through and use that to be better today, tomorrow and in the upcoming year. We all have lots of work to do and like many, we will be very busy in all aspects of our life. We must remain committed though to our selves and to what we value, and if you can align that with your goals, then you will do just fine.
2009 for me, promises to be a year of rebuilding. I start a new job on Monday, with that comes a lot of responsibility, dedication, and time. I am moving in with family, along with my wife and kids to be of assistance to them and use the situation to better our own. I have made some great contacts and plan to use the resources we have hear at CitiZen Zen in order to direct our efforts in a more coordinated, structured manner and will have plans laid out by the end of the month to fund and run CitiZen Zen as a true non profit should. I will solicate the assistance of some of you to be leaders, and help guide us on our journey. I know that we are all busy, family focused people and i will continue to respect that. All I ask for is 4 hours a month. Break it down to an hour a week and that is a piece of cake. We can all do that, and it will pay off in the end.
CitiZen Zen relies on all of you to do one thing, and that is inspire. So I challenge anyone who truly embraces what it is to be a CitiZen Zen and participate in our daily blog, enlist others to join the cause, and get out in your neighborhoods and make a difference. The rewards are endless, and I promise you that if we can do what we set out to do , we stick to our four principles:
* Be ready and available to serve the community in any way…
* Strengthen the community by offering up your skills and talents for everyone to use…
* Educate your community with your knowledge, freely give it....
* Instill good moral values in others by living them and modeling kindness and generosity, everyday...
and we continue to extend our hand out where ever it is needed, than we will make notable changes in all that we do.
Happy New Year everyone!
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