Julia K Cole: awareness

Showing posts with label awareness. Show all posts

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Queer Eye Love Project

Netflix reboot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy has everybody watching in tears. Tears of Joy! If you haven't watched it yet -- I'm going to pass on a word of advice -- something Netflix didn't bother passing along to me or the millions of others who fist partook --make damn sure you have a full box of hankies next to you! Seriously! Netflix should have a some kind of warning before each episode! Hankie Alert! Only watch if you have a box of Kleenex! Or something along those lines!

I never watched the original. Oh I knew about it, one of my sons (who is gay) watched it religiously. I was neither interested nor really had the time. Being a single working mother left me little energy or interest during those days. I was, however, over the top pleased that my gay son had something to watch that he could relate to and learn from.

Now before I go any further, and for those of you who don't know me, I am one of these people who don't give a rat's ass if you're gay, straight, black, white, yellow or green. Male or female. Fat, skinny or somewhere in between. You are what you are and I accept you as is. And if you're any of those before mentioned individuals who suddenly find yourself presented with a show that reflects your beliefs, life style whatever ... I am happy for you. But that's as far as it goes for me personally. You see, I never comprehended the HUGE deal over being gay, black, brown, female or whatever anyways. Still don't! All I see is PEOPLE! People with various likes and dislikes shapes, forms, sizes, colors. So it was (and still is) difficult for me to wrap my head around what a deal it was, is and continues to be. It's like flowers. You got all these different colors of flowers. They're still flowers no matter what color they are. People - flowers - same diff to me! You are what you are and that makes for a gorgeous garden!

Anyways .... moving along here ...

So when Queer Eye reboot hit Netflix I thought well there ain't nothing else on might as well give it a shot! I wasn't prepared for the impact it would have on me. I later found out on the QE Face Book page that I wasn't the only one. And this got me to thinking about the original. So I hunted down free full episodes on line and watched them. Yes, the originals lived up to their TV show moniker The Fab Five, but they just didn't quite pluck the old heartstrings like their present day counter-parts. What was different? What was it that set these guys apart? And then it dawned on me!

The Epiphany

The new Fab Five is the confirmation of all that hard work for acceptance, compassion, empathy and understanding of those different from ourselves is finally paying off! It is reassurance that we haven't been spinning our wheels! It is happening, unfolding and working!

All those of like mind, as a whole, have been confirmed and affirmed that these attributes are alive and well! The human race actually has a chance for redemption. All is not lost as some would believe! Yessssss QUEEN!

Those of us watching these five fabulous A.F. young men, see the fruit of our collective energies working through them, manifesting and expanding. We know this in our hearts. Our tears of joy is our soul's applause for a job well done!
These beautiful souls, these magnificent beings of light are living proof of that!

I now understand that the original Fab Five were the awesome heralds of what was coming! They were the torch bearers of a brilliant light that opened the way.  (Little did any of us know how bright that light would become!) We all will be forever grateful to them.

Who would have thought that five Queens could bring out so much in one Empress?!!

I know it all goes much deeper than what I have shared with you here. But this Empress will leave that for another time! At least for the time being.

My heart overflows with so much love and gratitude for these young men! The world and my life is so much richer knowing they are here working that love thang. And I thank ALL who had a hand in bringing them into our lives!

To Tan, Karamo, Antoni, Bobby and Jonathan ...

THANK YOU!

Yes! I'm on Face Book! Just Click HERE Or click on the icon below.

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience.

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way.

PLEASE NOTE: All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited

Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole. The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™, The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Domestic Violence isn't just a "woman's issue." It is a HUMAN issue!

Below is a short article written by Jan Brown which was posted as a reply to my article Domestic Violence: Taking it like a Man--the Untold Story five years ago. My article can can be found HERE.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and throughout the month domestic violence advocates and the media's attention will be focused on bringing more public understanding to and promoting the eradication of men’s violence against women. However, not all intimate partner violence (IPV) fits into this neat little package. IPV against men, especially against men by their female intimate partners, has always been a hot button issue. The mere mention of male victims in a gathering of traditional domestic violence advocates creates great controversy.

While domestic violence advocates may know men are victims they insist that their victims service agencies (over 2,000 of them in the US) should focus exclusively on ending violence against women by men because women are the most injured and prevalent victims.

As a result, serious outreach and services for the male victims of IPV are sorely lacking. Studies indicate that men are victims of assault by their partners in 25% of the reported cases in the U.S. each year. The disparity between the needs of those victims and the services available is large. The gap must be closed and that can only be done through education, services and advocacy.

While resources for men are still scarce, awareness is increasing and hopefully more services will follow. IPV is not a gender issue, it is simply a human issue.

The Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women envisions a world where services are available to victims and survivors without prejudice.

Call: 1-888-7HELPLINE (1-888-743-5754)

Visit: www.dahmw.org

Sincerely,
Jan Brown
Founder and Co-Director Heather Fortune,
Co-Director Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women

Domestic Violence is EVERYBODY's Business! It's not just a "woman's issue" it's a HUMAN issue. Plain and simple And it is an issue that is reaching epidemic proportions. Until we stand united and work towards ending this ... we will continue to suffer the costs.

I urge each of you to share this information on your social networks. Again...for emphasis...

Domestic Violence isn't just a "woman's issue."

It is a HUMAN issue!

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way.

As a writer, Julia is a virtual powerhouse of creativity. Among Julia's literary accomplishments is the Children of the Luminaries trilogy; Book One: The Coming Storm can be purchased by clicking Here.

Book Two of the trilogy is due out in the Fall of 2015 and Book Three will be available in 2016. The long anticipated ZEN of Duct Tape: An Empress Is Born will be out in 2016. As well as the Teddy Mitchell Chronicles.

Julia has also contributed to several other publications including Brad Steiger's Real Zombies, The Living Dead, and Creatures of the Apocalypse Click HERE for the review; and Marie D. Jones' Destiny vs. Choice Click HERE

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited

Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole. The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™, The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Bringing Awareness Through My Sig Tags: Breast Cancer Awareness Sig Tags 2015

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way.

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Breast Cancer Awareness 2015: CLICK To Save Lives

Early Detection SAVES LIVES!

Providing Free Mammograms is Just a Click Away!

Click on the Banner Below!

Click Today--each & EVERY Day!

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Suicide Awareness Part 2: What You Can Do To Help

If you know of someone who is contemplating suicide, if you even suspect they are, there is something you can do.

o Ask directly if your friend is thinking about suicide.

o Be willing to listen. Allow their expressions of feelings, and accept those feelings.

o Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life. Focus on being present with their feelings.

o Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.

o Check in with your friend regularly. Schedule times to talk for the next week when you will both be available, to see how they are doing.

o Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you. Be patient with yourself and the situation

o Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.

o Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.

o Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills

o Get help from agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

o Encourage (and offer to accompany) your friend to seek help and support from a crisis specialist, therapist, doctor and/or clergy member.

o Show them the safety or “crisis coping plan” on the Lifeline web site, and talk together about your friend can use this to help him/her to cope in these difficult moments.

For more information click HERE

Share and use this resource to help make stronger connections in your own communities and through social media. Use these tips to reach out to those who may be struggling. We can ALL do something to help prevent suicide.

Source http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/getinvolved/suicide-prevention-toolkit.aspx

http://juliakcole.blogspot.com/2015/08/suicide-awareness-part-1.html

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way.

Suicide Awareness Part 1

Death. No matter what shape or form it takes it triggers intense emotions. Even if we barely knew the person or never met the person we each feel something when we are told of their passing.    And the deep pain of sorrow we feel when an animal passes, be it our pets or an animal in the wild, is something we all share.

With some it's a deep sense of loss. With others it is a wake up call.    Bottom line, with each passing, be it human or a beloved pet, Death reminds us how precious and how very short our time on this earth really is. It touches us down to the very depths of our inner core. Consciously or unconsciously.

Many often wonder if there was more that could have been done to prevent the death of another. Especially, and most in particularly, when it comes to suicide.

Sadly, suicide is still considered taboo. It is a subject everyone knows about, but very rarely discusses openly and honestly. Unfortunately, most rather use anger to deal with suicides. And while I do understand the angst many feel towards suicide, being hostile is not only hurtful, it's pointless. It's a useless waste of time and energy born out of ignorance.

Knowledge is a powerful tool that leads to understanding. Understanding leads to compassion. Compassion leads to saving lives. I firmly believe if we all take the time to arm ourselves with the appropriate knowledge and tools we can really help those thinking and/or planning suicide.    We can help them comprehend that they are not alone, that their burdens can be lifted, that they don't have to be alone to deal whatever it is they are dealing with. Most importantly, maybe--just maybe we can help those in that mind set to see that taking their lives isn't the answer. Not only that, with the right understanding, we also help those who have lost a loved one to suicide.   Banding together in genuine loving kindness, lending our strength to those in need can, and most certainly does, make a huge difference! I know this to be true!

The key to understanding suicide or those contemplating suicide is remembering this...

Suicide is not chosen!

It happens when the pain exceeds
resources for coping with pain.

People who are feeling suicidal are not bad people. They are not crazy, or weak, or flawed. It doesn't even mean that they really want to die. It only means that they have more pain than they can cope with.

And for those of you who are under the misconceive notion that willpower is the answer...Imagine someone piling dozens of 10 pound weights on your shoulders. Imagine having to carry that amount of weight around every single day. Eventually you would collapse from the weight itself. No matter how much you want to remain standing you would fall down and be crushed under all that weight.

When pain exceeds pain-coping resources, suicidal feelings are the result.

Suicide is neither wrong nor right.
Suicide is morally neutral.
It is not a defect of character.
Suicide is an imbalance of pain versus coping resources.

The Bottom line is this: Suicide is a very serious matter that is reaching epidemic proportions. Again, the only way we can get a handle on this is to get informed and treat everyone as we ourselves would want to be treated. With respect, kindness, understanding and compassion. And for the sake of everyone...talk about it!

There are those who have overcome their contemplations of suicide and lived to tell the tale thus proving suicide can be prevented in many cases. But prevention can't happen without first arming ourselves with the proper knowledge and the tools to assist those in need. We have to start talking about it! We have to get informed! We have to be brave (even if we're scared ourselves) and reach out to those who may be planning to take their life.

Suicide. Talk about it. Get the information and don't be afraid to discuss it. Get yourselves out of the dark ages for crissakes! Yea, talking about it will jerk your ass out of your comfort zone. Yes, it will make you angry. But instead of lashing out in a hurtful manner, try a little kindness, a little compassion. Try being something other than an ignorant ass. You'll be better for it. The whole world will benefit from it. And maybe...just maybe...together we can save lives.

Source material found at

http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/getinvolved/suicide-prevention-toolkit.aspx

On August 11, 2014 the world was shocked by the death of beloved entertainer Robin Williams. On the anniversary of his passing I honor his memory by bringing awareness to this issue of suicide.

In Loving Memory

SPECIAL NOTE: Arthur Crowe, the artist of this beautiful rendition of Robin Williams, was provided free of charge. Mr. Crowe's artistic gifts clearly represents his admiration and adoration of the man we all came to know and love through TV, movies and stage. But more than that, through his generosity, Mr. Crowe allows us to share our unique expression of our individual devotion of the wonderfully magnificent being known as Robin Williams.

Source material found at http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/

Graphic provided by Arthur Crowe at http://arthurcrowesfactory.com/

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way.

Sunday, April 12, 2015

International Denim Day: Because Clothing Is NO Excuse!

In Italy in the 1990s, an 18-year-old was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor. The assailant was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to jail. He appealed the sentence, and the case made its way to the Italian Supreme Court. The Supreme Court released the perpetrator and dismissed all charges, on the grounds that “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them... and by removing the jeans... it was no longer rape but consensual sex.”

Women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in protest, and the California Senate and Assembly did the same. Denim Day was born.

Source: http://www.stsm.org/events/denim-day

Denim Day is a campaign to prevent sexual violence through education and public awareness. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Denim Day is a call to action for all people to come together by wearing denim as a visible sign of protest against sexual violence. By participating in Denim Day this April, you can play a role in the prevention of sexual violence. Every year we ask community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion and on April 29th to wear jeans as a visible means of protest against misconceptions that surround sexual assault.

Why denim? Denim Day was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Denim Day was developed in response to this case and wearing jeans during this annual event has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.

Women of the Italian Legislature protested the decision by wearing jeans to work. As news of the decision spread, so did the protest. In April 1999, a social service agency in Los Angeles established the first Denim Day in the United States.

DVSAC carries on this tradition. We wear denim to dispel harmful myths about sexual violence and survivors.

Read More

Source: http://www.dvsac.org/denim-day/

On April 29, 2015 show your support by wearing your jeans! Get your employer and co-workers involved in this event!

Thursday, February 12, 2015

7 Surprising Signs of an Unhealthy Heart

February is Heart Health Awareness Month! Here's a great article by Melanie Haiken, Senior Editor at Caring.com on how to Get Heart Smart and Stay Heart Healthy!

7 Surprising Signs of an Unhealthy Heart
By Melanie Haiken, Caring.com senior editor

We've all read the signs of a heart attack listed on posters in the hospital waiting room. But what if there were other, earlier signs that could alert you ahead of time that your heart was in trouble?

It turns out there are. Researchers have done a lot of work in recent years looking at the signs and symptoms patients experienced in the months or even years leading up to a heart attack. "The heart, together with the arteries that feed it, is one big muscle, and when it starts to fail the symptoms can show up in many parts of the body," says cardiologist Jonathan Goldstein of Saint Michael's Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. Here are seven surprising clues that your heart needs a check. Any of these signs -- and particularly two or more together -- should send you to the doctor for tests.

Here's to YOUR Healthy Heart!!!