A Shortcut to Happiness -- Vote with Live 8

Did you see any of the Live 8 performances in support of stopping poverty in Africa? Here's your chance to create a shortcut to your own happiness by voting to help others. You can support the creation of the happiness of survival for them.

The Live 8 stated goal is to cancel poverty, beginning with eliminating death by starvation and polluted water.

There are times when life hands us the opportunity to support and affirm what is positive in very dramatic ways. This is one of those times.

They clearly made the point that given the wealth of the free world, death by starvation and polluted water is an anachronism, a throwback to earlier times when nothing could be done about it. The United States spends $2 billion a day on Iraq, reflecting the high value put on that cause.

Live 8 challenged the countries represented at the G8 meeting to provide $25 billion to demonstrate that death by poverty, by starvation and pollution is no longer necessary.

That would be ½ billion a day for a year from all the countries of the world. It can be done.

This letter is about the creation of happiness by accepting reality as it is, and the pursuit of the positives wherever they are possible.

The reality, what is, is that there is poverty in Africa.

Another reality is that the developed nations of the world have the money and skills necessary to stop poverty. The United Nations and other private aid groups are there.

So it is possible to erase starvation in Africa, should the G8 representatives decide to do so. Of course, success in Africa leaves starvation in other places to be addressed. But one continent at a time.

You can participate by joining with Live 8 and casting your vote for the elimination of poverty in Africa now at: http://www.one.org/ This is a small thing to do, costing you nothing but the time to make your commitment public.

By the time you receive this letter, the G8 meeting will be over, and their decisions will be history. But the lives of those who live in Africa and other poverty areas will go on.

So cast your vote anyway, to make it clear that this push for survival will not end when the G8 meetings are over, but will go on for the lifetimes of those 1 to 3 year olds who will be saved from dying by our efforts. Perhaps they can become the leaders of a world without death by starvation.

One of the most dramatic moments of the Live 8 performances occurred when Madonna brought onstage a lovely 23 year old woman, the picture of happinesss. She was captured on film 20 years ago as a three year old starving to death. She was emaciated, tragically a few days from death by starvation. Not a picture of happiness.

She was rescued by a program of aid at the time that enabled her to finish her educational degree and be present as a beautiful, successful individual at the Live 8 performance.

She is living evidence that eradicating poverty and death by starvation and polluted water is possible.

It is possible not only theoretically, as with the amount of money necessary, etc., but it is possible in personal terms, to save the lives of those who can grow up to make their own contribution to the welfare of mankind.

Now, go on, do your part. Vote!

Benjamin Conley is dedicated to helping people create happiness wherever possible, by accepting life as it is, nurturing the positive, and limiting the negative. Get his free white paper on How to Create Happiness in Your Life at http://www.go-for-happiness.com

He is a Marriage and Family Therapist, Pastoral Psychotherapist, author and speaker living in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. You can find out more information about him, his ideas, and his services at http://www.anthospublishing.com

(c) 2005 Benjamin B. Conley

---

10 Survival Strategies to Overcoming Adversity and Being Happy

If one thing is for certain, each of us will... Read More

Choose To Be Happy

What if I told you that you have the ability... Read More

Divining your Number of Destiny

Your Destiny Number, which describes all of the talents and... Read More

Mexican Living: What Makes You Happy?

Many ask me this question: "Did moving to Mexico make... Read More

Are You Doing What You Love?

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the... Read More

The Golden Moments in Life

This month I'm going to talk about something I've never... Read More

Eleven Keys to Success and Happiness

1. Mend a quarrel Seek out a forgotten friend and... Read More

Clearing a Path for Happiness

In the United States, the pursuit of happiness is a... Read More

How A Psychovirus May Be Destroying Your Life

A pervasive sense of low self-esteem, a feeling of unworthiness,... Read More

How To Achieve Absolute Happiness

Everyone wants to be happy. When you decide to be... Read More

Free Tips To Improve Self Confidence

1. DRUNK!At the age of sixteen I was invited out... Read More

Self Confidence, Happiness, and Posture

Our use of body posture plays a key role in... Read More

5 Keys to Understanding Why Your Life (probably) Sucks # 4

We are in constant competitionIf we take evolution seriously, then... Read More

You Can?t See Your Own Eyes

My friend called me this morning from her favorite coffee... Read More

Develop a Guiding Philosophy for Happiness

Groundedness is one of the most important components of a... Read More

Three Inspirations for Happiness

The following three inspirations were adapted from A Daily Dose... Read More

7 Things Happy People Know How To Do

Ever notice how some people just seem to be able... Read More

Get Right! Make a Difference

Want to make a difference? What can one person do?... Read More

How To Make Your Own Happiness

Happiness comes to a person when it is caused by... Read More

Giving Attention To Happiness

When I left England in 2000 there did not seem... Read More

The Underestimated Power of Kindness

It was a bright Saturday morning in the late fall.... Read More

Common Scents For Emotional Well Being

Aromatics which include essential oils, perfume, centred candles and incense,... Read More

7 Surprising Keys to Happiness

Have you ever had one of those days where you... Read More

Happiness

What is happiness? If we mean by it a state... Read More

Discover a Momentary Miracle

Each moment is filled with miracles - very special treasures... Read More

Its All About Me: Why Its Good to Be Selfish

I started thinking about this topic during a discussion of... Read More

Happiness. Its Between Our Ears!

Happiness is something we all seek, yet few of us... Read More

Get Out Those Legos

Many of my clients are working harder than smarter. This... Read More

Sunny Days Are Here To Stay

Yes, this is correct. Sunny Days are here to stay,... Read More

Impractical Magic

Witchcraft is a messy, expensive, time-consuming, and inefficient way to... Read More

5 Keys to Understanding Why Your Life (probably) Sucks! #3

The outcome of Reason # 2 is that you become... Read More

Conversational Negative Self-Talk

Most people don't even know they're doing it. Throughout the... Read More

Quick Steps On Being Happier

Want to be happier?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker, author and... Read More