You might wonder why I'm doing this...

After reading this article courtesy of NPR and Joseph Shapiro, Campus Rape Victims: A Struggle for Justice, I realized (unfortunately again), why I am interested in raising awareness, promoting education and communication, and advocating on behalf on women and men who have been affected by sexual abuse. A month ago, I came across a volunteer opportunity with a local rape assistance and awareness program reaching out to volunteers interested in "being on the hotline." After 40 hours of training, you could be the person on the receiving end of this sexual assault hotline. I attempted this training prior to my move, but due to my sudden desire to disappear, I withdrew and packed my bags.

Seconds after reading the posted opportunity I knew I stumbled upon it for a reason, but this time around I was going to be committed. And I was. Fourty-hours later, I am now representing RAAP, and quickly finding out why the position was posted, why it will be posted in three months in search for more volunteers, and with much disgust, why it might forever be posted.

I'm not following a speech nor am I memorizing a check list. Instead, I am answering each call with warmth in my heart and concern in my voice. I am providing resources, names, numbers, answers and most of all the utmost understanding to a caller, while she/he may not know me, they know I am here to help.

I want to be the voice, an advocate and mentor to those who aren't sure where to go, what to do and if someone will even listen. I want to be all of these things and more simply because rape isn't discussed, it rarely has a voice, it does not come with an immediate response of knowing what to do next and unfortunately, more often than not, goes unnoticed. This isn't just a problem, it's a nightmare. Also, misleading and terrifying are the statistics surrounding sexual assault. One of which, I discovered through the NPR article:

"One of out 5 women will be sexually assaulted during her college years. And despite federal laws created to protect students, colleges and universities have failed to protect women from this epidemic of sexual assault. Even after they've been found responsible for sexual assault, students are rarely expelled or suspended."

C'mon now! Are we serious. It's okay to lock up a woman or man on the street walking with weed in their pocket, but yet punishing a perpetrator who has violated a woman's (on behalf of the article's case) body, sexuality and most importantly consent aka HER VOICE has been pushed aside. I'm fuming over here if it's not obvious.

My intent on posting about optimistic and glass half-full posts has failed. My optimism on safety for women continues to spiral downward and my glass has been shattered. Universities, institutions, communities, households, daycares, work offices, medical offices (Delaware Pediatrician), basically anywhere and everywhere, sexual assaults are taking place and we are allowing them to be brushed aside. Speak up, act, take a stand, provide protection, address the issue, promote education, supply resources... if nothing else seeps in, please consider the fact "1 in 4 women will be sexually assaulted at some point in their life." 1 IN 4!!! Take a room full of your sisters, mothers, cousins, neighbors, friends, girlfriends, nieces, aunts, grandmothers and any other women or girls in your life who don't fit into these categories and consider the number, 1 in 4 of them will be affected/violated by sexual abuse at some point in their life.

Our families, friends and community members need help. Please, truly listen with your ears and say something with your voice. This issue needs to become more of a public issue rather than a secret nightmare.

2010 Handbook (My Version)

Three weeks ago my mom sent an email with the subject line reading, "2010 Handbook." I assumed this was an email accidentally sent to me instead of her co-workers, but typically whenever I assume it's the opposite. This email was correctly forwarded on to the right recipients, and I am grateful I made the cut. "2010 Handbook" is a list of 40 items one should read daily, understand fully and practice without hesitation. I was inspired by these 40 directions and knew it as part of my glass half-full scope on life, I would alter a few only to target my what ifs and wants.

From my mother to me and onto you: 2010 Handbook (My Version)

Health
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's - Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to ponder what's important to YOU.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 (aim for 8) hours.
10. Take a long 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment(s).
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues in the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. It will only ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you!
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society
25. Call your family often
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. A phone call or short visit with your parents will heal everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, be thankful.
39. Your inner most is always happy. Be happy.

Last but not least
40. Again, don't stop laughing. (Thank you Mom!)

Vincent Van Gogh

The last taste of 2009 was rough. I welcomed my 6-month anniversary in a new city with open arms, but unlike most of my adventures where I knew going home was only a few days away, this adventure entailed me creating my home apart from being back home. (confused yet?) Finally settling in is when it hits you. You (being I) realized this is it, this is what you wanted, what you sought and what you were driven to accomplish. This is life outside of your comfort zone. I love the unknown, but I didn't realize how much I took my family, friends and street signs for granted. So as soon as 6 months hit, I as a result hit a wall. "What's next? Do I go back or push forward? Am I at the point I imagined 6 months ago?"

The winter blues were catching my toes, the holidays were creeping up, and I wasn't somewhere where I knew who to call on or ask for help. Not wanting to carry my pity party on any longer, let me skip pass the tears and say "Thank you twenty-ten!" You are a breath of fresh air in the midst of frozen window panes and a green light in an abandon town. I'm not sure why and how the changing of two numbers, in this year's case, can add a skip to someone's step, but 2010 is bound to be better than 2009.

I knew if there was any way I was going to fill up my glass and appear optimistic, I would need a phrase, a song, or a new bra to lift my spirits. I accomplished all three, but mainly focusing on the first. Whether I recite it the whole year or another blue day, I believe it sums up the courage knowing in the midst of everything you can continue:

"I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart." - Vincent Van Gogh

I was able to apply the three elements toward my move, and there is no doubt I won't be able to apply them to a new year, attitude and adventures. Thank you Van Gogh for your words and colors!

Vincent Van Gogh photo

My glass is half-full.

I set out on a mission with my first blog, Life Deserves Laughter, to do none other than spice up your life with the mishaps, rants and fabulous finds found in my life. Whether I stirred up a chuckle or infused a “Brittanie, please end it now” request…I’d like to say I’m here to do it again.

This time around, I’m writing about my life as an adventure in a glass half-full style. I wish an adventurous outing could inspire every post, but if that wish fails entirely, I’ll take a step back and continue writing about whatever it is I find intriguing, moving and/or beautiful. I’m here again writing about the lessons I’ve learned, the love I’ve found, the person I’ve grown into, the person I want to become, the gems I’ve polished, the stories I’ve read, the people I’ve met, the challenges I’ve faced and the reasons laughter can still be found at my side.

Today begins something new and with only the unknown ahead, I’m inviting you into my life as it continues to unfold. Welcome (again)!