W Insight #1 - True Beauty Comes From Within

Image created by "W Insight" for W for Wellbeing. W Insight will be appearing here as a special guest blogger in 2013. Keep an eye out! 

(Click on image to see content details/links).

Healthy Holidays!

Getting ready to leave for Christmas celebrations, but wanted to tell ya'll... 

(P.S. Will be uploading more blog posts this week). 




W Awareness #8 - James Alexander Bond :: The Other Fellow




The Other Fellow is a documentary movie about real men named James Bond, filmed during the release of Skyfall. Find out what it's like to be James Bond and live in the shadow of 007. There have been many people affected by having the same name as someone famous or someone who has committed a crime etc. By no choice, your name can become a burden on your life. 




Who: James Alexander Bond 

Where: Home is NYC, NY. I live in Hell's Kitchen. I'm on Facebook, JAlexBond@aol.com and my web site is nycDirector.com, but right now and probably the rest of December the web site is 'under re-construction'. New Facebook Page is https://www.facebook.com/JamesAlexanderBond


What: I am a freelance director. I direct plays for a living, mostly Shakespeare, also other classics, musicals, new works and straight plays. When not directing, I teach. I tell every cast and class "Yes, my name is James Bond. You get one joke. One. Don't waste it today. Save it for when you have something worthy."  This usually keeps most of them from making a joke and the mania of it dies down. Others spend every waking moment thinking of the perfect 007 joke. Some ignore me and feel the need to make an 007 joke every day -- those actors are not very bright because I am not likely to use them again. There are also actors I have worked with many times who proudly tell me they have never made a joke. Others ask me if, since we have done three shows together, have they banked three jokes. You would think by now I would know how to answer that.


When: I was born a few years after the films began. But a sequel was a new concept, who knew they would make the same film every other year for the rest of my life? Yes, my parents were aware of the films, but James was an old name on both sides of the family and Ian Fleming was not a factor in naming me. My four siblings are older. From their friends I heard 007 jokes before I could even write my name. For the first few years of school, my contemporaries took no notice, but their parents did. Somewhere around 5th grade it started. In 7th grade I switched to a larger school and was inundated.  "For Your Eyes Only" had just come out. It was everywhere, TV ads, all the movie theatres, the song took over the radio. The unwanted attention comes in waves but has never fully died down since. Before everyone has quite finished with focusing on film (once a film leaves theatres, I still hear about it for about a year and a half), hype for the next one begins. In '81 anything I was shown by anybody was "For your eyes only". In '83 I had to strike the word "Never" from my vocabulary because anytime I said it someone cut me off mid sentence to say "Never Say Never again". Those two films came out Thirty years ago, and I still get both of those responses on a regular basis. In '83 Octopussy came out -- you don't want to know what I endured on that one, but with 13 year old boys for peers -- it was not pretty. At best comments on my name are boring. Usually they are extremely tedious. I only recall laughing once at a James Bond joke in my entire life. 


Why: (Why you decided to be in the film) Part of what has been so annoying about the bombardment of not-funny James Bond attention over the last 40 years is that none of it has anything to do with me. People expect me to be thrilled with them and their responses to my name and somehow identify with the Ian Fleming character, which I don't. I make a  point of distancing myself.  At least with this film I have a chance to reclaim my name ... For once James Bond will be more about James Alexander Bond than 007. 


Since Skyfall, which makes me feel like Chicken Little for the daily "falling sky" comments I hear, I have begun a campaign to get people to support the best Ian Fleming novel turn flick. If anyone quotes 007 to me I respond by singing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to them.  So, I close with  ... "Near, far, in our motor car Oh what a happy time we'll spend. Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Our fine four fendered friend. Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Our fine four fendered friend."


Photos of James directing Godspell, which he was doing when Matthew Bowyer interviewed him for the documentary.





W says WOW!



I am very excited to announce that I received an email to say - 

"Congratulations – someone in your community has taken the time to draw attention to your efforts during 2012 and wants to make sure you are recognized.

You have been nominated for the Best in Show: Blog Award in this year's WEGO Health Activist Awards!"

So, I am asking if ya'll can please endorse my nomination via the above badge (or the badge on the right side of the blog!) It would mean so much to me. 


If you haven't already - Take the time to go & nominate someone! 

There are 16 award categories and there's no limit to the number of people you can nominate with the quick form. You may even want to nominate my Blog or my W for Wellbeing Facebook Page for a different category. 

Go to: http://info.wegohealth.com/health-activist-awards-2012/ 

Nominations are open through December 31st, 2012, after which judging will begin.

Thank you goes out to the person who has nominated me - I am so excited & happy to know that they thought my blog was worthy of nominating! It means a lot to me to receive this, considering I wasn't sure if my Blog was good enough to even continue with.

WWW Warrior #8 - Melissa Ambrosini


Who: Hi, my name is Melissa Ambrosini. I am a truth seeker, super passionate green juice junkie, yogi, organic lifestyle liver, dreamer, and believer. I am on a heartstring mission to empower and inspire. I want to help people break down their barriers, and karate chop their limiting beliefs. I want to inspire them to live the biggest, most radiant life possible.

Where:   

My current offline location is Sydney, Australia for the summer. It’s heaven! I travel a lot but always love coming home to Bondi. It’s one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

My online locations are:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Healthtalks
Pinterest
Instagram

Come play with me!

What: I believe we create our life, moment by moment. I believe we are the producer, director and the main actor in our life movie. I am a truth seeker! I want to be the most authentic version of myself, in every moment. I live from my heart and choose love over fear in every breath. I love green juice and organic food. I do only what I love, and follow my truth. Self-love is important to me.

Path to Wellness is an online hub for all things: health, wellness, truth, inspiration, real, authenticity, bliss, purpose, passion, and magic. Come join in on the fun!

When: Path to Wellness started a year ago.

Why: Path to Wellness just happened. It wasn’t planned. It just flowed and unfolded so effortlessly. I studied holistic nutrition and life coaching. That was when the seed was first planted. I always knew I wanted to help people.

Now, my blog is my online home. It’s where I go to share my insight, realizations, knowledge, and wisdom. It has been the most beautiful vehicle for me to connect with so many awesome people. I love it! When I am writing, I feel so deeply connected to my readers. I cherish every email and comment I get.

2013 is going to be an awesome year. My team and I have some amazing goodies in store for you guys. So, stay in touch.

Love + happiness to you all

Melissa

In closing, I want to share my favorite quote of all time by the amazing Marianne Williamson:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.


W for Wellbeing Thoughts: 
Melissa's website is visually appealing & has a vast amount of information that feels like she is speaking to you on a personal level. The energy that comes from her web presence is always so positive.

Etsy makes me HAPPY!

 "Add" W for Wellbeing to your circle on Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/people/wforwellbeing :: 

Be sure to keep up with the Etsy Profile as it allows you to easily find all the W for Wellbeing Facebook Page Shares & Pinterest Pins that originate from Etsy. 



Have you pinned it?

"Follow" W for Wellbeing on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/wforwellbeing/ ::  

Be sure to keep up with the Pinterest Page as it allows you to easily re-pin all W for Wellbeing Blog posts & some Facebook Page content. You can follow the Pinterest boards of those who have been featured in the blog. (They are listed in the Pinners I follow). I have also created several Pinterest boards with ideas, information & inspiration for different aspects of your health & wellbeing. Enjoy!


True Colors

I am not perfect, but I live by these words. I was taught to be myself, not a sheep & that speaking lies would always come back to bite me. Some of the best lessons I was taught as a child. :: Do you agree with these words? 


Get to know Welliam!



Who: Welliam the W for Wellbeing Ambassador
 

Where: I reside in a healthy, relaxing, beautiful part of South Eastern Australia, but I like to travel. My relatives live in the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa. I particularly would like to be in Texas, U.S.A. where I can see my furry friends. (They are not native to Australia).

http://wforwellbeing.blogspot.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/WForWellbeing
http://about.me/WforWellbeing
https://www.youtube.com/user/WforWellbeing
https://plus.google.com/103200056799612671815

What: I am a Squirrel belonging to a large family of small or medium-sized rodents called the Sciuridae. I think I am pretty cute though, not like other rodents!
I cannot digest cellulose, so must rely on foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fats. My diet consists primarily of a wide variety of plants, including nuts, seeds, conifer cones, fruits, fungi and green vegetation. Some of these are super foods for humans. 

Just so you know, raw or roasted peanuts & sunflower seeds are deficient in several essential nutrients and are not suitable for squirrels. This type of deficiency has been found to cause metabolic bone disease, a somewhat common ailment found in malnourished squirrels.

When: I came to W for Wellbeing in November 2012.

Why: I am very social, inquisitive and persistent. I like to store things, so I am helping you to store knowledge for future reference. I am  behind the scenes of the blog & will randomly share my wellbeing photographs.

 

I wish ya'll a healthy & happy Christmas with your families & friends. Hope 2013 brings positive thoughts & actions your way.


I went searching to see what my Furry Relatives are up to online:

  • The Squirrel Lovers Club - an international club of dedicated squirrel enthusiasts.
  • Squirrel-Rehab.org - includes advice and links for helping orphaned baby squirrels.
  • Hector the Squirrel's Webpage - a British-based web page that includes articles (supposedly) written by, for, and about squirrels.
  • Sugar Bush Squirrel - Sugar Bush is a working model (claimed to be the world's most-photographed squirrel), who was rescued as an orphaned baby Eastern Gray Squirrel and raised by her human family, who live in Boca Raton, Florida. The web page includes thousands of photographs of Sugar Bush wearing a very large assortment of clothing from her enormous wardrobe collection.
  • Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel - more than just a collection of video clips of Twiggy's performances on waterskis, there are articles dedicated to wildlife, water safety, and games for children, as well as the list of Twiggy's upcoming performances.

W Guidelines



W for Wellbeing is not for any monetary or business purposes. No money, products or services are exchanged for content posted on the blog (or Facebook Page). The aim is to share the www warriors which inspire my journey, in the hope that they may also inspire others to look at different ways of doing positive things for wellbeing. As well as sharing the WWW Warriors, I include a variety of other related sites. I have an open mind when it comes to reading & learning about health & wellbeing. Personal experience or interest in all areas may not be the case. I am not anti-western medicine, nor am I advocating any one particular path or method. Where possible, I am trying to include worldwide information, although many times you will see Australian or U.S.A. based posts. All content & images within each of the blog posts - WWW Warrior, W-Guest & W Awareness - are as sent by the specific person/organization featured. I do not alter any content before or after uploading, unless a reason is agreed upon. Please do not take or use any content from the blog (or the Facebook Page). I encourage you to click the Share button on the blog & Facebook instead. Be respectful of all content & those who own it.

W-Guest #5 - Thandi-Claire


I AM ~ Thandi-Claire van den Heever. An optimistic woman who believes the world has the power to be at peace and harmony and that we don’t need to eat animals ever, they are part of that peace and harmony.

I LIVE ~ in Melbourne, Victoria with the trees and the birds & those funny things called people.

I AM ~ a Vegan, a spiritualist and a LOVER of all things and everybody. Vegan means not having any animal derived products in your diet and in your life. It is a journey being Vegan as so many things contain animal products and you learn everyday what to do and what not to do.
I practice Transcendental Meditation twice a day. I was taught this technique when I was 14.
I have been a VEGAN since 1/11/2011 & have never felt better or more beautiful inside.

I AM ~ a remedial massage student part/time and work in administration full/time - I hope to finish my course at the end of 2013 & be a full time masseuse. I LOVE natural therapies.

I AM ~ in the process ~ slow process of developing a fashion label with a friend. The website will be:
www.veganenvogue.com (we are yet to develop the design for it with our web designer). The Facebook Page is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vegan-En-Vogue/122514297907943 The Twitter is: @veganenvogue1


I can be contacted at: veryhappyangel@gmail.com


Beauty

Words to remember & take a closer look at!

W Awareness #7 - Reuben & Chloe Cunningham :: Angels Goal

 


Who: Angels Goal - Australian Anti-Bullying Organisation

Where: We are in Launceston, Tasmania - 330 Invermay Road, Mowbray, 7248.
Location Online: www.angelsgoal.org.au
What: Our goal is to protect children and young adults from bullying in our communities and to eventually help to prevent bullying, along with giving victims and bystanders the fortitude to deal with this issue

When: It began in February 2011 but became fully active in July, 2011. 

Why Bullying is so Prevalent: It is so prevalent because statistics show that one in 5 children who are bullied has a mental health issue that costs the Australian economy around 6 billion a year, not including all other types of bullying eg workplace etc which costs up to 36 billion. The Australian Bureau of Statistics of 2009 stated that there was up to 6 children per 100,000 from ages 13-19 commit suicide. This alarming statistic means that there are more children dying from suicide than in car accidents. A Great Britain study done by Beat Bully stated that 50% of youth suicides are directly attributed to bullying, whereas in Australia, the statistics we found show between 6 and 10% through bullying. 

Why we began: After having first hand experience. Chloe's speech is below.

My name is Chloe Cunningham. As you may be aware I was bullied from the age of 12 through to 17 in school and my chosen sport and this became a daily occurrence. Please forgive me if I falter it's due to my condition. There were many different forms of bullying I encountered such as: social exclusion, cyber bullying, name calling and making fun of my body image.

My first encounter of bullying was grade 7 camp where all the girls from my grade wanted to go into the boys' section. I wasn’t comfortable with this arrangement so I stayed behind. In the meantime, all the girls were caught. The punishment was all girls were back at school during lunch and were made to take all chewing gum off the classroom tables. The teacher involved said “No you don’t have to, Chloe, I know you wouldn’t do that”.

This was when my nightmare started, in the shower at camp and change rooms during PE where the group of girls made fun of my body image as I was a slow developer for my age. This kept going right up to grade 9. By then I had body image problems, major social exclusion, name calling, food thrown at me. My coping strategy was to block all the experiences out because I figured it was the only way. Halfway through grade 9 I moved schools and found that bullying wasn’t normal and learnt that school was meant to be fun and including.

There was only one more problem I also had to face every day since I was 13. This was bullying in swimming where I was a state competitive swimmer and ranked highly. The bullying became more personal attack from social exclusion, vomiting on my personal possessions and cyber bullying. This then made me feel unworthy, ugly and not deserved of being loved. It became so horrific that it was investigated and proven that bullying did occur.

In late 2010 my subconscious brain received bullying as a threat to my wellbeing, then it turns all the stress and trauma into physical symptoms. I had symptoms ranging from tremors to paralyisis. I was sick for 10 months and wheelchair bound for 5 months. This was a very worrying time for my family and friends as they could tell I was in so much pain every second of every day. I remember the time when I saw my mum crying on my shoulder and my heart was breaking; my dad forcing to hold back tears and telling him not to go and my best friend telling me not to give up, not to leave her. I can’t put into words how hard it is too see the people you care about most in pain and you can’t do anything because you’re the one they're crying about. All my symptoms were so severe that it pointed to a neurological disease and I am very lucky that it wasn’t.

My message to all children and young adults: Anyone can be a hero, it can even be you. Be the voice for the person who is too afraid to speak up. Be a leader not a follower. I understand there are many victims like me that are suffering from the effects of bullying. That is why I have come to the conclusion the only way to help is speak up and to let them know they are strong enough to fight and not to give up, even in the darkest hours. We are not Victims, we are survivors, and we will fight and we can do it together. Believe in yourself because I believe in you. Our awareness and accountability programs will help communities address all forms of Bullying. Angels Goal would like to thank King David school for this opportunity and it is a credit to you all for being proactive in this cause. Thank you.

Angels Goal Anti Bullying National Launch

W for Wondering!?

I'd like to thank those who have taken the time to contribute to or support my blog (& associated Facebook Page), so far. I truly appreciate it. 

As you can see, I haven't been blogging here long, but I am now wondering if this blog is worth continuing or not... 

To be honest, I am feeling disappointed! None of the websites or people that I have wanted to feature recently have bothered to respond & even tell me they weren't interested. Just no response at all... Is it because I am not a well known blog? Is it because I am not paying them? Is my blog simply boring?


I was always taught to treat others as you want to be treated & to support those who support you. Hmmm... Maybe my values are too idealistic in 2012's online world?! 

Feel free to enlighten me on your thoughts...

Sunshine & Facebook


"Like" W for Wellbeing on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WForWellbeing ::  Be sure to keep up with the Facebook Page as it has many extra posts & things that don't appear here on the blog.

WWW Warrior #7 - Jess Ainscough



Who: Jess Ainscough

Where: Offline - Coolum on the incredible Sunshine Coast :: Australia.
Online - www.TheWellnessWarrior.com.au. You can also find me on FacebookTwitterYouTube, PinterestInstagram.

What: I’m Jess Ainscough — a writer, health coach and very proud pug owner. I’m the creator of a website called The Wellness Warrior, where I share my cancer recovery story, and write daily articles on courage, kindness, self-respect — and of course, nutrition & movement. 

I just launched my very first digital experience: The Wellness Warrior Lifestyle Transformation Guide. It’s a whole world of information & support for people to want to look & feel better, heal their bodies from stress & disease, and keep their own wellness promises.

When: I launched The Wellness Warrior in April 2010.
 
Why: My website began as a personal blog, somewhere I could share my cancer recovery journey, share everything I was learning, and keep my family and friends up to date with my progress. Over time, the site has morphed into a popular sanctuary, a source of inspiration, and a resource for all things natural health and wellness.

The other project I'm super proud of at the moment is healthtalks - a wellness web TV show I am starring in with three other amazing wellness experts. We post short segments each week, educating and inspiring our viewers to take control of their health and claim brilliant, vibrant lives.

 
W for Wellbeing Thoughts: 
Jess's website is very bright and informative - covering many, many topics. Her blog sparked & inspired my journey from the beginning. I look forward to Jess's daily posts as she always has something new & thought provoking to share. She has led me to a number of other wellness warriors too.

W Awareness #6 - Jay Allen :: SUNBEDBAN.COM



Who: I'm Jay Allen, a married 37 year old father of 4 children and a stage 3 melanoma survivor.

Where: I currently live in Sydney, NSW Australia.

What:
When: 
Why: 
On line I am an anti solarium campaigner, who feels my solarium use contributed to my melanoma. So want to do all I can to ban solariums around the world. 
Website - www.sunbedban.com
I began my campaign to ban solariums around the world in December 2008.
So far I have had success with NSW and South Australia announcing bans in the coming years.
I do not want anyone else to endure what I have gone through, if I can help it.
It's a very scary journey to be on. 
A solarium is any tanning unit that a person might use to tan their skin using ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Other names for solariums include sunbeds, sunlamps or tanning beds.
Solarium tans are not safe tans. UV radiation from solariums can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Solariums can also cause eye damage and immediate skin damage such as sunburn, irritation, redness and swelling. A solarium tan won’t protect your skin from natural UV radiation when you go out in the sun. 

W Awareness #5 - Get Smart About Antibiotics Week


Who: Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work. 

Where: This program is housed within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA, USA. 

What: 
When:
Why: 

The focus of our program is to promote appropriate antibiotic use in the community (outpatient) setting.

Get Smart About Antibiotics Week has been an annual effort to coordinate the work of CDC’s Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work campaign, state-based appropriate antibiotic use campaigns, non-profit partners, and for-profit partners during a one week observance of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.
The campaign organized its first annual Get Smart About Antibiotics Week in 2008. During November 12-18, 2012, the annual Get Smart About Antibiotics Week will be observed. As in past years, the effort will coordinate work of CDC’s Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work campaign, state-based appropriate antibiotic use campaigns, non-profit partners, and for-profit partners during a one week observance of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. As with the past observances, messages and resources for improving antibiotic use in healthcare settings from CDC’s Get Smart for Healthcare campaign will be included. Get Smart for Healthcare is a program housed in CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.
The 2012 observance also marks the third year of an international collaboration, which will coincide with European Antibiotic Awareness Day, Australia's Antibiotic Awareness Week and Canada's Antibiotic Awareness Week.

Additional information about Get Smart Week, including Fact Sheets and graphics that can be used on the web can be found here:

Additionally, the Get Smart program (@CDC_ehealth) will be hosting a Twitter chat on Tuesday, November 13 from 1-2pm Eastern Time (#SaveAbx). The chat will focus on appropriate antibiotic use and symptom relief tips for upper respiratory infections, like the common cold, sinusitis and bronchitis. Please feel free to join the chat and share this information with your blog followers and other interested parties. I know the time difference may make participation difficult, but feel free to check out the Tweets after the fact.

W Awareness #4 - World Prematurity Day :: Australia



Who: World Prematurity Day - November 17, 2012 :: National Premmie Foundation.
 
Where: Australia wide.

What: Saturday 17th November 2012 is World Prematurity Day and the National Premmie Foundation is once again participating in the international campaign to raise awareness of preterm birth. We are asking people throughout Australia to get behind World Prematurity Day. In 2011, the Empire State Building was lit up purple and it will do so again in 2012 with other buildings from around the world. This year in Australia, the Questacon building in Canberra, is lighting up purple. You can be a part of our “light it up purple” campaign in Australia by purchasing a National Premmie Foundation candle and lighting it at 7pm in your own home.
The National Premmie Foundation (NPF) is the peak body in Australia for charitable organisations that operate to provide support to families who experience premature birth or neonatal loss. With member groups across Australia, the NPF is the largest organisation in Australia representing the interests of families of preterm infants.

When:
The National Premmie Foundation was formed in 2007. The first World Prematurity Day was held two years ago and is held every year on November 17th.


Why:
Each year Worldwide 13 million babies are born too soon. Approximately 23,000 of these babies are born in Australia. We want everyone to honour the 15 million babies who struggled to survive this year and over 1 million babies who sadly lost their fight for life.
The rate of preterm birth is increasing and yet the general public knows little about the prevention of preterm birth and the problems and risks involved in the development of a preterm infant. Preterm or premature birth, birth before 37 weeks gestation is the second leading cause of newborn death globally. Babies who survive an early birth often face the increased risk of health challenges such as breathing problems, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and many other hurdles. For many families, preterm birth brings with it neonatal or infant loss. So we want you to join the campaign to raise awareness of the issues these vulnerable newborns and their families face.

To participate:
  • Purchase your very own candle for our “Light it up purple” campaign via our online store
  • Join the official World Prematurity Day Facebook page and add your story
  • Light your candle on the 17th November 2012 @ 7pm; take a photo of you and your family with the candle and post it on the NPF Facebook event page and the Official World Prematurity Facebook page.
  • Make a donation online so that the National Premmie Foundation can continue its important work or simply in honour of someone whose life has been touched by a preterm birth.