Mā te whakarongo, ka mōhio through listening, comes knowledge
Mā te mōhio, ka mārama, through knowledge, comes understanding
Mā te mārama, ka matau, through understanding, comes wisdom
Mā te matau, ka ora through wisdom, comes wellbeing
Manaaki Monday
Let’s kick off the Mental Health Awareness Week with Manaaki Monday. Start the week with a simple act of kindness. On the first day of MHAW, take a moment to help someone in a small but meaningful way. Remember, even the smallest gesture, like carrying groceries or holding a door open for a stranger, can set off a ripple of kindness that uplifts the entire community. Your small act can make a big difference.
Let’s consider everyone means, including disabled people, D/deaf people, people with D/deaf with disabilities people and senior people. When was the last time you saw, visited, or helped them??
Let’s start with today. Open your contact book on your mobile or use Facebook or any other social media platform to say hello. Do you have time to catch up?
Last night, I received an unexpected video chat request from Pakistan, and I had a slight moment before going to bed. It was from one of my ex-deaf students who lived in Hamilton with his family many years ago. I often think of them through daily life, what they were doing, whether they were living financially independently by their adults (children), avoided violent conflicts and bombings in Karachi, employment, health, and the cost of living conditions. This Deaf person (Azlan – not the real name for this blog) was delighted to see me through video chat. It was a heartwarming moment that reminded me of the power of connection and the importance of reaching out.
Azlan showed me his family, especially his older brother and mama, who were close to me through their hard times in Hamilton. His mama adopted me as a daughter to their family for the last five years before moving back to their homeland in 2004. There was no price to pay back; it was just a friendly video chat after all these years.
When someone knocks on your door and asks for food, do not give them money. They need food for their bodies to retain nutrients and regain their well-being. Give them food from your gardens or from the pantry if it is overstocked.
When someone is lonely and feels cut off by their family living far away,. Why not drive over and spend time with someone who is isolated, or pick up the mobile and chat in the spare moment.
Life in Eureka 