 Vital Voices (Photo Credit)  Community Table (Photo Credit) Being a teenager in today's society generally involves hanging out with friends, cell phones, extra-curricular activities, and plenty of fun. In a long list of 'things to do when I am a teenager', being a child activist would not commonly be listed as a priority. Malala Yousafzai is an extraordinary exception. Named after the Pashtun heroine, Malala Yousafzai has undoubtedly lived up to her name in her short lifetime. Malala was born July 12, 1997 in Mingora, Pakistan - located in the country's Swat valley. Malala's passion for education is not far-fetched. Her father, Ziauddin, is the founder of a chain of schools known as the Khushal Public School and also an educational activist. In 2008, the Taliban began attacking girls' schools in Swat. This initiated Malala's activism spirit. She gave a speech in Peshawar, Pakistan titled "How dare the Taliban take away my basic right to education?" She also began blogging for the BBC about her experiences living under the Taliban's threat and violence under a hidden name, Gul Makai, to protect her identity. All of this was happening when Malala was only the tender age of 11. Her strength had already begun to prove her to be an amazing force in her community and the world. At the age of 14, Malala and her family were facing a death threat that was made by the Taliban. Although they were concerned for their safety, they felt that the group would not harm children. This thought was proven to be far from the truth. On her way home from school on October 9, 2012, a man boarded Malala's bus and demanded the other children to point her out. Out of fear and pure desperation, Malala's friends identified her by looking in her direction. She was shot immediately. The bullet hit her in the left side of her head and then traveled down her neck. There were two other girls on the bus that were also injured.  BBC (Photo Credit) In critical condition, Malala was sent to a military hospital in Peshawar. A portion of her skull had to be removed to help in reducing the swelling in her brain. Soon she was sent to Birmingham, England for extensive care that included multiple surgeries - including repair of a facial nerve to fix the paralyzed left side of her face. In all of this trauma and turmoil, this horrific act of cowardice left Malala with NO major brain damage. The very thing that the Taliban had set out to do was unsuccessful. In 2013 she was able to continue her education in England. She was also able to complete an autobiography, released in October 2013, titled I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. In October 2014 Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize. At 17, she became the youngest recipient. The Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif congratulated Malala with these inspiring words: "She is the pride of Pakistan, she has made her countrymen proud. Her achievement is unparalleled and unequaled. Girls and boys of the world should take lead from her struggle and commitment." Malala Yousafzai has continued to be a voice for the power of education. She is empowering girls through education to help them achieve their full potential. With her olive skin and beautiful piercing brown eyes, Malala has proven to the world that girls are more than capable of making a powerful impact. C. Morrison Source: Biography.com, Malala.org
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 View Woman honors SHIRLEY POWELL for Mother's Day. Here is the letter submitted by her daughter:
Dear Mom, I know you have received countless Mother's day cards from me over the span of 40 years or so. You have cards that were carefully chosen with just the right words since I'm not that vocal about how I feel very often. The gifts you've received from me have been pleasant and thoughtful - at least they were meant to be. So now I am well over elementary age and I don't have a macaroni necklace to bestow (I'm sure it's appreciated), but I do want to let you know what it has been like to have you as a mother all of these years. I have never known what it's like not to have support. No matter what was going on you have always been there to support me and my decisions - good or bad. You have always given me the benefit of the doubt and honored my choices. Your strength is beyond measure and it is inspirational. You have always demanded excellence and encouraged independence. My brother and I have some big shoes to fill, but you have most definitely provided the tools needed to fill those shoes plus our own. So, thank you, Mom, for all of the two hour pep talks, your no-nonsense love, and the inherited cuteness. I love you, Mom. Your favorite daughter, Choya  Cutting expenses is always a good thing. Here are some inexpensive ingredients that you can use to create your very own beauty products. Ingredients for Natural Beauty Recipes 1. Coconut Oil 2. Shea Butter 3. Cocoa Butter 4. Beeswax 5. Liquid Carrier Oil 6. Arrowroot Powder 7. Essential Oils 8. Sugar for scrubs 9. Baking soda for deodorant
Not everyone can afford to join a gym and some just may not have the time. Here is a video of some easy exercises that you can do right in the comfort of your own home.   Breakups are never easy even if the decision is mutual. The worst thing you can do is not allow yourself to mourn. Cry, punch your pillow, write about it - surround yourself with loving friends who love you and listen. Don't pretend to be uneffected by the breakup; don’t let pride get in the way of you being real to yourself. You don’t have to fall apart at the office, but take some quiet moments to reflect and be honest with yourself. It’s okay to be angry, hurt or humiliated. It’s healthier to express yourself rather than grow numb.
Why do breakups hurt so much, even when the relationship is no longer good? A divorce or breakup is painful because it represents the loss, not just of the relationship, but also of shared dreams and commitments. Romantic relationships begin on a high note of excitement and hope for the future. When these relationships fail, we experience profound disappointment, stress, and grief. Recovering from a breakup or divorce is difficult. However, it’s important to keep reminding yourself that you can and will move on. But healing takes time, so be patient with yourself. Reference: Yourtango.com Remember to seek professional help if you become overwhelmed. By K.Graves |
