Today, I found out about a competition. I’ve never been a good competitor: I shy away from ego and self-promotion. Perhaps I need to start using the word ‘I’ more.
But this is different. This is what I have already decided to commit myself to. This is what I believe I have to do. And it means I have to ask for help.
#blogforgood is being run by the #bloodyripper teams at @Telstra_news and @CBMAustralia who are on the lookout for someone to travel to Tanzania for a week and write about the experience. You can see the amazing work that CBM do across the globe here.
For me, it would not be about the travel – goodness knows at 42 countries, I’ve done a lot of it. This is about following my purpose and writing about difference. I’ve got my hands dirty for change in the past, and it’s time to now make them black. The real grit of what happens when an organisation makes a difference. The courage. The reality. The stories… not about the hands reaching out… but the ones about what hands can create when wrists are turned.
Change.
I can write. I can sketch. I can photograph. I can interview. I am willing to go wherever is needed, not bathe, sleep on the floor and commit myself to seven days documenting everything I sense.
So for all of you that have travelled with me, experienced life with me, worked with me, been inspired by me, I’ve helped or simply like what I have to say… please add a comment here why you think I should #blogforgood.
If you tweet…I’m @youbloodyripper (follow me now… projects in the wings) and use the hashtag #blogforgood.
I’m on a mission.
To live a life of Purpose.
And I’m asking for help.
you bloody ripper!
24 Responses to Asking for help because you’re on a mission… with purpose
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YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO FOLLOW
BLOODY RIPPER TWEETS
I will definitely help you! About time you asked! You would be amazing to be sent to write about your experiences and change!!! You go girl, will be commenting on twitter!
Why do you think I would be amazing? Damn.. I really don’t like this ego thing. I just want to write and make a difference. Why does there always have to be a why?
I’ve seen you build houses with your bare hands and sweat to make a difference. I’ve seen the faces of the locals who respect and value your words as you shared your thoughts on community helping community. You’ve made me cry. But hell, you’ve made me feel like the world can be a better place. Because you supported us all to make it so. This is what you were born to do. Finally, go do it.
Finally. You step into the light and put yourself out there instead of sitting in the dark making sure everyone else is fed and watered. I’ve seen you with the kids on the dump sites. I’ve seen the way you interact and engage. Always observing. Always there. Never ego. Never out the front. Of course you could so do this. And you should do it for the rest of your life. You made me change. You didn’t even know you did. And that’s why should go. Because this isn’t about you. Its about the people over there you want to tell stories about. You never did care about yourself. I could tell that when I first saw you lift Prup, no thought of dirt or disease. Bless Tina. Keep writing. And don’t start using I too often. Not that I ever thought you would.
Wow Tina!
You would be absolutely awesome at this project – you have a natural and compelling writing style and the ability to describe in vivid detail the ‘rawness’ of what is. And knowing your #purpose is to tell those stories that need to be told about others’ heroic efforts, it would be great to read of some of your own!
Rich
Why? Too easy. You are one of the most selfless people we love. You observe and listen. You take part without ego. You allow others to just be, without judgement. You empathize and relate. You have done the hard yards and will do them again, with fresh eyes and growth. You are on an incredible journey, and your interaction with the pain, joy, love and changes in this world has made you not only a writer, but a soul writer. No fancy words. No lies. Just exposure of both sides of truth, the ugly and the pure. The courage and the smallest successes. Looking for the beauty in everything but not being afraid to share the shadows. That’s why I hope this helps.
I’ve only started reading your blog this month but feel that I know you. You’ve drawn me in every day. If you can be a storyteller for change, I’m certain people would be inspired. Start telling the world you want to write. Because you can. You’re bigger than the small stuff, although you do that so well.
You said it! “We must increase the proportion of humans who know that they can cause change”. This is your truth. You’re passionate about awakening this understanding in others. With every word you write you prove that this is indeed possible, necessary and an all round ripper idea. When you go to Tanzania you will in typical Tina style connect openly and profoundly with the people and their environment and through this connection get to the heart of what needs to change. You do this by finding out directly what change they want to see and what would make the most difference in their lives. You then communicate their message in a way that makes me walk a mile in their shoes and makes me share in their hopes and dreams. This inspires me to connect with the people and places you write about and I am filled with the overwhelming desire to do something. You have shown me what I can do to a make a difference to the lives of others and I am one more person in the world who knows that I can cause change! Mission accomplished. This job is soooooo YOURS! Your writing is your purpose with a capital P and that’s why you should get this opportunity to #blogforgood. I can’t wait to read about all your bloody ripper impressions of Tanzania
Geez. Let me think about it. I gave up my life in Oz to come to Cambodge and do what I can do. You’re in Oz. Bet you’d never feel the same as you used to. I don’t. Glad you are committing to writing. I’m here. Doing what I can do. I owe you for being the shifter.
Because you should. You should have done it long ago. Its in your DNA.
Tina there are so many things you can do that the list of can’t do must be shorter….I know ot one or two things but what goes away stays away right?! I’ve seen how much you care about others so it’s time to care about you through this project. Go for it !
Damn it (I’d say F if I could). There’s only a handful of people on this planet who know you created one incredible fair trade site a few years back. I have never known someone to work so hard in such a short time… did you ever sleep? You were driven by a deep connection with all the people who had touched your life across the globe … they were your toothpicks when the eyes became tired. People from around the country came to your launch because they too had felt that rare connection. Then ‘it’ happened. ‘It’ pulled you away from your self and most people have never had the chance to meet the inspirational change maker and leader that hides within. Maybe one day when you write your story, the world will know your ‘it’. For now, you need to write. You have two gifts. One: the ability to convey in words everything that exists. Two: an extreme depth of compassion that does not seek to change, merely accept and impact in the most simple and beautiful of ways. It is time to again share them. It is time for the world to be introduced to you again.
Because there is nothing more powerful than an idea who’s time has come x
You have found a chance to link your professional travel experience and your professional writing experience. Go for it babe!
Another thought …
you need a category Leader on youbloodyripper.com
To those that are reading this and who know Tina, then I’m writing what you already know and experience.
To those that don’t know Tina and ask why she should be the eyes, ears, and voice of this project for a week in Tanzania, here are a few good reasons to consider (making some assumptions of the calibre of person required):
• You will likely want someone who is a global citizen and seasoned traveller (and no armchair journalist) who can literally ‘drop in’ and hit the ground running from the get go. A week allows no time to have to get over sensory overload and to work out cultural sensitivities. Tick this box for Tina.
• Tina is a giver. Period. In Mind Body and Spirit. She sees, she listens, she intuits, she considers, and she acts out of compassion and love for humanity regardless of sex, race, colour, creed or religion (and no, creed and religion aren’t necessarily the same …which makes Tina extra special). Tick these boxes.
• Tina combines intelligence and wisdom. On the negative she pushes buttons that sometimes don’t really want to be pushed. Honestly, that’s actually probably a positive thing. She may challenge some conventional thinking. Actually she’ll challenge unconventional thinking as well. Tick these boxes.
• She can write. Sometimes it’s direct; sometimes it meanders …depending on the journey she decides to take you on. Be assured, she can write, and very well. Tick that box.
• She takes good photographs. Not essential for the task, but handy I’m sure. Tick another box.
• Tina brings cheek, joy, love and laughter, and leaves behind indelible footprints on the hearts of those she touches. A pre-requisite for this journey for sure. Tick tick.
These things possibly paint someone who is totally selfless and that would be untrue. Tina does give to herself – perhaps less than she should though is nonetheless learning to do so. This I believe is important for this role. When caught by surprise she’ll even accept a hug or two.
To summarise, she makes a difference to others. I know this because she has made a meaningful contribution to my life that I am grateful for, and she remains part of the fabric of my story.
I am certain that she is perfect for this opportunity and will weave a wonderful story with open eyes, empathy, compassion, intelligence, and passion.
She will leave behind, smiles, joy, and footprints.
Super dynamo with compassion, spark and smarts. Miss Tina, we love what you write, we love what you say, we love what you do. We find it easy to share our stories, tears and laughs with you.
You really live your purpose and strive to make it a part of your life. No lip service here. just pure honesty, humility and creativity. This is why I think you should go to Tanzania. #blogforgood.
Hi Tina. This is Marcus from CBM. You seem really passionate about the concept which is great
Have you uploaded your slide share yet and entered the competition? I haven’t seen you’re entry yet – but I’ll be looking out for it. see this link!- http://exchange.telstra.com.au/2012/03/02/blog-for-good-who-is-ready-to-enter-who-is-ready-to-win/
All the best
Marcus
Hi Marcus
I am totally passionate about the concept of #blogforgood. I intend on doing it every day for the rest of my life!
As I only found out about the competition yesterday and had a previous engagement today that I couldn’t cancel, I set up some tweets so you know I’m still out there
You will definitely have an entry by the deadline.
#blogforgood is my Purpose.
Tina
I want @youbloodyripper to #blogforgood cos she’s brilliant at reflecting the light she sees in people & everyday stuff http://t.co/ufLg1jkD
After all the good in this world that has your name on or around it , surely it is your time and it is your turn .
Woah. This is the best news I’ve heard in years. Although we haven’t kept in touch, our experience five years ago changed my life. Actually, it wasn’t the experience. It was you and your words. My life is now mine and I’m forever grateful for you believing in the power of commitment and doing what you believe you cannot do. I don’t think I ever told you how deeply appreciative I am you crossed my path. I’m so glad you are getting back to the path you were called to be on. That path inspires and changes lives. Go Tina!
BIG thanks to friends/strangers/all who tweeted & wrote comments on http://t.co/Vjz7gvdb & http://t.co/jqztSblQ #blogforgood is in my DNA
Thank you for all the comments/tweets on my #blogforgood posts : http://t.co/Vjz7gvdb & http://t.co/jqztSblQ Humbled! I’ve only just begun!