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Inspiration

Defend Our Oceans

August 9, 2019
protect our oceans

The oceans are vital to human health as well, enjoyment and food to billions of people. Half of the oxygen we breathe is generated by our oceans.

Climate change, plastics, deep sea mining and destructive fishing are hurting our blue planet… But it doesn’t have to be this way!

 

Join the Fight to Defend Our Oceans

Plastic Pollution

Plastic Pollution is actually turning our oceans into a plastic soup, clog the stomachs of sea creatures and is even ending up in the seafood on our plates. Did you know there is a massive island of floating plastic (the Great Pacific Garbage Patch GPGP ) between Hawaii and California growing rapidly and is now three times the size of France?

Preventing plastic pollution

We can all take individual small actions on a daily basis to help solve this problem such as use reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and bags or avoid items wrapped in excess plastic.

You can join the Greenpeace campaign asking the biggest companies to act to reduce their plastic footprint – and stop producing plastic packaging that is designed to be used once then thrown away. Over 90% of plastics are not recycled!

 

Unsustainable industrial fishing and deep sea mining

Unsustainable industrial fishing and deep sea mining are destroying habitats and endangering countless species. The ocean is full of untamed magic and we know only explored 0.0001% of the deep sea floor! Did you know the deep sea mining industry wants to tear up the seabed to get minerals for tech products like our smartphones?

Preserving biodiversity

We can protect the oceans through a network of sanctuaries to preserve biodiversity. Globally, less than 2% of the ocean is under protection. Actually Greenpeace is having a campaign to establish ocean sanctuaries in 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.  You can join the fight to defend our oceans hereAdd your name to help cover our planet in ocean sanctuaries, and call on governments to agree a strong Global Ocean Treaty at the UN.

 

Take action, “Every drop in the ocean counts” Yoko One

Inspiration

The african animals need our help

December 6, 2018

Today I would like to confess you something… this travel in Tanzania was unforgettable, enriching…and since I came back I can’t close my eyes anymore on what is happening to the African animals. Of course I already knew since my childhood that elephants, lions, rhinos etc were endangered species….but I guess my day to day life with my little worries were keeping my mind busy and did not really feel concerned enough to react. Don’t you feel the same? It was a real privilege to get so close that you can look deep into a lion’s eyes, I was thrilled to see an elephant family with its babies talking a bath and couldn’t be more impressed to see a cheetah hunting. Unfortunately I saw no rhino. We spoke with other travelers we crossed on our way and neither them got the chance to see any. And worse, they looked quite disappointed because they could not tick all the “big 5” off their list but did not really felt concerned about the destiny of these animals. Of course I felt disappointed because it is an impressive animal that I would love to see into the wild but I also felt very worried when our guide told us there were only 16 rhinos remaining in the Ngorongoro crater however it was the place where we had more possibilities to see one. After visiting this beautiful country I felt I should share the truth about what is happening: Elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetahs are more animals are being murdered! Here is summary of the actual status of the most emblematic African animals:

 

BLACK RHINOS

✔️How many are remaining? 5 400. The population down  97.6% since 1960!

✔️When could will extinct? In 5 years – max 10  years.

✔️Why, how, who is responsible? Poaching because of rising demand for rhino horn from Asian consumers. Although the rhino horn is composed mainly of keratin, the same component as human nails, it is sold in powdered form as a supposed cure for cancer and other diseases – as well as an aphrodisiac – in Vietnam and China. Today rhino horns are highly prized, estimated to fetch up to $xx xxx per kilo on the black market – more than the price of gold or cocaine.

 

CHEETAHS

✔️How many are remaining 7100. There were 100 000 in 1900.

✔️When could will extinct? Already extinct in more than 20 countries. Cheetahs have vanished from approximately 91 percent of their historic range. They could disappear in 10 years.

✔️Why, how, who is responsible? Cheetahs are threatened by conflict with local people which is the consequence of habitat loss due to agriculture or livestock. Cheetahs are also subject to vehicle collisions, legal sport hunting for their skin and other body parts, and they even being killed for bushmeat. Moreover cheetah’s prey species, such as antelopes, gazelles, impalas, and warthogs are heavily hunted by people so the cheetahs having nothing to subsist on. Other threats include high demand for cheetah cubs as pets, mainly in the Middle East, which results in the illegal trade of cubs from North Africa.

 

ELEPHANTS

✔️How many are remaining  415 000. In 1939 there were 10 million alive!

✔️When could will extinct? Between 2010 and 2012 the number of elephants killed were 100 000. As this speed they could disappear in less than 10 years.

✔️Why, how, who is responsible? Mainly large scale poaching to supply the ivory trade. There is a growing demand from Asian countries, especially China. Elephants are also losing their habitats—and ancient migratory routes—due to expanding human settlements, plantation development and the construction of infrastructure such as roads, canals and pipelines. As a result, the level of human-elephant conflict rises as elephants are forced to try access resources.

 

LIONS

✔️How many are remaining? Around 20 000 lions left in the wild. In the 1940’s, the lion population was up to 450,000.

✔️When could will extinct? At the current rate, lions could go extinct by 2050.

✔️Why, how, who is responsible? They are poached for skins, heads and full bodies. These are used for status symbols in the houses. Lions are also poached for their bones. Due to the decreased number of tigers, lion bones are used in “Tiger Bone Cake”. Habitat loss is one of the leading causes of lion deaths – as much as 80% of their original stomping grounds has been taken over for human settlements. This has also led to a reduction in their prey and has brought them into much greater proximity with people. Lions are also killed by rural Africans in defense of their domestic cattle, goats, and camels.

 

MOUNTAIN GORILLAS 

✔️How many are remaining? Only 1000.

✔️When could will extinct? Thanks to conservation efforts, the population of mountain gorillas has increased from 620 individuals in 1989 to around 1,004 individuals today.

✔️Why, how, who is responsible? Their homes have been destroyed by civil war, deforestation and agriculture. Gorilla trophies have long been popular among poachers. Also the killing and eating of gorillas has increased in recent years and the animals are frequently slaughtered for the bushmeat trade. That trade has helped spread the Ebola virus, which is deadly to both gorillas and humans. Efforts to protect gorillas are often hampered by weak law enforcement and civil unrest in many places where gorillas live.

 

How to save the African animals? 🙏

-Wildlife association are working with government agencies in the African countries to support law enforcement agencies to combat wildlife trafficking.

-Rangers and park guards are on the frontline of the fight against wildlife crime. Wildlife associations are training them and providing equipment.

-Annual population survey to evaluate beeding success, deterring poachers, animals mortality. And monitor populations with innovative solutions like electronic identification, tracking tag, radio collar, drones…

-Sensibilise local communities and help people benefit from living alongside animals through wildlife tourism. Wildlife conservation goes hand in hand with community education and engagement. A sharing of knowledge is key to the future security of Africa’s wildlife heritage.

 

 👉What can you do to save the African animals?

EVERYONE CAN HELP!

  • SHARE: spread awareness and share this info with your friends and family, to inform and sensibilise the world about the status of these African animals. Every single voice helps and you never know who you will impact!
  • DONATE: Fortunately some associations (they were my sources for this article in addition to the guardian, Al Jazeera and National Geographic ) are very involved in saving these species and you can do some donations :

WWF

Savetheelephants

Vetpaw 

IFAW

Rhino rescue project 

Southern African Wildlife college

IAPF

  • VOLUNTEER:

– Apply to volunteer in the Green Army where all program fees go towards conservation. International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) is an international nonprofit trains rangers in four countries to utilize military tactics and equipment for protecting high-target species, such as elephants, rhinos and gorillas. Since 2009 they have also partnered in community engagement and development, research, wildlife rescue and biodiversity management

– Use your holidays or life break to contribute to a long term conservation project that you can find at volunteerworld and get involved in a variety of conservation activities:

  • work alongside wild animals
  • game park management
  • wildlife monitoring
  • anti-poaching patrols and snare sweeps
  • educate school-children about conservation, wildlife and the environment
  • learn about what is involved in running a conservancy

 

ALL THESE CREATURES NEED OUR HELP TO SAVE THEM FROM EXTINCTION.

What will you tell to your children when they’ll ask you why we did not save the elephants, lions, rhinos etc?  Sometimes I feel so mad and sad about how humanity treats animals and our planet in general. However there is still hope and feel grateful to all these people doing their best to protect the African wildlife. I want to believe in humanity and take action guided by love rather than hate. Let’s not surrender before the end of the battle! Please share if you love the african animals and want to help ❤️ Bisous, Melissa

Inspiration

Happy new year 2017!

January 1, 2017

One of my favorite moment of 2016 was in Senegal, we stopped in the middle of the savannah to admire and hug this amazing baobab. Feeling so grateful for 2016 which was a year full of learnings, challenges and beautiful moments. Thank you all for your support and good vibes. Wish you a happy new year 2017!! Love, Melissa ♡

Inspiration

25 funny French phrases that you should know

November 30, 2016

If you feel like to laugh or at least smile, you have come to the right place ! A while ago my best Friend offered me a book named “Plouc toujours” (translation: hick forever) and said: “This is sooooo you!! ahah!”. This book is a compilation of the funniest French phrases that are totally hick. When I started to read this book in the subway, I almost died laughing in front of everybody… she was so true 🙂 I have always been fascinated by the strange expressions and I especially love to use the forgotten and hick phrases because they can be really hilarious. I have picked some of them directly from my grand-parent’s vocabulary (they were farmers in Normandy) or from my Dad who also has this same passion for the funny phrases. Today I have selected and translated for you 25 funny French idioms that are essential to have in your hick vocal list to impress your French friends, family in law, boss or the girl at the French Bakery in your neighboorhoud! What a great cure to cheer up with the arrival of winter right?;)

Here are my 25 favorites French phrases or How to sound like a French hick (me) !

  1. On est pas sorti de l’auberge * Translation: we are not out of the inn * It means : it will take a while before we solve the problem.
  2. C’est à se taper le cul par terre * Translation: you would break your ass on the floor * It means : it is delicious
  3. “Saperlipopette” or  “Bon sang de bonsoir” *  Translation: good blood of good evening* It means: Damned!
  4. T’as craqué ton slip ou quoi? * Translation: did you break your underpants ? * It means: are you crazy?
  5. J’y go d’agneau * Translation: I am going lamb * It means: I am leaving
  6. Cours Forest, cours * Translation: Run forest, run * It means: hurry up
  7. C’est pas la mer à boire * Translation: It’s not the sea to drink * It means: it’s not complicated
  8. La classe à Dallas * Translation:  the class at Dallas * It means: very elegant
  9. J’ai la patate or J’ai la pêche * Translation: I have the potato or I have the peach * It means: I am energized
  10. T’as une haleine à décoller le papier peint * Translation: you have a breath that could peel off the wallpaper * It means: your breath is horrible
  11. Ya baleine sous gravillon * Translation: there is a whale under the gravel * It means: there is something hidden
  12. Ca craint du boudin * Translation: it sucks of the sausage * It means: this situation is embarrassing
  13. Ca a marché comme sur des roulettes * Translation: it worked like on castors * It means: It went good
  14. Les doigts dans le nez * Translation: the fingers in the nose * It means: no problem
  15. En voiture Simone * Translation : in the car Simone * It means: Let’s go
  16. Va te faire cuire un oeuf * Translation: go and cook yourself an egg * It means: leave me alone
  17. Autant pisser dans un violon * Translation: it’s like pissing in a violin * It means: it’s useless
  18. Dacodac * There is no translation * It means: Okidoki
  19. Je suis chaud comme une baraque à frite * Translation: I am hot like a chip shop * It means: I’m on fire or I’m motivated
  20. J’ai les dents du fond qui baignent * Translation: my back teeth are bathing * It means: I’m full
  21. Il fait un vent a décorner les boeufs * Translation: there is a wind able to dehorn cows * It means: it is blowing great guns
  22. Faut pas pousser meme dans les orties * Translation: don’t push grandma in the nettles * It means: don’t go too far
  23. On a du pain sur la planche * Translation: we have bread on the board * It means: we have a lot to do
  24. Ca fait pas rire les mouettes * Translation: It is not making laugh seagulls * It means: it is not funny
  25. Pastis par temps bleu, pastis délicieux * Translation: Pastis (anise-flavoured spirit and apéritif appreciated by hicks while playing pétanque or at the camping in France) with blue sky, Pastis delicious * It means: I’m happy to drink Pastis

Bonus: If you want to achieve the highest level of the squareness, your sentence can be followed by a name that rhyme with the sentence. Here are some great suggestions:

  • Tu l’as dit Bouffi * Translation: You just said it Bouffi * It means : I totally agree with you
  • A la tienne Etienne! * Translation: To yours Etienne * It means: Cheers
  • Cool Raoul! * Translation: same * It means: Relax
  • A l’aise Blaise * Translation: comfortable Blaise * It means: comfortable

I hope you enjoyed reading these French expressions and at least smiled once. Which one is your favorite? If you know any other French phrases that are very funny, I would love to read them in the comments! Bisous, Melissa ♡

Inspiration

25 inspiring Buddha quotes

July 18, 2016
Buddha quotes

Let’s start the week with a little touch of wisdom! Sometimes it is necessary to take some time for yourself and meditation. Discover and meditate on these 20 inspiring Buddha quotes  ( Gautama Buddha) on happiness, love,  life & peace to be the best version of you. Which quote is your mantra? Bisous & Namaste, Melissa ♡

25 Buddha quotes:

 

  1. “Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”
  1. “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.”
  1. “Doubt everything. Find your own light.”
  1. “If the problem can be solved why worry? If the problem cannot be solved worrying will do you no good.”
  1. “There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.”
  1. “Nothing is forever except change.”
  1. “As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are. Otherwise you will miss most of your life.”
  1. “ The mind is everything. What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.”
  1. “One moment can change a day, one day can change a life and one life can change the world”
  1. “Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again, and you will be filled with joy.”
  1. “The trouble is, you think you have time.”
  1. “The greatest prayer is patience.”
  1. “What you are is what you have been. What you’ll be is what you do now.”
  1. “Will not be punished for your anger, your anger is the punishment.”
  1. “The past is already gone, the future is not yet here. There’s only one moment for you to live, and that is the present moment”
  1. “Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are, it solely relies on what you think.”
  1. “Do not give your attention to what others do or fail to do; give it to what you do or fail to do.”
  1. “Every experience, no matter how bad it seems, holds within it a blessing of some kind. The goal is to find it.”
  1. “Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.”
  1. “It’s your road…and yours alone… Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you. No matter what path you choose, really walk it.”
  1. “Joy comes not through possession or ownership but through a wise and loving heart.”
  1. “Your worst enemy cannot hurt you as much as your own thoughts, when you haven’t mastered them.”
  1. “Live every act fully, as if it were your last.”
  1. Success isn’t the key to happiness.Happiness is the key to success.”
  1. “In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”

Source

Inspiration

Pray for our world

March 22, 2016
world

What is the future of humanity? That is the question I’m having on my mind with these non-stop terrorist attacks all around the world. Recently I made a research on Google (my old buddy has always the right answer to all my questions;)) and found this link where you can see all the terrorists attacks listed since the 80’s. It is just “amazing” how often these attacks are occurring EVERYWHERE in the world lately! They happen more or less every 2 days and the countries victim of these attacks are mainly based in Africa, Asia or middle-east with sadly very few consideration from the western countries. We all should stay united and avoid any kind of racisms or islamophobia since this is not done in the name of a religion. They are frustrated and unhealthy guys exactly looking for amalgams to recruit more lost spirits so let’s not give them this opportunity. We are all concerned by the same threat and no-where is safe anymore, however there is no way that we should stop living due to the fear. Let’s pray for our world. Bisous, Melissa ♡

Inspiration

girlboss

February 24, 2016
girlboss

I have to confess that I don’t really like to read. I have a lot of imagination but it is quite difficult for me to keep focused when reading a book. I have always been impressed by the Parisian people being able to read in the subway with all the noise and movement around. I can’t resist watching at everyone entering in the train at each stop so you can imagine that I can hardly focus on my sms:) I am making this point to explain that if I can finish a book it means that it was really nice to read. I just finished the famous book #girlboss written by Sonia Amoruso, the funder and PDG of Nastygal and I felt it was a very inspirational book. First of all we have a quite similar personality and background: same pee-poo humor, I had also a metal music period, hippy dreams and conception of the life…. but we grew up. Dear Sonia, I would love to meet you;) Then I really loved the book because she is sharing all the experiences, thoughts, tips that made her a girlboss and drove her company to a great success. The text is very sincere, freshY so Fresh and amusing! So do you want to be a girlboss? Check out the most inspiring quotes from the book #girlboss and feel the energy to start a new life!

inspiring-quotes-sayings-be-yourself-oscar-wilde

Rules

  1. The right path is not the only one that leads to success. The real challenge lies in the art of knowing what rule to accept what rules to rewrite.

Luck

  1. Push your limits: the luck prefers action. If you work hard while demonstrating creativity and determination, things are moving.

Trust

  1. The self-esteem is more attractive than any cloth. If you believe in yourself, others will believe also in you.
  2. You will save time if you do not care about what others think about you.

Money

  1. Money is often a factor of freedom. To learn how to manage your money is one of the most important things to do.
  2. Pay your bills on time.
  3. Cash is king: do not spend more money than you have.
  4. Banish: increasing your spendings when your earnings are rising. You should save at least 10 % of your income.

Positivity

  1. You reap what you sow, so you better sow positive and focus on what you want instead of being distracted by what you do not want and all the positive things that will happen will surprise you.
  2. If something is never working well, change it for a while instead of focusing on it. That does not mean that you give up but just that you entrust your destiny to the universe.

School

  1. School is not for everyone. If you are bad at school, it does not mean you’re stupid or useless, or you will fail in all areas, only that your talents lie elsewhere. You have to find them to thrive.

Oneself

  1. Adopt all that differentiates you from others. The real key to success is to know your weaknesses and to exploit your strengths.

Curiosity

  1. The best strategy to learn anything and anywhere: surfing on Google.
  2. Be in competition with yourself, not with others. Never lose your appetite for new ideas, new experiences and new adventures.

Humility

  1. Admit your mistakes and apologize. We all make mistakes at one time and the sooner you admit you were wrong, the sooner you can fix it.

Failure

  1. Entrepreneurs are passionate about what they do, not afraid to take risks and do not dwell on their failures. Behind every failure there is an opportunity.

Boldness

  1. You will not get anything if you do not ask.

Risk

  1. The success requires some risks; major upheavals open unsuspected ways and create opportunities. If they are terrifying and intimidating, it is because they kick you out of your comfort zone.

Tenacity

  1. To succeed in the business world, you need a good dose of stubbornness.

Passion

  1. If you are bored or you hate what you do, it is a sign that you are not in the right place. Determine what you love to do and the area in which you are performing, and then try to find the way to make it your job. It is impossible to succeed in a business that you hate.

 

Source:  #girlboss from Sophia Amoruso – http://www.girlboss.com

Inspiration

Pursuit of Happiness

January 1, 2016

“To make an end is to make a beginning”. 2015 has been a year full of lessons that will really help me to make a fresh start in a happy mindset for this new year. This year, I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on me to achieve unachievable resolutions even though I still haven’t met all my resolutions from last year (and you neither you know it ). In 2016, I really want to focus and share with you guys some tips about positivity, well-being, healthy lifestyle. A lot of people (Myself first) easily allow negative thoughts to get the best of them and steal all their energy. To work on this and experience peace of mind and happiness, here are 10 ideas that are important to focus on and never forget. Which one is your fav? If you have other advices,  please share them in a comment. I would be glad to know them! Bisous and happy new year 2016, Melissa ♥

1. Worrying is a waste of time. It doesn’t change anything. It messes your mind and steals your happiness.

2. Positive thoughts generate positive feelings and attract positive life experiences.

3. There are secrets opportunities hidden inside every failure. 

4. Let go of what you think your life is supposed to be, and be grateful for everything that it is.

5. Move on from the past because it’s gone, stop being stressed about the futur because it hasn’t arrived, fully live in the present and enjoy the simple pleasures of life because it is what you have today. 

6. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.

7. Let go of people that are not positive influences in your life and focus on building important friendships.

8. Leave your comfort zone. Everything you want is on the other side of fear. So sometimes saying fuck it is the best decision!

9. If you’ll never try, you’ll never know. So stop wishing and start doing because in the end we only regret the chances we did take.

10. Don’t expect too much from others, you will be disappointed. You are the only one responsible for your happiness.  Feeling happy is a choice.

buddha