January 1, 2009

Living 2009 to the Fullest







With the New Year just hours away, it is time to take stock of what we have accomplished over the past year and set goals for the next twelve months.

 

As for me, I had a very eventful and enjoyable 2008.  Firstly, I want to thank each and every one of you who have helped me make it such a successful year.  I also want to thank those throughout Canada and the world who have given their time, resources and energy to make change.  You are the true unsung heroes who make the world a better place. 

 

This past year, I had the honour of traveling to Ecuador to help build a school for young people.  I met some incredible kids and will never forget the experience.  I also spoke to hundreds of young people throughout Ontario and Eastern Canada about the UNICEF Trick-or-Treat program and raising funds for the people effected by the terrible cyclones in Myanmar. 

 

Most recently, I published Making Change: Tips from an Underage Overachiever.  The book launch was held at my school, St. Andrew’s College in Aurora, Ontario, and included over 300 fellow students, family, friends and other distinguished guests.  We also received a lot of media attention, and the book has been featured in dozens of radio and television shows and newspaper articles.

 

Looking to 2009, there are steps we can take to make it our most successful year yet.  There are worksheets in the second part of Making Change that will help you plan your next twelve months.   They ask you to list spiritual, personal, educational, community service, financial and even fitness goals.  There are also weekly and monthly goal lists that will help you stay on track throughout the year. 

 

The worksheets also ask you to list your strengths and most importantly, your personal mission statement, so that you can utilize what you do best in order to live 2009 to the fullest.  Over the next few days, I hope you have a chance to look through those pages in the book and fill them in.  That’s what they are there for.

 

Here’s wishing you the best in 2009.  Keep on making change, and Happy New Year!

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November 18, 2008

Seeing the Signs

Hello everyone,
 
By now, we all know that global warming is a problem. The polar bears have been telling us this for a long time and one of the latest sign of global warming is that polar bears are turning to each other when looking for sources of food. They are having such a difficult time finding food and are so hungry they are actually hunting each other, killing each other, and eating each other. That’s pretty desperate and this is just one of the many signs of what is happening to our environment.
 
When you think about it, no problem just appears out of nowhere. Every problem begins with a few (or many) telltale signs, signs that indicate the problem is about to occur. It is important to be alert for these signs so that you will be able to see them and recognize them for what they are. This might help you minimize any damage the problem may cause or even avoid the problem entirely. When you become good at seeing the signs that something is going wrong or that a problem is on the horizon, you have a much better chance of making positive changes. This applies to problems of any size, whether the problem is global warming or whether you are having trouble in your math class at school. Take a look at your life, at your community, and at the world and look for any signs that might be telling you something is wrong. Then you will be able to take positive action.
 
Warm Regards,
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
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November 16, 2008

When the Going Gets Tough

Hello everyone,
 
On Friday night NASA launched the space shuttle Endeavour and seven astronauts are on their way to the international space station. This is certainly a testimonial to our progress and to living up to our true potential as a human race, but this mission also testifies to something else – to our ability to face challenges and difficulties and keep moving forward.
 
When the shuttle launched on Friday two things went wrong. A small portion of the thermal blanket came off and the antenna is malfunctioning. Neither of these poses a serious threat to the shuttle crew, but things might be more difficult, especially due to the malfunctioning antenna. The thing is that they will adapt. They will keep on going and persevere despite these setbacks and that is what humanity has been doing throughout its entire history.
 
If we didn’t keep on going in the face of problems we wouldn’t get anywhere and if we didn’t have problems and challenges in life we would be dead because they are a part of life. So take a look at your life and see what problems and challenges you are facing right now. How can you persevere? How can you keep on going and reach your goals despite the setbacks? Think about it, write it down if you need to, and then GO FOR IT!
 
Warm Regards,
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
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November 10, 2008

Transition

Hello everyone,
 
Transition is a part of life. Change is a part of life. If you aren’t changing you aren’t doing anything. Just last week the US presidential election made history when Barack Obama was elected. He will serve as the first African-American President in the history of the United States. This is quite a transition. Recently, President-Elect Obama and his wife met at the White House with President Bush and the First Lady. They are also in transition. The transition of the government and the transition of families.
 
Are there transitions happening in your life as well? Are they big? Are they good or bad? Take heart in knowing that change and transition is a part of life. Even if it is bad it will pass and better times will come. To prepare yourself for transitions have a strong relationship with family and friends, take care of yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, and have a solid financial plan in place. When you have taken care of these details, the rest will fall into place and you will find transitions to be smoother and more welcome in your life.
 
Warm Regards,
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
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November 3, 2008

Book Launch
Making Change

October, 2008

 

St. Andrew’s College Proudly Presents Grade 8 Student
 
Bilaal Rajan
 
Please Join Us For The Launch Of His Book
 
Making Change
Tips from an Underage Overachiever
 

Bilaal, a

Richmond Hill resident, is:

  • An Award Winning Child Activist
  • A recipient of Canada’s Top 20 Under 20 Award
  • UNICEF Canada’s Child Ambassador
 
 Wednesday, November 12, 2008
 Presentations at 10:15 A.M.
 Reception to follow
 
 
 The Memorial Chapel at St. Andrew’s College
 15800 Yonge St.
Aurora , Ontario
 
RSVP by November 5, 2008 to
 
 Bilaal will be available to sign books
 following the presentations.

 

There are a Million ways of Making Change. Lending your support is one of them.

Can I count on you?

 
Thank you so much,

Bilaal
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