A Belated Valentine's

In light of Valentine's Day, I thought I would write a post specifically about love. This day isn't just about a boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife it's about showing love to those you care about as well as those who are around you. I can show love towards my co-workers, my family, my friends AND my boyfriend. 

Bullies don't show love, instead they show contempt, hatred, jealousy and/or rage. They don't care about someone else's feelings. All they want is to make themselves look and feel good. If they have to break some bones or step on people to get there, that's what they will do. We should be the complete opposite. As part of being "nobul" we want to help others be comfortable being themselves, lift them up and include them. It doesn't matter what background they have or what language they speak; each person is unique. If the whole world was like me, life would be boring. Think about it. 

Here's a challenge for you all. Take a look around your neighborhood or place of work. Is there anyone you don't know that well? Anyone that you've deemed "strange" because you simply don't understand them? Why not get to know them. Start with sharing some cookies you've made and ask them personally "Do you like them?" Or maybe just complimenting them on a shirt or tie. Sometimes the simplest gesture can mean the world to someone. 

Be Nobul

--Ruth Jackson

Stories

Hope everyone is having a fantabulous week! Today, I wanted to bring your attention to this project: SELF EVIDENT TRUTHS. There is a lot to this site so I'm going to point out something that spoke to me. The first being a video I actually saw awhile ago and has brought tears to my eyes yet again. As a whole, the message this website is broadcasting is the fact that we all are unique and should be seen as individuals worthy of respect. Too often, we label others based on their skin color, accent, neighborhood or what "status" they have in society. This is not right. Why? Because everyone is different but first and foremost, a human being.

The video is about stories and how very often we only have as Chimamanda Adichie states, "a single story." For example, a friend tells you about a fight he/she had with a mutual friend. Until you've heard both sides, you haven't heard it all. Don't assume you've heard the whole story when in reality you've only heard one. Sometimes things get skewed or misunderstood. There have been countless times where I've wished people would have asked me what my side of the story was instead of assuming or looking at the situation one sided.

Another point worth mentioning, again, is that even though differences can be scary, getting to know people is a way to break down barriers. When we approach a person who has a disability we've never seen or from a country we've never explored or even someone who's just plain different from us. Instead of having a story already in our heads, let's be open minded and let them tell their story. Honestly, I wouldn't have the amount of uniqueness in my life if I hadn't had the courage to walk up people who were different from me. Exchange stories with someone new. See what he/she says about themselves. It may just be a whole new world.

--Ruth Jackson

One Voice

Hello everyone! Today, I came across such a moving music video that I just had to share it with you. Here is the link. On the web page, the singer Nakita Turner, also shows a drawing that sends a powerful message.

One thing that I liked about this video as a whole is that there are people singing this from all walks of life and every nationality. Just listening to it, you honestly can't put a label on it. It's not a black song, it's not a white country song, instead it's just a song about putting an end to bullying. A simple and uplifting message of positivity.

Further down on the page, next to the lyrics there are questions I would like you all to think about. Do people's voices matter? Is is only some people or all people? Who gives you a voice that has a right to be heard? Not the bully...it's you! You have every right to be heard.

Here is a picture shown at the bottom of the website:

Do you think the words written in the picture would hurt a person or make them laugh? What are some positive words you can say to someone to make them smile? My drawing? It would be filled with the words/phrases "I love you" "You can do better" "HUGS!" "Smile" "There is a reason you're here" "Every minute is precious" "You got this!" "Don't give up" "I'm glad you're my friend" "Chocolate!" and I can come up with so many more. What can you come up with?

To learn more about Nakita, here is a news article about her and how she came up with this song, "One Voice."

Your voice matters so shout it loud and clear! Make a difference!

--Ruth Jackson

Choices

Hello everyone! Gorgeous morning and I just saw some yellow leaves!! Super stoked for Fall, I even reorganized my closet and sadly put my shorts away. Looking back it was a busy working summer, but I did manage to have some fun in between. Never did get to the beach though....NEXT TIME!

Today, I wanted to talk about a site I came across a couple weeks ago here. When perusing the website, I felt honored to read people's stories about bullying; both sad and courageous ones. Even though middle school was a long time ago, I still remember the words thrown at me and the looks on their faces. There are so many stories on here and love the fact that there is such a place for kids to share and feel welcomed versus the atmosphere school gives.

Personally, I believe one of the biggest hurdles when being bullied is not feeling alone. This site helps kids not only see that other people are going through the same thing, but hopefully gives them courage to stand up. If it weren't for my friends growing up, I honestly have no idea where I'd be.

I choose respect, love, kindness, generosity, inclusion and peace! What do you choose?

--Ruth Jackson

Does Anyone Know What the Opposite of Bullying is?

Hope you all had a wonderful week full of shopping, picnics and last minute summer vacations! Amidst my hectic week of traveling, working and meeting with friends, I came across this interesting article, The Positive Psychology of Empathy. This really got me thinking in a totally new direction.

What is the opposite of bullying? I never really thought about it before diving into this piece. The article's author, Patty O'Grady, Ph.D, says the answer is empathy. Think about it. When you put your own perceptions aside and think about how the other is feeling and understand, you tend to draw closer to that person. He or she becomes a real human being with feelings that matter and not someone to pick on.

I have to admit, the article gets into some pretty deep, scientific stuff. Talking about what happens inside your body when you feel empathy etc.. I'm not a science girl at all, instead I'm the crafty, imaginative, creative person. Regardless of all that, this is fascinating and I hope you think so too. 

Do you ever wonder why when you see someone else cry, you feel like crying? The motor neurons are the culprit. On the flipside these special neurons are a good thing because as the article describes, we each can empathize with one another. When we stop and think about the other person's feelings and how we would feel if we were in that situation, we tend to not shoot our mouths off or purposely hurt another person. 

I encourage you to empathize with your friends, family and neighbors. How would you feel if you were having a bad day and someone decided to trip you on the way down the stairs? What if your uncle passed away and you felt like crying all day? We should care about each other, not tear one another up. What good does that do? Nothing. 

My last thought I impart onto you all is, put yourself in another person's shoes and empathize instead of putting them down. Who knows, maybe you have something in common.

SNAPBACK AGAINST BULLYING

-Ruth 

Robin Williams - Idealistic and Loveable

As we all know by now, the actor Robin Williams passed away in his home in California on August 11, 2014. He was a gifted comedian and actor who had struggles just like you and me. His wife, Susan Schneider, issued a statement ending with "...His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles." "Robin McLaurin Williams." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 17 Aug. 2014. Even though his life ending in a tragic way, we can all learn from his inspiration and constant encouragement to "beeeee yourself" (from Genie in Aladdin).

I'm sure we all have favorite movies we shared with him, so I'll share mine which is Flubber. Personally, I found the movie to be hilarious! Flubber, which was an invention of Robin William's character, Professor Phillip Brainard, was a film that passed on the message of "The stuff that dreams are made of." This brings me to a quote of his that I think goes hand in hand with Nobul Apparel's theme.

"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." 

                                                                                    - Robin Williams

This is exactly what we are trying to do. Nobul wants to change people's perspectives on bullying. Not only that, but to take it one step further and think about the consequences of those actions. I strongly believe that many people get roped into bullying others because "everyone hates so and so" or they are scared they will get bullied if they don't become the bullier. Our idea of spreading inclusion instead of oppression can change how people think. Each one of you can change the world, your world, when you act differently than your peers. Take the video on Nobul's website, about the football team who decided to take a stand. Each person on that team could have decided to treat Keith like many others choose too, by bullying him, but instead they decided to really make him a member of their team.

No matter how uncommon your idea is if it makes someone else feel welcomed, do it! Who knows, maybe you'll change your world. :)

Look at the Other Side

Having a good day so far? As the new intern for Nobul Apparel, I wanted to introduce myself and give you something to think about regarding the topic of bullying.

For starters, my name is Ruth Jackson and I hail from the town of Windsor, CT where I was born and raised. My parents valued both of their children's vast interests and individualities. Growing up, I wanted to be a nurse, then a veterinarian, a librarian, an airline pilot and now, an author. My disability hindered many career paths and I found myself thinking, "I can't." In school, people thought I was stupid and sometimes contagious. All I wanted, still do, is a friend who cares and wants to get to know me. I hope this video will inspire you to reach out to those who are different from you.

Being different isn't something to be ashamed of. Instead, you should explore your personal uniqueness and meet others who are not quite like you. You never know what you might find out. Whether the person has a disability or is from another country, you should ask. Broaden your horizons! I invite you to watch this short video about life as a unique person in this world.

On a personal note, people with disabilities very often have the most amazing ways of viewing life. Having a disability is hard, I know. Most of my life was spent trying to figure out how I fit in this world. It's difficult being different and some people don't realize how difficult. I agree with both Alex and Skye, asking is the best way to get to know someone. I too, rather have someone ask about my difference rather than gossip or bully me about it.

I thoroughly love meeting new people for the purpose of hearing their stories. A guy I met a few years ago, I will name him Charlie, was from Botswana. He opened my eyes to how some people live. The continent of Africa is a strange place to me, I've never been there, only seen pictures from the news or history books. The media often only tells one side of a story so hearing a person's first hand account is most likely more accurate. He grew up poor with seven brothers and sisters. His parents never went to college and he was the first to go. Hearing his stories sometimes made me cry. What I have grown up with in America, he never had a taste of until coming to Washington DC for college. I had never met someone like him and I look forward to meeting new people with awesome stories to tell!

So next time you meet someone and you find out they are from a tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean you've never heard of or they have dyslexia, just ask them about it! It's amazing what you can find out!

-Ruth Jackson

Style Tip of the Day: How to wear your Graphic T Street Style

image from Who What Wear

T-shirts are so great for so many things; bedtime, errand time, couch time and lounging! BUT what about dressing up your favorite tee for a funkier everyday look? Combining your classic tee with a printed blazer and layered statement necklaces creates some tomboy edge and transforms your outfit!

Don't have a favorite tee?? Nobul has you covered (see below) our grey shirts are NOW ON SALE!! SHOP NOW! Not only will you look fabulous in our classic t-shirt you will be spreading the message to be a POSITIVE person and to make a commitment to no bullying! Being Nobul means loving yourself and others and appreciating human differences.

Paris Fashion Week: Street Style Gone Nobul

Street Style Fashionistas during Paris Fashion Week can't get enough of our Nobul Snapbacks! We love how these ladies use Nobul to accessorize their looks in such a strong way...

The pops of color in this shabby, everyday chic look are fabulous. We love how she paired our floral snapback with her edgy crop top to balance her look! 

Black on black on black is always a Nobul favorite! We love the bold statement of our oversized Nobul snapback and how she used it to perfectly accent her sleek look.





Not only do these ladies look fierce, they are standing up for a Nobul cause. Their snapbacks are sending  powerful messages of love, peace and acceptance. Grab your snapback HERE and join our Nobul Nation. Be Positive. Be Yourself. Be Nobul.

Original images found on ELLE

My Brown Baby - Teaching Girls the Importance of Character

Denene Millner, author of the blog My Brown Baby, wrote a very interesting article for Refinery 29 on what's wrong with telling a little girl she's pretty. Millner has a beautiful four-year-old daughter who receives compliments on her beauty frequently. This makes Millner uncomfortable not because she doesn't want her daughter to hear she's beautiful, but because she thinks there is more to her beauty than just her cuteness. She tells her daughter her beauty runs deep,"You're so pretty...but more importantly, you're smart and kind and have the type of stubborn determination that'll take you places." Millner says in raising her daughter she stresses the importance of building intellect, being honest, having a strong body and being compassionate.

Millner explains that the seeds she sprinkles in our "color struck, body-obsessed, white-washed world" are  seeds of self acceptance and positivity. She tells her daughter. " Yes, you’re a cutie, but really that means nothing in comparison to the beauty of character. That’s what will carry you through life with grace. That’s what will help you make lasting relationships and wise decisions. That’s what will help you realize how truly full of beauty you are. Not because of your smile, but because of the way it radiates warmth. Not because of your eyes, but because of how they see good in others. Not because of your hair, but because of how it reflects your bursting personality. Your beauty is ever-present. You don’t need eyes to see it.”

Millner's daughter is so lucky to be raised by such a strong, smart woman. By teaching the importance of character, Millner is providing her daughter with the most important tools for a successful, happy life. My mother raised me with similar morals and taught me the importance of being a good person and treating other people with respect. To be cliche, I was taught true beauty is on the inside. I am sure the reason Millner's daughter receives so many compliments on her beauty is because she is so wonderful on the inside that it shows outwardly.