Well, I completed my fourth chemotherapy treatment today–only two more to go. Now, on to Lightward Bound news, while I still feel good enough to give time and energy to writing this. Because of my current medical journey, I have decided to limit my LWB work to four main goals for the year.
Back in December, I came up with an idea for an experimental social media platform that I hoped to get started during the first part of this year. That has been delayed as a result of my diagnosis and subsequent treatments. But it is still an important goal to me for this year, so that is one of the four goals.
The unique features of this social media network include local control from here in Tooele and a focused purpose of building supportive connections between people within Tooele County. I’m excited to get that going, but it will take longer than I had originally thought. I do have the basic site created, but I used a generic open source application, which at present is basically a Facebook look-alike. I will have to make a number of modifications to accomplish what I intend. Still, you’re welcome to check it out, and even join if you’d like. Just know that it will change significantly from what you see now. The URL is https://friends.lightwardbound.org/. Although the URL says “friends,” I’ve chosen to call the site “Sparkle Social.” I like it that way, but I’d be interested in feedback on it. You can comment below. Also, if you join at this point, you can participate in the development process by helping test new features and operation.
Another goal that I’ve been working on is the new “Light” menu item on the Lightward Bound website. I will continue on this as I have time and energy. I have in mind to add quite a bit more than what is there now.
The other two goals for the year are events for Lightward Bound to be part of. First, I am planning to have an entry in this year’s Tooele City Fourth of July parade. And the last goal is to have a booth in December at the “It’s a Wonderful Life Festival.” Lightward Bound was there last year and I felt it was a good fit and reasonably successful compared to other events where I had a booth.
Last of all, I have something important I would like people to understand. Lightward Bound is not just something I’m doing for fun or as a hobby. I see its mission as an essential part of building better communities across America, which will eventually build a stronger, more unified nation. I’m starting the process here in Tooele, where I live, but the vision is far bigger. But by myself, I can never achieve the ultimate purpose of Lightward Bound. I need the help of many other people to carry it forward to the degree where it starts to make a positive difference.
Related to this is the underlying responsibility we all have to help build a great nation. We the people, collectively, are the ones who will ultimately make or break this nation. If we continue hostilities toward each other, where can our country go but downward? If we learn to work together as united Americans, light will brighten all of our lives and build that shining beacon of hope that seems to be waning from America’s heritage of times past.
It’s not right, or even sensible, to expect someone else to build a great nation, as we solely reap benefits for ourselves, while not contributing to the well-being of the community and people around us.
Building a great nation is not just about voting; it’s about how we live our daily lives and how we treat the people around us.
If you believe in Lightward Bound’s mission and are willing and able to commit to helping it to spread light throughout our community, send me a message at emil-01@lightwardbound.org