We've all done it, looked back and said "If I had a chance, I'd do ________ over." Well, like a great song says, if I could write a letter to me when I was younger it would include the following:
God should never be forgotten or come second to anyone, even if He's not "cool" to your peers
Never be afraid to befriend another
Don't shy away from your good heart or intentions
When you feel like something is wrong, it is
Hug your grandparents just a little bit tighter and a little bit longer, it'll be worth it in the end
It's ok not to go with the flow in high school
Death unfortunately does not discriminate by age. It is real and can touch those you love, even when you're young
LOVE being young and without responsibility, you're going to miss it
Don't be afraid of people. Behind each bad intention lies a deeper fear. Reach out to those you naturally fear, it could change their life, or yours.
Don't judge based on looks, money, or reputation. You aren't fit to judge, anyway. Love everyone.
Being different doesn't mean you're weird. It means you know who you are and accept it.
Realize how amazing your family is. Many are not so lucky as you.
NEVER tell your parents you hate them, even if you are furious. They will turn out to be some of your best friends.
Be patient for your husband, it's worth it
Act on your passion for music, you won't regret it.
Don't be discouraged by others' judgements against you. It reflects insecurity in themselves.
Always, always, always dance.
Stand up and speak out against injustice against others.
Tell your friends what they mean to you every chance you get.
Always let your family know you love them.
Learn from everything.
Listen to your heart, not the chorus.
Life experiences are not nearly as rich as they're made out to be in college. Spare yourself.
Set yourself apart, you're called to it.
Enjoy every moment you're blessed with.
You will grow up to live a life you don't expect, but love passionately.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
You know what I love about being an adult? I can be who I want to be.
You know what I'm discovering? Life as an adult is less about what you want to be and more about who you're made to be. It's all a bit ironic. But such is life. Live it well, you only get one shot at it.
You know what I'm discovering? Life as an adult is less about what you want to be and more about who you're made to be. It's all a bit ironic. But such is life. Live it well, you only get one shot at it.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Cubicles
We all live in cubicles.
As humans, it's comforting to build up walls and maintain a safety zone- far enough away that others can't quite reach you unless they have the secret password.
The problem is, the password is denied far too often.
Why be vulnerable and let someone in? We know ourselves, that's good enough. Not everyone needs to know everything about us.. or most things about us for that matter.
Well, I've made a discovery. You see, my cubicle flooded today with the real frustration I held against someone I cared about. I wanted to share it, but to do so, a wall would have to come down, and I might leak a little *eek* honesty. And that can be embarassing.
Yet when I realized that I was drowning in this pool of concern for my friend, I realized that it may just be better to reach out and fish for a lifeline. I took the chance of crumbling our friendship by bearing my honest opinion. I held my breath, praying for just a few more minutes to try to float before our friendship sank.
Then it happened.
A rope was thrown in and I was pulled out of my proverbial box. I was forced to face a friendship like a friend, not a coward. They welcomed my opinion with open arms and mind. They thanked me for sharing with them.
This is one of many epiphanies I've had to face with reluctance and fear, only to be pleasantly surprised: true friendships can withstand honesty, if it is born of true concern for the good of others.
I think I kind of like it out here, away from the safety zone. It's a bit scary, I feel vulnerable, but I think it's time I step out of myself and begin to live and love like I was always meant to: in the presence of those who matter most.
As humans, it's comforting to build up walls and maintain a safety zone- far enough away that others can't quite reach you unless they have the secret password.
The problem is, the password is denied far too often.
Why be vulnerable and let someone in? We know ourselves, that's good enough. Not everyone needs to know everything about us.. or most things about us for that matter.
Well, I've made a discovery. You see, my cubicle flooded today with the real frustration I held against someone I cared about. I wanted to share it, but to do so, a wall would have to come down, and I might leak a little *eek* honesty. And that can be embarassing.
Yet when I realized that I was drowning in this pool of concern for my friend, I realized that it may just be better to reach out and fish for a lifeline. I took the chance of crumbling our friendship by bearing my honest opinion. I held my breath, praying for just a few more minutes to try to float before our friendship sank.
Then it happened.
A rope was thrown in and I was pulled out of my proverbial box. I was forced to face a friendship like a friend, not a coward. They welcomed my opinion with open arms and mind. They thanked me for sharing with them.
This is one of many epiphanies I've had to face with reluctance and fear, only to be pleasantly surprised: true friendships can withstand honesty, if it is born of true concern for the good of others.
I think I kind of like it out here, away from the safety zone. It's a bit scary, I feel vulnerable, but I think it's time I step out of myself and begin to live and love like I was always meant to: in the presence of those who matter most.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
My fingers lay upon ivory and jet black steps
I feel my heart skip with anticipation
It begins to burst at the seams
Expelling all that I feel within me
Yet can't seem to find words to express
Like an enchanting spell, I am caught up
Only this moment exists
My hands dance and my soul smiles
A reflection of a newfound love
In this gale of emotion I wonder
How did I ever live without this?
I feel my heart skip with anticipation
It begins to burst at the seams
Expelling all that I feel within me
Yet can't seem to find words to express
Like an enchanting spell, I am caught up
Only this moment exists
My hands dance and my soul smiles
A reflection of a newfound love
In this gale of emotion I wonder
How did I ever live without this?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Do it for love
It seems like clockwork, every week I have a new ambition. However, most of which seem to stem back to my love of writing and music. Only recently has it occurred to me that this fact may well signify some real gifts in my life. I've been equipped with a real desire to change lives, to write something significant, to love music with my whole being. Instead of sharing my passion simply as a desire, I've made a conscious decision to act on it and make it part of a life that is utilizing these gifts regularly. I'm writing a book, with my mother. I'm learning music theory. I'm going to try to learn an instrument that fits my soul. Most importantly though, I'm doing these things in a way that will glorify my God, who gave them to me in the first place.
My life is nothing if it cannot be used in such a way that reflects the beauty and love of the One who created me.
My life is nothing if it cannot be used in such a way that reflects the beauty and love of the One who created me.
Friday, April 29, 2011
From the mouth of a commoner
It's strange, this world we live in today. In light of the royal wedding, I've been thinking a lot about America's royalty and how they've come to be.
Some are singers, actors, sports stars. Others simply are born into money and lay themselves before the spotlight, shamelessly basking in glory that is not even their own. Minutes ago, I found myself fumbling through Twitter, seeing what my favorite celebrities were up to and I came upon a startling discovery about myself. I don't much care for celebrities. They're a strange breed, many of which are more in love with themselves than any other person or thing. Even those that claim to be of good moral fiber and standards still gloat about meeting fellow celebutantes or being on this show or that. Granted, this is the life these people intentionally lead and perhaps they cannot see outside the very small social circle they've created amongst themselves. Or maybe they have low enough self esteem that they feel every detail about them is so divine and worthy of mention that it is pasted on virtually every technological outlet in existence, just as a reminder that they are still here.
This may seem like projected jealously, but I assure you that it is not. I feel sorry for those that use their celebrity status to create a selfish vacuum that sucks in their fans attention, yet gives nothing in return. It seems that one in high standing in society should use it for good, not simply for self promotion. We know who these people are, we don't need them plugging their shows in every breath or name dropping left and right. Seriously, we know they exist. There is no shortage of media exposure for the latest album to have dropped or to boost views for the most recent #winning reality show. What I can't seem to wrap my head around is how can these American princes and princesses live with themselves knowing that at the end of the day, really most of what they did was talk about themselves.
I want desperately to see and hear more about how to make this society a better place. As a "commoner," I'd like to see those in higher power in our tainted society use their standing for the betterment of their country and world. It's a breath of fresh air to see the select handful of these people reach out to those in need, raise awareness in the face of tragedy, and humble themselves enough to be real humans. I'm not talking about single acts of "charity" as a publicity stunt, but maintained passion for a cause that matters, something that is genuine and real, that can engage anyone in helping and is truly a form of outreach. That is a rare act in society at all, but more so in the land of the rich, which seems cliche since that is where such giving should be born. Honestly, how many million is necessary to maintain a lifestyle that is comfortable? It seems that selflessness is an old fashioned practice these days, but indeed it is still necessary.
Without one another we stand alone. Alone we can accomplish very little. United, a people can create tidal waves of mercy, compassion and change. If used correctly, celebrity can create sparks that ignite fires in the movement of truly any worthwhile cause. I wish to challenge this to happen, but you see, I am no one significant in the grand scheme of society, a simple pleb amongst the masses. My voice will be heard by those whom choose to open their hearts for long enough to give up part of their day to read this. To those that have, I am grateful, thank you :)
How and when did our country deteriorate from a united front to a vast land with millions of tiny pieces that happen to simply coexist, on the best of days?
There are so many people that chase fame as an ultimate goal, as the defining point in their life when they know that they have arrived and fulfilled their dreams. I realize tonight that I feel sorry for these individuals. When social status sets the bar for your life's accomplishments, perhaps reconsideration of what is important should become a factor. It seems that a far greater priority should be to make a difference, change a life. Reach out and help someone, anyone at all. In doing so, if the public eye happens to gaze upon you momentarily, then what greater way than to spread word of the cause for which you are serving? Call me an old fashioned simpleton but it just seems that the single minded, selfish way of thinking is such a waste of life.
When you are on your deathbed and recounting your life, what will you remember and find pride in? Knowing you lived a life that made a difference, or one that was a documented journey of your every selfish move? I can rest assured that though I may not ever be known by the royalty of American society, I have found my calling. One word, one heart, one inch at a time, I am trying my hardest to reach out to someone else and make a lasting effect on the short existence that is their life.
I may not be royal, but based on the definition of royalty in my country, I'd rather live as a commoner and struggle to change the world than live in my own.
Some are singers, actors, sports stars. Others simply are born into money and lay themselves before the spotlight, shamelessly basking in glory that is not even their own. Minutes ago, I found myself fumbling through Twitter, seeing what my favorite celebrities were up to and I came upon a startling discovery about myself. I don't much care for celebrities. They're a strange breed, many of which are more in love with themselves than any other person or thing. Even those that claim to be of good moral fiber and standards still gloat about meeting fellow celebutantes or being on this show or that. Granted, this is the life these people intentionally lead and perhaps they cannot see outside the very small social circle they've created amongst themselves. Or maybe they have low enough self esteem that they feel every detail about them is so divine and worthy of mention that it is pasted on virtually every technological outlet in existence, just as a reminder that they are still here.
This may seem like projected jealously, but I assure you that it is not. I feel sorry for those that use their celebrity status to create a selfish vacuum that sucks in their fans attention, yet gives nothing in return. It seems that one in high standing in society should use it for good, not simply for self promotion. We know who these people are, we don't need them plugging their shows in every breath or name dropping left and right. Seriously, we know they exist. There is no shortage of media exposure for the latest album to have dropped or to boost views for the most recent #winning reality show. What I can't seem to wrap my head around is how can these American princes and princesses live with themselves knowing that at the end of the day, really most of what they did was talk about themselves.
I want desperately to see and hear more about how to make this society a better place. As a "commoner," I'd like to see those in higher power in our tainted society use their standing for the betterment of their country and world. It's a breath of fresh air to see the select handful of these people reach out to those in need, raise awareness in the face of tragedy, and humble themselves enough to be real humans. I'm not talking about single acts of "charity" as a publicity stunt, but maintained passion for a cause that matters, something that is genuine and real, that can engage anyone in helping and is truly a form of outreach. That is a rare act in society at all, but more so in the land of the rich, which seems cliche since that is where such giving should be born. Honestly, how many million is necessary to maintain a lifestyle that is comfortable? It seems that selflessness is an old fashioned practice these days, but indeed it is still necessary.
Without one another we stand alone. Alone we can accomplish very little. United, a people can create tidal waves of mercy, compassion and change. If used correctly, celebrity can create sparks that ignite fires in the movement of truly any worthwhile cause. I wish to challenge this to happen, but you see, I am no one significant in the grand scheme of society, a simple pleb amongst the masses. My voice will be heard by those whom choose to open their hearts for long enough to give up part of their day to read this. To those that have, I am grateful, thank you :)
How and when did our country deteriorate from a united front to a vast land with millions of tiny pieces that happen to simply coexist, on the best of days?
There are so many people that chase fame as an ultimate goal, as the defining point in their life when they know that they have arrived and fulfilled their dreams. I realize tonight that I feel sorry for these individuals. When social status sets the bar for your life's accomplishments, perhaps reconsideration of what is important should become a factor. It seems that a far greater priority should be to make a difference, change a life. Reach out and help someone, anyone at all. In doing so, if the public eye happens to gaze upon you momentarily, then what greater way than to spread word of the cause for which you are serving? Call me an old fashioned simpleton but it just seems that the single minded, selfish way of thinking is such a waste of life.
When you are on your deathbed and recounting your life, what will you remember and find pride in? Knowing you lived a life that made a difference, or one that was a documented journey of your every selfish move? I can rest assured that though I may not ever be known by the royalty of American society, I have found my calling. One word, one heart, one inch at a time, I am trying my hardest to reach out to someone else and make a lasting effect on the short existence that is their life.
I may not be royal, but based on the definition of royalty in my country, I'd rather live as a commoner and struggle to change the world than live in my own.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tonight's a night like many others. I have so many things to say and yet my words fail to form in a way that represents my overwhelming desire to create this beautiful word art. I want to explain my frustration in those who insist on making a stance for the sake of standing for something. I'd like to say what a fine line there is between debate and disrespect. I would like to express my passion for art of all shapes, sizes, forms and textures- for it is my soul's food. I want to recognize those whom are intelligent enough to inspire me and bold enough to defend their beliefs. I want to voice my disgust in mocking my God. I wish for once my heart could burst out in the phenomenal song that is awaiting within me. Tonight, I want to share my passion, my heart of hearts. Words are my sweat, tears and lifeblood. Words are what I have to hold on to, grow on, and spring forth from. If only I could say these things in words that did justice to the beauty they hold in my mind. One day my mind's eye will peer at the world, and the world will peer back, seeing for the first time the simplicity of love and the sincerity of passion that has molded me into who I am.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)