File under: FORWARD MOVEMENT

I woke up the other day, and had a sort of epiphany. I have been in the biggest funk for the last few months, due to a few personal things just piling up. I woke up with the hope that the day would bring a new wave of happiness and joy into my life. Well, it did.

As many people in the world, I have my ups and downs. I’ve overcome a lot in the last year. I had to handle transitioning from a peaceful workplace to what can be described as a complete and utter disaster zone. I overcame verbal and mental abuse from a boss who I swore was going to fire me if I didn’t quit first. I feel as though the stress and frustration from this job kind of boiled over into my personal life, and is the reason a lot of things kind of went by the wayside.. but I digress.

I overcame the fear of working out and sweating my (excuse my language) ass off. I overcame a huge weight barrier, and in the process, found my confidence that had dwindled significantly over the last year or so. I found joy in going to the gym, and looked forward to it. I do need to get back there, while I am still losing weight, but for the first time in my life, I feel GREAT .. and sexy ;)

I finally found myself again. I have officially adopted the motto “don’t stress over anything that is out of your control.” I was holding so much so close to my chest, it started to literally weigh me down. I was worrying about EVERYTHING, and losing a lot of sleep over it. Well, I’ve put all that behind me and moved forward with my life!

I also think I finally forgave myself for the mess a few months ago. Sure, it sucks this time of year, not being with the one person I always thought I would. It hurts to be without him, but everything happens for a reason. I know that somewhere down the road, this will be just an exit in the rear view, and a learning experience to boot! I find myself thankful for everything that has happened in my life, instead of dwelling on what I could have done better or what should have been done or what I should have said to fix it. Sometimes, I just cant fix everything, as much as I want to. I need to let things be the way they are, and work themselves out J

I find I am more upbeat, more positive, and definitely more smiley these days. It could just be a phase, but I am thoroughly enjoying not being tired and drained all the time! I love that I am excited, laughing (haven’t had a good laugh in a few months..), and smiling so big it’s almost too much! This change was definitely needed, and I wish it came sooner. But, like I’ve said.. everything happens for a reason J

The Destruction of a Generation

In today’s day and age, technology and social media have taken a large step into consuming our lives. Most people use smart phones, have laptops/tablets, and use Facebook as a main mode of communication. Today’s generation doesn’t seem to understand what it’s like to not be connected to the world instantly. They see something, and they want it NOW. They can’t wait for anything. It has to be instantaneous or it’s not good enough.

Gone are the days where you actually called someone to talk to them. Texting has become the mainframe of communication among most people, to allow multitasking. While that’s all well and good, what about spending time with the people you are spending time with, and talking to that other person later? What happened to values and morals?

Social media seems to have replaced the ideal of having person to person contact. It has become a playground for online harassment and bullying. It has turned into a weapon more than a help. Hiding behind a computer makes it so much easier to talk trash, and make others feel worthless. It’s something that has always bothered me, and while I sit here and write this, all I can think about is the ABC Family movie, Cyber Bully. This movie is the perfect example of what happens when people push to hard to be better than others.

Where people get the joy of hurting others via the internet, I will never know. If making someone else feel like a pile of dirt gets you through the day, I would recommend getting help. Seeing other people in pain is something I have never enjoyed, and being the reason would be even worse. Posting something on a friend’s wall, with the intention of upsetting or hurting someone else really truly shows the level of the person doing the hurting. I understand being friendly, having a crush on someone, whatever. But using those feelings to hurt someone else and make them question everything they have ever been told? Wrong. On so many levels.

I am obviously a social media user myself.. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging, etc. And for a while, I used them almost obsessively. I was updating everything so much, it was ridiculous. After taking a serious look at my social media usage, I realized that not everyone needs to know exactly what I’m doing at every moment of every day. I almost started to make a joke out of what I do, when I post, for the sheer humor of life.

I fear for the future of this generation, and the generations to come. They will never know what it’s like to actually go outside and hang with friends. They will never know what life is like, not connected to the internet at all times. They will never know how to talk to each other and have a face to face conversation, speaking what is really on their mind, because of technology and social media. What they will know how to do, is talk about others online, publicly. They will know how to catalog every step and moment of their life. They will know how to text their feelings, and never come out and say to someone “I need to talk about this..it’s important to me.” They will know how to bully people and hurt them with words, hiding behind a computer screen.

I am not innocent in that I post a lot on Facebook/Twitter. However, I am working on what I post, so that it does not hurt anyone, but instead, brings them laughter and joy. I aim to be the light of someone’s life. The reason they smile. I hope that children will realize that this is a far more important ideal than feeling BETTER than someone else, because you have what someone else wants. Or they are so insecure in themselves that making someone else feel bad is the only way to feel better.

Social media should be used as a form of SOCIAL communication. A way to communicate without making someone’s life absolutely miserable. 

"So many reasons to be thankful.." - Brian Littrell

It’s been so long since I wrote anything on this blog!

With Thanksgiving a few short (too short, in my opinion) days away, I figured I would jump on the “I’m thankful for..” train.

With the way the world is lately, there’s so much to be thankful for in my life. I have a job, that allows me to pay off the college degree I earned, because I was able to go to college. I can wake up every morning and go to a job that I know will be there. I am thankful for my car, while it isn’t in the best condition at the moment, it does get me where I need to go! Not only that, but it doubles as a moving van, which has helped a few people move. I am thankful that I am able to help others when they need it most. It may not be a lot, but I do what I can, when I can. Seeing other people smile because I made them happy, is something I am grateful I was given the ability to do.

Without my family, I would definitely be lost. They have helped me grow into the person I am today. Giving me the freedom to make my own choices and do what I feel is right, has been something I have always been proud of. I have never been forced to make a decision because it wasn’t what they wanted. They have supported any decision I have had to make, whole heartedly, and that to me, is amazing. Sure, we argue and fight.. but who doesn’t?! They always make me feel right at home, regardless of what my day has been like.

I am thankful for my very small handful of true and honest friends. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. They love me, regardless of what I’m going through, and have supported me through a lot. I only hope to some day be able to return the favor. As the saying goes.. its QUALITY not QUANTITY. I would kill to have a massive group of friends to get crazy with all the time, but in reality.. that’s not something I was blessed with. And for that, I am thankful. I don’t know if I could handle it! Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of people I am friends with, but there are only a select few I consider close. (please don’t be offended!)

I am also thankful for those people who are part of my life, in any way, shape, or form. You guys are a part of my life, and without your wit, charm, and good stories, my life would probably be boring. So thank you for making my life less boring! Meeting each and every one of you has helped shape who I am today. So thank you.

Becoming the person I want to be would NOT be possible without those who have caused me pain, struggle, and stress. I have been thrown so many obstacles in my life (who hasn’t..?! I am not trying to make this a sob story..) that I have learned how to be a stronger person. Rascal Flatts said it best: “Yeah life throws you curves, but you learned to swerve.” And I firmly believe that without a few curve balls, we wouldn’t know how to strike out, get back up, and come back 10x stronger. Practice takes perfect. Without every heartbreak, broken friendship, and daily battle, I would not be the strong, confident, beautiful individual I am.

I am thankful for the gift of all 5 senses. For the ability to hear: music that moves me, a child’s laughter, birds chirping. For the ability to see: an old couple still in love 65 years later, a mother playing with her children, cute and fuzzy animals. For the ability to touch: a life, to comfort an upset friend, to feel the warmth of someone hugging me. For the ability to taste: fine wine, mom’s cooking, new foods. For the ability to speak: my mind, sing my heart out, comfort those who need it. Without any of these, I would not have the ability to be who I am.

I am thankful for the troops, serving our country, giving the ultimate sacrifice. Without them, this country would not have the luxuries we do. I am thankful for the ability to vote, to speak my mind and offer my opinion. For the freedom of speech. For the gift of common sense (some people don’t have this.. hence why I am thankful I do!)

This thanksgiving, make sure you take a minute to reflect on what it is you’re truly thankful for. It’s not all about the food (while it’s good..). It is about being honest and true to yourself, and thinking about others outside of yourself. J

College Life

So you're going to school.. congratulations! You're one of the few people who can say they are doing something productive, academically! 

Whether you are a freshman or a fifth year senior, a little help never hurts anyone! 

As a college graduate, there were things I did that helped my experience..things that didn't..and things I wish I did.. looking back on it now, I have managed to come up with some very helpful advice.

These questions can benefit ANYONE living on campus..

What should I do when I first get there?

Well, something that I should have done, really… get involved! Go to the on campus events the first week you’re there.. These are put on to build community and welcome anyone to campus. Try to go to as many events as possible before classes start. This will get you out of your dorm room, and into campus life. Take your roommate with you and build a relationship with them! 

Also, get to know your RAs and RDs. They are going to be your lifeline should you need anything in the building/department of residence life. Don’t just stop at the RAs for your floor. Try to get to know at least one or two other RAs in the building. This will be beneficial for you when you are in need of assistance and you can’t find your floor’s RA. 

Where should I eat my meals?

Eat wherever your meal plan allows. Bridgewater State University had a plan where you have so many meals, and then what they called dining dollars.. I’m sure your school has something like that.. Use up as many meals as possible before the end of the semester.. Some places don’t allow things to roll over semester to semester. 

How do I meet people?

My best advice is to get involved. Find a group on campus that you are interested in, and join it! I didn’t do this, and actually regret it. I feel I would have had more of a positive experience. This involvement should not take precedence over your studies, as academics are the main reason you are in school. But being involved will give you a sense of community. You can also manage to make friends who will be available for studying, going out, etc.

Where do I find work?

Working while going to school will definitely help with your time management skills, and it wouldn’t hurt your wallet! At the end of July through mid-August, before you go back, make sure to check with your campus listings to see if any of the offices on campus are hiring. Try and get work study through your financial aid office. This will certainly help with any job hunting on campus.. Not to mention your bill! Finding work on campus will also be a way to get involved! 

If you can’t find work on campus, try and scout for a job right off campus. If you don’t have a car, try and find a job that’s close to campus so you can walk, or the campus shuttle can get you close to it. 

If you have any other questions, please don’t be afraid to email me and I can have another question post!

New Blog Welcome!

Hello there! 

Thanks for following this blog. The whole idea of these posts are to bring advice from personal experience to anyone who needs it. I am open to any questions you might have, see if there's any advice I can give or any ideas I can share! 

I am hoping to share articles and ideas/topics from other writers or internet libraries. As the title of this blog states, this is the Misc. folder everyone has, be it in your head or on your desk! Should you have any ideas/topics you would like for me to post, please feel free to email me (miscfolderblog@gmail.com) 

I am always looking for new topics to discuss, so please do not hesitate to contact me!