Strength

What does strength mean to you? Merriam-Webster provides nine definitions for this term, but each person has their own meaning of strength. Nonetheless, I want to focus on the first definition, the quality or state of being strong: the capacity for exertion or endurance. An individual can be physically strong, but mental strength is the key to overcoming any adversity. As James Conant once said, “Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.”




Without taking that risk, enduring our problems or exercising our will to push through these issues, then we would not consider ourselves strong people.
Now that we know the definition, let us consider what strength is not. Strength is not when you run away from your problem. It is not when you let them sit there and fester. Moreover, strength is not when you hand all your problems over to someone else so they can fix them for you. It just does not work that way. You have to be involved in the process somehow, and it is completely different when that individual is there to guide you.




Do not get me wrong, I have made the first two mistakes numerous times in different situations. Where did it get me? Nowhere. By the time my issues were all said and done, I had an even bigger mess to clean. Let us take not paying your bills as an example. Sure, you can use the money to go by other things, but your bills will still be there waiting for you. If choose not to pay them, you will rack up an insane amount of late fees. Eventually, this bill will be sent to a collection agency. Then, these people will become your enemies. They will call you five or six times a day about your bill, if not more. They will harass you, call you dirty names, and do whatever else it takes to get their money.




Maybe, just maybe the bill will go away after seven years. However, it is highly unlikely. Those individuals will take this even further by issuing you a subpoena. Then, you will end up paying for court costs and risk the possibility of your check being garnished. This horrible cycle that affects everyone around you. Granted, I am defending bill collectors because some of them are just unethical, but that is not the point of my blog.




My point is you have to think about resolutions. How are you going to move past the issue that has been created? That will become a testament to your strength. When I hear people tell me I am a strong person, I sometimes brush it off because I never thought of myself like that. Nevertheless, each individual encounters various problems and handles them in a different manner. The problems I encounter might be similar to another individual, but they may choose a different solution. It does not necessarily mean you are not strong person, but it means that each person has his or her own strengths and weaknesses. So if you have a problem that is bugging you, get off your butt and do something about it. I am in the process of resolving mine at this very moment, but I will save that for the next blog.




Until the next time….

Missing in action?

Is she missing in action?

Not exactly…As I started the path to my aspirations, I hit a few bumps in the road that threw me for a huge loop.

1. Breakup

2. Student Loans

3. My previous university

The last two, I expected to happen, but the first one hurt me the most. However, none of this has deterred me from what I have set out to do. You could say I am taking this time to reinvent myself. I am also trying to strategize and figure out how to get from point A to point B.

With that being said, you can understand why I emphasize on not giving up on your dreams. Should I be angry about what happened? Yes, I have every right to demonstrate this emotion, and I would not be human if I was not irritated. However, focusing on my anger will not get me any closer to my goals.
My life has taken several hits before, especially in the romance sector. And each time I am knocked down, I pick myself back up. You cannot put your life on hold just because problems occur – you have to strategize as you go and remain focused.

I am thankful that all this did happen because it will keep me from making the same mistakes before. In addition, I met someone who reminded me of who I am as a person and pushed me back on the road to my goals.

What exactly are those goals? I am still fine-tuning them, but that is all a part of my master plan. Let us just say I will continue my writing and eventually end up in paradise – Just because I am no longer with someone does not mean I should give up on moving to Hawaii. I fell in love with Honolulu and will make this a reality, whether I am with someone or not.

Let’s just say the journey of life is crazy, but that is the beauty of it. We will eventually get through all the issues that we face.

Change

Change occurs every day. Whether it is big or small, we all encounter it. The question is - how do we handle those situations when they are thrown in our path. Some people ignore change, while others try to adjust. Others worry frantically, while others remain calm.


Even though we may not like this life-altering situation, we still must accept it and work with it – unless it creates a downward spiral of events. I have faced many changes and challenges in my life – and somehow, I have survived them all.


Some would think I would change my ways and become more hateful towards life and its challenges, but that’s not the type of person I am. Despite the amount of pain I have been through, I still consider myself a strong person and continue to hold my head strong.


Don’t get me wrong – I have my pessimistic moments. I would not be human if I didn’t. However, I try to move past those moments and create some sort of solitude amidst my chaotic life. If I didn’t, then I would feel lost and confused.


If your life comes across a challenge, then embrace it. It can be an enlightening experience. If you struggle, then surround yourself with people who support you. And if family or friends are not encouraging – then find people who are.


Everyone needs some type of support in their life: you just cannot go isolate yourself from the people who care about you the most. They will be there to support you and help you overcome this test. And eventually, you will see yourself succeed.

Challenge Yourself

Happy Belated Earth Day everyone!!


I know – I am a little late on this. Rather than competing with all the other blogs, I opted to take the day off and enjoy Mother Earth.


My inspiration consisted of me walking around Creve Coeur Lake, which left me exhausted. Even though my body does not walk five miles every day, I wanted to challenge myself. I knew that after it was over: I would be proud.


We face challenges every day, and we always find ways to overcome them. Now I have something to ask of my readers: Challenge yourself.


Do one thing that scares you or do something you have always wanted to do. What are you waiting for?


Now that I have completed my 5-mile trek, I am challenging myself to walk it on a daily basis. My other challenges are getting back into school and finishing my degree. Either way it goes, I have a lot on my plate – Because there are more goals I want to reach.


We will always face difficulties, but we should not let it stop us. We have to think about the “Big Picture.”


Yes, it good to be cautious – but that does not mean we should stop living life.
I will agree that the economy sucks, and we always get through it. Right now, it’s just a little tougher than we expected. But what’s life without a little challenge.


Don’t become distraught, and don’t hide under a rock. Enjoy life – Take pleasure in what we have been given!

Think Outside the Box

"When life gives you lemons, just make strawberries."

I am pretty sure I have a few people raising their eyebrows right now, but let me explain why I chose this quote. Earlier this week, one of my friends told me this on Facebook in order to put a smile on my face. Let's just say it worked, and I am in much better spirits despite the obstacles I have encountered.

Typically, people will say, "Just make lemonade," but who wants to hear that again? Given the economy, it is time for people to think outside the box. I have heard this from my boyfriend, the news, etc., and I am beginning to realize it's time for a change.

I will admit change can be scary, but comfort can become dull and boring. Everyone needs a little excitement in their life: plus, this is what life is all about. Who knows where the world would be today if it was not for inventors, philosophers or entrepreneurs,

Alexander Graham Bell is a good example: he is credited with inventing the telephone (I know everyone knows this, but there could be someone who doesn't). Without this idea, we would not have a way to contact people around the country or around the world. We would not have cell phones, blackberries or smartphones.

Our world is constantly developing new technology because someone felt that their invention would have a purpose for others. They felt their idea would make our lives simple and more convenient. Ideas and inventions are symbolic of change. There are people who are quick to try anything new, but there are also people who are hesitant to change. I would advise those people to take a chance, and they should not be afraid of change. If it does not work out, then learn from your mistakes, but don't let your mistakes get the best of you. I know it is easier said than done, but it's probably the best advice I can give.

If some major event happens in your life, embrace it and accept the challenge. Who knows where this path could take you? Do not let obstacles hinder you from having true happiness.

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly

-Langston Hughes

It is quite possible that my blog may take a different direction than originally planned. Typically, I can be the person who motivates other people to stay positive. You could say I am their own personal cheerleader. I give my advice regarding the decisions they are about to make, but I also support them no matter what route they take.

I chose this quote by Langston Hughes because of the current economy. There are many out there who have been affected: they have lost their jobs, their homes, and some have lost faith in our government. America is suppose to the be the land of prosperity; however, many have seen their dreams shatter right before their eyes.

At first, I was oblivious to the bad economy. I would go out with my friends, my family, and I would have a good time. Now, some of my friends have been affected by the economy's woes. They have lost their jobs, and are trying to start all over again.

The nation's unemployment rate in February 2009 reached 8.1% according to MSNBC. From my understanding, this is the highest it has been since the Great Depression. Hearing all this bad news keeps everyone wondering where things will go next. People's dreams, their hopes and their faith seem to keep faltering.

We must keep on dreaming and pursuing those aspirations we have always wanted. "Change" was the focus of the Obama campaign, and people must embrace change as it comes along. It's frightening to think about, but everyone must take chances. We must be flexible and willing to accept the unexpected.

Our world is constantly changing so we must stay on our toes. Take a chance and go for something that may not neccessary be your forte. I will admit that I have strayed away from my dreams, but I am working my way back to the "right path." Everyone encounters obstacles when getting back on track, but we have to believe that we will overcome them.

Turning away and conforming to your current situation is not always the best option. Think outside of the box and try something different, which is why I started this blog. I want to start writing again. Yes, I want to appease my audience, but I want to write about the topics I have a passion for. My current job does let me write, but it does not scream "me." Therefore, this blog is my change and a way to think outside the box.

So if you have been affected by this current economy, don't lose faith or forget your dreams. You too will get back on your feet, but it will not be an easy task. Do something you have never done before and don't be afraid of change. You never know what is waiting for you out there.