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….

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.

Wear Sunscreen - Baz Luhrmann

This a great inspirational song. I hope everyone enjoys it!

Decisions, Decisions

Decisions: we make them every day. They range from what we are going to wear to what we want for dinner. Then, there are the decisions that can change our lives - what exactly do we want.

To me, that's one of the hardest choices I needed to make. In high school, I went from wanting to be a journalist to desiring an advertising career. Now, I have been working towards public relations and event planning. These career paths are all similar since they consist of writing, but they are also very different.

Writing is what drives me because I know words, thoughts, ideas and opinions fuel our world. If you can talk, speak, think, then you can write: Everyone has a different style. So now I want to ask you, what do you want? Are you doing what makes you happy?

Have you taken the right steps that will lead you to the path of happiness? I know those are difficult questions to answer because everyone has a different definition for the term "happiness." - but set all those other viewpoints aside. If you think about someone else's definition for too long, it will drive you insane. Then you will constantly be questioning yourself.

Think about your desires and your dreams: what makes your heart beat faster; what makes you smile and what makes your eyes sparkle?

Once you have figured that out, develop a plan to get there. You may have a destination, but it is pointless when you do not have a map to guide you. For example, that's why I started this blog: I want people to hear my thoughts and opinions. While you are reading this, I am trying to make my dream happen. I am constantly thinking about ways to re-invent myself and my writing.

I don't want to settle for something that does not meet my definition of happiness or success. Sure, I could be happy with what I have, but it is not "me."

My last comment is do not let fear overcome you. It happens to the best of us. I know there are other bloggers out there who have the same idea as me, but I cannot let that stop me. There will always be competition; it's just a fact of life. Just keep striving for your goals and eventually you will end up on the right path.

Freewrite

You could say I have been wanting to write this awhile, but I never really took the time to finish my thoughts. I hope everyone enjoys my crazy thoughts!


He told me to write – just write. But what do I write about? Do I write about love, hope, inspiration or nothing at all? I wanted my blog to inspire others, but how to I convey that idea? Why do I over analyze topics and not listen to my heart?
Many people, including myself, forget that inspiration can come in different forms. However, words are my inspiration. Reading how others formulate a sentence and how it flows always amazes me. Sometimes, I feel as if my writing cannot compare to other writers, but I forget others feel the same way about me. Ultimately, it is the thought that matters: it is how everyone can relate to it.


The other day, I was watching my favorite anime, Bleach. I read the translation of Inoue’s thoughts about how she wanted to be strong for her friends and how she did not understand why they came to save her. The words, the thought and the flow were pure genius – maybe this is the romanticist in me.


Listening, or I should say reading, to her thoughts gave me insight as to who I am as a writer. Passion and frustration are the keys to my writing – this may be true for anyone’s writing. I cannot write while I am happy. All of my poems – I wrote them while I was sad or frustrated. Romance and passion did not enter my life until the ladder years, but I feed off of those feelings as well.


In fact, I truly believe this is how everyone operates. It’s when we let go of logic and let our hearts’ thoughts consume us. Living through our feelings can be dangerous; however, it can help certain individuals become creative geniuses.

Passion

My last blog post was kind of "eh." in my opinion. I knew what I wanted to say, but I didn't know where I was headed. I'll end up revising it eventually - for now, I will start you with a new thought.

Passion is what drives us. Without it, life would be dull. Everyone has a passion: cars, writing, traveling, dancing, singing, etc. You can see a person's eyes sparkle when they are doing something they love.

If you want see a "happy" me, then talk about writing, creating events and finding new ways to help people. I can feel my heart lift, my mind race, and my face will light up with a smile.

I spoke with one of my friend's about her business because I want to help her succeed. Her concept is impeccable and like no other: All Moms Go to Heaven. I truly believe her business is headed in the right direction, and I will be helping her with a few things. Once we have it set up, you will be able to read an interview either in May or June.

She has been an inspiration along with a few other individuals. She has a passion for her business, and some people don't understand that. She does not want to settle for what she knows: She wants to reach for the stars.

It's amazing how many people complain about life because they settle for comfort. Sure, there are a few passions that do not pay the bills; nonetheless, it does not mean you should stop doing what you love.

The States, even the world, is consumed with a fast-paced life and what a person can do to make the most money. Don't get me wrong, we need money to survive in this world. On the other hand, it's just paper: it won't make you happy. It will solve a few problems, but that's about it.

As we get older, we should be able to look back and say, "I had a good life, and I wouldn't change a thing." So why not do what you love? Am I saying you should quit your job? No, I'm not that stupid.

Find a way to transition. If it won't pay the bills, do it in your free time. Just make sure you don't regret missing out or pushing your passion aside. Everyone deserves to be happy.

Well, that's it for now. I am off to spend the rest of the day with my son.

Happy Easter Everyone!!!!!

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.

15 Maybes

I will try to write another blog this evening, but I will leave you with some thoughts for now.

15 Maybes is actually an e-mail I received, but I felt it had depth versus other forwards I have received. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

15 MAYBEs . . .

1. Maybe . . . We were supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting
the right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know
how to be grateful for that gift.

2. Maybe . . . When the door of happiness closes, another opens; but,
often times, we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the
new one which has been opened for us.

3. Maybe . . . It is true that we don't know what we have until we lose
it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until
it arrives.

4. Maybe . . . The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of
everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their
way.

5. Maybe . . . The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten
past; after all, you can't go on successfully in life until you let go of
your past mistakes, failures and heartaches.

6. Maybe . . . You should dream what you want to dream; go where you want
to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one
chance to do all the things you dream of and want to do.

7. Maybe . . . There are moments in life when you miss someone -- a
parent, a spouse, a brother, a sister, a friend, a child -- so much that you
just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real. So once they
are around you, appreciate them more.

8. Maybe . . . The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch
and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the
best conversation you've ever had.

9. Maybe . . . You should always try to put yourself in others' shoes. If
you feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other
person, too.

10. Maybe . . . You should do something nice for someone every single day,
even if it is simply to leave them alone. Profound!

11. Maybe . . . Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that
they will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to
grow in their heart; but if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours.

12. Maybe . . . Happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt,
all those who have searched, and all those who have tried, for only they can
appreciate the importance of all the people who have touched their lives.

13. Maybe . . . You shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive; don't go for
wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it
takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes
your heart smile .

14. Maybe . . . You should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet,
enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and
enough hope to make you happy.

15. Maybe . . . You should try to live your life to the fullest because
when you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling but
when you die, you can be the one who is smiling and everyone around you
crying.

Motivation

I started to write a blog yesterday, but I have decided to can that idea and go with something else. You could say I have writer's block, but I also have a lot on my mind. This blog was originally started to give my views on things that take place within my life. Then, I decided to change the focus and have it center on motivation.

So what really motivates people? I could list off many people and ideas that motivate me. Others may use something else to keep them moving through this journey we call life. However, people sometimes stop and think is this really what I want? I know I have asked myself that question many times. Then, I look at my son and realize I have a responsibility to him. I also have a responsibility to myself: I cannot settle for something that I am "comfortable" with if it's not what I desire.

You could say that I have taken a wrong turn and need to find my way back to the right path. Yet, Albert Einstein said it best with the following quote: "Life is like a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you have to keep moving." You do have to keep moving, but you need to make sure you're moving in the right direction.

I feel my friend's addition to the quote is even better: "Life is like a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you have to keep moving - yes, even if you fell and bruised yourself." The issue with certain individuals, including myself, is that we give up if we have fallen off our bike. I could have gone the rest of my life without obtaining my degree and continue working in my current position, but that's not what I want.

I had to reassess my situation, and I have decided that I want my degree. I would like to be able to provide my child with the things he wants. Most of all, I want to do what I love. If it was not for my boyfriend, it may have been quite sometime before I realized I wasn't getting back on my bicycle. You could say he is another one of my motivations.

Before I leave my blog, let me leave you with one final thought. Keep moving towards your aspirations. Remember what motivates you, and do not stray from the right path. If you have to reassess, then do what is necessary. Whatever you do, do not give up on yourself or your dreams.

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.

A New Start

Previously, I started a blog concerning my cynical views on love and men, but that blog did not last long. It is partially due to my lack of interest in keeping it current: I only had one reader that commented, and I met a wonderful person who changed my views (he was the second person that commented on my blog). Plus, I was not very good at keeping it current since I have a son, friends and family that I would much rather complain to. :-)


I know starting this new blog will not guarantee readers, and I am still debating as whether or not I care. If I do happen to reach a good audience, then I might maintain my ramblings more often, but it all depends on my popularity. It is pretty sad that I am basing my blog on popularity since I am not big on popularity contests, but its how the cookie crumbles.

Feel free to stay awhile and read my upcoming blogs, and please let me know if there is a particular topic that you are interested in. Also, I would like to forewarn my readers that I tend to go off on a tangent from time to time. This happens a lot when there is a disruption in my thought process so I apologize if my writing is not as focused as it should be.