Wednesday, November 23, 2011

This holiday should be everyday

No, I don't mean make the extravagant turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pies meal every day. I mean having a grateful attitude. Isn't it just the best when you sit around the table and say what you're grateful for? It seems like for one day, everything is right in the world. There's a moment of peace when we all really reflect on what we are grateful for. That no matter what our circumstances, we have lots of things to be grateful for. We are all blessed in one way or another. Isn't that awesome? But really, I feel like we should be this grateful EVERY day. I think we're all a little guilty of it. I know I could definitely do better. I guess I should clarify that I'm not meaning when people put it on the interenet for their friends to see, but just in general, in our own personal lives. Whether that's through prayer, or writing it in a journal. All of these are great. But, since I haven't been very good about it, I thought I would lay it out there. I have lots to be grateful for. So I better get started.

First and foremost, I am most grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ, and my Heavenly Father. Without them, I would be nothing. Literally. They have given me all of these things that I am blessed with in my life. Because of them, I have a purpose in my life. I know my potential and what my final goal is. What is better than that?

Secondly, is my family. My two wonderful parents, and my three amazing brothers. I am the LUCKIEST girl to be a part of this family. I can't even explain in words how much they mean to me. I am also so grateful for the beautiful women they have married who always help them be the best they can.

Third, my friends. The ones that just laugh at me when I make a fool of myself(which is more often than not) and still want to be seen with me in public. The ones that let me spill my guts to them and tell them my worries, and fears, and will comfort me no matter what. The ones that I just love being around and we could literally be doing anything and we would find a way to make it fun. I appreciate you being a part of my life.

Lastly, I am grateful for my education. I love that I have found what I love to do. It makes it so easy to wake up every morning. I love that there is always room for me to improve and learn new things. This has been a huge reason why I am much happier in my life, and I love that.

I am so grateful to be alive. And to be able to share this life with so many wonderful people and experiences. I mean really, what could be better?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Oh dear.

Over these past couple of days, I've had the same thought over and over. It's something that I've constantly thought about, but more and more recently its become more prominent.

Social networking, the internet, and technology are taking over our lives.

I've honestly tried to remember what it was like when people had to call the house phone and ask my mom if they could talk to me. Or when we actually printed out copies of pictures to show our friends instead of posting them on Facebook. Don't get me wrong, this is no way a rant about me being against it, because let's be real, I'm on the internet right now writing this. But, it's more so about the way we feel about it, and almost let it control/influence our lives.

Lately, I've noticed two things the most:
1. If it's not on Facebook, it's not official. (friendships, relationships, etc.)
2. Cell phones have become second nature. (at least to some/most people)

First off, this whole Facebook thing. There are two things I find funny about it. I'm sure we've all seen the comments that say, "We're Facebook friends, now our friendship is legit." I mean, really? Sure, I've done it a couple times, but I think we're getting to the point where people are serious about it. Especially with smart phones where you can go find someone and be their friend on Facebook the minute you meet them. Weird. So then the issue of relationships on Facebook got brought up. If someone was dating someone but on Facebook it still says they're single, is that being dishonest? I don't think it is. It's someone who doesn't want to put their life on blast to the world wide web. No thank you. Plus, that just causes DRAMA. No thank you, again. :)

The deal with these phones, I mean , really people? Does your phone have to be attached to you every second of your life? While going somewhere with a friend of mine a while back, we had already left the house, and she goes, "oh no! I left my phone. blah blah blah..." And I responded with, "I think you'll survive. It'll be good for you." Maybe a little rude, but true. Let's be real. WE CAN LIVE WITHOUT OUR CELL PHONES FOR A COUPLE HOURS. It's actually quite nice, you should try it. :)

Anyways, that's all for today. Just had to get that out there. Have a lovely day!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

This Little Thing Called Life

This morning I was talking to my roommate about her public speaking class. She had to write a speech about a topic that could be debated. She chose to do it on the fact that she believes that you have to put yourself out there with the risk of looking ridiculous in order for you to get anywhere in life. This got me thinking, and then, as I looked up at the mirror in our bathroom, I saw a quote that I had put on there about a week earlier. It said: "If you're not willing to look stupid, nothing great is ever going to happen to you".

I am a complete advocate of this statement. Especially after how some events these last couple of days panned out. But we won't get into that. :) Anyways, I've heard this a lot. Especially within the beauty industry. They've always said if you want to make it big, you have to jump through hoops, maybe embarrass yourself a little. It can end one of two ways. Either you succeed, and reach your goals, or you "fail", learn your lesson, and do better the next time. Right? That is more than not told to us at school by people who've been in the industry for years. It's not easy, but it will eventually be worth it, even if we have to look a little stupid at some times.

This applies to MUCH more than just the beauty industry though, let's be real. Whether it be school, a career, a relationship, you name it. That's just the way things are, no matter what. I feel like it makes life a little more fun though. If everyone got to where they wanted to go with ease, where would be the fun in that? Where would be the growth and the excitement? It wouldn't be there. We as humans, were put on this earth to progress. Constantly. We never reach a point in our lives where we're just set for the rest of our lives. We are constantly growing, and learning, and experiencing new things because that's how things were meant to be. That is God's plan for every one of us. That is how awesome life is supposed to be. So great, right?! :)