Live is my word. Some may say that this is a stupid or easy word to choose, but I disagree. Living is a lot harder than being alive. And I choose to live.
I choose some of the harder things in live. For example, this semester I have one AP and four CE classes. No, I am not a masochist, but I do believe in doing all one can to gain as much knowledge as possible. If I am given the opportunity to gain an education, one that is denied to many, I feel it my responsibility to live up to that opportunity and learn all that I can.
I also love to soak up life, to truly live, to me, means to enjoy life to its fullest. I love to travel; I want to visit all seven continents before I die. (Even Antarctica, you can take a cruise there and hang out with penguins, why wouldn't I wan't to do that?) Life if full of opportunities and I intend to use up every single one I get.
To be alive and to live are two completely different things. Being alive is just that. You are breathing and walking around and sometimes you might even do something. But to live, to breathe in knowledge, to walk down a street you have never walked down before, to do something that scares you. That is something so precious. Think of the experiences you could be having! Instead of letting life pass you by one Netflix episode at a time, perhaps we should pause the video droning on and un-pause our lives.
Breathe, sing, laugh, hear, see, travel, love, serve, LIVE. Living is so much more than being alive. Living is to experience, to become, to seek. Live is my word, my doctrine, my personal scripture. Life is the canvas; living is the work of art. I want my canvas to be so full of life that when some person on the street sees it, long after I am gone, they will want that same extraordinary color and verve to be on their own canvas. Live is my word.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Perspective
Well, Junior year is O-V-E-R OVER!!! It's been fun, but I'm ready for a break. I'm ready for summer.
I have been thinking though. With summer here many people are saying how happy they are that school is done and that's great, I'm happy too. But when it gets to a point of pure ungrateful complaining, that's were I feel a bit bothered. Yes school is out and that's great and wonderful, but you don't need to be rude and talk about the fact that you wish you didn't have to go to school ever, say you hate school, your teachers, and the fact that there is no where to park because you decided not to even show up until 2nd period.
You have a car to drive. You are blessed enough that there are brilliantly smart people in this world, who could be making a lot more money at other jobs, who chose to become a teacher to help YOU gain knowledge, confidence, and an education. You have a nice school to go to. There are paved roads that you get to drive on to get to that school. There is no one telling you that you can't get an education simply because you are a girl. There is no one telling you that you are required to serve in the military and forget your education because you are a boy. You can safely, securely go to and from school. You aren't being kidnapped from your school never to see your family again.
And if that is all just a bit much, think of it this way.
YOU CAN WRITE YOUR NAME while millions throughout world history have not had the luxury of doing so. If they were lucky to ever hold a pen they could possibly write an "X" instead. Their own NAME. Think about that one for a sec.
So the next time you think that school is stupid and you assume that you are so above it, think again. You are very lucky to be where you are and to have the things and opportunities that you have been blessed with. Try to think about the wonderful blessings that school and your education has brought to you, rather than dwell on some of the minor trials that you may have to endure in exchange for your education and the many blessings it will bring you in the future.
I have been thinking though. With summer here many people are saying how happy they are that school is done and that's great, I'm happy too. But when it gets to a point of pure ungrateful complaining, that's were I feel a bit bothered. Yes school is out and that's great and wonderful, but you don't need to be rude and talk about the fact that you wish you didn't have to go to school ever, say you hate school, your teachers, and the fact that there is no where to park because you decided not to even show up until 2nd period.
You have a car to drive. You are blessed enough that there are brilliantly smart people in this world, who could be making a lot more money at other jobs, who chose to become a teacher to help YOU gain knowledge, confidence, and an education. You have a nice school to go to. There are paved roads that you get to drive on to get to that school. There is no one telling you that you can't get an education simply because you are a girl. There is no one telling you that you are required to serve in the military and forget your education because you are a boy. You can safely, securely go to and from school. You aren't being kidnapped from your school never to see your family again.
And if that is all just a bit much, think of it this way.
YOU CAN WRITE YOUR NAME while millions throughout world history have not had the luxury of doing so. If they were lucky to ever hold a pen they could possibly write an "X" instead. Their own NAME. Think about that one for a sec.
So the next time you think that school is stupid and you assume that you are so above it, think again. You are very lucky to be where you are and to have the things and opportunities that you have been blessed with. Try to think about the wonderful blessings that school and your education has brought to you, rather than dwell on some of the minor trials that you may have to endure in exchange for your education and the many blessings it will bring you in the future.
Friday, March 28, 2014
The Perks of Being Happy: A New Direction
This blog is going to start living up to it's name.
Perk No. 1
Showing gratitude is one of the best ways to gain more happiness in your life. Studies have shown that those who show gratitude, live longer and happier lives. So here's an idea: Say "Thank You" more often than you think you should. And if you want to take it a step further, if you know the person's name who you are showing this gratitude towards, use it! Say, "Thank you, Jane!" With a smile on your face and a sincere look in your eyes. They will have a better day, and you will too! The first time I had ever experienced someone doing this was when we were checking out at some store and my dad thanked the cashier using the name off of their name tag (and if they have no tag, he asks them what their name is). And this guys face just lit up! He looked so happy to be personally thanked, by name. And that experience really stuck with me. Thanks Dad! ;)
Try it out! Thank 5 people personally, by name, every day for a week. Pay attention to how you feel, and how the other person reacts. I promise you'll feel happier.
-Hannah
Perk No. 1
Showing gratitude is one of the best ways to gain more happiness in your life. Studies have shown that those who show gratitude, live longer and happier lives. So here's an idea: Say "Thank You" more often than you think you should. And if you want to take it a step further, if you know the person's name who you are showing this gratitude towards, use it! Say, "Thank you, Jane!" With a smile on your face and a sincere look in your eyes. They will have a better day, and you will too! The first time I had ever experienced someone doing this was when we were checking out at some store and my dad thanked the cashier using the name off of their name tag (and if they have no tag, he asks them what their name is). And this guys face just lit up! He looked so happy to be personally thanked, by name. And that experience really stuck with me. Thanks Dad! ;)
Try it out! Thank 5 people personally, by name, every day for a week. Pay attention to how you feel, and how the other person reacts. I promise you'll feel happier.
-Hannah
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