Yesterday, we got snow. Not the snow that I'm used to, I mean the 10 inches of snow. The type of snow that goes higher than your snow boots. I didn't think it was that bad when I was walking around not to cold, annoyed at the snow in my boots, but overall, it was just fine.
Then I had the choice: drive to my night class or ride the bus. I'm all for public transit, but if I were to take the bus I wouldn't get home until around midnight, and that walk home might be a little scary. Not to mention multiple buses sliding down hills did not inspire the utmost confidence in my ability to survive.
So, I decided to drive the baby Fiat, which took the kind help of some fraternity men to push it out of the 10 inches of snow it was in, but then I was fine, cruising around. Made it to class and everything was dandy. After class I went to Walmart, and on the way back I took the back roads, which is where this post came from (sorry for the long back story!).
I turned onto the road, it was slushy and there was snow, and there was someone behind me who was following. This freaked me out because I didn't want to be THAT car that went 15 miles per hour when the speed limit was near 50. Luckily, I was the car that went around 25-35 miles per hour with the car behind me going 15. I did what I felt comfortable doing, I did what I felt safe with.
The car behind me eventually had multiple cars close behind them (which I feel like if it's snowing, I'd leave PLENTY of room between cars, just in case). They drove faster, so that they could please those behind them - then they started swerving all over the road. It was scary to say the least, but they gained control eventually and then they resumed there 15 mph pace.
What's the lesson here? Don't let others dictate what you do. It's good to push yourself to do things out of your comfort zone, but if the ONLY reason you are doing things is because you feel pressured to do so, it might not be the best idea. If you don't want to do something because it doesn't feel right, because it doesn't feel safe, then don't do it. Don't let peer pressure get to you.
That's right, peer pressure, I said it. I don't mean that video that was a huge joke in junior high/middle school, that depicts you're friends saying "COME ON, EVERYONE'S DOING IT, DON'T YOU WANT TO BE COOL?". Peer pressure isn't like that, when you get older, peer pressure is more subtle, and it doesn't even have to be from your immediate peers or people you know. Pressure comes from society, your community, the people around you, and your peers. It isn't always explicit, people don't tell you, but you will constantly be challenged by the norm, the pressure comes from what "everybody" is doing.
Peer pressure is real and it is always around you. If I could offer any advice, if you don't feel safe, if you don't feel right about something and the only reason you are thinking about it is because it's what you THINK everyone else is doing, think about why YOU want to do it. That answer to why you, and always you, would do something should be enough. Don't change who you are, to become what everyone else wants you to be.
The One-Trick Pony
5.1.13
One of my biggest beliefs is that in order to live a fulfilling life and feel good about what you are is to be immersed in the communities you belong to. That's right, that was plural - you are always a part of more than one community, and each of these communities helps mold you into who you are and your involvement and recognition of these communities, can help you much more than you could ever imagine.
Let's take me for example. Just at school, the are so many communities that I am a part of. I am a part of the Gamma Phi Beta, Panhellenic, Greek, ASEWU, Cheney, Eastern Washington University, Intramural and many other communities. This may seem like a lot, but we are all a part of where we are physically.
I am a Gamma Phi Beta, I am a part of an amazing sorority, but it is my belief, that especially with my Greek affiliation, that we are all meant for more than this. You're in a sorority, that's great and fine and dandy, but if that's all you have to say after four years at your institution I think that is sad. Life is far too short to be a one-trick pony.
Whatever you are involved in, whether it be Greek life or a sports team, you should be more than just one thing, after all, who wants to be known as JUST "the athlete" or "the sorority woman", because you are so much more than that. Talk to people, realize that you are a part of something bigger than yourself, or a singular institution, you are connected to so many others.
I strongly believe that community involvement, no, community engagement is an important part of your life, and it starts one conversation at a time. Get to know the people around you and be active and present in your communities. The first step is to show up. Show up and let your world amaze you, let opportunities present themselves to you and take them. Help those around you and find happiness. Don't limit yourself to one title, because when you decide to be that one-trick pony, you are limiting your life so much.
Life is too short to be a one-trick pony, so put yourself out there, get involved, and talk to people. What's the worst that can happen you if you approach someone to talk to, you get rejected? So what? It doesn't matter. In the grand scheme of things, a rejection doesn't hurt you, you are in the same space as others, so why not talk to them? Your life is happening, each and every second of the day, so make the most out of it and explore; the world is waiting for you to show up and present!
Let's take me for example. Just at school, the are so many communities that I am a part of. I am a part of the Gamma Phi Beta, Panhellenic, Greek, ASEWU, Cheney, Eastern Washington University, Intramural and many other communities. This may seem like a lot, but we are all a part of where we are physically.
I am a Gamma Phi Beta, I am a part of an amazing sorority, but it is my belief, that especially with my Greek affiliation, that we are all meant for more than this. You're in a sorority, that's great and fine and dandy, but if that's all you have to say after four years at your institution I think that is sad. Life is far too short to be a one-trick pony.
Whatever you are involved in, whether it be Greek life or a sports team, you should be more than just one thing, after all, who wants to be known as JUST "the athlete" or "the sorority woman", because you are so much more than that. Talk to people, realize that you are a part of something bigger than yourself, or a singular institution, you are connected to so many others.
I strongly believe that community involvement, no, community engagement is an important part of your life, and it starts one conversation at a time. Get to know the people around you and be active and present in your communities. The first step is to show up. Show up and let your world amaze you, let opportunities present themselves to you and take them. Help those around you and find happiness. Don't limit yourself to one title, because when you decide to be that one-trick pony, you are limiting your life so much.
Life is too short to be a one-trick pony, so put yourself out there, get involved, and talk to people. What's the worst that can happen you if you approach someone to talk to, you get rejected? So what? It doesn't matter. In the grand scheme of things, a rejection doesn't hurt you, you are in the same space as others, so why not talk to them? Your life is happening, each and every second of the day, so make the most out of it and explore; the world is waiting for you to show up and present!
The Life of an Intern
4.1.13
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to intern for my university's Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership office, more specifically with an emphasis in Sorority/Fraternity Life and leadership. To say that I am completely in love with the work I do is an understatement. This work constantly inspires and challenges me to be a much better person and to think in so many different ways. Seeing the Greek life I live from a programming standpoint, rather than as a consumer, has been beyond eye-opening and the internship has just begun. I am excited to see where this takes me!
I just got back from a retreat with the four different Greek councils on my campus, where I saw, learned, and was challenged to see new ways of thought. Throughout the roughly 24 hours we were together, I was inspired to write so many posts, and those will come later after I get over my thorough exhaustion from organizing and facilitating a workshop. But overall, this was an opportunity I am glad that I took, because I can already see the amazing work it is doing in my life and the life of others.
I just got back from a retreat with the four different Greek councils on my campus, where I saw, learned, and was challenged to see new ways of thought. Throughout the roughly 24 hours we were together, I was inspired to write so many posts, and those will come later after I get over my thorough exhaustion from organizing and facilitating a workshop. But overall, this was an opportunity I am glad that I took, because I can already see the amazing work it is doing in my life and the life of others.
Lessons From A Cat
1.1.13
One night, when I was up late (which may be a part of why this made so much sense to me) I had an encounter with my cat, which really made me think. I promise I am NOT a crazy cat lady or anything, but in those wee hours of the morning, I learned a lesson.
Here's the story: My cat sleeps in my room when I'm at home. He sleeps, I feed him, I let him go outside when he meows at me incessantly and I let him back in when he paws at my window. It's pretty much the same routine. This night however, I was up late, and my cat seemed to want to leave my room, so I let him out and opened up the front door as I normally do, but this time was different. This time, he just sat there and stared at me (kind of creepy, yes). But then it hit me, I never thought about what my cat actually wanted, I just assumed (sounding more and more like that crazy cat lady I said I wasn't, right?). My cat just wanted to prowl around the house, something I'm sure he hasn't done in months.
This bring me to my lessons from a cat. We think we know what other people want, we think we know what our loved ones want so much that we don't think about what they ACTUALLY want. We get comfortable and complacent and assume that they want what they usually get, which isn't always the case. We assume they will react a certain way, so we don't tell them or we tailor the message so that we can get the reaction we want, but that's no way to live with someone.
People, and cats, will surprise you, and you should let them. Let them react how they may, let them make their own decisions. Don't be afraid to tell them something because you assume you know what will happen. Let them show their growth and their desires, don't assume you know them so well, because we are ever-changing beings. We are never exactly the same, so to assume we know even our closest friends so well, is a little misguided. We can never know what will happen and we should embrace the unknown with open arms as a place to learn and to love.
All of this from a stare down with a cat, kind of funny, huh?
Here's the story: My cat sleeps in my room when I'm at home. He sleeps, I feed him, I let him go outside when he meows at me incessantly and I let him back in when he paws at my window. It's pretty much the same routine. This night however, I was up late, and my cat seemed to want to leave my room, so I let him out and opened up the front door as I normally do, but this time was different. This time, he just sat there and stared at me (kind of creepy, yes). But then it hit me, I never thought about what my cat actually wanted, I just assumed (sounding more and more like that crazy cat lady I said I wasn't, right?). My cat just wanted to prowl around the house, something I'm sure he hasn't done in months.
This bring me to my lessons from a cat. We think we know what other people want, we think we know what our loved ones want so much that we don't think about what they ACTUALLY want. We get comfortable and complacent and assume that they want what they usually get, which isn't always the case. We assume they will react a certain way, so we don't tell them or we tailor the message so that we can get the reaction we want, but that's no way to live with someone.
People, and cats, will surprise you, and you should let them. Let them react how they may, let them make their own decisions. Don't be afraid to tell them something because you assume you know what will happen. Let them show their growth and their desires, don't assume you know them so well, because we are ever-changing beings. We are never exactly the same, so to assume we know even our closest friends so well, is a little misguided. We can never know what will happen and we should embrace the unknown with open arms as a place to learn and to love.
All of this from a stare down with a cat, kind of funny, huh?
Let your love shine bright
14.12.12
The tragedies that are happening in our world today are unimaginable and heartbreaking. The people who die, have families - mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and so much more. It isn't just one life lost, it is the parts of lives of their whole family that is lost. A small piece breaks away with those who have passed, and much more than a life has been taken.
It is times like these, that we need to remember to love. Remember that we are all people, people with families, people going through SOMETHING, and we need to remember to be that helping hand or warm smile for a complete stranger. It is times like these, that we need to try actively to forget about ourselves, and live our lives with others in mind. Live your life with love and compassion, give others hope. Care about others and be genuine, because nothing can compare to the feeling of someone caring for you, genuinely. That small question, of how is your day, with a genuine concern, could make the difference in someone's life, it could save a life, or even many more.
Don't lose your hope in humanity, come with force to prove to the world that we are founded upon something much stronger. Love can take us places hate never could. Our world can be good, no matter the glitches, no matter than horrific things that happen, we are good, and we need to remember that it starts with us. It starts with one person and their love, and it trickles down to all of us. Love here, love now. Love always.
Let your love shine brighter than any shadows hate may bring. While the hate going around the world, the hate going around our country, may seem greater than anything, we must make it apparent that our love, kindness, and compassion are much bigger than anything hate can bring. Let your love light the way for those who are lost and need hope.
It is times like these, that we need to remember to love. Remember that we are all people, people with families, people going through SOMETHING, and we need to remember to be that helping hand or warm smile for a complete stranger. It is times like these, that we need to try actively to forget about ourselves, and live our lives with others in mind. Live your life with love and compassion, give others hope. Care about others and be genuine, because nothing can compare to the feeling of someone caring for you, genuinely. That small question, of how is your day, with a genuine concern, could make the difference in someone's life, it could save a life, or even many more.
Don't lose your hope in humanity, come with force to prove to the world that we are founded upon something much stronger. Love can take us places hate never could. Our world can be good, no matter the glitches, no matter than horrific things that happen, we are good, and we need to remember that it starts with us. It starts with one person and their love, and it trickles down to all of us. Love here, love now. Love always.
Let your love shine brighter than any shadows hate may bring. While the hate going around the world, the hate going around our country, may seem greater than anything, we must make it apparent that our love, kindness, and compassion are much bigger than anything hate can bring. Let your love light the way for those who are lost and need hope.
Comfort v. Growth
13.12.12
"Sometimes new opportunity means new opposition. Not everything God asks us to do will be comfortable."
- Joyce Meyer
Whether you are religious or not, I feel that this quote speaks volumes. The two sentences, while related, send me two very unique messages. The first tells me that not everything is easy, the second is that sometimes the things we must do will challenge us, but they will make us better.
New opportunity means new opposition. We, as humans, like routine, we like things to be ordinary, we like to be able to count on things, but when a new opportunity comes up, many times it comes with many other things. There will be new challenges, challenges you didn't foresee, challenges you've never encountered before. Some of these hurdles you'll barely clear, but you'll find a way to make it over. You will be pushed until you can jump over that hurdle, and it is THAT that will make it a little bit easier for the next hurdle. Things won't be easy, but they will be worth it. New opportunity doesn't mean things will be the same, it means things will be different, and you will be better for it.
Now on to the second part: "Not everything God asks us to do will be comfortable". This quote gets to something I have always thought a lot about: comfort. We love comfort, we love to have that routine so that we feel okay. We have those foods (mine happen to rainbow chip frosting and chili cheese fries, not together of course) that when we are having a bad day, will make us feel better. Comfort is something we crave, because let's face it being uncomfortable is just that, uncomfortable.
We like to be comfortable, but what really get's accomplished when we are comfortable? We feel good about ourselves, and that's great, but have we grown at all? If I stayed the same, how different would I be, day after day? If I only did what was comfortable, how would I ever become BETTER than who I was? Comfort is limiting, comfort can be crippling, comfort can be your worst enemy.
I believe there is ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS room for improvement. I want to be the best version of myself, and I know that that is impossible if I stay in my comfort zone. Being better requires getting out of the comfort zone and doing things that you are not used to. Push yourself hard and propel yourself closer to who you COULD be. I understand the temptation that comes with being comfortable and content, but there is a point in time when you need to realize, that you were meant for more than this.
I believe there is ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS room for improvement. I want to be the best version of myself, and I know that that is impossible if I stay in my comfort zone. Being better requires getting out of the comfort zone and doing things that you are not used to. Push yourself hard and propel yourself closer to who you COULD be. I understand the temptation that comes with being comfortable and content, but there is a point in time when you need to realize, that you were meant for more than this.
Not enough hours in the day
30.10.12
It's obvious, I haven't blogged in a while. I could give you a million reasons as to why I haven't done it, most of them are some spinoff of not having enough time.
No one ever seems to have as much time as they want - wouldn't it be great if time was ACTUALLY like money?! You could store it up, save it in the bank for a situation in which you really need it (finals, event planning, time with family etc.) and even better, accrue interest and be able to save so much time that you actually get more in return! If only, right?
But when I actually think about it, everyone has the same amount of time - every single day. It just matters how you spend it. One of my professors shared a quote from H. Jackson Brown Jr. with the class today, it went something like this:
"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Albert Einstein."
Think about it. We have the same 24 hour that everyone else has, and that everyone else did. It's what we do with the time that we are given that matters. We can all make excuses, we can all say there isn't enough time, but the fact is that people have done great things with 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
So, find your passion, make time for what's important, prioritize. Doing things you love doesn't have to be something you do on the side - doing what you love could be your life. So live to love, live to inspire, and live with a purpose. We've all got the same time, so let's see what great things we can accomplish today, tomorrow, and in this lifetime!
No one ever seems to have as much time as they want - wouldn't it be great if time was ACTUALLY like money?! You could store it up, save it in the bank for a situation in which you really need it (finals, event planning, time with family etc.) and even better, accrue interest and be able to save so much time that you actually get more in return! If only, right?
But when I actually think about it, everyone has the same amount of time - every single day. It just matters how you spend it. One of my professors shared a quote from H. Jackson Brown Jr. with the class today, it went something like this:
"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Albert Einstein."
Think about it. We have the same 24 hour that everyone else has, and that everyone else did. It's what we do with the time that we are given that matters. We can all make excuses, we can all say there isn't enough time, but the fact is that people have done great things with 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
So, find your passion, make time for what's important, prioritize. Doing things you love doesn't have to be something you do on the side - doing what you love could be your life. So live to love, live to inspire, and live with a purpose. We've all got the same time, so let's see what great things we can accomplish today, tomorrow, and in this lifetime!
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