Now Years Resolution

Here is an interesting blog post from Jason Mraz. You can find it here: http://freshnessfactorfivethousand.blogspot.com/

"I’m a fan of positive articulation. To me, this is a step beyond positive thinking. It’s putting your positive thoughts into action – into doing – into words.

Every New Year’s I resolve to do something new/different with my life. Something grand. Something transformative. Sometimes it’s to continue doing something I love, but often it’s a new invention of some kind. Last year, the main theme was activism and in 2010 I certainly got my feet wet, literally by tromping thru the Lake Volta Region in Ghana, learning about the work of Free The Slaves – AND parading thru New Orleans promoting a green future after learning about the oil spill disaster and cover-up in the Gulf.

This year, I resolve to turn New into Now. "New” often refers to a kind or quality about something, AND tends to refer to a someday, either past or future. Now, however, always means NOW. In this tradition, I get to celebrate early and say,

Happy Now Year.

“New” generally means that something is freshly made. Now means it IS made and this is IT. Take it or leave it. I make-up that by using Now instead of New, we can cut back on consumption. For instance, I need a new computer becomes, I need a now computer. A now computer already exists – therefore is likely pre-owned and still just as powerful. A new computer requires energy and money to manufacture it and the same to get it all the way to my studio. (I’m speaking from a real experience btw. My computer by today’s standards is OLD. So is my recording technology. But that doesn’t fool me. It’s working NOW. So I’m sticking to it!)

In 2011, I resolve to repair, re-use, and keeping recycling.

Using the words, “I make up” instead of “I think” can totally lighten your load and cut-back on the number of communication breakdowns in your life. “I think” takes ownership and is assumptive. “I make-up” is much more playful and is a reminder how this NOW version of the life experience is all made-up anyway.

In 2011, I resolve to not THINK. (haha.)

Remembering to Play is another thing. In 2010 I confused my inner child by referring to my gig as work, which is silly. You can't WORK music.

In 2011, I resolve to PLAY music.

Recently some friends went on a honeymoon/vacation. They called it their Playcation. Bravo. Say no more.

So often we say, I HAVE to go to work. I HAVE to pick up some groceries. I HAVE to call so & so. Making a conscious shift and using the words “GET-TO” can change everything. We GET TO go to work. We GET TO pick up some groceries. We GET TO call so & so. I hear my dad say, I HAVE to go check on your grandmother, but I know how much he loves that he can do it. I encourage him to say, I GET TO go check on your grandmother. Pretty soon, we may not have that honor.

I have another friend who doesn’t use a to-do list, but rather, a TA-DA list – for once you complete all the tasks, it’s like magic. All is done. TA-DA!

In 2011, I resolve to be Magical.

What other forms of Positive Articulation and quirky word hybrids could you add to the ever-evolving language that becomes our life experience?

In 2011, I resolve to be a great listener."

Third Story Woot Woot

note: you have to click on bad idea to get to my story

My Second Story! This one is cool and interactive!

MY FIRST JOURNALISM STORY!!!! YAYYYY!!!!!! PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE SO INCLINED!!!!!

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

http://savebluelikejazz.com/

David Crowder is the man. I just had the urge to say that

It's been pretty tough being at college these first couple of days. I feel like I have just been stripped of everything that makes me feel comfortable and thrown into the lions den. my room. my friends. my mom doing the laundry. my own bathroom. personal space. The list goes on and on, and I miss everything. I haven't really found my niche where I am comfortable yet, except for when I see people from Hinsdale Central that I already know. I'm fairly shy so its been tough to force myself to go out and meet new people, though I have been able to do so.

However, no matter how uncomfortable I may feel, I am mostly enjoying my time though, and I know that I can be comfortable with the faith that I have in Jesus Christ, knowing that His plan for me is perfect. This is the one thing that can and will keep me grounded in a place that is just so unfamiliar to me right now. So while I am just waiting for three weeks to fly by where I can finally start to feel comfortable, I know that right now I can find my comfort in the unconditional love that God has for me. I know that this time will pass and I will be comfortable and uncomfortable many times, but the one thing that stays consistent is God's love and care for me. That is something I can find comfort in.

What I Learned While Watching TV

I watched T.V. a lot yesterday. Probably a good 4 or 5 hours. And while watching T.V., I came to many conclusions. For one, Jason Mraz is really cool, and I want to be like him. Ina Garten seems like a very calm and peaceful person to be around, but she doesn't have a big personality. One girl on Cupcake Wars was ditsy and did not deserve to win. I think it would be awesome to run a food truck. And finally, hoarders are crazy and I never want to be one.

Now this is a lot of conclusions, and also a lot of judgements. It's crazy to think of how many judgements I make everyday, and of course, its not always on T.V. personalities. However, this is an awful habit, as it prohibits me from loving people fully, no matter where they are at, showing them God's unconditional love and His boundless grace. Judging from some of my statements above, my love for some certainly can be conditional.

As I move forward into college, I think this maybe one of the most important habits I need to break, especially if I want people to see that I am a follower of Christ. It will be easy to make judgments of people I meet, both good and bad, that will inaccurately represent them, and I really just want to be able to love them.

My goal as I move forward into college is to love everyone where they are at, showing them God's unconditional and unending love for us.

An Opportunity

It is hard to say goodbye. It is going to be hard to say goodbye. It is sad. It is scary. It is lonely. It sucks. It opens the door to a deluge of overwhelming sensations, it is a step into the unknown abyss that is unfamiliarity, and it is a headfirst plunge into discomfort.

But it is also an opportunity. An opportunity to display our courage, an opportunity to meet new people and develop new relationships, and an opportunity to explore a whole new world. It is a chance to grow and mature, a chance to open our arms to people that also need friends, and a chance to truly display who we are and who we want to be.

Whether it is accepted or not, this change is an opportunity and we can either hold on to the past, or move forward into the future with open minds and open hearts.

I really, really want to choose the latter, but I am having a hard time right now.

ta ta for now

With all of these people leaving for college, it really saddens me. it really really saddens me. I'm not a huge fan of change, and that is especially true in this case. Its hard for me to think of it as a see ya later. It's hard to think of it as just being gone for 6 weeks or 3 months or however long it may be. So while I say all of these goodbyes in the coming weeks, I need to remember that this is not the end of my friendships at all. My hope and dream is that I stay connected with all of my friends for a long long time.

Bite My Tongue

Sometimes, I think that I say things before I really think. While its not necessarily a bad thing to say what is on your mind, most of the time I find myself coming to the conclusion that I need to think before I speak when I am already in a hole. I also can take things too far, maybe bring up a topic that was decided to be dropped from the conversation. When I do these things, it is hard not to tell myself that I am really stupid. Why would you keep going? I feel like eventually I am going to say something that could be really detrimental, something that can't be taken back, and while this day has not yet come (and hopefully it never will), I am afraid that I may damage a relationship with any of my friends or family to a point where it can't be mended.

When I find myself wishing I thought before I spoke, and I look back on myself in these situations, it is really hard to not have regret. I keep telling myself, I wish I didn't say that; I wish I stopped when they said stop. Regret can be really heavy and can weigh one down for a long time. I have found it to be one of the worst feelings to have, a feeling that can result in sleepless nights and a cluttered mind. I feel like it would be really freeing to live a life without regret, yet can't imagine it being possible in my life. I am not having a sleepless night right now, but maybe experiencing a bit of a cluttered mind, but just thinking about the past couple of days and how I wish I could have a few moments back, just to enough time for that split second judgment thought. But while I sit here and dwell on those moments, I know that it is time to move on, to free my mind of the regret that is in there.

My hope and prayer is that I will live a life void of regret, yet full of love.

I've decided that I want my funeral to be happy, a true celebration of life. I don't want a traditional funeral with a church and crying people. I want to have a party where people can remember the joys of life and not focus on the sadness of missing a loved one.

don't hate, appreciate

New Years REVOLUTION!!!

I mean uhh, New Years Resolution. yeah.

I've always thought New Years Resolutions were kind of stupid, just empty promises made to please the soul for a week or two. But this year, I'm thinking of making a special exception to ring in the New DECADE!!! Thats right, here are my New Decade Resolution's:

1. Quit Smoking- I think I'm gonna pick up the patch and some gum. That will do the trick!
2. Work out more and get in shape- I'm gonna start going to lifetime everyday so I can be jacked! I can't wait to be buff!
3. Go to Church- I'm gonna make sure to go to Church every Sunday! No matter what the conditions, I'm gonna go. If I'm sick, I'm going. If the Church is on fire, I'm going. No questions asked. Every Sunday for the whole decade. boom baby (Emperor's New Groove).
4. Lose Weight- Grapefruit Diet Here I come!!!
5. Stop Drinking- Cold Turkey!!! Dat's Right!
6. Start a new Hobby- Maybe collecting wind chimes. or curling. or maybe writing acrostic poems. i like that. writing acrostic poems.
7. Make the most of my 2nd Semester Senior Year!!!!! You know what that means!!!! AM I RIGHT????? Studying more so I can keep my grades up for colleges, of course. booyah.

Happy New Year