I am unable to sleep. I have had one of those lazy days which included so much needed sleep. Now, my brain does not seem like it wishes to shut off. Joy.
I know I have not written in some time but I have had no motivation to write. Work takes over my days and by the time I actually have a free moment, I want to waste it on Facebook or playing Zelda. Lame, I know but it is my life at the moment. I have a had summer of enjoyable fun. I have made money. I have visited my sister in NYC. I went to South America and Haiti. I have grown. You know, the typical.
Now what? Summer is coming to an end and I am moving to Nashville. Nashville is 20 or so hours from my home, my family, what I know outside of college. With college out of the way, Nashville is the only change from my ordinary life. I have no idea what to expect. This is the first time I will be venturing away from the norm I have always know. I am excited but also anxious. I want to be successful.
My mind has been engrossed lately in who I am becoming and how I come across to others. Does this mean I am obsessing with myself? No. Literally, I want to be proud of who I am and not succumb to the pressures of what the world holds. I am not perfect. I make mistakes. I piss people off. I am sure I even intimidate people when I choose not to smile. Most people think I am a jerk. At least I know who I am and who I am trying to be. I have a ways to go but I know those who really care about me love me for who I am in the here and now. Just know though, I am trying to better myself. I always reflect on how to live my for the better on a daily basis. That has to count for something, right?
I have decided to participate in a mission workshop trip to Haiti this coming July. My dear friend, Philip Holsinger, is directing and leading this amazing trip to five fishing villages in Haiti. He has previously lived in Haiti for extended periods of time and truly loves the Haitian people. Through Philip, I have come to desire experiencing Haiti and all it has to offer. Philip’s example has encouraged me to show the joy of Christ to the Haitian people while using my passion for photography.
I have an extrodianary love for photography which God has allowed me to pursue. While I enjoy taking pictures of my family, friends, nature, etc., I wish to do something more meaningful with my talent. I desire to capture the heart of Haiti with my lens and provide them with a voice through my photos. It is time for me to give back through my passion and through my Savior.
I depart for Haiti on July 20th and I will return on July 29th. While this may only be a nine day trip, much time and effort has gone into each day we are there. We will be making the most of our time with the Haitian people.
If you would like contribute a donation to my Haiti mission fund, I would greatly appreciate your help. You may contact me for more information on how to contribute.
An update is needed. Life has been a bit crazy since the last time I wrote. I signed the lease to my first apartment, I graduated from college, I experienced South America and now I am home for my last Summer in CT. Life is changing faster than I can adjust to it.
I cannot completely explain what all I've experienced in words so I will explain with photos.
Signed the lease to my first apartment.
Nashville, TN
May 1st, 2010
Graduation Day
MAY 8th, 2010
Paz is "Peace" in Portuguese
This was on the side of the building in Rio
South America: Brazil
May 12th, 2010
It was raining the day I arrived in Rio. There was artwork displayed along the highway as if they were trying to hide the slums in the background. The rain drops adds an eerie effect to this depiction of Christ.
South America: Brazil
May 12th, 2010
This was taken on the bus from the airport to Rio.
I quickly took this shot while viewing the landscape. The cross towered above the slums.
South America: Brazil
May 12th, 2010
There was an amazing cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I could not get enough of the beautiful sculptures and row and rows of tombs. Creepy or not, I found everything to be worth photographing.
South America: Argentina
May 2010
These came in handy during my South America trip.
For more South America pictures, you will have to wait until my next entry.
My bedroom in my Nashville,TN apartment.
There are still a few changes to be made. So far, I am happy with the progress.
You can see my collection of my photography already hung. That could not wait. More decorations will be add later.
Vanity Area
Bathroom
This is how everything looked when I left a little over two weeks ago. I just found out earlier this week that my part of the apartment flooded a bit due to plumbing issues. FAIL. Oh well.
Now, I am home for the Summer living life after college.
School is insane right now and I can say I am beginning to feel the overwhelming effects of my big transition. It is so scary at times and then other times, I am so relaxed about it. Unfortunately, I have not found a significant job yet in Interior Design but I am fine with "settling" for a job (most likely waitressing) with some kind of income. I am used to doing what I need to do to take care of myself. I try to remind myself that I will be ok. My school has been pretty much my home for the past 5 years of my life. I love it to some extent. Part of me is ready to move though. I think it is certain people that really make my university what it is. If you don't have those people, you sometimes feel lost, even with it being a small, private university. I have many memories I have made here that I enjoy but I am ready for that next chapter. The next chapter in the real world.
I felt it was time for an update. I actually felt that much earlier this month but with school, a trip to Kansas City, a trip home and now school once more, I guess you could say that I haven't had the time. All in all, life has been pleasant.
When I last wrote, I spoke of being depleted and I would like to say that I've allowed time for thinking and some peace and quiet. That is not to say that I have not become frustrated or discouraged by friendships in my life. Oh, I have. The most important thing that I can remind myself is to take care of myself. I need to come first for a little while. Sometimes, I need to let others come second, as selfish as that sounds. In this time of my life, I am about to begin a new chapter and it demands attention.
How do I feel about graduating and moving away from my small college town of five years? Bittersweet. More so sweet. There are many parts of college and my own college that I will miss but at the moment, I am more than ready to start on a new leaf. I want to be challenged. I want to me new people. I want to live in a different place and call it home. Who knows if I will adapt the way I hope to but I cannot wait to find out. I believe God has a great plan for me to enjoy if I am willing. I would say I am willing.
The perks of being in my senior year are knowing what is right around the corner. Of course we all know what comes with senior year. Senior projects, internships, resumes, interviews galore, and many, many hard decisions.
I recently put up my senior interior design show. Yes, interior design is my major for those of you that do not know! That is for another post. It was challenging to work all the pieces together and get the details just right but I did it. I accomplished one of my last senior projects! I finished my resume and I've received some great feedback about it's strength. I hope that means I will find a decent job starting out. Now, to send my resume out everywhere! My digital portfolio is done and ready to be sent out across the globe (not really!) and I am relieved to have that taken care of. Little by little, I am wrapping up my last semester of college and little by little, it is hitting me.
I am almost done. I am almost out in the 'real world'. I am almost 23. Yikes!
I am not even sure where to begin but I can assure you this will not be an entry about how awful life is. My life is not awful; no where close to being anything painful, regretful, or unappreciated. Could I say that 6 months ago? Mostly likely not but that is the beauty of life, of living; nothing lasts forever and time heals everything.
As the singer/song writer, Imogean Heap writes, "Everybody says that time heals everything all in the end. But what of the wretched hollow? The endless in-between? Are we just going to wait it out?", I could not relate more. You truly do have to wait it out. Transitions are so hard especially when they are not welcomed; unexpected. I used to grit my teeth when one would say to me "Just let some time pass" or "It will get better soon". I never believed them because I felt so trapped in my current skin. I could not deal with the cards I had been dealt. I learned in time to play with what I had.
After months of self reflection, positive growth, and standing up for what I believe in, I've come to find I love who I've become. If I were still living my life with the same people around me, I would not be who I am today. If certain wake-ups calls did not occur, I would not be free from turmoil and pain. Had God's plan not happened, I would be missing out on so much. Now, I've chosen to be who I should be. I still have improvements to make but goodness, I have come a long way and I'm so proud.
You may be wondering why I titled this post "Thoroughly Depleted". This is because I am. While I'm thrilled with my personal progress, I feel drained emotionally and mentally. I'm still enduring the trails of life and my patience has been more than tested. I have been challenged in my heart and mind with many situations. Constantly trying to remain strong when harmful intentions are thrown my way is exhausting. We all experience this at some point in time and we can only strive to stay true to ourselves. Our good selves.
It seems I find myself carrying the weight of a lot around me, like some of my friendships, projects, etc. I feel that I put my heart into so much especially with my relationships with others and it seems it is not always returned. Balance is difficult. Putting yourself first is difficult when you are so willing to put others first. I do not have all the answers in order to fix the situations other than to be myself and continue to be consistent. I know this is one of the many aspects of life; we all experience trials but this comes at a time when I desire more acknowledgment in some of my relationships. I strive to love those around me in the way they should be loved; to be there when they need me. However, I am my own best friend and that is how it will always be. You can never fully rely on others to provide what you seek; it has to come within yourself. Myself and I are close.
Instead of ending on a slightly negative note, I want to propose the idea of keeping ourselves in check. Be honest with yourself. If you need to improve on how your treat your friends, others around you, or even yourself, start now. It is never too late to admit wrong-doing and change for the better. When hard times come, you will need those people to help you rise above it, otherwise, it will be difficult on your own. Be there for others and be good to them but more importantly, be there for yourself. Before you can be what others need, you need to be what you need first.
"9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. - Romans 12:9-12
Photography is an evolving, dynamic medium and the images produced are as unique as the photographers who make them. Bring an exploratory spirit, creative ideas, and a desire to be challenged.
OURMISSION
Students create artwork through understanding photographic processes and materials, critical thinking and creative techniques. Students produce and present work representing individual creativity and technical competence. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter a career as a professional artist or to continue their education through the pursuit of an MFA degree.
OURPROGRAM
Photography at Watkins College is a dynamic program where you will gain technical and aesthetic skills in a variety of mediums. Beginning with a fine arts foundation, your studies take you into an exploration of the historical context of photography. You delve deeply into the fundamentals of black and white photography and then advance to studies in color and digital imagery. Experimental video classes will prepare you to embrace technology and multimedia. Alternative processes will build an understanding of historical techniques. Studio lighting will give you the technical expertise in artificial light with creative interpretation for both commercial and fine art photography. Internship opportunities, preparation of your senior thesis exhibition and the study of professional practices prepare you to begin your career as a photographer.
Graphic Design
Graphic Design is a stimulating and challenging career choice. It is also a complex study requiring creativity, artistic talent, and eye for details, conceptual thinking, technical skills and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
OURMISSION
Students of the Graphic Design Department at Watkins will graduate with a professional quality, entry-level portfolio that shows technical competence, solid knowledge of design principles and highly conceptual solutions to communications problems in print, illustration and web-based and interactive media.
OURPROGRAM
The BFA in Graphic Design at Watkins College begins with a strong foundation in the basic principles and elements of design and typography. The curriculum then builds in complexity until students graduate with a professional, high quality, entry-level portfolio.
Coursework effectively covers art, design, typography, technology, professional practices and the history of art and design. Small class sizes allow for each student to have individual consultations with faculty at every stage of their assigned projects. Graphic design electives, including internships with area advertising and design agencies, enhance each students education.
The curriculum culminates in the capstone course, Senior Portfolio Development, where each graduating senior works with senior faculty to polish off his/her portfolio. Finally, the graduating class, as a team, puts together a senior exhibition that features their portfolios. As many as 400 friends, family and design professional have attended this exhibition.
This would be a dream come true if I could do this....
Lying down on my freshly made bed, I look towards my collection of scarfs. Their arrangement, their order; their place worthy of being photographed. My Ipod draws me back with "Brothers on a Hotel Bed" softly playing. I feel at ease but a slight twinge of my past creeps upon my wandering thoughts. No longer as vulnerable, I sigh and rest my head upon my out-stretched forearm. Thoughts prevail. I remember who I was connected with then and who I am no longer connected with now. They are gone. I am not. Time has some how ceased. Nostalgia, is my dear friend. All I can do is smirk on those moments that made me feel alive. They were not genuine but the feelings could not have been more sincere on my behalf. It is over. I would have left anyway; just not as soon. Contentment is softly knocking on my door; I've just let him in. I plan on letting him say awhile. I figured you would not mind; everyone needs a little happiness sometimes.
My day dreaming ends; I'm still lying on my bed. Quickly, I realize I was lost in a scene of clarity.
with very dry faces due to this frigid Winter! Well, thanks to Michelle Phan, a guru of make-up and skin care! I adore her!
Thanks to Michelle, I made my own home-made moisturizing facial scrub! Here is what it takes:
3TBS 0f extra virgin olive oil 2TBS of pure organic honey 1/2cup of pure cane sugar (and no, no Splenda!)
Simply mix these ingredients together until blended.
Find a small container with a lid for this scrub.
This amazing, home-made scrub not only exfoliates but also hydrates like you would not believe! Only use a small amount for the face and only use before going to bed. If you have sensitive skin, only use every other night! If you have very sensitive skin, only use this ONCE a week! Exfoliating everything night dries out your skin and we are simply trying to hydrate it!
If you want to know more, simply click here to see how Michelle does it.
Here I am sitting at my desk wanting to call it a night. Although my body is physically worn out, my mind is racing and pacing back in forth in thought.
As I drink my punch flavored Juicy Juice out of it's juice box, I cannot help but be reminded of sitting in the back of my friend's car in a black leotard while her mother drove us to ballet lessons. And it is hitting me how quickly my life is passing by. It is hitting me how much of my life I have let pass by without ever turning my head. I cannot help but think about my day, this past Fall semester, the past year of my life. I've changed. I've grown.
I thank God for that.
A week ago, I wrote an entry is regards to not losing hope, not giving up and facing the fears of failure. Since last week, I am already stronger. I can assure you that I had much anxiety for what was in store me this week. I could sense something was lurking nearby. The unsettling notion became reality and I grew weary. I prayed. I thought everything over. I planned ahead. I asked for advice. I prayed.
God listened.
God listened. He arrived when I needed Him most and why I was so shocked at His presence is beyond me. I should know better. Like everyone, I do not always have the strongest faith. Faith in Him or myself. I am human. I make mistakes. Can I learn from my mistakes and weaknesses? Of course. That is one of my many goals this year.
Last evening is an example of my growth and the strength that I've been able to develop over the past year. I have opened my heart and mind to changing for the better and asking myself "What can I do differently next time?" or "How can I change positively from this?". Believe me, this mind set is so much more enlightening then focusing on someone who is rude to you or goes out of their way to upset you. Focusing on your own self growth is one of the greatest ways to heal and move past hurtful events.
I'm learning. I'm observing. I'm seeking a better life. I'm finally living my life for me and what God intended for me from the start. No longer will I sacrifice who I am for someone who never meant well. No longer will I yield to bettering myself because someone does not feel I need to be better. No longer will I put myself worth into what others say or think of me. I'm proud of who I am and it is about time I started showing it.
As I take part in my last semester in college, thinking about my future is the obvious. Sure, I'm taking my last slew of courses, thinking of places to visit after graduation, wondering what I am going to do with the rest of my life. Of course there are a number of criteria to accomplish before I can feel at ease with my big transition into the real world, one of them being my resume. Ah, the resume; the golden ticket into the overwhelming work-world. Everyone has to have one and it has to portray just the right thing, otherwise it is tossed amongst all the other hopefuls, right? Right. No pressure what-so-ever! Then comes the portfolio. For me, mine is to be filled with my work (eek!) and my signature; something that shouts "Moral Renaissance!". Simple? Not at all. For my future profession, (that being interior design)it is so competitive. What could I possibly do or create that would make one want to view my projects? This is very tricky task. I have brainstormed and sketched some ideas but I thought I would share the very elements of myself with you but more so to remind myself what I am working with.
Enjoy if you wish to.
Self-Branding Moral Renaissance:
I figured I would start with characteristics that evoke who I am and what I enjoy. In doing so, I will be using photos as examples
Yes. I'm a woman who can be very girly. After all, I love pink!
I am pretty sure that flowers are one of God's best creations on this planet. I love seeing them, smelling them, photographing them, and putting them in my bedroom window. Not to mention, when I'm bored in class, I always doodle flowers all over my notebook paper.
So, I somewhat have a secret obsession with make-up, specifically eyeshadow. This is not to say that I wear make-up everyday because I do get tired of applying it. However, I find make-up so fun and an outlet. The face can be a canvas and that is what I love about being artsy. I can be artsy all over my face! :D
I love, love, love photography. It is my biggest outlet at the moment aside from singing. I never actually knew I was capable of photography until I gave myself a chance. Now, I try and take pictures when I can, often appearing as a creep of some sorts. Oh well. I love it and I will continue to push myself to grow.
I pretty much have a new passion for Polaroids. I adore the way they look and how they capture. I want to some how apply Polaroids to my senior show or my digital portfolio. Oh, and I'm dying to own a Polaroid camera!
I have the biggest sweet tooth ever. Ever! I always have and always will as long as I have teeth. There is something about candy or sweets that can be so exciting and fun to be around. Wonka candy is my favorite.
Marie Antoinette and Queen Elizabeth I are my heroins. I admire them so much for the lives they lived and the trials they were dealt. Both were exceptional and beautiful women. I love reading about them! Enough about me, already! Let the self-branding begin!
"Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have."
Louis E. Boone
"With love and patience, nothing is impossible."
Daisaku Ikeda
Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.
Ella Fitzgerald
Albert Einstein, three rules of work
1. Out of clutter, find simplicity. 2. From discord, find harmony. 3. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.
This week is about trying. This week is about patient with others but especially myself. This week is about not giving up regardless of trials.
I will get through this week despite mistakes I may make.
Well, I will go on to state that this blog post will not be a poem and it will not be sung as the term "ode" typically implies. However, I am filled with joy. It's bursting at my seams. How I've obtained this wonderful feeling I know is not my own doing. Sure, I've been smiling more, laughing frequently, and letting go of negativity; living life one day at a time. My heart has been softened and I know I cannot fully take responsibility for it. I have so much to be thankful for. Prayers are being answered, pieces are falling into place and I can only point to one source. God. In comprehending this blog and reading back on my posts, I realized that I was forgetting to mention on dominant constant in my life and that is my belief and utter faith in God. God has made Himself extremely known in my life for the past twelve months in a big way and I could not have made it through without him. I am forever changed in a beautiful way. Of course, I still have some consistent flaws and some not-so-beautiful moments but I know God is molding me. I want him to. I now know what it means to allow Him in. I did not know how closed off He was until everything I had known in my world came crashing down. Everything came crashing down for a major reason. God removed me from a lot turmoil and pain in my life and while the transition was difficult, the result could not be better. I'm free and alive. I'm joyful and I finally feel as though I am living the life He always wanted me to.
"High King of heaven, my victory won, May I reach heaven's joys, Oh, bright heavens Son! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my vision, oh, ruler of all"
- Be Thou My Vision
"Ancient Irish hymn, possibly from the 8th Century, tr. by Mary E. Byrne"
So, I was rummaging through my refrigerator the other day in hopes of making some creation to subdue my appetite. Then I remembered I had left over cranberries that had been boiled down the night before in order to make syrup. I did not want to waste them so I saved them for something useful. I'm glad I did!
MC's Morning Parfait:
1/2 cup to 1 cup of boiled-down cranberries (should be like a thick jelly) 2 cups of Low Fat French Vanilla yogurt (brand does not matter) 1/2 cup to 1 cup of honey granola clusters 2-3 pieces of dark chocolate chopped (optional)
Believe me, it is so yummy! And the best part is, it lasts about two meals and it is even great as a snack. I'm making another batch tonight!
This book could not have reached me at a better time! My teacher assigned this book as part of our future homework. She mentioned what all it entailed and I could not help but go to the library today and read it. I figured it was much longer than it truly is but to my surprise, it is a fairly easy read. The best part about this book is although it only takes about an hour (give or take) to read, the message is simple, loud, and very clear!
POSITIVE CHANGE IS GOOD!
I highly recommend reading this book because anyone and everyone can relate to it's message whether we realize it or not. I related to this book more on a personal level but many others relate to it on a work level. Overall, this is a great book to read and it is positively thought provoking.
As I had written earlier, this year is geared towards positive change, learning, and growth. I have given much thought as to what it means for me. How am I going to positively change, learn and grow? I have come to the conclusion, in making small adjustments in my daily life will create a better foundation in obtaining my goal.
Here is the list I've developed so far:
1) SMILE more... If you know me well, and I mean WELL, I do not smile a lot of the time. This is partially due to the fact that I easily become lost in thought. A great description many people would give me is "quiet" or "serious". While I can be serious when needed, I know how to have fun and hold a conversation. I promise I'm friendly. However, I may not show this enough. Smiling more may just help me remove this veil of assumptions.
2)Healthier Lifestyle... I may be young now but it will not be long before my metabolism slows down and my bones ache. Internally, I am horribly out of shape. My poor organs and muscles crave for more activity. Their requests are being acknowledged and answered. I cutting out some nonsense from my diet, stretching every morning before starting my day (very important), running at least twice a week (for a solid 30 minutes), drinking more water and less garbage and allowing myself more sleep! I've done a number to my body and I am only 22! What a shame...time for a change!!
3)Read More... I never thought I was one for reading but actually, I am! I always devoted my time to other things and late night phone calls. Now, I have more time for myself, so I read for fun! Educating yourself, expanding your vocabulary,and getting lost in text is liberating. The best part of reading is always finishing the book. It makes me feel accomplished.
4)Endure life on a daily basis... I've come down to my last semester of college! It is now my last chance to take advantage of my school's activities and programs. I would say that I am accomplishing this goal by allowing myself to explore my new talents and some of my older talents :) This year I am looking forward to expanding my graphic design skills, putting together my portfolio, developing my senior show, going back into private voice, doing my internship, focusing more on photography, and practicing with Chorus for our tour in South America later this year! It will be a very challenging semester; this is how I desired it. I want to leave this place knowing I gave my all and challenged myself in all my interests and passions!
This past year, my brother and his wife mentioned to me a documentary they recently watched titled "Food Inc.". They expressed how startling it was on it's exact portrayal of today's food industry. I decided I would rent it at some point so that I could understand more about the documentary. Unfortunately, I never got around to renting it and then it became suppressed in the back of my mind. It was not until last month that my drawing teacher brought up the documentary. She had watched it one weekend and discussed with us in graphic detail all this documentary contained. I could not help but add the movie to my NetFlix queue. Today, I watched "Food Inc". and I have to say I was crying within the first 15 minutes. I am a huge animal lover but this does not imply I am a vegetarian either. I love meat and I will eat what this planet provides until the day I die. However, it is the treatment of animals I do not agree with. Since man has roamed the earth, we have eaten livestock and man seemed to have simpler ways in slaughtering ( I hate to use the word "slaughter") livestock. Today, it seems healthy treatment of the animals is unimportant; they are going to be killed soon enough anyway, right? WRONG! Now, we pump chemicals and antibiotics into chickens so they grow at a supernatural rate, causing their bones to collapse under their immense "unnatural" weight. Also, most "chicken coops" are now being transformed into "dark tunnels". Most chickens that are processed and slaughtered never see the sun or breath fresh air. Most cows never eat grass but corn instead which causes them to become fatter for man. Cows are herbivores, meant to eat grass, not corn! Sadly, in today's industry, there are a handful of corporations that dictate what happens to livestock and vegetation overlooked by farmers. They have a say in everything it seems; many farmers are required to never speak of what all happens but the ugly truth is now seeping out for all to hear. I am in absolute shock as to how all of this has been happening. I honestly had no idea as to how these animals were being treated before being processed into our daily meals. Also, the fact that we are subjected to chemicals such as ammonia is absurd. We have the right to eat healthy food and we also have the right to know any and every chemical that we ingest. I am now educating myself more on farmers markets, organic foods, and making my own garden. By doing a little more reading and investigating in supermarkets, it can make a difference. A little step can go a long way. Rent and watch "Food Inc.". Even if you do not eat fast food, dislike animals or do not care what you ingest, educate yourself. I have a feeling this extreme issue will effect younger generations to come. The more we know now, the less surprises we will face.
Do something. http://www.takepart.com/foodinc
5 Things You Can Do Now:
1) Buy Organic or Sustainable Food 2)Go without Meat Once a Week 3)Read Labels - Know where your food comes from 4)Drink More Water, fewer sugary beverages 5)Support companies that treat their employees, animals and environment with respect.
As I mentioned earlier, I am looking for ways to positively change my lifestyle. I’m looking for ways to physically be healthier as well as emotionally stronger.
This past week, my father had a massive heart attack. While the heart attack itself was massive, the damage was not. Yes, there is damage to his heart and we are still waiting to see how much actual scarring there will be. Since this occurred, myself and the rest of my family have been rethinking our eating habits as well as needed exercise. In an event like this, it is very easy to want to rethink all eating habits and health. I know I’ve been needing a new outlook on life and what all I am doing to my body.
2009 took a huge toll on my heart, mind and overall health. 2010 needs to the year I make a better lifestyle for myself. I want to be healthy. I want to help my dad get through this. I need to be strong for myself and for him. He has a long, long road ahead of him and I want to change for the better by his side.
I found this article on the Dr. Oz show site. It focuses on some easy changes to allow improved health.
Vitamin D increases serotonin, the mood neurotransmitter. It boosts your immunity, promotes healthy neuro-muscular functions and helps protect you from some forms of cancer. The easiest way reap the benefits of this nutrient is to spend 15 minutes in the sun a few times a week. Be mindful that sunscreen will prevent you from getting adequate vitamin D outdoors; try skipping sunscreen for just 15 minutes.
If the weather isn’t cooperating, get your vitamin D from milk, egg yolks or supplements (1000 units per day.)
Learn more about the health benefits of vitamin D.
Cut the Caffeine
Coffee increases anxiety levels, especially if you’re getting more than 300 mgs a day. Increased anxiety means increased irritability. Try substituting your coffee with green tea. It has ¼ the amount of caffeine found in coffee – and it’s a young tea, which means it packs some powerful antioxidants.
You don’t have to cut caffeine completely, but if you’re having more than 300 mgs a day and find yourself fighting headaches and fatigue when you try to cut back, you may be physically dependent. Get help kicking your caffeine habit with Dr. Oz’s Caffeine Detox Challenge.
Express Gratitude
Take the time to truly savor the good things in your life; things others have done for you, things you’ve done for others and all those small acts of kindness that make you smile. A written expression of thanks helps prohibit us from taking things for granted. So sit down with a steaming mug of green tea and express yourself.
Practice Acts of Kindness
It’s the little things.
It’s not what you say, it’s what you do.
These expressions may be clichés, but there is truth in their message. By practicing small acts of kindness, you will perceive yourself and others more positively. You’ll also appreciate your good fortune in comparison.
Pick 1 day a week and carry out 3 small acts of kindness. Research suggests that this provides a longer-lasting boost to the giver than practicing random acts of kindness spread out over the week.
Just Smile
Even when you don’t feel like it, the simple act of smiling makes you feel better. A response called facial feedback indicates that, when you smile, you send a signal to your brain that says, “I am happy.” Additionally, if you’re smiling, you’re likely to seem more approachable and happy to others – and people are more likely to smile back.
I’ve never been one for blogging nor would call myself a writer but I do indeed have passion for it. I have made the decision to endeavor the world of blogging in order to have an outlet of my thoughts, concerns, insight, etc.
It now being the year 2010, I want to push myself more than ever to not be so fearful of the future, resentful of past events, and dwell on present circumstances. I only have one life and this one chance to live it to the fullest potential. So the overall theme of 2010 is positive change, learning, and growth.
2009 was a year of hard lessons which most of us experience at one point in our lives. Bouncing back from those hard lessons is my current downfall. My heart is still healing from all the disappointments, betrayals and wake-up calls and I know if I do not focus on how to positively grow, I will only be hurting myself in the end.
This blog is purely for sharing and reflecting on life and all that I am doing to enjoy it. Whether I am sharing a new recipe, a difficult exercise routine, or a great book, etc., I want this to be an aide in my day to day walk. After all, I love what life has to offer and I love to take part in many different activities. After all, I’ve been called a woman of Renaissance.
