April 17, 2012
#21 Smiled More
When I started thinking about writing this post, all I had was a vague idea of what I was going to write so I took to Google to help me figure out the rest. I typed in the URL to the ever-popular search engine (and I'm constantly amazed by the simplicity and power of it, by the way) and, of course, was instantly presented with millions of results for my search query: smile more. I got everything you could possibly get on smiling. Smile how-to guides - which I'll admit puzzled me because who doesn't know how to smile? You curl your lips up in an expression of happiness. Sounds pretty simple, right? Smile challenges - smile when you see someone else smiling, smile when you hear laughter, etc. Smile fact sheets - it actually is easier to smile than to frown; people don't just say that. Everything. But as I was reading all this information about smiling, the thing I couldn't get off my mind was the fact that the smile isn't the important part. After all, a smile is merely an outward expression of happiness. Key word: outward. What really matters is what's on the inside (biggest cliche ever, I know). When I saw all of these websites, I realized that the important part is finding something to make you smile. It's not easy to smile when there's nothing in your life to smile about. You really want to smile more? Think about the things that make you happy. Give yourself a reason to smile. I have plenty of reasons to be happy. I'm happy that I'm going to a good school in the fall with some of my best friends. I'm happy that I'm a part of two great families. I'm happy that my friends accept me for the weirdo I am. I'm happy that I have all the opportunities I do. I'm happy that my dog still shakes hands (paws?) with me even though I make him do it all the time. My message today is simple. Smile. Because we really do have so many reasons to smile. We were created to be happy beings. Show your happiness. Smile. Make someone else smile. Pass it on. :)
April 11, 2012
#20 Spring... Breaked? Broke?
I think it's fair to say that nothing is as exciting to a second-semester senior as spring break is. From experience, I know it's all you think and talk about for weeks in advance, from starting a crazy diet and exercise plan so you're in shape for the week to hashtagging #springbreak on Twitter. There really is nothing better than a week off school when it's warm outside. Spring break is about freedom. Freedom from school, freedom from responsibilities, freedom from everything. And of course, that freedom is not limited to a high school senior. In no way am I saying that seniors crave the break more, but in my own experience, this year was the year that I looked forward to it the most. I know for a fact that every college kid on the face of the planet loves spring break because it means being free from work and worry. Long story short, everyone loves spring break. It's our first glimpse of the coming summer months. For me, that means leaving the life I'm used to and going off to college. Talk about freedom. It's a taste of the amazing things awaiting us. Of course, with freedom comes the possibility of regret. (You didn't think I wouldn't mention the "R" word, did you?) Not the probability, but the possibility. Personally I wish I would've spent time with more people. Don't get me wrong, I had a great spring break doing absolutely nothing, but I wish I'd made more of an effort to hang out with different people and done more. On another note, I don't think freedom can exist without responsibility. I think our main responsibility, at least during spring break, is deciding what to do with our freedom. We may make stupid decisions, but that's a part of life. This week's poll is a two-part question all about spring break. What is your favorite thing about spring break? Is there anything you would take back?
"Being with friends is the best part, but I hatehatehate the drama."
"My favorite thing about spring break was the fact that I wasn't at school. And I have no regrets... regrets are for losers."
"I loved the freedom of not having to stick to curfews or worry about what time we have to get back home. Since we stayed on our own I loved how it was a little taste of the freedom we're gonna get in college. And if there's anything I'd take back I would've done like one more day of cool kid/adventure stuff during the day. Other than that, spring break was great. No regrets."
"My favorite is being able to make my own choices because of the lack of supervision. I would take back that I didn't get enough rest and I didn't really realize it was my last until it was over."
"Being able to do what I want and that I got to take every day was the best... I never nap so it was pretty much amazing. I wish I'd spent more time with people and that I was more outgoing, but there isn't anything I would take back."
"My favorite thing was the real bonding time with my friends and the coming closer. I regret not making the most of every minute... But not really."
"My favorite thing is not having to worry about anything, not having a schedule or anyone to worry about except myself. As for something to take back... there was one night..."
"Hanging out with my friends and relaxing some was the best. I wish I could've hung out with my closest friends more."
"My favorite part was meeting new people, relaxing, and spending time at the beach. I have no PG regrets..."
"My favorite thing about it is getting to take a break and relax on the beach. I regret never going to any parties during spring break or doing anything wild like sneaking into a club."
"Getting to know my true friends and being stress-free for a week was great. To some of those closest to me I regret being selfish and irrational when I should've understood. I honestly wouldn't take anything back though. Everything happens for a reason."
"My favorite thing was that I loved the idea of not having to worry about anything. That for one week, nothing else mattered but to have fun. I would take back the pointless fight between me and my boyfriend though."
"My favorite thing would have to be enjoying everyone and every single moment. Just the fact that I'm surrounded by my friends with no parents is the best! I would take back one night when I was in sort of a bad mood, because I can change my mood any time, and I just decided not to so I didn't have a good night. Instead, I would change my mood and go back and enjoy every second of it."
More than anything, (well, besides having fun) spring break is about freedom and doing whatever you so choose to do. Of course, that comes with responsibilities. But I think one of our greatest responsibilities as teenagers is to have fun. We have plenty of time to be serious in the future, but for now, let's enjoy our spring breaks.
"Being with friends is the best part, but I hatehatehate the drama."
"My favorite thing about spring break was the fact that I wasn't at school. And I have no regrets... regrets are for losers."
"I loved the freedom of not having to stick to curfews or worry about what time we have to get back home. Since we stayed on our own I loved how it was a little taste of the freedom we're gonna get in college. And if there's anything I'd take back I would've done like one more day of cool kid/adventure stuff during the day. Other than that, spring break was great. No regrets."
"My favorite is being able to make my own choices because of the lack of supervision. I would take back that I didn't get enough rest and I didn't really realize it was my last until it was over."
"Being able to do what I want and that I got to take every day was the best... I never nap so it was pretty much amazing. I wish I'd spent more time with people and that I was more outgoing, but there isn't anything I would take back."
"My favorite thing was the real bonding time with my friends and the coming closer. I regret not making the most of every minute... But not really."
"My favorite thing is not having to worry about anything, not having a schedule or anyone to worry about except myself. As for something to take back... there was one night..."
"Hanging out with my friends and relaxing some was the best. I wish I could've hung out with my closest friends more."
"My favorite part was meeting new people, relaxing, and spending time at the beach. I have no PG regrets..."
"My favorite thing about it is getting to take a break and relax on the beach. I regret never going to any parties during spring break or doing anything wild like sneaking into a club."
"Getting to know my true friends and being stress-free for a week was great. To some of those closest to me I regret being selfish and irrational when I should've understood. I honestly wouldn't take anything back though. Everything happens for a reason."
"My favorite thing was that I loved the idea of not having to worry about anything. That for one week, nothing else mattered but to have fun. I would take back the pointless fight between me and my boyfriend though."
"My favorite thing would have to be enjoying everyone and every single moment. Just the fact that I'm surrounded by my friends with no parents is the best! I would take back one night when I was in sort of a bad mood, because I can change my mood any time, and I just decided not to so I didn't have a good night. Instead, I would change my mood and go back and enjoy every second of it."
More than anything, (well, besides having fun) spring break is about freedom and doing whatever you so choose to do. Of course, that comes with responsibilities. But I think one of our greatest responsibilities as teenagers is to have fun. We have plenty of time to be serious in the future, but for now, let's enjoy our spring breaks.
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