Have you ever felt unwanted? Compared to others, siblings, friends, feel unaccomplished, untalented, worthless? Well, you aren't the first one. Many have felt this way one way or another and this is natural to compare our endeavours with others to see how we stack up. But as I have been feeling recently, I have compared myself to my younger sibling, which I found out was unhealthy, not just physically but also mentally. I was angry; showing my wrinkles on my face, which is causing me to look older than I am, and shouting to myself, "Why?" Well as quickly as my face creased with wrinkles, I frantically looked for a solution to my feeling of unworthiness. So I did what any normal human being would do, I went to the web to see if others had the same feeling. This led to me so see that others had the same feeling as I did and the majority of the answers said, "Stop comparing yourself to others!" or "You have your own talent. It's different from your siblings." As I read these answers, nothing really satisfied me in the least, and it actually made me feel even worse than I did before. I was on the verge of quitting until I read this particular post that caught my eye:
"The biggest mistake parents make is losing sight of their kids accomplishments. Sure your brother does great in school and is popular, that awesome. But I bet you have talents and gift as well. Maybe you are a really good artist or can dance like no ones business. Whatever it is you are good at, you should keep doing that. People think that by working on their weaknesses they will be better. Why waste that energy? Work on your strengths and be awesome! That is how you shine."
Why was I even comparing in the first place? WHY? I was told that I would be good playing the piano because I had long fingers, but it turns out I didn't have the interest or talent to play it. I was born short, with my mother's genes, never really good at sports, except at Ping-Pong; also from the day I was born I was highly introverted. See the pattern? I was focusing on what I was NOT good at, rather than what I WAS good at. This quote I got from "yahoo answers" really spoke to me unlike the other cliché answers because I should be displaying my strengths and sharing them with others. I have had a keen interest in technology, specifically computers, and set up this site as proof of it. I love to write in blogs, and seek to improve on my writing. I have an avid curiosity in everything unusual and unique, often straying off the beaten path, in order to seek some difference from typical views. I really shouldn't compare, but rather rejoice with my past achievements. I am my own person, and you are too. We just have to look at the people around us and realize that "to each his own". Our differences make us unique from the others and the fact that my talents are not common doesn't mean that it's any less appreciated from others. It's just different enough that people need to look further inside to see that I am unique from others. I love to be different by choosing unorthodox ways to express myself.
This is what makes me unique, and you too. Never forget that.
Blog 2: Jobs Jobs Jobs Tue May 3 2011
I've been searching for a summer job for a while, and I didn't realize how hard it was until I started. I think that my main problem is that I think that mundane jobs such as fast food companies automatically turn me off, when really I just want some spare money. You see, I have hit that moment in my life where as a university student, you feel guilty having your parents pay for your education. While I know I am one of the lucky ones, up until now I have taken them for granted. As of recently I feel like I need to support myself with my own money. Wouldn't you feel the same? The reason why I have been so motivated to look for a job is because everyone around me seems to have one. Is this okay to do? Following others just to fit in? I can't seem to remember the first reason I told myself that sparked this job search.
So I have taken some time away from writing this, picking it up on it on this date, July 4. And I have been thinking, what is the purpose of a job? Money? Okay sure, but what is "money"? An object created by us to exchange various goods. So if we all shared our items and belongings then we wouldn't require money. Money exists because some people refuse to share their things, therefore selfish. But we are also afraid that if we share everything, some people may take more than others. We cannot trust one another, and as a result we have money.
What is the second reason? Maybe it is in direct correlation with money such as helping your family WITH money. Now what do our parents tell us when we head to college or university? "Do whatever you want." or "Just choose a major you like" We may think we are given a choice, but in the end it is all for the money, some may deny it, but one cannot deny that we need money to survive in a world like ours. So our parents are happy regardless of what we choose to major in university, but secretly they want us to make money, not only for their well-being but your own as well. To them, money = success. I disagree wholeheartedly. I would be lying through my teeth if I didn't say that this is coming from someone who doesn't have a job; but what is the true purpose of a job? No wait, let me rephrase that. What is the TRUE purpose of a job? Think back, the first job you ever had. Was it great? Possible, but rare. Was it because you were doing something you love? Unlikely, but still possible. But what was the true purpose? Give up? It's no secret really; it’s the relationships you created with the people you worked with. It's not really the money that drives most people to work everyday 9am in the morning, no. But it is the secondary step of GETTING that money. Buying material things, spending time at the movies with your friends, are things you TRULY desire and are willing to work for. It can be anything from clothes, a new guitar, or maybe a new car. Bottom line is, we work for Happiness, and I guess this is my resolution to the situation I am in right now. I want to work so I can spend time with my friends, family and most importantly for my own personal happiness.
Now listen to me, I sound like a philosopher telling you what life is about. My intention is not to confuse you, but make you think about life. Like the song by Uncle Kraker, "Drift Away" implies, we shouldn't just drift away from life and "see where it takes us" but rather question it and try to understand what it means to live in this world.
Blog 3: Happiness is a choice Thur July 28 2011
Have you ever heard someone say that they "Want to be happy”? As if it’s a destination they have to get to, or a goal to achieve? Well sorry to break it to you, but you can't be happy. That's not exactly what I mean; I mean happiness is a lifestyle, a choice, not a means to an end. We've all been there, sad because you didn't get the job you wanted, or that grade you wanted from the test. It's all about the attitude you take towards the situation you are in. If you get the job you wanted but you have a negative attitude on life, you will be happy for a few days but then you'll want more out of the job and no matter what good does happen to you, you will always search for more and feel down. Its our attitude that keeps us happy no matter where you live, what situation you're in, and who you are. Did you ever wonder why T.V. commercials seem to always show that kids in Third World countries are happy despite having almost no possessions? Well it’s because their attitude in life is a positive one, and despite their lack of food and water necessary to live, they are able to live life the best they could given the circumstances. If you are reading this right now, chances are you live under a roof, have food to eat, and own a computer! (DUH) My intention is NOT for you to compare your life with theirs, but to see the reality that happiness is really a choice. A choice in attitude.
Now you're going to ask me, "Well then Raphael how do I become happy?" The answer is simple, change up your attitude. No I'm not stupid, your attitude is not going to change overnight, and it will take some time, even some help from others. Here is a quote I just thought of, "You are your friends." You may deny it and start comparing your friends with yourself and find some differences, but its true, "You are your friends." Let me explain, where do you spend most of your time? Chances are you are at school, if not then possibly working, if not then you are probably with friends RIGHT NOW. Point is, plenty of time spent with people you call your friends, and you may not notice it, but they greatly affect your decisions in life. Let's do an example. If you hang out with a bunch of nerds chances are your are a nerd as well (I don't mean to offend anyone who is a nerd for I am a nerd as well). Same thing applies when you are hanging out with a bunch of low-energy negative people; they are contagious like the flu. You know where I'm getting at now don't you? Hang out with the positive happy group! Now you're going to ask again, "Well that's easy for you to say, but its not that easy to make friends, Raphael." Actually it is, you're just over thinking it. Think of how you first met your current friends, how did you become friends? You talked to them, of course! You found out something in common and moved on from there. Now I'm not telling you to abandon your current friends to get positive ones, No. I want you to make new ones, become positive yourself, and try and convert your current friends to be more positive. Now you're going to say, "You want me to do all that?" Now at this point, I'm getting irritated from your questions. You don't have to convert your friends; I just want you to be surrounded by positive energy all the time. If you are the negative type, I want you to be like a magnet and stick with positive magnets. I want you to be attracted to them magnetically, and soon you will see your personality change, and I can guarantee you will feel much better on life.
This blog post is starting to get long, but let me wrap up. If you are unhappy and you want to do something about it, then go do SOMETHING about it! Don't just sit there and sulk there for hours on end. I was like that before, but I followed these steps and now feel better than ever! If you still don't know how to obtain some new friends, join a club, attend class, do whatever you can to be exposed. If you have a sudden urge to take dance classes, but you are scared people will laugh at you, do so anyways! Who knows, you may make a couple of friends along the way. Listen, I know that each of you has at least one person you know that is energetic, happy, and always seems to be in a great mood. Stick with them until you are the same, and spread it with others. Happiness is like a viral video on YouTube, once it catches on it spreads like wildfire. Just remember, Happiness is a choice, and to choose Happiness is to change your Attitude. Class dismissed. :)
And if you are still having trouble being happy, sometimes a good pick-me-up song all you need.
Blog 4: Get out of your Comfort Zone Thurs Aug 4 2011
Ever wanted to try something new? Learn a new language, play a new sport, or do something you truly want to do but are too afraid to do it because people may laugh and criticize you? I was like that before, but now I am not afraid. I was scared before. Too shy to speak up because of the fear that others may look at me differently or laugh at me when I fail. Why? Because I had low self esteem and little confidence in my abilities and because of it, I suffered from not standing out from the rest. In the past, my mom would always force me into classes I didn't want to go to. Swimming classes, English classes, typing classes, and so on. While I hated going to classes I was forced into, it was the only way I could improve myself. I met new people, gained new experiences, and obtained some skills along the way. I look at myself and think, what will I do when my parents are gone? I have to think for myself, force myself to do things I never could have been able to do. And so I thank my parents for placing me in those classes, as I have grown as a better person and gained new interests because of it.
Comfort Zone, what is it? It is the space that you allow yourself to be comfortable in. If you like staying at home by yourself and playing video games, that is your comfort zone. When someone you invites you to go out and party, you are not in your comfort zone; you start to get nervous and start imagining that you are in a job interview or in front of a class giving a presentation. To extend your comfort zone is to expand that area you are comfortable in. So for example if you are always on the spotlight and talking, you are more comfortable in presentations in front of a class. This is a quote that I found online,
"We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are." by Max Depree
We have to make decisions, risks in our life or else we would not move anywhere in life. Think about it, would we be where we are now by doing nothing? No. We had to make sacrifices to get where we are, and if you have a dream (Which everyone has!) you have to do something to get it.
Right now, I am still jobless and hoping to change that. I plan to take a CPR class and a Public Speaking Course to help me improve my chances. I have always believed that "Doing something over and over again expecting different results" is insanity. Since my past actions did not land me a job, I have to find another way to get to my destination. I may have not gotten a job this way, but there are other paths I can take to get there. I hope this blog inspires you to do the same, if not, at least get you thinking about getting out of your comfort zone. Also, don't just do something with no plan whatsoever, remember, something is substantial only if you make something out of it.
Blog 5: Live life the best you can Mon Aug 8 2011
I just had my birthday yesterday and was graciously reminded how great my life is. I have many friends who care about me, and family members who remember the date of my birth. I never knew before but my life has meaning to many people, and so does yours. Birthdays really are not about the gifts you receive because they do not last as long as the friendships you create. It's been too often that we turn on the T.V. and hear the terrible disasters happening around the world, and once in a while we need to be reminded that life is worth living despite all the misfortunes that can happen to us. It’s our friends that pull us up when we are down, friends who teach and inspire us to grow, and become ourselves.
Now as I am writing this blog, I am studying for my finals. Although studying is a pretty dull process, it is still important to our lives, as much as taking breaks from studying and just enjoying life. Don't be swayed by what the media tells us what to do, or even what some of your friends think you should do. In the end it is your choice to live your life, it is your life and your path you create. But as you walk along that path, never forget about the friendships you created along the way, as these are the memories that will last forever.
Blog 6: Just be yourself (continued from Blog 5) Thurs Sep 29 2011
Seriously, just do it. And by being you I mean just live life the way YOU want to. Be positive and happy all day, we only live once, we cannot afford to waste it being angry and stressed all the time. Do you want to be the person that always complains and seems to be always "busy with life"? You don’t have to always be out with your friends or be in a vacation somewhere across the world, just be happy with being alive. We may not always have time for fun in our so called "busy schedules" but its only because we prevent ourselves from having it. It can be anything, having your favorite cereal- playing your favorite songs- or just singing like no one is listening. The thing is, whether or not you believe in the afterlife, the world we live in today, and right at this MOMENT is the only world we know exists. We are completely uncertain about life after this world, so why waste it? "Time does not wait for anyone" - don’t just sit there and read my blog, (actually keep reading - at least till the end of this one) and do what you really want to do in life. Just DO something so that your life here on this world is not something you would regret in the future.
I always hear older people - heck even me at one point - wishing why I didn't do this or didn't try that. Why not try it now? Why wait? So you can set it aside for later and make even more excuses? Popular response: I don't have time. The thing is if you really wanted to do it you will MAKE time. Because the effort of making time for doing what you want will make it feel like that time is well SPENT. I know you hear this a lot but the worst thing you can do for yourself is to ask "What if?" To never know what would have happened if you had taken the risk. Without any risks, you can never progress in life. Listen; if you are a university student such as myself, you probably have some student loans to pay for your education. Well why are you paying for school? Many will answer that it is to get a job or career, but why did you go to university? Was it because all of your friends were going and just wanted to follow them? No. It is because you felt that getting the career you want far exceeds the costs of going to university. Well that is a RISK you took to progress towards your goal. Another reality check- university does not guarantee you your career of your choice, it only increases the chances, and so if YOU want to get that job you want, YOU have to go through the time and effort to do so. YOU have to make the risk with life.
Ok so this is starting to turn into a lecture, so let me wrap up - if you have been paying attention the work YOU have been capitalized so YOU can get the message. Only YOU can change your life and only YOU can blame yourself for not trying. Trust me you will feel a lot better knowing that you tried and gave it your all at something rather than not trying at all. I guess my only wish for ANYONE reading this blog is to take something from it. I want you guys (and gals) to start thinking about what you really want to do in life, see if you are on the road to that goal, and be happy doing it. (Okay this is coming from a Catholic, but please just listen for this little bit)
God put us in this world to use our skills and abilities and share it with others - if we fail to do even this task, then what are we really doing with our life?
Blog 7: Glasses Mon Oct 17 2011
Ok so I've been busy for a while. With what you ask? With LIFE. Right now it is midterms week, and I'm supposed to be studying right now. I'm just taking a break from it as I have a splitting headache right now - and for some reason blogging seems like a good idea for a break right now. I actually have been thinking about doing this blog for a while now, but now it seems to be the right time.
A few weeks back, I got my new glasses. Same month every year, September I get new glasses because my parents have it covered in their health insurance plan. Ever since grade school, actually ever since I was back in Philippines (yes I was born there) I always got a new pair. It was around grade 1 when I started to have problems seeing, I could never see what the heck the teacher was writing on the board (and I think it also affected my grades during that year). So I got myself checked, and the first day I received my glasses was a life changer. I still remember it today. Picture this: a living room with my parents and brother around me like a circle, waiting for me to put on my new glasses. As I slowly pick my glasses up and put it on, I start to see that the blurry lines I could never understand before - "come into focus", and I think ever since that day I looked at the world differently.
Ok so some of you are probably not impressed by that story, sure whatever. But the reason I told it is because I could not live without my glasses. After about 12 years of wearing glasses, I have never noticed what a big part it plays in my everyday life. I have just grown so accustomed to picking it up in the morning and putting it on. It has been a part of my routine on a day-to-day basis that I have forgotten how big of a help it is to me. It is almost like my identity. It's my eyes. I know it sounds corny, but bear with me here I am trying to make a deep connection. Seriously, I don't think I can go through a day without my glasses. Because I have had bad vision since I was 8, I may as well be a blind person waling the street. Now it is time to give it praise and thanks (good timing too, here in Canada, Thanksgiving is exactly 1 week from now).
My glasses is just one of the few things I own that seem like an ordinary object at first - but gives much more than its initial value. I am grateful to have glasses - and even more grateful that I get a new pair every year (so I can stay fashionable), but I am most grateful to the creator of glasses. Thank you Inventor of Eye Glasses, without you sir/madam, I would not be able to see the great world we live in, I would only hear it.
Update: For those of you who read my Blog #4, you may remember me mentioning about taking a "Public Speaking Course". I am currently taking the Christopher Course - which teaches us exactly that, public speaking. I will be using this blog #7 for my presentation of "show and tell" because it was the only thing I can think of last minute. Oh also for the ones who read me Blog #2, I did get a job (but due to technical problems) I am jobless and penniless once again. For those of you who are still searching, such as myself, good luck and never give up!
Blog 8: Live a Simple Life Fri Nov 4 2011
Its a great Friday morning, sun is shining brightly, the weather is cold as fall approaches, and the leaves start changing into colors you remember from a Crayola box. I am sitting here at school on a Friday, just wasted 2 hours watching YouTube Videos and now trying to blog to get ideas for my English Paper. I start to wonder, "What if I didn't live this life?" What if I lived a completely different life? What would I be doing at this exact moment if I didn't immigrate here to Canada? Would I still be in the busy streets of Manila back in the Philippines? Am I done school? Would I be working? I love to think about these kind of things because I always imagined myself living a simple life. I would have never imagined actually LIVING here in Canada. I always thought of it as a dream, questioning myself, am I really here in Canada experiencing all of this? I have always seen myself being content with being a simple farmer, or working in a busy supermarket as a fisherman or vendor in the busy streets of Philippines. Here's a little fact about me: it doesn't take much to keep me happy. As long as I eat, sleep, and given freedom to do what I want, I am happy. I guess this is where my "Simple Life Perspective" comes from, and I see this "Simple Life" in the rural areas of the world. And usually associated with these rural areas are simple jobs such as a Farmer, Fisherman, or even a Vendor at a supermarket. I can see myself spending hours just looking at the sea, watching the waves of the ocean and relaxing.
Now doesn't that sound like a vacation? But what I am really getting at is being away from all the commotion of life in the city. Even at school, as a student you are pressured to do well all of the time, and as my English Professor says: Your GPA controls your life. I never even imagined being in school, living in a large house, and access to a laptop. I really am quite content without all of these things, but if presented to me, I will gladly accept it. I don't see myself as the "working type" you know 9 - 5pm type of routine everyday (even though I may have to get used to it someday), I see myself living a simple life, maybe helping the needy or the helpless. I guess I never noticed before but because I am so content with so little, maybe I can give what little I have to those who have nothing. That's it! I will help others; maybe I should change this title to "Helping Others" instead. Ok I should go back to writing my paper, but I really feel like lying under a tree and watching the blue sky right now... Maybe after I do my paper. I really am the type to just lie down and watch the world, (AND I know that this blog kind of contradicts all the other blogs I have written in the past with always a theme of "Doing Something" but sometimes we just need to stop and slow down for a second to think. Listen to some Lenny Kravits "It Aint Over Till Its Over" and just watch the world.
Blog 9: Feeling Down? Just need something to read and make yourself feel better? Read on! Sun Nov 13 2011
Okay let me be honest with your guys. I've had a rough life, and I know that there are others may have felt this too. I've been there, feeling abandoned, alone, betrayed. Actually the reason why I am making this blog right now is because I AM feeling down, and I want to understand why I am feeling this way. Right now I feel a weird mix between tired and sad, not sure why but I just do. (Maybe it's because the days are shorted because of daylight savings time). I just know right at this moment I DON'T feel like doing homework. I’m sure some of you have felt the same way. Especially some of us who are university at the moment, the thing is: I’m just burned out from all the studying, I need a break and I can't WAIT for the Winter Holidays to come already. I’m just tired, and usually when I write blogs I'm pumped with plenty of energy, but today I'm just not feeling it. I guess ill sleep for now; maybe I will continue this blog next morning. As I always say, "If you cant seem to get anything done at the moment, just take a good night's rest and when you wake up you'll feel much better.
If anyone wants to leave comments on what I should do other than resting to feel better, please leave any suggestions below. I will respond to all comments!
Okay so once again I have taken some days off from writing this blog and I am coming back to it on this date: Wednesday Nov 16, 2011. I have taken a couple of good night's rests and have gotten some time to think about why we feel terrible on some days and great on the next. I have been listening to a song; a song that I think really captures our daily lives and why we have these bad days. Listen to this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPQRlKsEIak
It truly does capture the frustrations of a daily life, and I think the chorus of this song really exposes it all: "You can tell me". I feel that bottling up all of your emotions is about the worst the thing you can do for yourself. Telling someone you care about your problems and tribulations can really help your self-esteem. Now I was never someone who has great self-esteem, but I feel that I am starting to develop a much more confident attitude towards life if I know that others around me (such as my friend and family) are aware about my current situation. Oh and I am still a firm believer that an early good night's sleep can really make a difference to the your next day at work or school.
Blog 10: NEVER GIVE UP Sun Nov 20 2011
As I write this, it is 1:30 am on a Sunday. I can't sleep, been studying/procrastinating, and have been thinking about my life. I am worried, scared for the future, and think about what will become of me once I finish university. I try not to think this way, or even have an outlook of negativity on life, but sometimes its unavoidable. I have still haven't found a job, and ever since I started this blog in April, I have been actively searching. I start to base my whole life on one shortcoming I seem to have at the moment, and forget about all the good things that’s going on for me. Sure I have been searching for a job, any job really and have opened up my mind to jobs I wouldn't even have considered before starting up this blog. But I am sure as heck NOT GIVING UP!
I am going to try harder, do better, and just have to look deeper. I like to think of my job search as a fighting game. (By the way, I love fighting games!) Do you give up once your health is low and your guy is down? NO. This is where your opponent is letting their guard down, thinking you will give up and throw in the towel. BUT NO. I will stand up, and fight with all I've got or I will die trying. As I always say, "Do your best, and never look back." If any of you guys feel like you are at the end of your rope, rent is due, grades slipping, lost your job. Just tighten your pants, believe in your faith (and yourself), and face the WORLD.
Now if one door closes, another door DOES NOT OPEN. YOU have to find the key and unlock the next door and open it YOURSELF. Giving up is just about the worst thing someone can do for himself or herself, and it does no one any good. Now I like to think that this blog is more of my journal of my personal life, and I hope that some of you readers can see what I'm trying to say. And for those who feel that they have given up, maybe this is the time to turn over to a new leaf and start BELIEVING in YOURSELF.
Blog 11: 6 hours turn into 10 Tue Dec 27 2011
It’s been a while since I wrote, and I want to update you on what is currently going in my life. I just finished my first year semester for 3rd year of university, I found a job, and I completed what I set to do: Finish a public speaking course before the end of the year. I set out my goals and finally felt accomplishment, something that has deprived of me ever since high school. I finally feel like a NEW MAN!
Now the main reason for me to start this blog was because I felt lost and needed an OUTLET to see some direction in my life. I was doing poorly in school, feeling unwanted (Just like my first blog), and just generally having no self-confidence in myself. Just like my previous blog, I NEVER GAVE UP. I kept searching, hoping to find my true direction, the reason why I was put into this planet to do, AND I have finally found it! I love to speak to people and hear about their experiences in their own lives. I LOVE to blog, and speak about what is going on with my life, and make connections with other people's lives. Now granted, I am still new to this blogging business, and I am still working off my English major to improve my writing skills that is why I will continue to make goals for the next year to come!
I have set out to find a job, and I was on the verge on giving up, but like a light at the end of tunnel (I know that sound cliché) I have found it when I least expected it. I have improved my public speaking and have learned new things, and made some new friends along the way. Now I know to SPEAK SLOWLY to enunciate your own words. Also when you feel like saying "ummm" or stutter constantly, just pause to recollect your thoughts, this not only makes your next sentence dramatic, but gives you a short breath of air. Now my next set of goals to do before the end of the next year is to get my G2 license, I have been putting it off for no good reason, and I want one of my blogs to be featured on a site other than mine. I am currently working on a game review myself and because it is my first game review it is taking some time, but nevertheless, I will want it up before the end of (whatever is left) of this year.
So now you may be asking, "What’s with the title?" I don't seem to get it. Well, I was basically set out to work for 6 hours, but one of my co-workers got sick, and I had to take her shift, which made me work for 10 instead. I don't think I was mentally prepared for that, so that is why I sit in front of my computer resting my feet from standing up (My work has me standing up for long periods of time). I was thinking of some way to connect this with what I have said in this blog, but I guess that UNLIKE my work, I WAS mentally prepared for finishing my goals, and ALL I can say is if I CAN DO IT, YOU CAN TOO! :)
PS: Also Merry Christmas!
Blog 12: Once you gain momentum, there's no stopping you! Fri Jan 13 2012
My first blog of the New Year! Yes I'm back and ready for the New Year! Last year I had so much that I set out to do and got accomplished right down to the last minute. I found a job (Yes finally!) and did what I would never in a million years had the courage to do before, Standing up in front of a crowd and speaking! I just completed my Christopher Course, and it was a rewarding experience to say the least. I conquered my fear and went through with it! I know that if I can do it, everyone else can too! Now I have set out a new set of goals to do this New Year. (Regardless of what the Mayans said about life ending, as we know it, to me this is the beginning of a new life for me!) I really have changed a lot from the past year. Ever since I started this blog April 23 2011, a LOT HAS CHANGED. My outlook on life is much brighter, I enjoy waking up in the morning, and I really think I have found my true intention on being on this earth.
I LOVE to blog, love every bit of it, interacting with others who share my same enjoyments in life. I really have reached a great stability and foundation that I never had before, and I feel, as I am a changed man. Now before this starts turning into those cheap ads you see on T.V., I don't expect anyone to buy anything of what I am saying. I just want you listen to what I have done to really change my life for the better. Sure you may not agree with my methods, but DOING WHAT YOU LOVE is the best thing you can do for yourself! I have met new people, new experiences, and a new me!
So I hope to everyone who is reading this that once you get your foot out the door and expose yourself to the real world, THERE IS no STOPPING YOU. You just have to brave enough to take that crucial FIRST STEP and before you know it you are just one step closer to your goals!
Happy NEW YEAR EVERYONE! And may we see a prosperous 2012!
Take a look at this picture above. Right now I feel like this man, on top of the world. At the peak of my life, and I can feel it changing from now on. Never stop believing in yourself, as you can reach new heights with every step.
Blog 13: Why is life so wonderful? Fri Apr 6 2012
So I was listening to "Rocketeer" by Far East Movement and I absolutely love the lyrics. Just like the song implies, there's no need to stop living. Oh man I love life! I’m doing great in school, finally have a job (actually two), and have plans to be active on my bike once the weather clears up. I have completed the trifecta, the big three: grades, work, and leisure. I am ready to take on the world like a Rocketeer! Up up here we go!
But in reality, I have reached a phase where all these quick changes I have undergone these past few months have finally settled in. I am in a new state: comfortable. But this is not to say that I can't still keep on improving. By this time next month I will be finally enjoying my summer ever since I started university. It’s a well-deserved break for myself before my last year, and I can finally relax, take a breather and reflect on my life. What I want to get accomplished during my break:
1. Find a job that relates to my field 2. Find a place where I would be helping people use the computer / English / or anything I can do in the "teaching field" (I always have, in the back of my head, imagined how I would be if I was a teacher.) 3. Exercise, exercise, Exercise! (Mostly bike riding though)
My biggest challenge is the first, as I always wanted to become a writer of sorts. MY dream job would be a Video Game Editor, or Writer, you know the people who write on video game sites to give their opinion on games and such. This combines my 2 favorite things in life: videogames, and writing. It's like killing two birds with one stone! Okay, I really should be working on my Economics homework, finals coming up and I want to do well before summer begins. Just let me end with this, "With whatever you do in life, the ups and downs, never forget what REALLY makes you happy as the small things are truly the things that make you happy."
Blog 14: I can't wait! ... to go cycling. Thurs Apr 12 2012
No I’m serious. I really can't wait. I have been stuck in school for the past few months, its such a breath of fresh air to be outside and ride a bike, without a care in the world! No essays or moth to hold me back from enjoying my cycling! As I write this, I am (ironically) at school proofreading my essay. I am just thinking of all the great things I plan to do during my first summer off university. First thing I will do is take my bike out of my basement, take a backpack with me, and start riding off to the distance. Now if you remember from one of previous posts - the one about living a simple life - I enjoy the simple things in life. I think bike riding is one of those enjoyments I currently want to spend my time in. Think about it, I like adventure, I love to explore, and I've been meaning to get some exercise in my daily routine so I don't get too lazy and fat in the future. Cycling takes on all of these things I love, and what’s more, I also get to enjoy the weather.
It’s about time too, I just moved to a new neighborhood, and I could really use the free time I will have to explore my new neighborhood. I'm not just cycling by the way, I plan to accomplish some things while I'm on break. I noticed that I really haven't "given back" to the community recently and I would really like to change that during my summer. I believe (or I think) that I am pretty good at computers, or technology in general. I know the ins and outs of the World Wide Web, and know the various Microsoft and mac programs that people use in everyday life. Why not "teach" others who are just starting to learn? Like helping young kids, or older adults on how to use the computer effectively. You see, I always imagined myself being a teacher, why not apply for a volunteer position where I can "see how it’s like" and see if that is the career path I want to go down to? Either way, if teaching is not for me, I can still back out since it is a volunteer position. Of course this is all hypothetical and I am just "seeking" for one at the moment and I haven't begun my search yet.
Ahh but back to the main point, I can't wait to get back on the bike, the freedom it has and the carefree activity that it is. I can't wait till the end of my exams. Cycling here I come!
Blog 15: Don't forget your Passions in Life. Wed Apr 25 2012
So lately I've been talking about my life, and I want to refocus on my earlier blogs and rethink the "world" as a whole. This blog will be mostly for older people as time may have had them forget what really matters in their life, their passions. The dictionary defines passions as "an intense desire or enthusiasm for something." I agree, but a passion is something that can be seen, something that a person can see from a distance. Let me give you an example: a person who is "passionate" shows that he/she can forget about other things in life and focus on that "one special thing".
As my exams are coming to a close, and summer is just around the corner, I am ready to re-live some of my passions. Focus on what I truly enjoy which is "free time". Life is too short to be asking yourself "what if?” if you aren't doing what you love (Which everyone wants to do), then what are you doing? To me writing is one of my passions, (a recently new passion I might add), and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. Let your passions drive you and just BE you.
I also have been sick lately, writing this actually made me feel a little better inside.
Blog 16: Treat yourself, splurge a little. Thurs May 17 2012
Yeah no more school! Finally I get my well-deserved break, which is a feeling that has deprived me since 2009. Of course I'm sleeping in more, eating more, and most importantly working and splurging. Ever since I got my job back in December, I haven't spent a single penny on luxuries, (except clothing). You may not know this, but I am very frugal when it comes to money. But just yesterday, I decided to treat myself a little. You see near my home there is a eb games and I am an avid video game player. The last time I have physically bought a game from the store was back in 2008! It is not mere coincidence that I started university in 2009, which prevented me from buying and enjoying a videogame. So I bought 2 videogames, and with today's prices totaled over $100, and at first I was feeling regret and was about to go back and return it. But as I got home and started playing, I had such fun that I haven't felt in a loooooong time.
That being said; don’t forget yourself when you are living life. If you like clothes, playing games, or eating, then splurge yourself a little and buy. If what you buy is important to you, the price won’t matter, as you will be willing to work for what you really like. Now I’m off back to playing games! Peace.
Blog 17: Hang in there, things will get better. Fri June 1 2012
As rain is falling outside, I sit here typing away at this blog. Feeling refreshed from taking a bath after being drenched from walking outside and I am finally starting to see the sun come up. As the rain is finally moving away, your problems are just like the rain. It will soon pass, and the harder the rainfalls, the faster it will go away. Of course no problem can be easily solved, especially if you have no one to turn to for help. That is why there are a million others who are in a much worse situation than you are in right now. Don't think lowly these "other people" as some are happier and more tolerable of their situation than you are. Be thankful for what you have and what you are currently experiencing, as your bad situation may be a warning of what is to come, and this may be the only way for you to know this. Just look out for the "sun" as after the rain has passed, there will always be a greater good to your suffering.
I know that there are particular situations where there does not seem to be a silver lining, but hang in there as your tolerance and persistence will be rewarded soon enough.
Inspired by Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs will inherit the heaven."
Blog 18: Larry Crowne is my life Fri June 20 2012
If you haven't watched the movie "Larry Crowne" yet, please do. I highly recommend it. Everything about it is directly reflected to my life, from the public speaking introductory course with Julia Roberts, to the main character of Larry Crowne who is into driving mopeds, taking economics 101, and picking up trash people have left behind. I was just so stunned at how much this movie revolved around my life and what had recently happened to me so far, with my public speaking course changing my life for the better. I really am speechless, the overall good-guy appeal of Larry is truly me, and I hope to continue to be like him.