A Quote

Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for - Joseph Addison

Smile

I've probably said it before, but I'll say it again, smile! Smiling at someone as you pass them by is such a simple, yet powerful action. I myself was having a low day last week and as I trudged along through the crowd, a woman smiled at me. I gave her a weak smile in return, but little did she know that her smile made my day. It restored my faith in humanity and reminded me that I mattered. People, it's the little things that make the biggest difference. Reach out, take action, one smile at a time.

Seek Peace

Today I am thankful because it is Sunday. It is sunny and I am tucked away in my room working on homework. What I like most about Sunday though, is that you can move at your own pace...usually. Something about Sunday demands peace. It's as though your inside self says, nope, all of the other days can be filled with chaos and ridiculosity, but today I need peace. And today, I would encourage you to seek that out. There isn't peace at my house on Sunday very often and so I go to the bookstore, or the coffeeshop, anywhere where I can just have some time away to recollect myself for the week ahead.

Be Present

One thing in particular annoyed me this Christmas break. I was playing a board game with my brothers and they were both constantly texting. I felt slighted, their full attention wasn't on the moments we were spending together, their hearts were miles away with the people they were texting. And then, I look at my own life and realize just how often I do that myself. Whether I check my e-mail or the weather, my mind is not fully present in the conversation. This isn't true for all conversations (thank goodness it hasn't reached that point yet!), but it is alarming. Have I really become such a sucker for the culture of divided attention? Do I really suffer from FOMO (the Fear Of Missing Out)? I think that, in a way, we all do. We are all seekers of love; we have a fundamental desire to be known and understood, to be listened to and loved. What we don't realize is that while we are checking up on the false, immediate, and fleeting gratifications that "yes, we do matter, because 17 people liked that not-so-clever status update or tweet or whatever"; while we are doing that, we are missing out on the true, deep, meaningful validation of real relationship. This is a huge issue that has bothered me for ages, but today, this year; I am choosing to be conscious of it, to change for the better. I choose to be sincere, to be present.

Have a heart

I think that a major problem in today's world is that we are too "I"-based. Nothing is about "us" or "we" or "you", it's all "me, me, me". Change your attitude a little and you'll change your world a lot. Put your perspective glasses on and walk in someone else's shoes. Cry with someone and share their sorrow, laugh and share their joy, help to shoulder their burden. We're in this life together, and we're not so different. A little compassion will go a long way.

Not just your feet

Diving into something with both feet can be challenging. It is a risky business and while it may be terrifying, it could also be one of the most exhilarating and fulfilling times of your life. Don't shy away from opportunity and adventure; don't give yourself half-heartedly because ultimately, no one benefits. It is truly best when you are committed fully, passionately, with all that you can offer to the best of your ability that you really experience something new, exciting, and full.

What does it mean to you?

Can you imagine what life would be like if someone bought the rights to the words "I love you"? What would happen if you had to pay royalties every time you uttered those precious words? Would they be thrown around so carelessly? Perhaps people would save them up, treasure them, and only give them out when they truly meant them. Do things need to be rare to be treasured and filled with meaning?