"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
- Nelson Mandela
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
A Collection of Wonderful People (Short Version)
Having some freedom recently has allowed me to sit around and do what I love to do the most: THINK. As of lately, the one thing that has been on my mind the most is people. I've been thinking about the different people that have come in and out of my life, some that I've met only in passing, others that hold a special place in my heart, and even some that are no longer in it. Each, however, has given me something, whether it be memories of a shared adventure, a life lesson, a new perspective, a check off my bucket list, a few words of advice, or even the simplistic gift of a warm smile. No matter what it was, I've gained a lot more in these past twenty years than I have acknowledged.
Being a people person, I yearn for the chance to meet men and women of all walks of life, and I have definitely met quite a few who I catch myself thinking of many a days.
When I was around the age of ten, I met a lady on an airplane whose broken English was almost unbearable. She was from Africa, flying to Minnesota, bringing her grandson and toddler home to their mother. She was seated next to my mom, trying to grasp the concept of baggage claim. After several hours we landed and my mom and I helped her find it, yet to our dismay her luggage had been lost. Now, not only was she in a foreign country, but she was incapable of making decisions. My mom, always the helping hand, talked to the employees and managed to fill out paperwork for this woman, eventually setting the chaos to bay. Although her image is a little fuzzy to me now, I'll never forget the feeling of appreciation that she exalted. She asked for our address, and we left her to find her way. A couple weeks later, we received an envelope in the mail which contained not only a written letter, but a necklace bearing a cross. It was the simplest of gifts, yet also one of the most kind. A couple strangers brought together by being kind to one another. I'll never forget it.
-------
In seventh grade, I had the privilege of having a teacher that not only taught me middle school math, but taught me even more about life and myself. Her name is Tica Spake, and I can honestly say that she is one of the most kind, most caring, most selfless, and most passionate people I have ever met. The first day I met her, I said a quiet prayer to myself in hopes that she would be my teacher, but little did I know that she would not only become that, but also a role model and today, a friend.
Mrs. Spake always had a way of capturing you, from her gentle words to her infectious smile. I remember one time in particular when I was sick, she asked me to stay after class so that she could speak with me. I remember her telling me that everything was going to be alright, and I instead broke down and cried. She soothed my sobbing and held my hand. I told her that I always have cold hands and her response was simply, "Cold hands, but a warm heart." I'll never forget that. To this day, I still hear her saying that, and I still play that scene in my mind.
Today, I consider her a friend, a mentor. Almost seven years later, she's still in my life, even if it's only for a few minutes every now and then. Through her example, she taught me always to be kind and compassionate for others, to keep God close to my heart, and always strive to do my very best. What started as a typical school year turned into a life long friendship, and I'm incredibly blessed and lucky. I love you, Mrs. Spake.
-------
Gerald Jones, an angel.
Back in high school when we were all young and catty, there was one person who was not, there was one person who could bring a smile to anyone's face, and that person was Gerald. He had such a heart of gold and was willing to be a friend to any and all. I remember admiring his affection that he gave so selflessly many times during those years. He didn't care where you came from, where you were going, if you had money or not...he cared about you as a person. That's something rare these days, and I'll never forget that. I'll never forget his kindness towards me.
Gerald passed away earlier this month, and although I didn't keep in contact with him after graduating, I would randomly catch myself thinking of him. I regret not going to his funeral, and I regret not letting him know how wonderful he really was and how privileged I was to have even known him. I know that I will always remember his compassion for all people and it's something that will inspire for me for the rest of my life.
They say that only the good die young, and I would have to agree. I don't know why it was his time to go, but I do know Gerald is up in heaven watching down on all his family and friends, still flashing that big 'ole smile. The world lost a great man, but gained an angel in return.
May you rest in peace, sweet Gerald.
-------
Being a people person, I yearn for the chance to meet men and women of all walks of life, and I have definitely met quite a few who I catch myself thinking of many a days.
When I was around the age of ten, I met a lady on an airplane whose broken English was almost unbearable. She was from Africa, flying to Minnesota, bringing her grandson and toddler home to their mother. She was seated next to my mom, trying to grasp the concept of baggage claim. After several hours we landed and my mom and I helped her find it, yet to our dismay her luggage had been lost. Now, not only was she in a foreign country, but she was incapable of making decisions. My mom, always the helping hand, talked to the employees and managed to fill out paperwork for this woman, eventually setting the chaos to bay. Although her image is a little fuzzy to me now, I'll never forget the feeling of appreciation that she exalted. She asked for our address, and we left her to find her way. A couple weeks later, we received an envelope in the mail which contained not only a written letter, but a necklace bearing a cross. It was the simplest of gifts, yet also one of the most kind. A couple strangers brought together by being kind to one another. I'll never forget it.
-------
In seventh grade, I had the privilege of having a teacher that not only taught me middle school math, but taught me even more about life and myself. Her name is Tica Spake, and I can honestly say that she is one of the most kind, most caring, most selfless, and most passionate people I have ever met. The first day I met her, I said a quiet prayer to myself in hopes that she would be my teacher, but little did I know that she would not only become that, but also a role model and today, a friend.
Mrs. Spake always had a way of capturing you, from her gentle words to her infectious smile. I remember one time in particular when I was sick, she asked me to stay after class so that she could speak with me. I remember her telling me that everything was going to be alright, and I instead broke down and cried. She soothed my sobbing and held my hand. I told her that I always have cold hands and her response was simply, "Cold hands, but a warm heart." I'll never forget that. To this day, I still hear her saying that, and I still play that scene in my mind.
Today, I consider her a friend, a mentor. Almost seven years later, she's still in my life, even if it's only for a few minutes every now and then. Through her example, she taught me always to be kind and compassionate for others, to keep God close to my heart, and always strive to do my very best. What started as a typical school year turned into a life long friendship, and I'm incredibly blessed and lucky. I love you, Mrs. Spake.
-------
Gerald Jones, an angel.
Back in high school when we were all young and catty, there was one person who was not, there was one person who could bring a smile to anyone's face, and that person was Gerald. He had such a heart of gold and was willing to be a friend to any and all. I remember admiring his affection that he gave so selflessly many times during those years. He didn't care where you came from, where you were going, if you had money or not...he cared about you as a person. That's something rare these days, and I'll never forget that. I'll never forget his kindness towards me.
Gerald passed away earlier this month, and although I didn't keep in contact with him after graduating, I would randomly catch myself thinking of him. I regret not going to his funeral, and I regret not letting him know how wonderful he really was and how privileged I was to have even known him. I know that I will always remember his compassion for all people and it's something that will inspire for me for the rest of my life.
They say that only the good die young, and I would have to agree. I don't know why it was his time to go, but I do know Gerald is up in heaven watching down on all his family and friends, still flashing that big 'ole smile. The world lost a great man, but gained an angel in return.
May you rest in peace, sweet Gerald.
-------
Monday, April 25, 2011
Living by the course of spontaneity.
Autumn turned to winter, which gave us spring and now it's about to vanish and delight us all with a beautiful summer season. Personally, I could not be happier! Southern summers are like no other- the smell of Honeysuckle that stops you dead in your tracks as your senses praise its sweetness; the joyful sight as lightning bugs illuminate the summer sky; these are both things that connect my present self to my childhood and because of that, sweet summer will always hold a special place in my heart.
However, these past two semesters have been such a joyful and eye-opening time for me as well. There were a lot of firsts, a lot of lasts, tears shed, smiles exchanged, and even more opportunities for me to experience. I feel that I have evolved even more into the woman that I have been striving to be, even though saying this feels cliche to me now since I say it so often. Nonetheless, I feel incredibly blessed for each day, both good and bad.
So, what's next? This summer I plan on being completely absorbed with...life. Not taking classes, nor getting a job, I have the entire summer to relax and spend some time with hobbies and people that I have missed. Last summer was "The Summer of Real Life," where I worked for three months straight, but this summer is simply "The Summer of Exploration, Growth, and Fun." I'm glad I'm choosing the latter this time and thankful that I'm able to do this and have wonderful parents that understand my need for a break.
Hopefully I'll be able to occupy my time with writing, reading, laying poolside, traveling, exercising, enjoying nature, spending time with loved ones, and working on myself, both inside and out. Everyone's so consumed with getting ahead and accelerating at 100 mph, but I kind of want to live the slow life this summer. Take it day by day, night by night. I want to live by the course of spontaneity. One day we'll all wake up and wonder where the freedom went, where the good times went, where our youth went. One day, sooner than later, this will no longer be reality.
BUT, right now it is a reality, so bring on the good times with great people...and bring them on strong. Summer 2011, let's GOOOOOOOOO!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Decision 1,768,456,332
Lately my mind has been jumping back and forth about what the future holds. There's so many things I want to accomplish, yet I feel as though I don't have enough time. I have so many interests and aspirations that they're conflicting with one another, and it's really starting to get the best of me.
Example of most recent conflict: to study abroad or not. People, places, culture, traveling; it's what I love, it's what I want to center my life around, but on the same token I love Auburn, and I'm afraid of missing out on opportunities here. I would absolutely adore spending a semester in France, England, China, etc. meeting new people and figuring out more of who I am and what this great world entails, but for some reason I can't decide if it's what's right for me at this point in my life. And this is completely frustrating because I ALWAYS know what I want; I've never been the indecisive type, and plan A has always worked out in my favor.
However, I also know that as opportunities come along, I should probably jump at them. Right now, I'm still young, wild, and free (thanks for that, Wiz) and I have the ability to take flight on a whim with only minimal worry. I suppose it all boils down to taking chances- hoping and praying that I have wings that let me soar.
Example of most recent conflict: to study abroad or not. People, places, culture, traveling; it's what I love, it's what I want to center my life around, but on the same token I love Auburn, and I'm afraid of missing out on opportunities here. I would absolutely adore spending a semester in France, England, China, etc. meeting new people and figuring out more of who I am and what this great world entails, but for some reason I can't decide if it's what's right for me at this point in my life. And this is completely frustrating because I ALWAYS know what I want; I've never been the indecisive type, and plan A has always worked out in my favor.
However, I also know that as opportunities come along, I should probably jump at them. Right now, I'm still young, wild, and free (thanks for that, Wiz) and I have the ability to take flight on a whim with only minimal worry. I suppose it all boils down to taking chances- hoping and praying that I have wings that let me soar.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
For without heart, there is no life.
Just like a million other people, one of my favorite Bible passages has always been 1 Corinthians 13, but my favorite part reads, "...and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." It it is probably wholeheartedly one of the most beautiful lines I have ever read. It's completely simplistic, yet so powerful. It's such a precious reminder that having any meaning in life requires you to give yourself and allow yourself to be received in love by ALL people. Although you may have faith, without the burning fire in your heart for what you believe in, it all means nothing.
It seems like just a simple request, yet can be one of the most difficult tasks to fulfill. I profess that I want to love all people, yet I constantly catch myself saying something negative about another. I constantly catch myself pointing judgment at another. I constantly say one thing and do the opposite. Loving seems like such an easy thing to do, yet I make it almost impossible at times. You don't have to pay for love, it's free. You just have to make up your mind that how you live and stroll down your path, you do it with the intention of a pure heart, open to growth and all people, in all walks of life.
However, at this moment in time, whatever it may be...I'm making the decision to love ALL selflessly. To cherish each friendship formed and unformed. To be at peace with God and one's self is the most beautiful state of mind we can have and how wonderful that this all begins and ends with love. It's a universal acceptance. It's something that you will find in all parts of the world, light or dark. Without it, we truly are nothing; for without heart, there is no life.
It seems like just a simple request, yet can be one of the most difficult tasks to fulfill. I profess that I want to love all people, yet I constantly catch myself saying something negative about another. I constantly catch myself pointing judgment at another. I constantly say one thing and do the opposite. Loving seems like such an easy thing to do, yet I make it almost impossible at times. You don't have to pay for love, it's free. You just have to make up your mind that how you live and stroll down your path, you do it with the intention of a pure heart, open to growth and all people, in all walks of life.
However, at this moment in time, whatever it may be...I'm making the decision to love ALL selflessly. To cherish each friendship formed and unformed. To be at peace with God and one's self is the most beautiful state of mind we can have and how wonderful that this all begins and ends with love. It's a universal acceptance. It's something that you will find in all parts of the world, light or dark. Without it, we truly are nothing; for without heart, there is no life.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
50 Life Secrets.
Such a goodie, wish I had written it myself...
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/8YZSE0/www.highexistence.com/life-secrets-and-tips/comment-page-1
#10- Don't take life too seriously.
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/8YZSE0/www.highexistence.com/life-secrets-and-tips/comment-page-1
#10- Don't take life too seriously.
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