I truly enjoy reading excellent quotes. I have one particular website that a friend once showed me that just has lists and lists of quotes from various song lyrics, books, TV shows, and well-known individuals. Isn't it amazing how a few words or sentences from an individual can so deeply strike a chord with another human being as if they had a window into your thoughts and emotions? As I browsed through some new quotes on that particular site, I stumbled upon one with which I felt an immediate connection. Therefore, I have decided to briefly focus on these words from Maya Angelou in this blog post.
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
-Maya Angelou
I love the first part of this quote as it reminds me not to get stuck in the monotony of a routine but to approach each day with renewed fervor and energy. Next, she suggests that an individual incorporate passion in life. I love this! As you set goals or embark upon new endeavors, choose those which you truly care about and in which you will be able to easily throw your energies. For me, I've found that working as an educator is most certainly my passion which makes the challenges I might occasionally face in this position surmountable and the victories that much more worth celebrating. Maya Angelou also lists compassion as a key life component; whenever we take the time to give back to our friends, families, neighbors, community, and world, we are able to shift our egocentric views outward in loving others as God has commanded us. In addition to passion and compassion, we then should add humor to our lives. Growing up in a family where laughter and humor is valued, I find that incorporating this into my life helps to lighten up my view when I get too serious about the little things. I think we can all agree that there is no better medicine in any situation than to laugh so hard that your stomach aches and tears are rolling down your face! Lastly, the quote lists style as an important element of life. Live each moment being the true you, not an imitation of someone else. March to the beat of your own drum. Dance your own dance! Celebrating the diversity of personalities and styles of each person make our world a colorful, interesting place to live.
4.25.2010
4.19.2010
No Matter Where You Are, No Matter How Far
Five years ago, I decided to run for president of my high school class. The votes were cast and I was overjoyed to represent my class in the changing of our tassels on graduation day. My college years then passed rapidly in a flurry of busy class schedules, clubs, activities, social events, and sorority life. I was soon a college graduate with a very focused mission during my first year in the real world: be the most amazing teacher for my students that I possibly could be. As the school year began, I threw myself into this endeavor heart and soul embracing life in a new city with arms open wide to the possibilities. One day a few months ago, I received a text message from an old classmate inquiring if we would be having a five year reunion. I honestly had not given it much thought but was willing to look further to see if other individuals had an equal interest. After looking for feedback from my high school peers on facebook, I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people not only acted as if they would attend but would honestly enjoy reconnecting and catching up with one another. It was so encouraging to see that, although our lives may have already taken us in differing paths in only a short time, the ties we shared from our childhood and youth in a small town were still meaningful. As plans are coming together for this reunion, I am appreciative of the enthusiasm of so many of my friends and classmates who I grew up with.
As I think about this further, I realize that my appreciation for this is most likely rooted in the importance I place upon building and maintaining relationships in my life. Keeping in touch with loved ones and close friends is something I try to do on a steady basis. At this point in my life, so many important people in my life are living in cities in towns spread throughout the country and may be at totally different stages of life as high school or college students, newlyweds, new parents, or older adults. I'll admit that it can be an overwhelming and daunting task to keep in touch with everyone; it's only human nature that some friendships will last for a season and taper off into a fond memory. Nonetheless, I strive to show many of these individuals that no matter where we are, they are still important to me and that I still care about their lives.
It's funny how we make a million excuses for why we haven't taken the time to get in touch. "I'm too busy!" "I was going to call, but I just forgot!" "We haven't talked in so long." I'm guilty of these same excuses. Even though they may ring true, I believe that the ties of family and friends should reach beyond. The times that I have been able to correspond via phone, computer, or mail with a friend, it has touched me in such a positive way. For example, one of my friends is currently obtaining her master's in Arizona, but we consciously build time into our schedules for phone chats and skype dates. Even from across the country, the wonderful world of technology lets two best friends feel like they are hanging out like usual. Even if I don't have time for a lengthy conversation, I try to remember that I always have a few extra minutes to send an email, message, or card to a friend.
What joy the diverse relationships in our lives can bring to us. Go out on a limb today. Pick up the phone, log onto the computer, or pick up a pen and send a little note to someone who has or still does mean a lot to you. I guarantee it will be a highlight in their day and what better way to experience happiness ourselves than to put an extra ray of sunshine in the lives of others. Reconnect and enjoy!
As I think about this further, I realize that my appreciation for this is most likely rooted in the importance I place upon building and maintaining relationships in my life. Keeping in touch with loved ones and close friends is something I try to do on a steady basis. At this point in my life, so many important people in my life are living in cities in towns spread throughout the country and may be at totally different stages of life as high school or college students, newlyweds, new parents, or older adults. I'll admit that it can be an overwhelming and daunting task to keep in touch with everyone; it's only human nature that some friendships will last for a season and taper off into a fond memory. Nonetheless, I strive to show many of these individuals that no matter where we are, they are still important to me and that I still care about their lives.
It's funny how we make a million excuses for why we haven't taken the time to get in touch. "I'm too busy!" "I was going to call, but I just forgot!" "We haven't talked in so long." I'm guilty of these same excuses. Even though they may ring true, I believe that the ties of family and friends should reach beyond. The times that I have been able to correspond via phone, computer, or mail with a friend, it has touched me in such a positive way. For example, one of my friends is currently obtaining her master's in Arizona, but we consciously build time into our schedules for phone chats and skype dates. Even from across the country, the wonderful world of technology lets two best friends feel like they are hanging out like usual. Even if I don't have time for a lengthy conversation, I try to remember that I always have a few extra minutes to send an email, message, or card to a friend.
What joy the diverse relationships in our lives can bring to us. Go out on a limb today. Pick up the phone, log onto the computer, or pick up a pen and send a little note to someone who has or still does mean a lot to you. I guarantee it will be a highlight in their day and what better way to experience happiness ourselves than to put an extra ray of sunshine in the lives of others. Reconnect and enjoy!
4.09.2010
It's All in the Attitude
Every time I get in and start my car, I crank the music up loud and sing right along. If you're a good friend of mine, you've probably experienced this. If you haven't, you may just not have known me long enough yet. Just wait for it... As I head down the highway, hands at ten and two (yes, I'm a nerd who still follows what I learned in driver's ed), it's my singing time, sometimes it's cell phone time, but very often it's also my reflection time. As I drove to a store this evening, I sang along to the Lady Antebellum music on my newest CD. If you like country music, I recommend it! Anyhow, as this was going on, I also contemplated how extremely happy I am with my job and how much I appreciate the wonderful people in my life. "I'm just so happy right now!" I thought. But this occasion wasn't the first time that I had been thinking that. Life has been sooo good lately. It's hard to pinpoint anything in particular, but sometimes you just sit back and realize how blessed you are and how content you are in your current place in life. It's a wonderful feeling and of course I'm so very thankful for it. As blessed as I am though, I've faced days where I wasn't in the best of moods or where God has given me some challenges where I needed to be patient and wait on His timing. It occurred to me that perhaps many of my feelings of joy and happiness are really very much my choice. Will I focus on the positive or the negative? Should I choose to put on a smile and greet others with a chipper attitude or instead you sulk in the little problems? Might I lift others up today or will I instead draw them down? It's all in the attitude!
I once read an excellent thought about James 1:2. The verse says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." The author of the particular passage I read emphasized that we should "consider it pure joy...WHENEVER YOU FACE TRIALS of many kinds..." Unfortunately, trials and challenges are a fact of life. We were never guaranteed a ride through life with no bumps or potholes. Nonetheless, isn't it encouraging to hear that good comes of this? Be joyful in all of these things because it will only make us strong in Him!
Every day is new, every blessing or challenge a fresh opportunity to approach with joy and optimism. I love these feelings of joy and contentment. You make your choice and I'll make mine. It's all in the attitude, and as for me, I'm going to keep riding this wave for as long as I can!
I once read an excellent thought about James 1:2. The verse says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." The author of the particular passage I read emphasized that we should "consider it pure joy...WHENEVER YOU FACE TRIALS of many kinds..." Unfortunately, trials and challenges are a fact of life. We were never guaranteed a ride through life with no bumps or potholes. Nonetheless, isn't it encouraging to hear that good comes of this? Be joyful in all of these things because it will only make us strong in Him!
Every day is new, every blessing or challenge a fresh opportunity to approach with joy and optimism. I love these feelings of joy and contentment. You make your choice and I'll make mine. It's all in the attitude, and as for me, I'm going to keep riding this wave for as long as I can!
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