Selfless Deeds March 5, 2007

Is there such thing as a selfless deed?  To answer that question, one would typically say, “yes, what about volunteering?”  I just read a bunch of profiles about volunteering – about 90% of them said that they volunteer because, “it makes me feel good to help other people.”  Don’t get me wrong, this is a good thing!! —But if it makes us feel good, then how is that selfless?  When we do something for others because of the way it makes us feel, it cannot be classified as “selfless.”  What do you think?

 Can anyone really name something that is truly selfless?  Perhaps if you dont know you’re helping someone and you dont have the opportunity to feel?  hmmm just a thought…

Blog Topics –>Decade of our 20s March 5, 2007

What is the purpose of a blog?  To share information about your life with others?  To receive feedback and comments from your friends and family about the things you ponder?  To start debate and learn information from others? To make friends?? Is it supposed to be private or is it supposed to be public?  I guess the real answer is what you make of it, whatever you want it to be.  If you want it to be public with a flow of communication back and forth, that’s the way it should be. 

For the last month or so, I have been trying to think of blog topics.  It seems so weird to have to ask people about what they think I should blog about (and a little insecure if you ask me).  I should just be able to blurt out exactly what is on my mind, but then again, I really dont think you guys want to hear everything that is going on inside there…. haha. 

So, here is just one of the many things taking over my mind…. hopefully this starts a flow of communication  

Life is a little hectic these days, a little emotional (or a lot) and it’s very hard.  Everything is changing right now.  I am going through what I like to call a “quarter-life crisis.”  I am so curious about life (good analysis Alana), adventurous, conflicted about the choices I’ve made and the choices I will make, unsure about what my life will become, anxious to start a great career, anxious to find the ”perfect” life for myself, anxious to find my life-long companion.  Everyone says this is supposed to be the best time of our lives – our 20s.  It is so ironic that it’s best time because it’s the decade of patience and everyone knows, that it’s a virtue I have not mastered.  It’s the decade where people are constantly searching for the right person.  It’s the decade people put hours on end at work to advance their career.  It’s the decade that its generally ”acceptable” to hang out at the bars with friends and drink our worries away.  It’s the decade to make the best choices because they will impact the rest of our lives.  It’s the decade we choose where to live, where to build our friendships and where we want to be for the future.  If you ask me – it’s the decade of pressure and patience – waiting……. for the good life. 

In reality, it should be so awesome.  You could look at that last paragraph and say YES – this is the time where I can FINALLY make my own choices and lead my OWN life or we can say yes …..  I have soooo many choices.  (did you hear the voice inflection there?? hehe)  We aren’t married (or at least I’m not and apparently far from going in that direcion at this point); we have so much freedom.  We can move across the state (yuck for Washington) or across the world.  We can switch jobs a thousand times and people would just say, “ahhh, well, she’s 24.”  We can drink ourselves silly and be stupid as hell and people would just shrug it off.  I have come to the conclusion that the most positive way to think about this decade is try it all – it’s the opportunity to figure out where you want to be, who your friends are, and the career of your choice.  It’s supposed to be a journey and it sucks, but thats the fun of it – trying it all. 

 What do you think?  Anyone going through a quarter-life crisis?  Anyone gone through it and alive to tell the story?

Searching for Happiness with a SMILE :) February 14, 2007

Happiness – it seems so simple yet many, inlcuding myself, have a hard time just enjoying the pleasures and gifts in life.  This year, my search will be to find out what makes me happy and learn to enjoy and apprectiate those things. 

I WANT TO GO FROM THIS……..
(I know this isn’t me, but is a good example – thanks Christopher!!)

TO THIS…..

Side Note: Ironically, the top picture was taken on Christopher’s birthday

Does anyone else get a little more depressed during the winter?  It’s harder to exercise (although my stupid knee made it impossible regardless of the weather), it gets darker earlier and the weather prohibits people from enjoying the outdoors.  The winter is always a tough time for me. 
I get soooo excited for Thanksgiving - my family gets all together, I get to see my brother (who I only see a couple of times a year now), there is no stress or any anxiety for me.  I love it.  After Thanksgiving, there’s Christmas – I LOVE Christmas.  I begin shopping for gifts in early November because I get so excited.  Again, Christmas is about family, being home, enjoying life, seeing my hometown friends and reconnecting with my childhood.  Christmas was really the last time I felt pleased with life, content and very happy.  However, after the holidays,  everything seems to dip. 

After News Years – what is there to look forward to?  This may seem a little negative, but it’s truly how I think my subconscious works.  I’m a fan of constant fun, busy days and quick fixes.  I know it’s not very good for the relaxing part of my New Year’s resolution, but I try to fill up every single week packed with activities and distractions that keep me busy and having fun.  However, at some point, that has to stop.  I go home.  Those few mintues when I’m by myself,  I feel so alone.  I feel like I havent done enough, accomplished what I could or made a difference.  Needless to say, I’m a little hard on myself. 

How do I end the day with a smile?  How do I feel accomplished and happy every day?  How can I be content and love my life?

With any problem, there is a solution or a means of getting to a solution.  Here is a plan for looking on the brighter side of life.

My Plan:
*Think of one great thing that happened that day
*Think of one thing to look forward to tomorrow

Searching for Happiness with a SMILE:)