Live Your Life; Don't Lose Your Fight

We have all been there. We have all been to the point where we feel that we cannot have an impact or that we do not the have the fight to keep going. I have found this song a constant reminder that we can get through whatever. That no matter how small we are and how we think that we will not have an impact we can and we will have an effect. Just smiling at a person can have an impact. Talking to a friend or someone close to you can have a lasting impact. 

Also remember that when you find what you love in life that can and will propel you to fight harder in life. When you love something it makes life even more worth living. 

Why tomorrow? Why not today ?

Someday I'll change my outlook. Someday I'll find the right person or career. Someday I'll travel. Someday I'll be happy. Someday I'll love myself. Someday I'll love life. Why is it someday? Why is not I'll do it now? We are so focused on the idea that we will do something tomorrow or someday that we forget that someday may not come. Don't give it that chance. Live in the now. Don't take some moments for granted, be grateful for TODAY. Life can pass you by so take the opportunity now and when it happens. 

In 2015 I spent my last semester of college sick. I was constantly  close to passing out. There were many days that I had to force myself to go to class and to even get out of bed. I was in the health office every week and sometimes I was even in multiple times a week. We never did find what was wrong. While we did  not find it, I was scared. That semester showed that I needed to enjoy the small things because who knew what I'd miss if  I stayed in bed. Yes I wanted to sleep and my body probably needed it, but I only have one senior year in college and that also implies that I only have one life and the small things count. Not only do the small things count but life counts don't let it go by and lose the some days, those some days are now and you can fulfill the some days today. You never know where you will be tomorrow.

What Does Not Kill you Makes you Stronger

That old saying “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is so true, I know it seems cliché, but I have seen it.  While it can seem that, there is not end to the hard things in life the hard things can prepare us for other hard things. Not only that but it can help us to appreciate and understand when things are going well. 

I have had a lot of times that seemed to be the worst part of my life. One such time really did seem to be the worst time and it seemed that it was never ending. When I was in my junior year at Keuka I was told that I was not meant to be in my major, or my dream job. That major and dream job was social work. I was devastated and I wanted to drop out of school. I was unhappy and it seemed that there were no options for me to make my situation better. I was able to find a program that was supportive of me and that allowed for me to become happy and that allowed for me to find my dream career. I came out of this situation stronger and it allowed for me to recognize when things were going wrong in grad school, as I am sure it will allow for me to realize this in the future.

There is a Jewish Proverb that states “I ask not for a lighter burden but for broader shoulders”.  While you may feel that you want things to be easier having things be easier may not allow for you to learn or grow. The harder something is the more you grow. The more that gets tossed towards you the more you can handle. 

Suicide Prevention

This week is Suicide Prevention week. Given that this is a blog positive focused blog I thought it is important to address this issue this week.

“Suicide doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse, it eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better.” – Unknown

It is so importnt to remember that no matter what is happening in life it is not worth taking your life over it. Life is so precious and so amazing. Suicide is not worth the risk of ruining what is precious and amazing. What seems dak and upsetting at one moment can change and if you take your life you miss out on seeing those changes. Suicide is the end to everything. When you take your life you take everything.

Suicide leaves a lasting impact on everyone.

If a friend or someone is saying that they are thinking about suicide please donot brush it off as getting attention. Many times they are looking for help and ARE NOT looking for attention. It is not something to take lightly.

If you or someone you know is consdering suicide or is acting out PLEASE get help. On the side of this blog is a website that is known for help and support for suicide. In addition, to IMALIVE just google suicide prevention and there are resources for help.

Do Not Give Up!!

For many school is starting back up or in some cases it already has begun. For others maybe a new job, move, or relationship is starting. A new school year or a new change can be hard. It is easy to want to give up and not continue when it seems that it is too hard. But giving up is the easiest thing to do. It is easy because it does not allow for growth. Remind yourself "Do not give up, the beginning is always the hardest". 

If we give up at the start of something new we may just miss out. You never really know what will happen in life and you never know what will come from preserving through the hardships.

Is it Too Late???? NEVER!!!

While growing up we are often asked "What do you want to do when you grow up?" When we are in high school it is "What do you want to major in?" or "What career do you want?" In college it is "What do you plan to do when you graduate?" Because of this we often either say "I don't know" or we try to commit to one plan. Maybe while committing to that one plan we find another passion. We find something we like even more than that "one plan" What happens then? Do we go back and change? Do we give up on the new passion thinking it is too late? For some people they may give up for others they may find a way to make the new passion work. 

For the longest time I wanted to be a social worker. I thought about other careers in high school but social work always came back to me. I wanted to be a social worker for the sheer reason that I wanted to help others. In my junior year in college I was told that I was not meant to be in the major. In many ways I could have said it was "too late" to find  another passion or another major. Instead I looked for a new major and I found a new passion and fell in love with my new major. I also found that I don't have to be a social worker to help others I can do that in so many other ways. Often in college you are told that junior year is too late to change your major.  Maybe in the terms of a four year degree, but reality is it is never too late. It was not too late for me. I actually happen to think that it was perfect timing for me. 

Reality is we change and it is never too late to find who it is you want to be or what we want to be. There are people out there who have just finished their college degrees at 70 or older, there are other people who after years of being in one career are finding a new career and passion, and their are college students who in their last two years are finding a new major. Bottom line is that regardless of timing, you are never too late to find who it is that you are meant to be. 

Enjoy life and enjoy who you want to be! Enjoy your passions! Never be afraid of timing and never be afraid of changing your life!!