#7: 50 Life Secrets and Tips

A nice follow-up from my last post (#6 - Be Present)...

Even more specifically, live in THIS moment. Even 10 minutes ago is the past. If you live purely in this moment, you will always be happy because there is nothing wrong in this split-second.

 Wow! This brings a nice sense of relief when you really think about what it's saying. "Even 10 minutes ago is the past" - if we can make a conscious effort to not live in the past, even if it was just a few minutes ago, we can never be ruled by those emotions that only live when we are not present. Awesome! Taking this with me into the new year...

#6: 50 Life Secrets and Tips

Just in time for the holidays, when we feel called to reflect on the months past and look forward to 2012...

Learn to focus only on the present. The past is unchangeable so it is futile to reflect on it unless you are making sure you do not repeat past mistakes. The future is but a result of your actions today. So learn from the past to do better in the present so that you can succeed in the future.

How great is this? All we have is right now. Literally. The past does NOT exist and we don't have access to it - we can't change it, so why dwell? Of course, we reflect and reminisce. But to live in the past and to base your mood on what has already occurred is exhausting and counterproductive. The best (and sometimes the hardest) thing we can do for ourselves is to live in this moment. There is no telling what the future will hold, and if we spend the present stressing about the future, then we aren't really living the life that we have right now. We are essentially just wasting precious time. All of the familiar quotes like "Carpe Diem" and "live every moment like it's your last" may seem so cliche, but they couldn't be more true. Being present and celebrating what we are experience in this very moment can only add to our excitement and satisfaction with life. Negative feelings like regret and resentment can only be experienced when living in the past. Stress and anxiety are often are a result of focusing too much on the future. If we can all practice being more actionable and embracing the present, we would all be infinitely more happy and balanced.

Oh... and just in case I wasn't clear...focus on the present, not the presents. ;)

#5: 50 Life Secrets and Tips

#5 is a big one. It's super important, and it seems so second nature when you think about it. BUT, people (including me) will find any reason in the world NOT to do it... exercise.

Get fit! It's ridiculous to think that we have one body, one sole means of functioning, and people are too lazy to take care of themselves. Fit bodies lead to better health, confidence and more success with romantic endeavors. I'd say those are 3 very good reasons to get in shape. 

Exercising and re-energizing our bodies isn't really as scary and daunting as we make it. And our bodies always thank us handsomely when we do it... so why not give ourselves that treat consistently?! I understand that it can feel like a nearly impossible feat when it's been a while or it feels like your body is incapable of moving the way you'd like. But those are just feelings, not realities. And if you hate the feelings of being out of shape and being unhealthy enough, then you won't let yourself get to that place of self-discouragement for too long! It may seem challenging at first to hop back into a routine, but think of it this way. Would you ever, willingly, go a day without brushing your teeth? GROSS, RIGHT?! Those are the only teeth you have, right? And you don't want to have terrible breath, right?! Then why would you ever let yourself be lazy and inactive? Isn't that the only body you get? Do you like to look like a frumpy, unfit person? No. No one does. SO, give your  body and your mind a reason to live and rejoice. 

This tip is a particularly good one for the holidays. We tend to overindulge with eating and relaxation this time of year. So make sure you put aside some time to get active too. This will keep you feeling balanced and your spirits high in the frenzy of the season.

(don't think I'm talking down to you - whoever you may be - I am writing this as total encouragement for myself and others!)

#4: 50 Life Secrets and Tips

This is a good one for personal and professional reasons...

Remember people’s names so that they feel appreciated and for your own future benefit when you want something from that person. To do this, say their name back to them when they introduce themselves. Then repeat the name in your head a number of times until you are sure you have it. Continue to use their name in conversation as much as possible to remove any chance of forgetting it. If you’re still having trouble, make up a rhyme about their name: “Dan the Man” or “Natalie flatters me.”

I feel like we tend to easily forget names these days. I can't tell you how many times I have forgotten someone's name no sooner than it has left their mouth - it's like I am more focused on my response back to their greeting than actually listening to their name! Being proactive with remembering people's names will keep our minds fresh and help us to be better listeners when new people share with us. Don't you feel special / aren't you surprised when someone you met only once or twice remembers your name? It really does have a positive effect, and it usually makes us more conscious of remembering their name and anything else about them we can ask about later.

I also notice that when people say my name in a conversation, it adds impact and really draws my attention back in. It's a great tool to engage your listener and ensure that  he/she understands the importance of your words. Try it out!

#3: 50 Life Secrets and Tips

#3 on the list of 50 Life Secrets and Tips is a wonderfully inspiring one.

3. Develop an endless curiosity about this world.  Become an explorer and view the world as your jungle. Stop and observe all of the little things as completely unique events. Try new things. Get out of your comfort zone and try to experience as many different environments and sensations as possible. This world has so much to offer, so why not take advantage of it?

We are often called "creatures of habit," and this tip illustrates how sad that descriptor really is. When we get stuck on the same merry-go-round, we are simply ruled by patterns and expectations.  "We always eat dinner at X," "I never make it to the gym before work," "This is the only way I like to travel," etc. We get stuck in what we know and what is comfortable, because that takes less effort and it's more top of mind than thinking outside of the box. We tunnel vision and lose sight of new opportunities and perspectives, because we limit what we allow ourselves to do, see, and feel. This mindset also sets us up for disappointment, since when something doesn't go the way we expected, it is uncomfortable/dissatisfying/surprising. ("Expectations suck the joy out of life.") What if we were, instead, "creatures of spontaneity?" It may feel extremely counter-intuituve at first, but how wonderful would it be if we could shake off our expectations and routines, and really see the world with new eyes? The world truly does have so much to offer when we don't rely on it to only offer specific things.


Starting today, I am going to work on seeing this planet as the truly fascinating place that it is. I'm going to step out of what I usually do and explore a new place or do something I thought I never could. It feels good to also see ourselves as fascinating and full of possibilities. What DOES a limitless person DO in a limitless world? That mental picture is intangible, and extremely exciting.

#2: 50 Life Secrets and Tips

Happy Monday, everyone! Today I want to move onto thinking about #2 of "50 Like Secrets and Tips." I must admit - this is a difficult one for me...

2. Constantly try to reduce your attachment to possessions. Those who are heavy-set with material desires will have a lot of trouble when their things are taken away from them or lost. Possessions do end up owning you, not the other way around. Become a person of minimal needs and you will be much more content.

Sheryl Crow thinks so, too! In her song Soak Up the Sun, she sings "It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got!" It's such a terrible feeling to want an item - to have some expectation about receiving/buying it or to long for the unattainable. It's definitely not thinking in the present. I have a hard time letting go of my material possessions. It's as if I'm afraid I will want them when they are gone, even if I don't currently use them or think about them on a regular basis. Once I finally do a big (boyfriend-encouraged) wipeout of old things that I haven't looked at for years, I feel so cleansed and happy to rid myself of things I don't need. But getting to the point of letting go is really hard for me - it generally involves me stomping my feet all the way to the trash or Good Will bin. Why do I feel that way? Yes, society has a very consumerist influence, but there must be something that runs deeper. Do all of my things make me feel safe? Is it about holding onto the memories and/or meanings I have attached to the items? Is it the "rainy day" mentality? Perhaps it is a little bit of all of these things.  Not only do I like my "stuff," but I also really love giving "stuff." One of my very best friends always has to remind me, "you are enough!" when I stress about getting gifts or making people feel special with material things. I know there are so many other ways to show people that I care for them, but I just struggle to act on them. Friendly, loving words and hand-made gifts are more personal and genuine. But somehow I always get sucked into spending money to make my gift or token of appreciation have more value. Apparently, I am judging my own giving with the wrong kind of currency.  Any advice or thoughts?

#1: 50 Life Secrets and Tips

A friend just recently introduced me to StumbleUpon, and I've been finding some real gems! One of them being "50 Life Secrets and Tips." I agree with 90% of them...more about that later. I thought I would share one every once in a while and offer some examples or further thoughts. Let me know if you find these helpful and/or if you start to practice them! Happy Sunday!

1. Memorize something everyday. Not only will this leave your brain sharp and your memory functioning, you will also have a huge library of quotes to bust out at any moment. Poetry, sayings, and philosophies are your best options.

This is a great one! It forces you to spend some time with yourself and pick something that is meaningful and inspiring to commit to memory. Who doesn't like to whip out a quote or saying as advice or when it fits into a conversation? I have been working on memorizing some quotes and phrases from my current favorite book, Kindred Spirit: Fulfilling Love's Promise. Today I am choosing to really meditate on this phrase:

"Speak in a way that lands in another’s world like an opportunity."

Try on these thoughts below... (my Kindred Spirit book is written in the first person so that you can read it as your own thoughts. I decided to do the same.) 


I will be more mindful with my words. They really can cut like knives (and sometimes I use them anyways, knowing that they will hurt). I am committed to opening the door for others with gracious words. I will really think before I speak. Others cannot truly feel my emotions or really see things from my perspective, but they can definitely hear my words. I will speak in a way that lands in another's world like an opportunity - an opportunity to grow, to share, to make a request, etc.

Soul Mates

This week has been a roller coaster of  emotional ups and downs - especially on the relationship front. I am anxiously awaiting the end of Mercury's retrograde (last day is December 13th). The cosmos have been weighing on my shoulders and closing off my heart and mind to growth and new possibilities. Oops - surrendering that excuse - I just need to be more aware of my emotions and not so reactive. The other day when I was feeling down about my (romantic) relationship, I "stumbled upon" this quote below from Eat, Pray, Love. At the time I read this, I was feeling pessimistic about the strength of my relationship - but as soon as sifted through this quote, I suddenly felt a passionate desire to defend my relationship and debunk the quote...

“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.

A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.

A soul mate's purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master...”

― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

 My first (super unpolished) response was:"What is this crap?!" Your soul mate is not meant to stick around? There is no possibility for longevity once your soul mate reveals these new insights to you? I don't believe that for a second. At this point, the light bulb turned on and my pessimism turned off. I realized that my boyfriend truly is one of my soul mates. He holds up the mirror to me and stands by me even when I refuse to look into the glass. He encourages my growth and holds me accountable when I throw silly emotional fits. He challenges my "stories" and my ego so that I can be more open to possibilities and new ideas. He is a good listener and tries his hardest to get on the same page as me when I'm feeling we are conflicted. He loves me unconditionally and works very hard to act as the level in our relationship. All of these things sound wonderful - and they are - but there is also a significant amount of pain and vulnerability that come with letting someone see your "dark sides" and the layers you are shedding in your transformation. I believe that more often than not, it is probably NOT our soul mate who typically  "leaves," but rather, us! Perhaps we feel like it's "too hard" or "too scary" to feel so exposed, and that it's easier to walk away from the relationship (aka a facilitator of your transformation) than to be patient, surrender blame, and reap the benefits. I know that I have been guilty of that cop out. If it is truly just intimidation and the challenges of growth that are holding you back from your relationship, then why not work through that and stay with your soul mate?

Side note - a soul mate does not only refer to a romantic partner; your friends and family members can also be soul mates. My account above can be applied to any soul mate.

Here is a better quote about soul mates that feels a lot more inspirational:

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colors seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.”

― Bob Marley

Musical Inspiration:

Survivor / I Will Survive (Glee Cast Version)

Just Dance.

Why did you decide to take Jazz Dance, and what have you learned thus far?

            I decided to take Jazz Dance because of my undying, passionate love for dance. I danced all throughout high school, but regrettably never made time in my busy college schedule to take a class. Free styling in my room and dancing with friends was not enough to fill the void I felt in my life without dance. So I decided to take Jazz Dance to give myself a guaranteed three hours a week of pure energy and expression. Every since I was a little girl, I was always enrolled in some kind of dance class, whether jazz, hip-hop, or cheerleading. From the first class I attended, I knew that I would never be able to control my desire to dance and to express myself through moving my body. The performance aspect and entertaining others with weeks of my hard work, is one of the most rewarding parts of dance. I feel like I am getting into character as soon as the music starts and my muscle memory is triggered. It is as if the whole world stops while that music plays: I don’t have a care in the world, and I let the beat of the melody take control. It is one of the only times that I allow myself to lay down control and wholeheartedly trust my body’s intuition. I took this class to relive everything I have always loved about dance: the performance, endorphin-powered energy, new friendships, and motivating challenges.

            So far, one of the most important things I have learned is that everyone learns choreography at his or her own pace. While I may get down on myself because I take longer to internalize and master new material, others can watch once and mimic seamlessly. As a perfectionist, I am learning that it is okay to not always be the best or master something new right away. I am discovering that if I don’t allow my spirits to be doused during the learning process, the “aha” moment of success is even more rewarding. I am also discovering how positively my body reacts when I push it to the limit and give every dance move my all. Each time I leave class, I feel more alive than I did when I walked in.  Additionally, I am learning to get more comfortable socializing with people and performing for strangers. While intimidating at first, it is important to remember that everyone in the class has something they can learn from someone else. We are all at different levels and each have our own skills, but for the one and a half hours that we are in class, it doesn’t matter. We walk into the class with all of our different interests and intentions, but on the dance floor we all meet in the middle with our love for dance and perfect imperfections. 

Wonderful Book

Today in class, we read excerpts from a beautifully inspiring book called As a Man Thinketh by James Allen. It compares the mind to a garden, which you must tend to if you want it to flourish; just like a garden, the mind can grow weeds that will crowd and overpower if you do not plant flowers and fruit.  You can actually download this short book online, and I recommend it to everyone. I am going to start reading it today. Here is a small taste...


"Men will continue to have impure and poisoned blood, so long as they propagate unclean thoughts. Out of a clean heart comes a clean life and a clean body. Out of a defiled mind proceeds a defiled life and a corrupt body. Thought is the fount of action, life and manifestation; make the foundation pure, and all will be pure."


Download the free e-book at the link below. I have done it myself, so I know it works. ENJOY!
www.asamanthinketh.net/download.htm 

Fascinating Ads

There is a great site I like to visit called http://www.ibelieveinadv.com/ (I Believe in Advertising). They post amazingly creative print and video ads from all different industries around the world. Take a look at some that I collected today...


bmt ­Bund Gegen Missbrauch der Tiere e.v. (Association against animal abuse): Fox

Exaaaactly... what if the tables were turned.

Onida Mobiles: Boss, Mom, Girlfriend

February 15, 2011 at 22:12 · Filed under Print/Poster

“If you’re on the phone, you’re not watching the road. Issued in public interest by Onida Mobiles.”
HAH - great way to illustrate the distraction it presents...

Canon PowerShot D10: Choir, Miss, Family

February 14, 2011 at 13:55 · Filed under Print/Poster

“It’s more fun underwater. Canon PowerShot D10.”

PETA: Veggie Love

February 14, 2011 at 08:56 · Filed under TV/Film

PETA’s banned Super Bowl 2011 commercial.
LOL - vegetables never looked so good!

Beautiful Song

Elephant Love Medley, from the movie Moulin Rouge


Christian: Love is a many splinded thing, love, lifts us up where we
belong, all you need is love.
Satine: Please, don't start that again.

C: All you need is love.
S: A girl has got to eat.

C: All you need is love.
S: Or she'll end up on the streets.

C: All you need is love.
S: Love is just a game.

C: I was made for loving you baby, you were made for loving me.
S: The only way of loving me baby, is to pay a lovely fee

C: Just one night, gimme, just one night.
S: There's no way, cause you can't pay.

C: In the name of love, one night in the name of love.
S: You crazy fool, I won't give in to you.

C: Don't leave me this way, I can't survive, without your sweet
love, oh baby, don't leave me this way.
S: You'd think that people would have had enough of silly
love songs.

C: I look around me and I see, it isn't so, oh no.
S: Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs.

C: Well what's wrong with that, I'd like to know? Cause here I go
again! Love lifts us up where we belong, where eagles fly, on
a mountain high.
S: Love makes us act like we are fools, throw our lives away
for one happy day.

C: We could be heroes, just for one day.
S: You, you will be mean.

C: No I won't!
S: And I, I--I'll drink all the time.

C: We should be lovers.
S: We can't do that.

C: We should be lovers, and that's a fact.
S: Though nothing, will keep us together.

C: We could steal time...
Both: Just for one day.We could be heroes, for ever and ever.
We could be heroes, for ever and ever. We could be heroes...
C: Just because I will always love you.

S: I
Both:Can't help loving
C:you
S:How Wonderful life is
Both:Now your in the world 

Perception is a Powerful Thing

February 15^th, 2011

Questions to help diffuse the stress response:

Choose one a stressor in your life. Is this situation real? Can I handle this situation? How can I think about it differently?

            One huge stressor in my life is pleasing others. Usually, the people that I most aim to impress and strive to get their validation are my parents. From a young age, I have looked to my elders to confirm my successes, validate my choices, and encourage the path I chose to embark on. When I feel that my parents don’t support a decision I have made, I get really down on myself and stress about how to change things. If I don’t make a change that pleases them, I live in constant stress and a cloud of guilt follows my every move.

            This stressor is NOT real. My parents trust me enough to make my own life decisions, but are never hesitant to give their opinions and two cents about my chosen course of action. The feeling of guilt and my perceived disappointment live in my mind alone. As long as I’m not doing anything life threatening, my parents generally encourage me to make my own choices. However their advice and opinions always loom in the back of my mind, daunting me if I chose to go against what they think is right.

            This stressor, like all others, is about perception. This is how I choose to feel about my parents’ opinions and this is how I choose to let myself worry. Getting another point of view or someone else’s opinion about a choice you make is great. It helps you to step out from behind your own biased screen to see the situation through a more objective window. Many times, it takes a lot of will power to maintain an even temper or not get overly emotional when someone reveals flaws or brings certain considerations to light. When my parents do this, especially with things that I feel very strongly about, I often break down and shut myself off. I don’t want to hear their advice or I feel it’s too invasive. I get very snippy and often provoke my parents with short, annoyed statements.  I can make a conscious effort to absorb and consider their take on my decisions without getting upset. I should listen to everything they have to say, without interrupting them, and then give myself some alone time to mull it over before jumping to shut them down or prove them wrong. I need to practice not jumping to the defense, and learning to be a more even-tempered, considerate communicator. Sometimes opening your mind to what other, more experienced and removed people have to say can really inform better decisions. You just have to be open to it. But YOU control that.

Overcoming Emotion

I am taking a Stress Management class during my last semester at USC, and I wanted to share the journal entries that we write every week. They are extremely cathartic for me and great personal exercises to learn more about yourself and what you would like to work on. All of the questions/prompts will be provided in my entries, so feel free to do these exercises yourself too. You'll be surprised at how well you can enlighten yourself just by freeing your thoughts from your cluttered mind.

February 10^th, 2011

Worry, guilt, fear, hostility, anxiety, anger, hostility…Choose an emotion that plagues you and explain why you picked it. Why does it always have a hold on you and why do you let it overcome you? Name three steps you can take to gain more control over this emotion.

WORRY

I often get so preoccupied with the future, whether short term or long term, that I forgot to enjoy the present. I need to work on lessening my worry by accepting the natural order of events and embracing the serendipity of life. Being of the “planner” mindset, there are ways to set goals for myself without stressing over them so much that when I ultimately fulfill them, it isn’t satisfying. Worry has a hold on me because I let it. I fear imperfection and the unexpected. I can make conscious choices to help lessen my worry.

1.  Journal about the things I am worrying about on a weekly basis. Simply getting my worries on paper gets them out of my mind and into view where I can consider how to best deal with them.

2. Instead of worrying about the future and the unknown, I can work on smaller, short-term goals that may or may not lead to what I envisioned. Keeping closer tabs on my goals and keeping them relative to the time I compose will help me to allow them to constantly evolve. Instead of setting huge future goals in stone, it is best to create loose objectives and allow them to evolve over time. Goals are leaving and breathing, not definite.

3. Exercises like dance, yoga, and singing are activities that help me to step outside of my cluttered mind and take a breath of fresh air. Worry overcomes me when I review my anxieties over and over in my mind. Instead of obsessing, it’s good to fold in weely physical activities and soothing time for myself to clear my thoughts and enable better judgment and emotional control.

How do others perceive you?

I am taking a Stress Management class during my last semester at USC, and I wanted to share the journal entries that we write every week. They are extremely cathartic for me and great personal exercises to learn more about yourself and what you would like to work on. All of the questions/prompts will be provided in my entries, so feel free to do these exercises yourself too. You'll be surprised at how well you can enlighten yourself just by freeing your thoughts from your cluttered mind.

January 27^th, 2011

What do you think others think about you? What is their perception of you?

Why do you think people have that perception of you?

How do you want to be remembered?

From what I have found out later from friends and peers, many people at school perceive me to be intimidating and unapproachable. I was floored to hear this, because I am a friendly, nonjudgmental person. However, it turns out that being vocal in class, asking questions in lecture, and working hard on my studies and projects really drives people away from me. This is unfortunate, because I know that are many people in my classes who have avoided chatting with me because of how much pride I take in my work and how I like to participate in class. When put into group projects with peers or meeting new people through friends at school, I have much better luck hitting it off with people because they see that there is nothing to be intimidated by. Additionally, all of my friends and many peers will say that I am an over-achiever and that I push myself too hard. I have recently gotten a better grasp on balancing work and fun, but everyone knows that I will never accept anything less than the absolute best from myself.

Adults see me as mature for my age and very driven. Coming from a house of hard-working parents, people see that their ambition has been passed down to me. I like to talk about my accomplishments and goals for the future when family members and family friends ask. Since they are older, this is not intimidating to them, but rather, enticing because we have more things to talk about and it’s easier to relate to one another. For this reason, many of my confidants and good friends are older than me. Though I enjoying sharing my experiences and insights, I have been told that I do not come off as arrogant, and instead adults perceive me as very humble. I appreciate that, because I often don’t give myself enough credit and feel uncomfortable rambling on about school and work when my parents put me on the spot.

I want to be remembered as a hard-working person who really put family and close friends at the top of her list of priorities. I want people to know that I had a deep passion for my work, and that I was always up for a creative challenge. I hope that people remember me for my kind, charitable spirit and that the research I have conducted lives on for decades after I have passed.

“Type A” Much?

I am taking a Stress Management class during my last semester at USC, and I wanted to share the journal entries that we write every week. They are extremely cathartic for me and great personal exercises to learn more about yourself and what you would like to work on. All of the questions/prompts will be provided in my entries, so feel free to do these exercises yourself too. You'll be surprised at how well you can enlighten yourself just by freeing your thoughts from your cluttered mind.

February 9^th, 2011

(3) things you like about yourself, and why?

1.        I am a relentlessly hard worker. When I put my mind to something or set a goal, I will achieve it. I am very hard on myself, but this passionate approach to my life and my work has brought me great success and fulfillment.

2.       I am a good mentor and advice-giver. I like to feel like my own personal experiences or general empathy can help people to get through hard times and understand more about the situations they face. It makes me feel like a good friend to help those close to me battle through difficult times.

3.       I am humble. Though this is something I would never come up with on my own, I have been told by many friends and family members that I keep my achievements and my pride to myself. Part of this is because I am such a harsh judge of my own work, and sometimes I do not see the magnitude of my accomplishments. I like knowing that my hard work hasn’t made me seem like a flashy, stuck-up person to others.

(3) things you would like to change/improve about yourself, and why?

1.        I sell myself short. While I am proud of everything I have accomplished, I always seem to feel like it’s never enough or that it is not “that great.” We are all our own worst critics, but I tend to put myself down when I feel like I have done a less-than perfect job or when others don’t recognize what I feel was very hard work. I would like to learn to not be so hard on myself, while still staying humble and working at my full potential.

2.       I can be short-tempered. This is unfortunate, because I am most snippy with the people that matter most to me: close friends and family. Though I am a great advice-giver, I can be harsh when dealing with someone close to me. I find it difficult to be patient when I see someone hurting themselves, acting naïve, or playing the victim. I would like to learn to be a more patient person in all aspects of life and a better listener.

3.       I over-analyze everything. I tend to read into things, whether it be an assignment or a message from a crush, way too much. I exhaust myself trying to think of the perfect response or best way to tackle an assignment. I always go above and beyond what is asked of me, often because I have over-thought what is expected of me. I would like to learn to calm down, to be more comfortable trusting my intuition, and to take things for what they are. There is beauty in the unknown, and not everything necessitates a perfect answer.