I think there is a reason for everything. I don't know that for sure, but I am fairly certain. I believe every person we encounter for even the shortest period of time matters. I believe that the smallest of actions or tiniest of adventures matter. I believe that everyday makes us who we are. It's sometimes hard to figure out why certain people come into or leave our life. Or why certain things happen, and certain things don't. But in the end it all works out. It all works out for one reason or another.
It's something special to be able to look back on all those reasons. The reasons for great times and hardships that I have had and now I can see how they have made me the person that I am today. I can look back and pride myself in getting through certain events. I can look back and see why certain people have come in my life and why certain people have left. It's funny because now I realize the people who are consistently my "go-to's" are the people who have been there since day one. One of the most influential people in my life constantly tells me to just wait and catch the next wave. To me that saying means that no matter what happens something else is coming along, it could be good, it could be bad. Lately I have been saying that a lot to myself and I realized that I needed to add something very important to that. Wait to catch the next wave but don't let those who come in waves keep you from catching the next. To me that means that just like you can't get hung up on one event you can't ever get hung up on someone entering or exiting your life.
We all have our sayings or little words of advice that we use to coach ourselves when life throws us twists and turns. I just want to remind you of the importance. The importance of believing in yourself. The importance of always having your own back. Be proud of who you are because you are something to be proud of. Take all of the little things and celebrate them. Pride yourself in hard work, don't take anything for granted and always remember that the next wave is coming.
Little Celebrations
1. Having the most amazing family who are constantly my biggest support system.
2. Being able to run and feel strong.
3. Finding my passions, writing will always be one of my biggest.
4. Finding new music and wondering how you ever survived without that song.
5. Being me.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Friday, September 11, 2015
Society & Social Constructions
I go to a University where there are 50,000 students. 50,000 individuals. 50,000 people who come from all across the globe to get an education. When I chose my major I thought it was going to be the biggest part of my education. My studies would be all about advertising and design. I would take some math and science classes along the way, but mostly it would be about advertising. But college is so much more than that. Yes, I have learned so much about advertising and design. But I have also started to find out who I am. Being among 50,000 people everyday who are all different is one of the most refreshing experiences I have ever had. But- it has also been one of the most difficult.
As humans we associate ourselves with different groups. We associate ourselves with gender, race, religion, socioeconomic backgrounds, majors, etc. Whatever group we feel we belong to we pick up these social constructions. As humans we are all so unique but innately try to fit into these groups. These groups can be as small as the "basic white girl" and as big as your race. Being among 50,000 people everyday I thought that I would be able to rid myself of these social constructions and find out the most important things about myself that make me who I am.I have found that being in a crowd makes us cling to these groups even harder. We want to feel secure. But, along the way I have started to find me.
Over the past few days I have experienced these big and small groups from many perspectives. I have had amazing lectures that have made me think about our society as a whole and how society has impacted me as an individual. I have met all kinds of new people, been to all types of club meetings, and university communities. It has been eye opening. I don't think that our society is bad. I just think that I haven't realized how these groups have impacted me throughout my life until now. Somedays I try to fit into some of these groups so much that I find I'm wearing things and talking about things that really don't interest me at all. But it's all part of the journey of finding out who I am.
I feel a little bit like I am trying to explain this concept that can't really be explained without experiencing it. But- the main idea is that we try to fit into these socially constructed groups on a daily basis and that impacts all of our thoughts, values, morals, and daily activities. It's not like I'm sitting here thinking I'm going to be like no one else in the world. I'm sitting here pushing myself to think outside of these groups that I have associated myself with as a chid, teenager and young adult. I'm trying to find me amongst 50,000 people. 50,000 global individuals. Everyday I find out more and more about myself. I find out more and more about who I am and who I want to be. It's one of the most surreal experiences. It's so amazing to feel like everyday I learn more about the world and gain a new perspective at every stage of this journey. Let today be a day where you let you be you. Take a risk and meet people you may think you have nothing in common with. Go somewhere you've never been before. Don't let society dominate your thoughts. Just be you, because YOU are amazing.
"You can construct the character of a man and his age not only from what he does and says, but from what he fails to say and do." - Norman Douglas
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Ralph Waldo Emerson
"You are you. Now isn't that pleasant?" - Dr. Seuss
As humans we associate ourselves with different groups. We associate ourselves with gender, race, religion, socioeconomic backgrounds, majors, etc. Whatever group we feel we belong to we pick up these social constructions. As humans we are all so unique but innately try to fit into these groups. These groups can be as small as the "basic white girl" and as big as your race. Being among 50,000 people everyday I thought that I would be able to rid myself of these social constructions and find out the most important things about myself that make me who I am.I have found that being in a crowd makes us cling to these groups even harder. We want to feel secure. But, along the way I have started to find me.
Over the past few days I have experienced these big and small groups from many perspectives. I have had amazing lectures that have made me think about our society as a whole and how society has impacted me as an individual. I have met all kinds of new people, been to all types of club meetings, and university communities. It has been eye opening. I don't think that our society is bad. I just think that I haven't realized how these groups have impacted me throughout my life until now. Somedays I try to fit into some of these groups so much that I find I'm wearing things and talking about things that really don't interest me at all. But it's all part of the journey of finding out who I am.
I feel a little bit like I am trying to explain this concept that can't really be explained without experiencing it. But- the main idea is that we try to fit into these socially constructed groups on a daily basis and that impacts all of our thoughts, values, morals, and daily activities. It's not like I'm sitting here thinking I'm going to be like no one else in the world. I'm sitting here pushing myself to think outside of these groups that I have associated myself with as a chid, teenager and young adult. I'm trying to find me amongst 50,000 people. 50,000 global individuals. Everyday I find out more and more about myself. I find out more and more about who I am and who I want to be. It's one of the most surreal experiences. It's so amazing to feel like everyday I learn more about the world and gain a new perspective at every stage of this journey. Let today be a day where you let you be you. Take a risk and meet people you may think you have nothing in common with. Go somewhere you've never been before. Don't let society dominate your thoughts. Just be you, because YOU are amazing.
"You can construct the character of a man and his age not only from what he does and says, but from what he fails to say and do." - Norman Douglas
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Ralph Waldo Emerson
"You are you. Now isn't that pleasant?" - Dr. Seuss
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
adventure.
Travel enriches our souls. Meeting people from all over the world reminds us just how large life is. We learn about new backgrounds. We hear stories and see things we never knew existed. Sometimes walking around aimlessly in a city we've never been to before is all it takes to remember how much is out there socially, physically and culturally. The new father you met on a fishing boat who sailed in torrential storms to Hawaii, the little girl in the airport getting off the plane and running into her moms arms, or the frazzled lady you saw playing 15 different instruments in the park to make a few extra dollars. Everyone has a different story. All have had their own adventure and each chasing their own dream.
But most importantly to me travel inspires me to be the person I am. To be confident in my dreams and that finding adventure is something I constantly crave. It doesn't make me feel guilty for being fortunate but instead grateful for the experiences I have had. Travel is about exploring everything the world has to offer. Even after long flight delays, eating out every meal, and being cramped in a tiny rental car I still constantly crave to fulfill this craving at every corner of the world. No matter how big or small the next corner is, I'll find adventure.
I thought about writing out a list of the adventures that I want to take next. But, I truly think the best adventures come when we least expect them to.
Also, thanks to the people who inspire me to keep writing and adventuring. So lucky to have such great people in my life.
Monday, May 4, 2015
Just Good Things..
"It might take a year. It might take a day. But what's mean to be will always find a way."
This year was one of the biggest changes I've ever experienced in my life. Actually, it was the biggest change I have ever experienced in my life. It was filled with lots of good times and some rough patches. But, looking back I wouldn't change a thing. I wouldn't change a person I met and I wouldn't change a thing I did. I believe that this year was supposed to work out exactly the way it did. And for that I believe I am one of the luckiest people in the entire world.
Reflecting on some of the people I met I strongly believe that I met some of my best friends. Being thrown into a dorm with a mix of people from all over the county (and world). People who have come from all backgrounds, cultures, and religions is truly a blessing. Yes, there is some head butting. But I learned to realize that that's life and you're never going to get along with everyone no matter how hard you try. I met some of my best friends in some of the most unexpected ways. I met people that I never knew would be so important to me. People that I never thought would turn out to help me embrace this year and all that college has to offer. And if you're reading this you know exactly who you are and I can't thank you enough for pushing me to be the person that I am and the person that I am becoming.
Being pushed so far out of my comfort zone so many times truly has been a blessing in disguise. I believe that because of all these times where I was walking in blind to situations and scared out of my mind that I now am a more confident, well-rounded, independent person. I am pleased to announce that because of me taking a shot in the dark I am now officially going to be the Assistant Editor-in-Chief of MSU's HerCampus. I am also pleased to announce that I will be a PR/Marketing intern at the Grand Rapid's Children's museum this summer. Both of these things happened because I just went for it.
Immersion in different cultures is something that I knew was going to happen at MSU. But, I didn't expect it to be to this extent. I have meet people of all religions, cultures, races, sexual orientation, socioeconomic backgrounds.. I could go on and on. Those experiences are just part of the daily routine. It is a blessing to go to a University where so many people call home. Anyone who knows me knows that I love culture and have this aching to travel the world and experience new things. Being here at MSU has only added more fuel to that fire.
All in all I couldn't have asked for anything different. I wouldn't have wanted one day to be different. I wouldn't have change one person that I met. I am so grateful to have had such a wonderful experience here. Thank you to all of you who have made this year such a breathe of fresh air and glimpse into the future.
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| Five for Fighting Concert |
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| St. Patty's Day at MSU |
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| Hammocking along the Red Cedar River |
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| Carly's track meet at MSU |
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| Riverboat 2015 |
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| 2015-2016 Roomies |
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| The Big Lake |
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| Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore |
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| Spring Break Jackson Hole, WY |
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| Grand Haven, MI |
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| Sushi for the first time |
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| Home for Christmas |
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| A writer excited for free newspapers |
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| "Up North" |
Monday, April 20, 2015
Monday's Are For Coffee, Blueberry Muffins and Blogging
"Don't look at the future as anything else but the future."
Friday, April 17, 2015
Go Ride Your Bike.
Hey All!
First off, thank you to everyone who reads my blog. When I get notifications about how many page views I have every day I can't help but smile. Writing for an audience who continues to read is a huge blessing. So, thank you. I appreciate all of you.
Secondly, it's a beautiful day. Michigan State is filled with students outside just happy to be alive. It's such a refreshing feeling. Now, I could go on to write about all of these things that I am thankful for and how inspiring it has been to experience new things on a daily basis. But, I have been blogging about that A LOT lately. So I decided to switch things up.
I am a huge soccer fan. I fell in love with the game when I was first old enough to play sports. And ever since then it has always been something that has been an extreme passion of mine. In fact, when I was a preteen I used to spend hours looking up soccer quotes and motivational sayings. I used to type them up and print them off so I could tape them up on my door. And after a while the entire door was filled. So even during my extreme obsession with soccer phase I was still in love with words. And as the weather gets nice and summer is approaching I thought it would be suiting to share some motivational workout quotes. So once you read these I expect all of you to get up and get outside. Whether it's going on a bike ride or training for a marathon it's important for all of us to be active. With that, enjoy!
xo
Shelby
1. "I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
- John Rockefeller
First off, thank you to everyone who reads my blog. When I get notifications about how many page views I have every day I can't help but smile. Writing for an audience who continues to read is a huge blessing. So, thank you. I appreciate all of you.
Secondly, it's a beautiful day. Michigan State is filled with students outside just happy to be alive. It's such a refreshing feeling. Now, I could go on to write about all of these things that I am thankful for and how inspiring it has been to experience new things on a daily basis. But, I have been blogging about that A LOT lately. So I decided to switch things up.
I am a huge soccer fan. I fell in love with the game when I was first old enough to play sports. And ever since then it has always been something that has been an extreme passion of mine. In fact, when I was a preteen I used to spend hours looking up soccer quotes and motivational sayings. I used to type them up and print them off so I could tape them up on my door. And after a while the entire door was filled. So even during my extreme obsession with soccer phase I was still in love with words. And as the weather gets nice and summer is approaching I thought it would be suiting to share some motivational workout quotes. So once you read these I expect all of you to get up and get outside. Whether it's going on a bike ride or training for a marathon it's important for all of us to be active. With that, enjoy!
xo
Shelby
1. "I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
- John Rockefeller
2. "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."
- Gandhi
3. "Energy & persistence conquer all things."
- Ben Franklin
4. "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
- Michael Jordan
5. "Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
Monday, April 13, 2015
Sometimes Cliches are Spot On..
Happy Monday to you!
Realized that I haven't posted in a while. Research papers, exams, and classes have truly been taking up lots of my free time that I wish I could be writing for all of you. However- I have been writing in my journal almost every night. And the past couple entires have had one common theme, they are all about this crazy adventure that my life is on right now. SO- my post today is kind of a summary of what has been on my mind.
Life is a journey. Everyone knows that.. we've all heard this, seen this, and said this countless times in our lives. It's a phrase that is so mainstream that we often dismiss the meaning because it seems like at first glance the only thing it's good for is sayings on travel coffee mugs and magnets you buy as gifts for people you don't really know. But this year I have found that this saying means more than just a few words I've heard my entire life. Those four words truly define the adventure that I have been on this year. Full of new things every single day. New struggles, new celebrations, new faces, and new experiences. So- if I had to sum it up, life is a journey seems about right. There has been adventures in this journey where I have simply stopped and taken everything in and felt so alive. I think it is important for everyone to have these moments at least once a day. Whether it's pushing yourself to do something outside your comfort zone or doing something for the millionth time, it's important. When you have these moments, take a second and just take everything in. And then when the moment disappears remember that those moments will continue to come back on this crazy journey. Remember to do things that make you happy. Remember that a journey is full of craziness and a few bad moments doesn't mean that things are over. And a few good moments doesn't mean things won't ever get bad again.
This Monday I challenge you to do something that makes you feel alive. Something that makes you stop and realize that you are so lucky to be on this crazy journey we call life. Do something that you haven't done in years, or something you did yesterday. Just do something that makes you happy to be alive, because life truly is something special.
Much Love To All.
Song of the Day: Fight Song by Rachel Platten
Realized that I haven't posted in a while. Research papers, exams, and classes have truly been taking up lots of my free time that I wish I could be writing for all of you. However- I have been writing in my journal almost every night. And the past couple entires have had one common theme, they are all about this crazy adventure that my life is on right now. SO- my post today is kind of a summary of what has been on my mind.
Life is a journey. Everyone knows that.. we've all heard this, seen this, and said this countless times in our lives. It's a phrase that is so mainstream that we often dismiss the meaning because it seems like at first glance the only thing it's good for is sayings on travel coffee mugs and magnets you buy as gifts for people you don't really know. But this year I have found that this saying means more than just a few words I've heard my entire life. Those four words truly define the adventure that I have been on this year. Full of new things every single day. New struggles, new celebrations, new faces, and new experiences. So- if I had to sum it up, life is a journey seems about right. There has been adventures in this journey where I have simply stopped and taken everything in and felt so alive. I think it is important for everyone to have these moments at least once a day. Whether it's pushing yourself to do something outside your comfort zone or doing something for the millionth time, it's important. When you have these moments, take a second and just take everything in. And then when the moment disappears remember that those moments will continue to come back on this crazy journey. Remember to do things that make you happy. Remember that a journey is full of craziness and a few bad moments doesn't mean that things are over. And a few good moments doesn't mean things won't ever get bad again.
This Monday I challenge you to do something that makes you feel alive. Something that makes you stop and realize that you are so lucky to be on this crazy journey we call life. Do something that you haven't done in years, or something you did yesterday. Just do something that makes you happy to be alive, because life truly is something special.
Much Love To All.
Song of the Day: Fight Song by Rachel Platten
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