Looking at what someone is wearing today may give you a hint to their mood, or maybe their plans for the day. Talking to them may unravel more clues, but when they talk you might find the conclusion. Honesty is one of the most important characteristics to me. Not just being honest to other people, but to yourself. Being honest to yourself is a breath of fresh air. It's something that everyone should experience. It's going out on a limb and being who you are and not caring what anyone thinks, because you were honest. And that is the purpose of this blog. It is to put myself out there, as a student, writer, and person. Out in the open for all to see. Because I am not afraid of mistakes and judgement, because in the end we will regret more of what we didn't do than what we did do. By now, I figure that it is understandable that I think failing is one of the most important life lessons to undergo.
White Words on a Black Page is more than just a blog to me its my portal to honesty. To truth, I have discovered myself when I write for myself. Write for yourself, always. Sure, maybe you are writing a paper for a professor, but in the ultimate you are writing it for yourself leading to pride and passion. Oh, passion. Write what YOU love, write what YOU are passionate about, the work ethic will seem natural. Be honest with yourself in your writing, it will be more authentic.
Write uncomfortably. Trust me, it will make sense.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
"When someone pushes you, you push them back its basic physics."
Dagoberto Campano Cortes, the smallest man I know, who has one of the loudest personalities that I've ever seen. He has been more to a coach to me for the last 5 years, he has been a grandpa. When someone asks who my coach is my response is always, "Dago, who else?" A short Chilean who wears Crocs, and that's all. He has never told me how old he actually is, some days he is 40, some 20, other days 99. He means more to me than just another coach. Soccer has given me a heck of a ride since I was 5. My first soccer practice was in a dress, cleats, and shin guards up to my knees. Like most people- my parents figured it would just be something that would come and go. But, 12 years later, 8 rec seasons, 12 club seasons, 3 high school seasons, 9 indoor seasons, I only have one left. One season as a high school senior. But- all in all club soccer has always been where my heart is. Its the travel for 3 hours to go play a dirty team that pushes you and swears at you just to beat them 1-0. Its waking up at 7 a.m. on Saturday to play a game in 30 degree weather and rain. My last club season came to an end, yesterday. And this is how it went.
It was Friday at noon and we had finally packed up the car and me and my dad were headed to Indy for the weekend, my last soccer tournament. The whole drive there I was listening to music and my dad was talking my ear off about whatever landmark was coming up next. As we got closer he started talking about the exciting games tomorrow, but not pushing me or coaching me. Just encouraging me. My dad has always been that guy. He never yells, never pushes me beyond my limits. He stands away from all the crazy soccer moms and just watches. Every once in a while he will look at me during a corner kick or goal kick and point me to move one direction or another, and he is always right. He's my biggest fan, my biggest cheerleader through wins and loses. We got to the hotel and right away my dad wanted to go downtown and spend tonight together. We decided to go to the Hard Rock Cafe, because the last time we went I was 4 years old. We shared memories and he told me stories about when I was little and my exuberant personality. After, we went to the Pacers game. We bought 10 dollar tickets and sat in the nosebleed seats. Something I will never forget. The next morning we got up and the games came and went. Win or lose, I was just trying to soak in the moment. That night, my fellow captain and I held a mini awards ceremony for our team. It was one of the best nights I have ever had with a team, ever. The next morning we woke up early and went to the game. My dad was so excited for me, and my whole team knew it was my last game with them, and it meant a lot. After warm-ups I told them my story. About how frustrating this game has been to me, since I could walk. How some games I win, some games I lose, but effort. Effort is something that cannot be measured by anyne but yourself, that's what counts. Before the game started everyone gave me a hug and instead of yelling Costa they all surprised me and yelled "Shelby." I almost started crying. I played the best game I ever played, I was yelling the whole game encouraging my teammates, I don't think I had ever run so fast in my life. My dad was standing the whole time taking pictures and encouraging me. I asked the ref, "Sir how much time?" He responded with "3 minutes." I felt the tears already starting. I looked at my dad and he just smiled. The final whistle blew, and I started crying. My whole team jumped on top of me and hugged me, and then they all walked back to the bench to shake the other teams' hands. I sprinted over to the sideline to hug my dad. He hugged my so tight and told me how proud he was of me for being such a leader, and amazing captain this year. The 5 hour drive home went fast, my phone was blowing up with lengthy text messages from my teammates who were thanking me for being such a leader this year and how much of an impact I have had on them. That meant more than anything. That team means more to me than anything. They have made me felt a part of something so much bigger than myself. It was the best season I have ever had, with my coach, "When someone pushes you, you push them back its basic physics," Dagoberto Campano Cortes.
It was Friday at noon and we had finally packed up the car and me and my dad were headed to Indy for the weekend, my last soccer tournament. The whole drive there I was listening to music and my dad was talking my ear off about whatever landmark was coming up next. As we got closer he started talking about the exciting games tomorrow, but not pushing me or coaching me. Just encouraging me. My dad has always been that guy. He never yells, never pushes me beyond my limits. He stands away from all the crazy soccer moms and just watches. Every once in a while he will look at me during a corner kick or goal kick and point me to move one direction or another, and he is always right. He's my biggest fan, my biggest cheerleader through wins and loses. We got to the hotel and right away my dad wanted to go downtown and spend tonight together. We decided to go to the Hard Rock Cafe, because the last time we went I was 4 years old. We shared memories and he told me stories about when I was little and my exuberant personality. After, we went to the Pacers game. We bought 10 dollar tickets and sat in the nosebleed seats. Something I will never forget. The next morning we got up and the games came and went. Win or lose, I was just trying to soak in the moment. That night, my fellow captain and I held a mini awards ceremony for our team. It was one of the best nights I have ever had with a team, ever. The next morning we woke up early and went to the game. My dad was so excited for me, and my whole team knew it was my last game with them, and it meant a lot. After warm-ups I told them my story. About how frustrating this game has been to me, since I could walk. How some games I win, some games I lose, but effort. Effort is something that cannot be measured by anyne but yourself, that's what counts. Before the game started everyone gave me a hug and instead of yelling Costa they all surprised me and yelled "Shelby." I almost started crying. I played the best game I ever played, I was yelling the whole game encouraging my teammates, I don't think I had ever run so fast in my life. My dad was standing the whole time taking pictures and encouraging me. I asked the ref, "Sir how much time?" He responded with "3 minutes." I felt the tears already starting. I looked at my dad and he just smiled. The final whistle blew, and I started crying. My whole team jumped on top of me and hugged me, and then they all walked back to the bench to shake the other teams' hands. I sprinted over to the sideline to hug my dad. He hugged my so tight and told me how proud he was of me for being such a leader, and amazing captain this year. The 5 hour drive home went fast, my phone was blowing up with lengthy text messages from my teammates who were thanking me for being such a leader this year and how much of an impact I have had on them. That meant more than anything. That team means more to me than anything. They have made me felt a part of something so much bigger than myself. It was the best season I have ever had, with my coach, "When someone pushes you, you push them back its basic physics," Dagoberto Campano Cortes.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Apples, Milk, Sometimes Baking Soda
When I was younger a trip to the supermarket was inevitable on the weekends. Every Sunday I would sit at the kitchen counter and practice my penmanship of the word apple, or milk, and sometimes baking soda. That was my job. Make a list of everything we need for the week while my mom would rifle off item after item. My hard work always seemed like it would go down the same path, either my mom would forget the list in the car, or at home on the counter, or couldn't find it in her purse. Either way, the list never seemed to make it to the store. But- every weekend I would continue to make the list, simply because I wanted to. Then came the era of apple, and carrying around a smart phone my mom no longer needed my penmanship to every weekend, and she no longer lost it. However, I love lists (again, probably because of my love for words) and they are quick reads that can sometimes have a big impact. SO- here's my list.
A List of Dreams:
1. Mold, and shape everlasting friendships to last past high school graduation.
2. Graduate from college with everlasting memories, powerful "WOW" moments and with a degree that I am proud of.
3. Land a career helping people, as that helps me.
4. Be positive. Through thick and thin, and hopefully inspire others to be just as positive.
5. Leaving a lasting legacy of making people smile, and be happy for the little things, that's all I really want to be known for. Simply, being a good person.
A List of Dreams:
1. Mold, and shape everlasting friendships to last past high school graduation.
2. Graduate from college with everlasting memories, powerful "WOW" moments and with a degree that I am proud of.
3. Land a career helping people, as that helps me.
4. Be positive. Through thick and thin, and hopefully inspire others to be just as positive.
5. Leaving a lasting legacy of making people smile, and be happy for the little things, that's all I really want to be known for. Simply, being a good person.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Oh The Places You'll Go
One of my favorite times of the day as a was story time, right before bed every night I would love hearing stories, poems, skits, anything. I started reading out Boom Chicka Boom Boom and then came the Pixie Tricks series, eventually I would move on to read The Series of Unfortunate Events and beyond. But- regardless of reading level, story time was my favorite. I vividly remember laying in bed with my dad as he would read "Who's on First" with Abbott and Costello, it was one of my favorites. Although, my all time favorite is Oh the Places You'll Go. Every night after my mom would read it to me I would lay there and think about all the places I wanted to go. I would dream about traveling all around the world experiencing new things, and new people. Which brings me to my next point, the present. I am a senior in high school. Thirty weeks left until I put on my cap and gown and have that diploma in my hand. Thirty weeks until the next chapter begins. Its crazy, because I don't know where it'll be. I don't know if I will be 40 minutes away at a smaller liberal arts school studying English, or half way across the country at the University of Alabama studying Pre-Law. I might not be sure what I am going to do or where I am going to do it yet. But I can't be more excited. I think Dr. Seuss hit the nail right on the head, oh the places I can go!
Monday, November 4, 2013
"In the end its not going to matter how many mistakes you made, but how those mistakes made you a better person."
Inspirational quotes, they're something that have always had an impact on me- maybe its because of my love for words. I used to spend hours typing out quotes and printing them, then I would cut them out and tape them to my door, it was my "Motivation Door." I used to carry around a mini composition notebook and write down words that would catch my ear, or eye. My favorite, Jimmy Johns, their signs covering their walls at almost every inch gives for some great entertainment, especially for word nerds like me. Yes, I am a word nerd. Quotes of all kinds make me think. Especially, the one as the title for this post.
I so strongly believe in the power of failure, and how that is the most important stepping stone to success. I believe that failure is something that makes you a stronger, wiser human being. It's something that makes success all that much sweeter. I recall, times that I've failed. Times that I've wanted to give up and times where hard work has simply felt too overwhelming. I am so lucky to have some amazing people in my life that encourage me in even the most difficult times, all so different. My mom, she is always telling me that I am strong and she is proud of me, that no matter what happens in life I am a good person. My dad, he's the one who knows how hard to push me, to be the best I can be. He knows my limits and constantly strives to get me there. My sisters, Carly and Zoe, their smiles are enough encouragement standing alone. Never underestimate the power of a 10 year old telling you that you are their favorite person. And my best friend, Tyler, he's the one who understands me better than I understand myself. He can tell by one facial expression exactly what I am thinking and what my mood is. His encouragement in my weakest moments is something special, the whole world could be against me and he would be standing behind me telling me I can take them.
I am so lucky to be able to have such a strong support group behind me, through the ins and outs of life. Like my inspirational quotes, they will always be there.
My Top 5:
1. “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou
2. "Experience the most brutal of teachers. But you learn. my God do you learn."
-C.S. Lewis
3. "And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music."
- F. Nietzsche
4. "Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than the
one with all of the facts."
-Albert Einstein
5. "After every down, there is an up coming, you just have to get there."
-Unknown
I so strongly believe in the power of failure, and how that is the most important stepping stone to success. I believe that failure is something that makes you a stronger, wiser human being. It's something that makes success all that much sweeter. I recall, times that I've failed. Times that I've wanted to give up and times where hard work has simply felt too overwhelming. I am so lucky to have some amazing people in my life that encourage me in even the most difficult times, all so different. My mom, she is always telling me that I am strong and she is proud of me, that no matter what happens in life I am a good person. My dad, he's the one who knows how hard to push me, to be the best I can be. He knows my limits and constantly strives to get me there. My sisters, Carly and Zoe, their smiles are enough encouragement standing alone. Never underestimate the power of a 10 year old telling you that you are their favorite person. And my best friend, Tyler, he's the one who understands me better than I understand myself. He can tell by one facial expression exactly what I am thinking and what my mood is. His encouragement in my weakest moments is something special, the whole world could be against me and he would be standing behind me telling me I can take them.
I am so lucky to be able to have such a strong support group behind me, through the ins and outs of life. Like my inspirational quotes, they will always be there.
My Top 5:
1. “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou
2. "Experience the most brutal of teachers. But you learn. my God do you learn."
-C.S. Lewis
3. "And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music."
- F. Nietzsche
4. "Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than the
one with all of the facts."
-Albert Einstein
5. "After every down, there is an up coming, you just have to get there."
-Unknown
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