I Think A Lot...

I have a million thoughts going through my head right now, all racing a million miles per hour. But, for some reason it isn't making sense or clicking, there or with the keys. I think the best approach is to make a list.

1. People tend to flock with people who are similar to them
2. Why is your race what makes your similar?
3. I have been exposed to diversity more in the last 5 months than I have my entire life
4. Yellow Gatorade is my favorite kind of Gatorade
5. Respect is something that all people are willing to give, but the only person that control whether you are respected or not is yourself
6. "When I was a little girl I would skip ahead in the history books to the end and tell myself that by the time I'm 20 racism won't exist anymore, I am now 25." - A girl in a Ferguson discussion today at Michigan State University
7. Race and Religion intrigue and confuse me more than anything else
8. Sometimes the things people do just don't make sense, you don't have to overthink them to be ok with the situation, just let it go
9. Perception is a very powerful word
10. I am stressed about finals week
11. There is no 5, 10, 100, 6,000 step book or list to life
12. The only person who needs to accept every aspect of your life and embrace it is yourself
13. My father is one of the people who I continuously look to for thoughts on big ideas and world issues, and sometimes I think things and think that at that moment all I want to do is talk to him
14. Having deep discussions with people is something I live for, I love all peoples opinions on everything
15. I really enjoy Norah Jones Pandora Radio, just saying
16. Society puts on these color blind glasses and ignores the issues that we are currently facing and will face, the only time the glasses come off is when issues come up and we are forced to respond publicly instead of privately
17. I think an education is something that is what will advance our society in ways that are more important that technology, being educated on diversity, problem solving, communication, global issues, gender norm, etc. is so important
18. Don't come up to me and tell me how you BSed a class and studied the night before an exam when I'm working 5 times as hard, for real
19. The people who you consider your real friends are the ones who no matter what will accept you for who you are
20. I still really want to travel, somewhere far away and experience immersion into a complexly different culture
21. Social media of any and all kinds is a very powerful medium. People have the power to spread their thoughts, beliefs, values, opinions whenever and however they choose to. Today, news stories and  global issues of any and all kinds are spread like wild fire.
22. Sorry, that was an excessive list, with not even 2% of my current thoughts

Happy Thinking!

Quote of the Day: "Common sense is the most limited of all natural resources."

Song of the Day: Come Away With Me - Norah Jones

Why Your News Feed Isn't News

One thing that really bothers me is how our phones constantly consume so much of our attention. If we are bored listening to a lecture on the regulations of marketing, browse twitter. If we want to avoid someone sitting across from us on the bus, send a text to a friend. If we are avoiding writing a 5 page paper, check snapchat stories. Whatever it is you do on your phone don't forget that it is just a phone. And it's not going anywhere. The pictures on Facebook of your "friend" in Maine aren't going anywhere, oh and that subtweet, your life doesn't depend on over analyzing who it could be about. I read a statistic that the average person spends 5 hours a day on their phone. Thats shocking, because I believe its a lot more than that. I think the average college student spends more time on their phone in a day than they do sleeping. Think about all of that time. What could you do with even half of it? A quarter even. Live in the now, the present. Be inspired by what is going on around you. Sure, technology isn't a bad thing. Being able to communicate to people in every country of the world, face timing your family who is far away, or even writing a blog for anyone and everyone to see is far from a bad thing. But- there is a large difference between use and abuse. Next time you are about to reach for your phone, put it back in your pocket and think for half of a second if you really need to pick it up. If you can't think of a need, then leave it in your pocket. Who cares what Sally who goes to USC posted on Instagram. Who cares that Bill's Snapchat story is a bunch of selfies he took at the zoo. Living your life isn't updating your location of Facebook and tweeting a picture of you at every party you go to. Technology just scares me. It has the capability to exceed the capacity of the human mind. My professor today during a lecture said one day we will have 3D printers where when you do online shopping it will print out of your computer instead of waiting for a package. Whoa whoa whoa, let's back up. That eliminates the need for stores, the need for store workers, the need for the postal service, the need for postmen, the need for SOCIAL INTERACTION. You could never leave your home if you didn't want to. Ever. The irony behind this is you are on a piece of technology reading my blog right now. (Whoops) But- before you call me a hypocrite. Let this inspire you to live your life without "tweeter fever" and "snapchat nostalgia." Live the life that makes you happy, not what makes your followers happy. Who cares about "likes." How do you like your life? Who cares about the number of "friends." Someone once told me that you can only have time for 5 close friends. And it makes so much sense. If you have more than 5 you aren't putting enough time into other people, or yourself. 

I apologize if this blog was a rant, and extra super-duper long. But- I hope some of it forced you to think about the precious hours in the day. Also, apologize for the lack of blogging lately. I missed Thanksgiving, darn it! So, if you are still reading (thanks!) here's a short list of some of the things I am most thankful for. 

1. People. Having people in my life who encourage me to be who I am. They are the ones who stick beside me through every step, up and down. Thank you for being such an inspiration and motivation to me daily. The 5 people know who they are, I'm sure of it.

2. Endorphins. I am thankful that at a young age my parents always taught me the power of exercise. Working out makes me feel confident and energized. A 20 minute workout is so little of your day. 

3. Education. I am so blessed to go to a school where I thrive in this environment. I constantly see people doing things more than taking notes and taking tests. A girl today was in my class filming my professor for a video she is doing on passion. Thanks for inspiring me!

4. Failure. I am thankful that I have failed miserably and fail every single day. It's failure that motivates me to be better. It's the driving force behind my success. Without it I wouldn't have achieved half of the things that I have, and I wouldn't take pride in myself and my success. 

5. You. I am thankful for you, whoever you are. I write for not just myself, but for you. So many people have inspired me without even knowing it. I hope that throughout the course of this blog I can at least inspire one. That would mean the world.

Today's Quote: "There's power in looking silly, and not caring if you do." - Amy Poehler

Today's Song: Man of the Hour- Norah Jones

Create. That is All.

I believe one of the most important things in this world is never losing sight of your ability to unleash creativity. That's what will give you an edge personally and professionally. Think for a second when the last time the person who did everything everyone else did was rewarded, either in their relationships or in their career. I bet you can't think of one, and if you did... I guarantee you can't name more than one. So, embrace creativity in all aspects of life. Whether it's knocking on your doorstep or hidden around the corner. Find it. Then own it. Today's post is simply to inspire you to unleash that creativity and be relentless in incorporating it into your everyday life. Plain and simple. 

Inspiring Quotes: 

1. "Logic will take you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." 
      - Albert Einstein

2.  "Almost always the creative, dedicated minority has made the world better." 
      - Martin Luther King Jr. 

3.  "Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere."
      - Anne Lamot

4. " Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people."
      - Eleanor Roosevelt 

5. "Always go with your passions, never ask yourself if it's realistic or not."
     - Deepak Chopra


Happy Creating!

Sometimes You Just Have To Hit Refresh

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That would be the frustration of consistently feeling like your brain is on overload from all the information I learn everyday in my classes. So as a refresher I thought it might do me justice to write down things that are familiar in my brain. Sometimes the refresh button reminds us who we are and helps to figure out who we still want to be. 

Also, whoever is reading this, you are awesome. And THANK YOU!

Here's what I know:

1.  The guy biking in cargo shorts and a short sleeve shirt today was either, A freezing, B crazy, or C both. You do you man. And everyone taking second glances at you, they are just jealous that their skin isn't as thick as yours. 

2.  Studying abroad in Europe is something that crosses my mind at least 7 times a day. I think about spending a summer traveling from Brussels to Belgium, Stonehenge to Stockholm, and Paris to Prague. Being immersed in uncomfortable cultures through pedestrians, newspapers, street performers, and food. 

3.  College is hard, but it is also so rewarding. Constantly being surrounded by so many different demographics and cultures is so enriching. GO GREEN! 

4.  Money is just one value amongst many. But, why is it THE value that determines so many things in our society. Imagine if the biggest value was knowledge from experience. The richest people in America would be the most well-round with global outlooks. 

5.  The difference between being in a comfortable vs. uncomfortable situation depends on if you believe it is uncomfortable. Next time you feel a little uneasy in your current situation remember that it is what you make it. College has helped me to dismiss uncomfortable situations from my life. Every thing I go through everyday is developing me into who I will be. No matter the circumstances. Embrace the uncomfortable, trust me.

6.  I always think about if the social norm was flipped and if it would be an action that would even exist. Why are people trying to hard to fit in when we live in the melting pot of the world. Everyone is supposed to be different. Embrace differences and uniqueness. If everyone was identical and social norms were all alike globally we would never advance as a society. New ideas should be praised simple because they are new. If we all followed what everyone else did our society would simply run circles. Break the trend of the dizziness and walk straight through the circle wearing your new idea on your chest. 

7.  My sisters are awesome. Spent the weekend with them and the people they are becoming everyday just makes me smile. That is all. 

8.  Failure sucks. But it's a part of life. No matter how much you messed up, why is it even deliberated as "messed up...?" Every time you fail, you're just learning from your mistakes and that will prevent you from making other "mistakes." If you want to further this comment read my poem: Success is Overrated on the left hand side. The first time one of my kids fails a test I'm going to throw them a "Congrats You Failed" party. I believe in order to feel successful and rewarded you have to know failure. 

9.  Blogging is awesome. Writing is awesome. Write today. Just a little. 

10. Humans of New York is one of the coolest books I've ever read. Follow them on Instagram for daily cultural immersion: @humansofny 

Spotted: My head in 5 million cultures within 304 pages

The Unexpected and Undiscovered

Hello World! (I've had page views from France!)

First of all, I want to express my appreciation to everyone who has read and will read my blog. It means so much to me. This started out as something just for me and I slowly shared it with my family and close friends but it has evolved into something I want to share with the world. So-- a big thank you to YOU!

Second of all, I want to just write a little bit about the unexpected and undiscovered of the world. This past Friday I had the experience of getting to know two girls from Europe. (One from Switzerland and one from Finland). Even though there was a little bit of a language barrier there is nothing I enjoy more than hearing about other peoples' experiences and how they have impacted their lives. Fun fact: College in Finland is free! Anyways, I got to show them an American University, eat lunch, and swap stories. I've always known I have wanted to travel and experience new things but it never fails, every single time I meet someone from another country that desire just accentuates. I personally believe there is so much to the world that we haven't individually discovered and collectively as a society discovered. I believe there is so much that is unexpected to not just our days but our years, our centuries, our eons. And the only way we will be able to discover the undiscovered and expect the unexpected is to immerse ourselves into whatever life throws at our face, and smile. Don't forget to smile. Sometimes smiling is the best cure all. Trust me.  

Ciao (Italian), Wi Gu-Kin (Korean), Kwaheri (Swahili), Bye (English)

Shelby 

Spotted in MI "The unexpected and undiscovered right in front of our face." 

Jackpot!

One of my biggest pet peeves is when you are reading a really intriguing article online and then bam, you must long in to read the entire article. Like c'mon. So when I see free newspapers on campus you bet I get excited. Goal for next week: find free Wall Street Journals. 

Little Celebrations {Part Two}

A couple months ago I posted about the little things in life. I feel it's important to remind ourselves of the good things in life as we go through many series of ups and downs.  However, these ups and downs are vital to help us discover who we are and what makes us tick. This post has to be short.. because I have to get back to studying for an 8 a.m exam (snagged a study room though... yes!) Anyways, here is today's little celebrations and as always I encourage you to write or even think about yours. 

1.  Being able to attend a university filled with endless opportunity.

2.  Having that person in my life who is constantly pushing me to always be me, regardless.

3.  The president of the MSU Slam Poetry club messaging me back about joining... YES! (More to come on that.)

4.  Learning everyday about so many new things that just make me want to learn more.

5.  Having a roommate who everyday makes me smile, no matter what.

6.  The fact that I have two loving parents who are always inspiring me to have class.

7.  Being able to live in a country where we can vote. (Wear your "I Voted" stickers proudly!)

8.  Writing, period. Writing is something that I will ALWAYS celebrate.

9.  Having professors who are so passionate about what they do that they are dripping sweat by 
the end of the lecture. (You go Karl Gude!)

10.  The little boy who ran to open the door for me earlier. You made me miss my job and sisters even more than I already do, but more importantly you put a huge smile on my face when I heard you say, "You're welcome." 

Today's Quote

Call Me Crazy, But Give Me Six Years and I Will Say, "I Told You So."

Here's the deal. Everyone has a goal. Sure, some peoples' goals may be to watch a whole season of The Hills in one sitting and some peoples' goals might be to assist in finding a cure for cancer. But nonetheless still a goal. No matter how big or how small everyone has one. But sometimes other people have different goals for us than we have for ourselves. Everyone always asks, "So what do you wanna be after you graduate?" And I just want to respond every time by saying, "I wanna be me. I wanna travel, write, blog, never stop learning, immerse myself into cultures I didn't even know existed, and share the world with the world." I think if this was my answer I would get some pretty crazy looks. BUT- that is my goal. And doesn't every great thing start with a crazy look to a "crazy person" and end with an, "I told you so." 

Currently, here is my goal. (Cue the crazy look). I want to work for TIME magazine. I want write, design, edit, market, advertise (I don't really care I will even make coffee runs) for TIME magazine. There's nothing I enjoy more than reading about things that are happening locally, nationally, and globally. But it isn't really the facts that hit it hard for me, its the people's stories that really send me home. I think having my name in those red letters next to a news headline that I wrote would be one of my biggest accomplishments in life. Even if I help write something and it says "TIME staff" I would be thrilled. Telling stories to an audience who is passionate about the topic is my goal. Call me crazy, but give me six years and prepare yourself for the, "I told you so."

Quote of the Day: "At the end of the day it is not about what you have or even what you have accomplished. It's about who you have lifted up, who you've made better. It's about what you have given back." -Denzel Washington 

Song of the Day: Underdog by Imagine Dragons 

No Such Thing as "Just Living"

People are unique. People see things different than other people. People interpret things differently than other people. So what do you think about when you hear the word, "Passion?" Do you think of your passions? Maybe you think about what it means to be passionate. You might even think about how you have been passionate. Regardless we all think something differently. But whatever we think is the right answer. 

The other day in class one of my professors stated that he, "Hates the word passion." Because... "Passion isn't real." I almost got up and walked out. Passion is something that is very real. I don't care if the word is overused. Because MY passion isn't overused. In fact, lately I believe it is underused, but then again I feel like everyone's passions are underused. We are all unique and all have unique passions. One of mine, writing. Writing excites every inch of my soul. It's something that I put my whole heart into. Something that has always been there for me, and always will be there. Never give up on your passions. Life is ever-changing but when people, memories, experiences fade, our passions will always be there. Because our passions are what make us feel alive amidst this crazy chaos we call life. Without my passions, I don't feel alive, I feel like I'm just living.  And, there is no such thing as, "Just living." Theres no excuse. Follow your passions, even if they make you break away from the social norm. Create your own social norm. Whoever you are will always rise to the top if you do what you love. 

Quote of the Day: "No matter what happens, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind."

Song of the Day: The Heart of Life, John Mayer

Little Celebrations

Throughout life we go through a series of ups and downs. We go through times where life seems to just be pounding us right into the ground and no matter how many times we try to get up we just can't. But, there are times where we can look back and see that every single cell in our body was overwhelmed with happiness. Life throws us somethings that are so unexpected, farfetched, and sometimes scary. I've learned that times like these are absolutely necessary in developing who we are as a person. Even when we are 80 years old, hard times are shaping who we are. Because even after we finish those awkward middle school years we aren't done growing. I hope that no matter how old I have the chance to live to be that I never stop growing. I hope I never lose that passion for life. Even though I am a firm believer in gritting my teeth through hard times I believe there is importance in celebration. Celebration of all things no matter how large or how small. Lately so many things have been slipping through my fingertips I wanted to share my celebrations. And after you read mine I hope you are inspired to think back on all the things in your life no matter how small or how big and call them your little celebrations. 

Today's Little Celebrations

1. Today being told, "This is the best day of my life." By a 5 year old boy at work.

2. The giant hug I shared with both of my cousins today.

3. Having someone in my life who never fails to make me feel beautiful. Never fails.

4. The workout I had today that made me feel strong and capable.

5. Being able to write this post is a blessing itself.

6. Driving around with the windows down.

7. Being able to have a job where 15 kids sneeze on me, hug me, squeeze me, and hold my hand.

8. Sharing dinner outside on the patio with my parents laughing and talking.

9. Having a warm house with warm hearts.

10. Having people in my life who don't just get it, they get the even more impossible, they get me.

Happy Celebrating! 

New Ends..

As we grow up everyone always says there's always new beginnings. But today, today is a new end. It's the end of High School, the end of a chapter with all these people I have known since the very beginning of school, when we were learning how to color in the lines. And along the way we have all learned how to color outside of the lines. Today is a new end. It's something that I've never experienced before. Don't get more wrong I am more than ready, the uncertainty of the future excites me. When the final bell rings and everyone goes their separate ways, goes to college all the way across the country or right here in town, joins the work force, and God Bless those who are going to fight for our freedom we will all remember this as the place we call home. Thank you to all who have taught me so many lessons about life, myself, and the world. From here on out I am no longer a high school student. Which, frankly that feels liberating. But it also makes me tear up. So many of these faces I see every day I won't see a single day again, and the ones I hope to see I hope, I do. Right now I feel like I know a lot about who I am as a person. I know that the future will only change me even more, but right now. This is advice to myself. Take it as you wish and at your own discrepancy. But over the past 17 years, this is what I know.

1. I like passion. I remember distinctly sitting in A.P. Bio and having someone come in and he told us about all of these trips he went on studying animals and medicine (and for the record I am no biologist I like words) and his face just lit up. I like people with passion. Never lose passion, no matter how society conforms. Rebel with passion.

2. I am emotional. Yes, extremely. People who are close to me know and understand that I am emotional. But I like to think it's because I have a big heart. But, make sure not to let your emotions take over your relationships. Don't let them control who you are. Don't be afraid of them, but also don't get lost in the them.

3. Friends are something to hold on too. But- sometimes not too tight. I have had a lot of friends and still do but don't feel like because you are friends with someone that you have to be them. Hold them close but also not too close. I have found that my high school is full of people that simply have in common the color of my skin and the mortgage on my house. Be who you are at all times. No matter what. Don't be afraid to go out on a limb because sometimes the people that you will become the best friends with are the unexpected ones.

4. Dad and Mom are always right. Don't get into trouble. Stay on the right path. Sure, they might not let you go to parties and do things that aren't smart at 15. But it's for your own good. I promise by the time you are a senior you will thank them. Stay on the right path, stick to your morals. Now sometimes your parents might not always be right about other things, but the big things, Trust them, they've been through it.

5. Work hard, keep your mouth shut. This is something my dad has taught me all my life with everything. Don't complain. Just work your butt off. It isn't worth it to complain about things and beg for the grade or bribe for more playing time. You get what you earn, not what you want.

6. Life goes on. When the going gets tough. Don't give up. I know it's hard when things happen and you feel like it's over but understand it's not. Push through the bad to get to the good. Love the ones who treat you right and forgive the ones who don't. Oh- and sometimes Starbucks and milk duds help.

7. Celebrate. Always celebrate the good no matter how little. Celebrate the things that others don't think are worth celebrating. Just do it. Be happy. Acknowledge the good. Find the little reasons to be happy instead of the big ones to not be. Positive energy, that's so important.

New Adventures

This past week, I've been on a train of self-discovery. However, I think it's unfair it has only been this week as I feel our whole lives are filled with self-discovery. But, this week in particular has stood out to me in many ways. This blog in a way for me is a way to express myself in a way that I feel a lot of people read and can relate too, however I know that's not even nearly the truth as my blog is for me. The things I am about to share I know probably won't be read by even one person but, I still find it of value to have been able to put this out on paper for me. I think that is the reason I like to write, it's a way to understand myself.

Nonetheless moving on, this week one of the most influential people in my life has brought some important lessons to my attention. I will elaborate. Being in a relationship is something that is glamorized in today's world, we expect flowers once a week, coffee every other morning and dinner every Friday. On top of that, we expect constant compliments and attention. But, this isn't Hollywood. This is life. Some of the most important, everlasting relationships are those that we have that make us a better person, they give us everything we need, not everything we want. That is the sentence that I was finally able to pinpoint about my relationship. There needn't be any reliance on this person if you can't count on yourself first.

Secondly, each person is an individual and they grow, they are metamorphosing as a person and we have to be able to understand, respect, and adapt. Every day I tell myself, "Remember this," "Say this," "Do this." But why? Before we understand just how powerful a relationship is we have to understand how powerful we are. We must trust ourselves before trusting the other. We must respect ourselves before we can be given respect, not just in our romantic relationships, but our friendships. I am the type of person that isn't the kind to let too many people in on the real me. Not meaning I am fake to others. Simply meaning that I have a small wall, lets call it a fence, that I have built up based on past experiences. Therefore, I am still figuring out not just me but who my true friends are.

Throughout the rest of my life I have a few things that I need to remember for the rest of my self-discovery. One, the most important people give you everything you need even if it's not what you want. Two, you need to respect yourself before others will respect you. But effort into making yourself happy before you expect others too. And three, hold on to those close to you, they are close to you for a reason. Everyone is going through their own journey, remember what Maya Angelou said..... "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Quote of the Day: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Today's Book: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

"Don't forget to walk with those who make you stand tall."

Three Lessons

Some days seem to drag, some days it simply feels like nothing changes. Some days I wanna look at life and scream, "Make something happen!" But i've found that lots of things do happen, you just have to be able to notice them. I think, why can't I go on these extravagant trips? Or, why can't I have a night  like that? But, I think I do have those kinds of bliss in my life, maybe just in a simpler, purer form. The other day I was talking on the phone, to the person who sees the world the way I do, and we were talking about heavy topics (religion, politics, morals, etc.) And after I while I realized the things I was saying were things I had never thought of or in any way had expressed to myself, ever. I think everyone needs one of these people, the person that can help you find yourself. That's lesson #1, find the person who finds you. Another form of bliss I have in my life that isn't traveling to Europe and backpacking the Himalayas, it's finding inspiration within yourself. I think to find this inspiration you have to be open to all things life throws at you. Recently I've been encouraged by a certain person to always be positive, and sometimes you have to look at life from a new perspective. And this starts with being honest with yourself, that's what creates your inspiration, that's what started this blog. So, lesson #2, be open to positivity, inspiration, and new experiences. And lastly, this year has been interesting to me, as everyone keeps saying, "Enjoy it" "Don't wish it away." And- every time someone says something like this I look at them and think "You don't get it." But maybe, maybe they do. I feel as if I am a great sister and last night I had a talk with my sister about life and being who you are not what society tries to make you. She kept looking at me with innocence as if basking in every word as if it was poetry. She went to bed, and this morning sent me a text saying how she had faced her fears. I know I'm not always right but, in that instance I was. Just because I had a little bit more experience. I think I should't be closed off to what society throws at me, instead embrace the wisdom of the people around me, and hey sometimes they will be right sometimes they will be wrong. That leads to me lesson #3, it can't hurt to listen. 

Today's Quote: "People who come, and never go." (Morrie- Mitch Albom)

           

Today's Book: Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist