The Waves of Life

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. 

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