Anonymous asked: art is a great inspiration! it's why i live, as well.
What Inspires YOU?
This question seems simple, right? But I’m talking about what inspires you to get through each day. Upon awakening, no one wants to leave the comfort of their bed: so why do they? Why do you?
I’ve found that inspiration often comes in the most unexpected ways. Possessing a pencil when you’re upset, the Style section of the New York Times, or even hearing a friend’s voice. Inspiration isn’t something you can predict, it just happens. Who would have guessed that one XX song would change my life? Or that my best friend would turn into my biggest role model?
These small things are more than a list of what makes me happy; they’re the reasons I live. I can’t even begin to imagine what my life would be like without these passions. So I pose the question to you again: what inspires you?
Promises To Make To Yourself
I’m not really a fan of New Year’s resolutions. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all for self-improvement; however, I believe it should be acted upon immediately. Why put it off until the new year? Here’s seven promises to consider making starting today. And hopefully these changes will last longer than two weeks into 2013.
- Try and enjoy the things you have to do.
- Be more accepting of yourself and others.
- Appreciate who and what you have in your life.
- Don’t worry about controlling everything.
- Recognize the beauty in small moments.
- Grow from your hardships and challenges.
- Follow your heart more often.
the ups and downs of 2012
2012 has certainly been an interesting year. It has been filled with adventure, good friends, and heartbreak. Through the ups and downs of this year, I have learned a lot. I’ve encountered new experiences as well as a variety of new people. Let’s take a closer look at what 2012 had to offer.
This year would not have been what it was for me without SGA. I have never felt like more a part of a community as I do when I’m involved in SGA activities. I’ve really enjoyed planning events like Moorebid and Fun Day, and the friends I’ve made through SGA have only added to my positive experience.
From getting wasted to picking up waste, I definitely enjoyed 2012. I have met a number of people at Skidmore who have shaped the past year for me. The array of interesting, intelligent, and compassionate students who I’ve gotten to know and love have had a huge impact on my life. They’ve been there for me through the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Speaking of the bad and ugly, let’s talk about some of the low points this year. 2012 certainly had it’s fair share of loss and anxiety. There were times when I felt lonely, bored, and overall dissatisfied with life. There were times when I almost got arrested (just kidding, but I did get ticketed). I encountered struggles that I never anticipated, but I strongly believe they have helped me in the long run.
To say 2012 was amusing would definitely be an understatement. I’ve truly been challenged this year in the best ways possible. Yet, I look forward to what the next year has to bring. Cheers, and happy new year!
You Do Have It All
The other day, some of my classmates and I were talking about this girl who was seemingly perfect. She was pretty, smart, funny, and had the perfect boyfriend. I rolled my eyes and said “I hate people who have it all”. One of the other girls looked up at me and asked “Well, don’t you?”.
That one statement instantly made me question the way others viewed me. Was that really how I came off? I certainly didn’t feel like that. As I considered her comment a bit more, I realized how reassuring it was to know that there were people who looked upon my life with envy. It reminded me to be thankful for everything that I do have going for me.
It’s so easy to feel weighed down by the pressures we encounter in life. Our internal struggles can be incredibly consuming and we quickly lose sight of everything positive in our lives. And as much as we may feel our lives lack, we all have things to be thankful for.
Personally, I’m thankful for my family. I’m thankful for old friends, new friends, and future friends. I’m thankful for the holidays, and all the joy they bring me. I’m thankful for snow, Godiva, and white wine. I’m thankful for those who understand. I’m thankful for love. And most of all, I’m thankful for all the support I get from people who care about me, whether I know it or not.
What Makes A Person Beautiful?
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well, in my eyes, there is so much that makes a person beautiful. Sure, there’s physical beauty, but what about all the other stuff?
Let’s start with some of the little things first. Hearing someone laugh is incredible. I believe laughter is one of the most beautiful sounds; it’s the sound of people enjoying themselves. To go along with that, seeing someone smile is equally amazing. What’s more beautiful than happiness?
And what about the way someone blushes when they’re embarrassed, or that one guilty pleasure they just can’t live without? One of my favorites is the scent of someone right after they’ve showered. All of these small aspects, and many more, make up someone’s beauty.
Then there are the big things: someone’s compassion, appreciation, and understanding. How they give you the biggest hug at the perfect moment. Their respect for others. And perhaps most beautifully, the way they demonstrate their love. No one’s perfect, but I can say with certainty that everyone is beautiful, and what their beauty is composed of is truly amazing.
How Often Do You Accept An Outstretched Hand?
I think it’s a common misconception that we are expected to handle our own hassles. Society tells us to worry about ourselves, and to mind our own business. But is this really the best way to go through life?
This is a tough question, because personally speaking, I’m an incredibly independent person. I don’t rely on others, and I pursue my own path in life. My life isn’t cookie-cutter perfect, but it’s my own and I’m free to do as I please. However, this also leads me to be a very private person. I keep my personal life on the DL. I’m also reluctant to accept help from others, even when I desperately need it.
Recently, I’ve tried to combat this by opening up more; I’ve found that people tend to be a lot more compassionate than you would expect. And sometimes, you find the most compassion from people who barely know you. So don’t be afraid to admit when you’re weak. Everyone feels that way from time to time, and the best thing we can do is be willing to accept an outstretched hand.
ifeelthereforeiam asked: OTHER SMALL PLEASURES!!! Spooning, Getting an A, saying I love you for the first time, hugs from behind, waking up and feeling refreshed
too true!
Relish Small Pleasures
Lately, I’ve been incredibly thankful for the small pleasures I encounter in my daily life. It seems like even when things get tough, these small treasures remind me of the good that surrounds me. Here’s a list of some of the things that have kept my spirits up over the past week.
- Long hot showers. What could be better?
- An exercise endorphin high
- 90’s music on the radio, especially when its blink-182
- Chinese take-out
- Falling asleep next to someone else
- A good flannel
- Long car rides at night
- Pencil and paper. Nothing makes me feel better than being able to visually communicate my feelings through drawing.
