"Just Be Who You Are"

With midterms, essays and stressful housing situations piling up, I thought it was time for me to just reevaluate, not just how I handle situations but also how I handle myself. When I find myself in tough situations, I tend to just become frazzled and I suddenly find my hair completely out of control [my parents and brother are most familiar with this - there were times at home where I broke down because I couldn't sleep before a big test, or I stayed up an extra 3 hours looking for a "lost item" that was always in the most obvious place to begin with, aka my bed]. However, this first round of midterms has come strangely easy for me. Sure, I studied, I took detailed notes, but I didn't overthink. As usual, instead of studying late into the night, I just browsed the internet on my phone, in bed at 9:30PM. Honestly, I just hyperventilated now and again for comedic effect, not because I was actually worried about the content of the exam. I've adopted the mindset of being calmer when it comes to academics - yes, it still matters to me to do my best, but I'm trying not to be so hard on myself. [It's the inner-nerd in me... #realfriends are Grandpa's Girls, I'm just the Dean's Girl... Deans List? Winchester? Paula? Anyone? Itssjusmee, isn't it...]

Sometimes we all just need some friendly reminders to step back from our problems and just breathe. I found some pictures on my phone and from the fantastic internet to help put things in perspective.

I can't call it my blogpost until there's something to do with puppies. We can learn a lot from our four-legged friends [even if you don't like dogs, but seriously though, why wouldn't you?]. Just like for dogs, my companions and friends have always and will always come first for me. I know it makes me happiest when I see people around me smiling and in their element. But what I do need to learn for myself is to take things easy, to forgive, and to enjoy. As busy as school can get, it's worthwhile to appreciate the little things in life. 

Last week, I received a package from my mom with little goodies, but I appreciated this gift the most. I stuck this post-it on my closet mirror so I can read it every morning as I get ready for the day. You know, sometimes it seems as though problems and hurdles are taking over my life, but honestly at the end of the day, what really matters is that I'm happy and healthy. 

Throwback to high school -- I feel like this is the most important collection of information that I received during my entire four years of SFHS, and perhaps all of my education thus far, bottled up in one neat half of a whiteboard. It pretty much speaks for itself. Still one of my favorite teachers.

[photo courtesy of Grace's incredible documentation of the world]

If you got anything out of this post, I hope it's that you be who you are and not worry so much about numbers and figures. Happiness makes you confident. Happiness makes you beautiful. Enjoy your happiness and all the perks that come with it.

Too Many Tidbits:

• Midterm was accompanied by my iPod randomly playing music on speaker.
• Today I stared at a dog very intensely and it was great.
• Have you met Ted?
• I need to get back into writing in my dream journal again.
• I love seeing people making an effort into relationships and group projects.
• "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." Please don't ever do this. Keep the negative energy away from you and focus on the people who matter.
• Always health and happiness for my #realfriends. "You are my light in the dark, don't change. Just be who you are."
• "I'm not afraid of ghosts, I'm not afraid of sharks, I'm not afraid of cancer, I'm just afraid of snakes! They really creep me out! Where are their arms and legs? It's NOT OKAY!"
• Most used phrase of the day: "u ok?"
• Bloge is the new doge.