LiveStrong

This weekend, I felt like I was in a beehive. All around me were swarms of black and yellow Tshirts, posters, and baseball caps. People buzzed about everywhere filling out registration forms or pinning on numbers. We were three thousand strong, and we were united.
“Livestrong” was created to raise money for cancer research, but a few days ago, it raised more than that. In all of the participants of the “Livestrong” Run, I saw hopes being raised. I saw awareness raised, and not just cancer awareness. I saw the idea that people can unite for the good of all come to life.
I had never before witnessed something like that. It was truly a sight.
When people join together, it makes them strong individually. Many think that the world can’t unite, but after seeing such a wonderful congregation at the Run, I disagree with the skeptics. Surely not one of us is perfect, but we all have the ability to put aside our differences to fight for what we believe in.
Does that still sound like a load of preschool garbage?
Let me explain.
Being a part of the fight against cancer was a liberating experience. I watched as people who had battled the disease crossed the finish line, and were handed a yellow rose for their achievement. That is something everyone needs to see in their lifetime.
This not-so-small-scale example of human unity and courage is enough to convince even the most skeptical person that we are all capable of joining hands across the nation and across the globe. And, in reaching out to others, we ourselves become better, more admirable, more confident people.
Do something, big or small, right now. Plan to join in the next charity run. Plant a tree. Donate some old clothes to a shelter. Anything that you do in your lifetime to help others enriches you tenfold.
Need some persuasion?
Try it out.

New Chapters

Turning the page doesn’t always mean the book is ending. It means that there are better, more exciting things to come. This “book” which is our lives is constantly being written. Characters enter and exit the story. It is filled with grand adventure, some peril, and perhaps some romance. And, if we play our cards right, there will always be a happy ending.
Sometimes, starting a new chapter can be tough, especially when certain things get left behind. But the book keeps going, and so should we. This summer, I am learning to say goodbye to old, familiar things and brave the threshold of a fresh start. It isn’t easy, but what I have learned so far is that turning a page doesn’t have to be frightening. In fact, new beginnings are what make a story wonderful.
Take last Friday, for instance. It was midnight (well, Thursday night, but you get the idea) and a huge group of my friends and I went to see Toy Story 3. Now, before I begin, let me tell you a little about my history with the Toy Story movies.
The main character, Andy, was a preschooler in the first movie. So was I. Then, in the second, he was about 7. So was I. This movie opens with Andy during the summer before he goes away to college. Get the picture? So, imagine a movie theater packed with 18-year-olds all sobbing because they, too, were all leaving their homes, loved ones, and toys in search of their own lives.
Did I mention that I graduated high school last Friday, the day the movie came out?
I had been anticipating this sort of thing. Everyone realizes that the “last time” is now. Last time to see friends, go out to dinner with grandma, give Fido a belly rub. At least until December.
It’s safe to admit that Friday morning in the three hours I had to sleep before school; I grabbed every teddy bear I could find and brought it to bed with me.
So, how could I possibly say that leaving all this stuff behind is okay? Well, even though saying goodbye might sting a bit, it’s like a band-aid. It’s got to come off when the wound has healed up. But the reason many people find it hard to start a new chapter is because they are afraid of what lies ahead for them. They are afraid of what they don’t know.
Well, everything comes down to confidence, in the end. If you know yourself and are comfortable with who you are, you can be sure that, no matter what, you will still have the courage to be yourself.
What?
Let me put it this way. If you are afraid that you won’t make any new friends, think about how you made the friends you already have. They were attracted to your personality, the brightness of your smile or the funny joke they overheard you telling. Don’t worry about making new friends. You did fine just being yourself before. Your confidence is a surefire way to connect with the right people, and your respect for yourself will bring about respect from others.
The same goes for any other worries. It doesn’t matter if you’re starting college, high school, a new job, or even moving to another place. Being yourself means being able to overcome whatever obstacles are in your way.
Don’t ever fear the next page in the story of your life. If you keep your chin high and always remember that you are perfect just the way you are, there will always be a happy ending.
And don’t forget to go see Toy Story 3. It’s awesome. But make sure you bring a teddy bear and some tissues. And maybe a Barbie doll. And some Twizzlers, but buy them at the theater, don’t smuggle them in. Okay, that’s all.

"Do you hear the people sing?" Do you want to?

This is an article I wrote for my high school newsletter, The Cherokee Scout. Cherokee High School’s spring musical, and my last CHS performance, will be Les Miserables.

“Do you hear the people sing?” Do you want to?

Cherokee's esteemed Drama Guild is proud to present this year's musical production of the widely acclaimed musical spectacular, Les Miserables. This stunning, Tony-winning drama follows the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his mesmerizing development from eighteenth century rogue to a saintly nobleman caught in the turmoil of a revolution.

So why see a show you can’t even pronounce? (It’s Lay-Mizz-Err-Ahb, by the way.)
Well, first of all, Valjean’s story has inspired many since its publication in 1862, and has dazzled audiences since the musical opened in 1980. Hounded by wayward hero, Javert, a policeman whose “black-and-white” views obstruct all reason, Valjean is constantly on the run after breaking his parole. En route to freedom, he is saved by a Holy Man who believes Valjean has the power to become a beacon of light in a shadowy world.

Years later, Valjean had shed his criminal past and has become incredibly successful while France’s streets are infected with poverty and despair, thick with prostitutes and thieves. As the years pass, he witnesses the horrors that take place and stands beside the young men who have chosen to fight against the hierarchy which created such misery.

The second reason why you should see Les Miserables? Susan Boyle. That’s Right! The song she sang on Britain’s Got Talent was one of the most famous songs from the musical. Are you convinced now? Filled with captivating music and intricate lyricism, brimming with suspense, blazing with romance, and peppered with comedic charm, Les Miserable is an experience that you simply cannot miss.

Tickets go on sale 4/19/10 for show dates beginning on 5/21/10 for anyone interested.

With a smile and a song!

Today was such a beautiful day here in New Jersey! I'm getting ready for my senior trip to Disney in a few weeks and I thought I would dig up an older blog of mine:
Happy Spring!

Snow White had the right idea. In celebrating springtime, we all think about the original morning person, herself. Poor Snow White was almost killed by that Huntsman guy, and yet she
still chose to live in a bubble of blissful ignorance. Or was she really
just a happy person?

I prefer the latter. Snow White is famous for her obnoxious operatic voice, when she should be known for her incredible ability to “fill the world with sunshine.”
Think about it. No one else would be able to survive the evil
queen’s horrid lack of hospitality without some form of sarcastic zinger
or grunt of disapproval. And, when you’re forced to live in a crowded,
dirty cottage with seven old, smelly guys, not a single one of us would
feel the need to gather woodland animals for a spring-cleaning
sensation, complete with a sing-along.

We can all learn a thing or two about our own happiness through Snow White’s example. Though we don’t have to add a sound track to every motion we
make, we should look at every day as a new way to enjoy life. No matter
what we’re up against, we can make our own happiness.

For example, when you have a big project due, a vocab test to take, need to find a ride to school because you missed the bus, and just figured out that you put your underwear on the outside of your
pants, don’t sweat it! Be like Snow White and find a way to get rid of
the Grumpy in you. The first thing to do: take a deep breath. This is a
good idea, whether or not you are having a bad day!

Second, think of what could be worse. You could have a science lab due, or maybe you could’ve completely forgotten your underwear! So, go to step three: think about what you’re grateful for.
Be glad that you studied for that vocab test, and that you are able to
go to school. Step four: smile. Find something good in
your day. Don’t wait for someone else to hand you joy. Celebrate
whatever!

Just whistle while you work, send your dreams down into a wishing well, and use a smile and a song to get through your day, just like Snow White.

“There’s no use in grumbling when raindrops come tumbling. Remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine. When you smile and you sing,
everything is in tune, and it’s spring, and life flows along. With a
smile and a song.”

Determination

Everyone dreams about greatness. Those who achieve it have a little luck, plenty of
faith, and an unfailing determination. Determination is the driving force
behind every successful person, and requires patience and a strong heart.


I am not an extremely patient person. I also can’t deny that I have doubted my
efforts. A lot.

But I am learning through my little, "young adult life lesson” moments. There are
mornings when I wake up, thinking that there is no way in the world I could
ever make it in the big leagues. Then I drink some coffee and everything
seems right with the world again.

Caffeine-driven? Maybe. But keeping determination by your side can be quite a task. Every day
that passes can seem like another notch on the yardstick of broken dreams. (Yes
I did just use an incredibly awful metaphor. You’re welcome.)

Though it is a challenge, staying determined can not only keep up your stamina and
help your efforts of reaching your goals, but it can also make a world of
difference when it comes to your confidence. Saying “I can make it” instead of
“I don’t know why I got myself into this” is better than a bubbly foot soak
after a 3-hour hike uphill. It can be one of the most important things you ever
do.

Let’s say, like me, you want to become a famous singer. Working hard, through
songwriting, performing, and networking, is the main thing you do to “make it
big”. Fate and luck, seem like the only other things that can control your destiny.
That is, of course, unless you let determination guide
you. Determination can help you stay focused on your goal.


Determination is a way of life. If you have a dream, go for it. Let nothing stand in the way.
If you believe with all your heart, everything in life will fall into place.
How do I know? Because the key to staying determined is optimism in your
everyday life.

There is so much power in the little things. Things that might go unnoticed. You get
to work safely in the morning. You make it to the movie theater just in time to
get the last two tickets. Your friend gives you the rest of her chocolate chip
muffin because she wasn’t hungry anymore. These things, if recognized and
appreciated, will help you to stay positive no matter what happens. And staying
positive is the caffeine for your mental stamina.

If you have dreamed a powerful dream, send it out to the world, and believe that you
truly deserve its success, then you almost
have everything you need. It is when you enjoy the ride, and never give up,
even if you hit a bump; that you will undoubtedly see your dreams come true.

Inspiration

I write. I write music. I write music and lyrics, heartfelt poetry in journals and silly stories on wrinkly paper airplanes. Writing is a wonderful expression of creativity. It calms and invigorates, challenges and rewards. And, most importantly, writing craves inspiration.

Being inspired can be a mystical thing. We find the word “Inspiration” on coffee mugs, greeting cards, and “Go get ‘em!” wall posters. We see inspiration in Nike commercials and Rocky parodies. We mock inspiration as goofy fashion designs made of duck feathers and oil paintings of bizarrely posed, overweight disrobed women.

So what is inspiration, really?

Inspiration is the very thing that moves us forward. It sets our pulse racing and dares us to set the bar higher than we ever dreamed possible. Inspiration can come from anywhere, at any time. To feel inspired, a person must dismiss the stresses of life and simply observe life. What does nature do? What do inorganic things—buildings, clothing, machines—do?

When I write songs, I draw my inspiration from other people’s stories and personal emotions. The words are a part of the natural flow of an experience. The tempo of the music matches the feeling a person would have if the lyrics were happening to him.

If you desire inspiration, you can find it anywhere. Everywhere. You don’t need a coach shouting encouragement. Just notice the craftsmanship of the bird’s nest outside your window. You don’t need a great revelation, complete with dramatic music and fireworks, to create a wonderful story. Just witness the lovely, small moments an elderly couple shares sitting side-by-side on a park bench.

Finding your own creative inspiration is the first step toward inspiring others. By expressing our true selves through music, art, and literature, we become more unique and more understanding of others. We learn to respect ourselves and the wonderful things we have accomplished. And, in turn, we learn to respect and appreciate others’ accomplishments.

Finding inspiration can be incredibly valuable. Finding inspiration can set off a chain reaction which can change the course of our lives.

And all we have to do is open our eyes and let it find us.

"Procratience"

The easiest thing in the world to do is procrastinate. To wait until the last minute because you don’t want to face cleaning your closet and you don’t to want to write a report on the history of existentialism. So, if procrastination is waiting because you don’t want something, is patience the exact opposite?

The two have the same general setup: you wait around for something to happen. Then, why is procrastination so easy and patience so hard?

When you are patient, you wish that time would pass more quickly, such as waiting for that Fed-Ex box with a Snuggie™ inside. Patience is a virtue, and it isn’t always easy.

Here’s a thought: what would it be like if we created a new way to wait called “Procratience”?

The next time you feel sluggish and dread giving grandpa his weekly therapeutic foot scrub, use procratience! Think about how happy gramps will be when his feet no longer smell like sour milk! And when you just can’t wait for your Salmon-Skittles Supreme Casserole to come out of the oven, be procratient.

There are plenty of fun, productive things you can do while you wait!

Waiting is tough. But with the right attitude, you can make it through in one piece.