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.

With a smile and a song...

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.”