Dealing with Issues

First off, I would like to apologize for the weird face and gestures on the YouTube video. I don't usually speak verbally online but I thought it would be better than always writing it. I also want to apologize if I stutter for I am not much of a speaker.

We all have issues that we face and some times, we have no idea how to deal with it. This video is about trying to face family issues or any issues for that matter. It's just some suggestions I'm giving out.

In the video, I will be covering the following ways to deal with issues:

1. Stand up to it.
2. When talking it out, don't be hostile or violent.
3. Listen & Give a chance.
4. Try to be understanding.
5. Last option: Ignore & Walk Away
6. Control / Do something Productive

Sorry if it's long and I sound boring. But I'm just hoping to help out as we all face problems like these :/

Good luck!

Labels

I came across this photo and read its context.

Tell me, when you see this, wouldn't you think it’s true? We judge people easily majority by the way they dress/look. That’s called “labeling”. A lot of people can’t stand it. I know, I’m one of them. If I am to be labeled, I’d love to be labeled as a Jesus freak because that’s how I’d continue to live my life. But don’t be fooled; just because I love God ‘til eternity doesn't mean that I’m hard on others, judging so much because they aren't the same as me.

How about another example? I’ll use myself again. Here: I am both Filipino & Chamorro. So that makes me as an Asian-Pacific Islander. What are the stereotypes for being Asian or Islander? I have a few that I hear a lot:

• Asian people are super smart.
• Asian people are really strict.
• Asian people live with their family even after 20 years old.
• Pacific Islanders are huge people (tall & big boned).
• Pacific Islanders are brown.
• Pacific Islanders eat A LOT of food.

Let me just say that just because a person comes from a different place in the world, dresses differently, talks differently, lives differently does not mean that they should be judged. Believe it or not, when you’re judging them, they’re most likely judging you back.

Now, we’re not perfect. Again, we have flaws. But look at it in God’s perspective: He made us in His image, loves us all equally with no exceptions (referring: “I love you but…”)

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)

Asians are no different than African Americans, Caucasians, Europeans, and Pacific Islanders. We are all the same. Sure, we all have different backgrounds, color of the skin, and culture. But in actuality, we all came from the same person, the One who created all of us, who loves us unconditionally and never stops, who is always here even when we can’t see Him, who watches out for you for through all the days of your life.

In Him, we are the same. Being smart, being strict, carefree, etc…it’s all from the person alone. It’s not from where you come from or your nationality or the way you look. Anyone can be smart; it’s all up to you. Anyone can dress as a scene or emo or whatever. We’re the same anyways.

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned, forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." (Luke 6:37)

Also, what’s that saying everyone always talks about?

Treat others they way you’d want to be treated.

Protection Tips

With everything that is happening in the world today, or even outside our doors, I believe it is essential to obtain some knowledge on trying to keep oneself's safety when being alone.

• Walk confident and assertively. Look unafraid and be aware of who's around you and behind you.
• Carry your purse securely under your arm with one or two hands on it. Do not carry it around your neck because you can be choked with it. Carry enough money for an emergency.
• Color Code your house and car keys so they are an easier access.
• Carry your keys in your hands. Put the key between the index finger and thumb. The other keys should stick out between the other fingers which would act as spikes if you had to punch someone.
• Always be aware of escape routes, especially if you are being followed. If you walk some place regularly, vary your route. Know where the safe streets are and avoid alleys.
• Avoid walking at night period. It is not safe. If you must go for a walk, take a friend or two. If you are alone, tag along behind a group or a couple of people who seem reliable.
• Always try to dress comfortably so that you may run if need be.
• Be suspicious and trust your gut feelings about people. Don't disclose personal information. Always keep control of all interactions.
• If someone is bothering you, make a lot of noise. It attracts attention and is proven to help in preventing unwanted confrontations.
• Know common approaches an attacker might use and know how to handle situations when someone asks for directions, the time, a light, or just starting a simple conversation.
• Identify all people who come into your personal space either a friend or foe.
• If you are being followed by someone on foot, cross the street to see if you are actually being followed. If so, move quickly to some safe public place or populated area. If these solutions are to overcome, turn around and confront the person, speaking loudly.
• If you are being followed by someone, turn around and walk the opposite direction, making a point of noting the car's license number. Move to a safe public place.
• Be suspicious of a date who is attempting to isolate you.

Just Let Loose ~ Nudity

Nudity…

Nakedness…

Ultimate Exposure…

BIRTHDAY SUIT!

We’ve all heard it one way or another, but have we ever discussed it? Probably not unless we were in Health class or having the “talk” with our parents (maybe?). Usually, subjects like this don’t always catch my attention due to the fact that I don’t exactly care about writing about it. Unfortunately, I came across a friend’s blog that talked about the term Nudity and his beliefs about it. Reading it, it’s very informative like being in class once again; however, there were still some thoughts that I found rather “open to discussion”, so to speak. I admit that it has taken me quite a while to finally post a response.

With that said, I must very much warn that this article is a response directly to the original blog entry (which can be read here:Nudity & My Beliefs - Kasigawa) and has included both my and other people’s opinions, which I was able to gather. Also, it is best to understand that everything written from here on out is based on perspectives and has no intentions of hurting anyone’s feelings. Many can agree or disagree.

Now, we are all familiar with the term nudity.

There are pros and cons to being nude or just the term of nudity and I don’t really like to get very much into detail for his blog has already done that for us. What I would really like to deal with in this post is his beliefs about nudity. Now, I am not one to judge others for their own beliefs and opinions on things because I have no right. However, I do believe that we have our rights to say what we want as well.

Let’s take a look on what Kasigawa has written pertaining to his belief of nudity:

“Foremost, I do not believe nudity is sexual, because sexuality implies immoral behavior or action. I believe nudity is normal. Everybody has a body and eventually knows what features the opposite gender has. I also believe it doesn’t affect children nor does harm to society. I believe nudity should be embraces and overlooked. This does not mean everyone should have the ability to walk around naked all the time or just because they can, it means when people see nudity they shouldn't be bothered by it. I believe clothes are to be worn to show decency and respect for others around them. However, I do believe there should be occasions in which nudity should be a tolerable and permissible; such as: days of high humidity and temperatures; maybe around water or certain recreational facilities (having the option of wearing a bathing suit or fitness clothes); around one’s home; public beaches; open baths or showers; or luxury locations (like tanning, spas and massage parlors). I believe nudity should be something that people sometimes see, but don’t mind or pay attention to; like a doctor working with a patient. I also believe that nudity can be a certain kind of innocence or form of humility. For example: I believe the allowance to see the body of another should be appreciated, depending on the individual’s physique (if it’s delightful to see or not), because they are demonstrating a sense of humility. I also find children having the freedom to run around without clothes shows a sense of innocence and purity. To me, it feels very harmonious and natural. In my own words, perhaps I see nudity in a way of an artists, because I love the human form. I think by allowing nudity to be a neutral coherence in society, individuals will sees similarities and how everyone is simply a human-being. I predict this will help with social harmony.” 

As one has read the passage above, I would like to take this time to dissect parts of what I find interesting and also discussable.

Let us begin.

…I do not believe nudity is sexual, because sexuality implies immoral behavior or action. I believe nudity is normal. Everybody has a body and eventually knows what features the opposite gender has…

Yes. I absolutely agree. Nudity shouldn’t be considered sexual. Based on one’s behavior is when anything can be mistaken. According to a dear friend, she wrote in response to this line: “to a certain degree I do agree with him. Nudity really should not be looked upon as sexual. There are a lot of hidden nudist tribes that prove this to be true…” We grow up in a society that has children learning about different parts of the body one way or another. So the “surprise” of what a guy or girl has is not really a surprise at all. Maybe in size would be a surprise….but that’s just a dirty joke that I apologize for if there are children reading. (SORRY!)

I believe clothes are to be worn to show decency and respect for others around them. However, I do believe there should be occasions in which nudity should be a tolerable and permissible; such as: days of high humidity and temperatures; maybe around water or certain recreational facilities (having the option of wearing a bathing suit or fitness clothes); around one’s home; public beaches; open baths or showers; or luxury locations (like tanning, spas and massage parlors)

Coming towards this passage, I couldn’t help but feel a vast sense of contradiction; then again I can sort of understand what he is saying. It sounds like he’s saying its okay but then not. “His opinion is kind of two sided. He is staying neutral. He is saying that nudity is ok. But, we should also wear clothes for certain occasions. I believe in this subject there is really no middle. It's either you are for it and you are completely against it,” states a fellow reader. So what is he really?

In such specific days, like a extremely hot summer day, it would be very nice to just strip down and walk naked to feel the breeze (if there is one) and feel fresh. However, women are not allowed to do such a thing in the type of society that we live in. We are even looked down upon (more like gawked at) when taking our shirts off to swim in our bathing suits. Men are free to keep their shirt off (however, it seems it differs in many states). If we lived in native tribes or kept the culture many of us from different parts of the world know about, then I guess it would be alright. But it’s not.

Many other countries have public beaches and open baths or showers that do allow people to be naked on the premises.  In the USA, it doesn’t seem to have that type of “luxury.” In Japan and Korea, there are bath houses that have people walk, socialize (though it’d be very awkward for most), and bathe in the same area. It’s part of their custom as he mentions in his blog. Unfortunately, again, we do not live in a society that accepts these types of things.

Maybe it’s just different in the United States because we build upon the lust and sexuality of people? How about in other countries?

In Brasil, “rich people are more conservative because they have money and the status to stay respectable. The poor tend to be dirty and trashy therefore can't afford nice clothes and they are not respectable people…” stated a Brasillian descend. 

According to one friend: “I agree that continual exposure desensitizes a person, or population in this case, but I do not believe public nudity should be a common place activity in our society. Clothing was designed with a purpose to keep innocence and privacy.” With this, it is true. Again, based on how everything is and how different it is from everywhere else, the option of being nude should only be kept private.

We all know what is going on out there or anywhere. The world is not safe anymore.

I believe nudity should be something that people sometimes see, but don’t mind or pay attention to; like a doctor working with a patient.

As much as I would love this idea to be true, it seems like it would be impossible. Why? Our mind has been tainted after learning what is right and wrong while growing up; we learned that nudity is supposed to be private. Those “professionals” like a doctor working with a patient is being paid because it’s a different situation. It is their job to be able to handle any situation about the human body. Not everyone is a doctor or a professional surgeon. However, even in the medical field, patients are usually covered to provide a sense of comfort and security than being exposed. Also, they are covered to make sure that other parts of the body are not openly exposed to contaminated contents when performing surgery or even a general check up.

I also believe that nudity can be a certain kind of innocence or form of humility. For example: I believe the allowance to see the body of another should be appreciated, depending on the individual’s physique (if it’s delightful to see or not), because they are demonstrating a sense of humility.

This has gotten me a bit confused. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what he is truly saying. The “allowance” makes it seem like we have every right to look at another person’s body; however, there’s a requirement? Based on my understanding of this passage, it seems that we should be allowed to appreciate the exposed body of another when he or she is physically fit. So those who are overweight, old – basically anyone who is not fit and toned – are not allowed to reveal their physique and be appreciated for their bodies. I don’t find the humility and innocence in that if we are setting specific qualifications.

In island cultures, men and women have different body types. Unlike the stereotypical portrayal of “sexy islanders,” everyone comes in all shapes and sizes. And we are all deemed beautiful. Back in the native era, men and women didn’t have clothing but were still appreciated because it was just how it is. How are we able to seek innocence and humility like mentioned above if we can’t appreciate a fat man walking around with no shirt on? How about a woman who is old and wrinkled? Admit it. It would be disturbing and made as a joke among friends and whoever else is around. 

What is humility then? Isn’t it the quality or condition of being humble? How about being humble? It is said not to be proud or arrogant. It means to be modest. So the talk of humility of itself doesn’t seem to coincide with what Kasigawa says.

I admit that I may have misunderstood this passage completely but it still seems illogical.

In my own words, perhaps I see nudity in a way of an artists, because I love the human form.

“An artist’s see a human body as a form of art because they can actually form some sort of art with it. Not just by looking at another human’s body. So is he saying that he is willing to look at guys bodies and be ok with it because it is a form of art? No I don't think so,” a reader rebuts.

I must agree with what the other reader stated as a form of rebuttal. Unless it is actually used for an art project (i.e. a nude model posing for an art class), then his statement is invalid if a person is not using it as art.

I, too, love art in various forms. Nude art has been around for many centuries and has been vastly appreciated around the world. It had a story to tell. I also love science and anatomy. I love learning about how the body functions and how it all works in a human being. But here’s the deal, I love anatomy but I won't ask you to strip for me or say, “IT IS ALL FOR SCIENCE/ART!”

Another thing, one cannot truly love the human form if one is picky.

Everything else he has mentioned is pretty much what I would like to see. There is a possibility that it could help with social harmony but it will be very tricky. With how the minds are today, innocent things can be flipped and taken dirty. It’s like adding, “That’s what she said” to every statement, revealing the childish mentality of people (although some are just funny).

I personally believe that nudity should be private, either with oneself or to your spouse. Many will not agree with me but that is okay. This is what open discussion is all about. It is taking great minds that are open to anything and questioning what could and couldn't be.

Let's Be Honest

"Honesty is the best policy"

Is honesty truly the best policy?
If people can't handle honesty, why ask for it?
If it ruins friendships, why do people still crave for it?
People just get hurt. So how do we deal?
In my experiences, I always like to be as honest as possible but somehow it seems to always hurt people. I guess I am just too straightforward? Although I have the tendency to run my mouth when I would try to make a point or when asked for my opinion, I need to make sure that my words doesn't always cut deep.
But here's the thing, if we constantly ask for honesty or even expect it among friends, then should it not be a surprise on how open and honest a person shall be? Shouldn't we have already tried to prepare ourselves for the oncoming brutality which is the truth?
Not all truth is sweet as candy.
In short, I guess I would advise something like this: when asking for honesty, you must be open.
Open to possibilities.
Open to suggestions.
Open to the consideration of what others have to say.
And also, when GIVING honesty: be very sure of what you want to say and have something to back it up. If we talk out of content due to our emotions, there is a possibility that this can all go astray. So when being true, don't lose track of what you want to point across but also don't forget to consider the feelings of others.
Good luck!

Cruel Reality

There are times when I tend to forget that most people can't handle the harshness of criticism. For the past years, I admit that I haven't been so keen with criticism either; however, I learned to deal with it. That's how cruel real life can be.
It's a Harsh World.
It's not always all fun and games. Just like high school, not everyone is going to like you for what you have to offer. It's either give more or don't give anything at all.
My best advice is to just take everything in as something positive. If it feels too thick in negativity that it seems like you're drowning, then step away for a while. When handling the cruelty of reality, it's best to gather your thoughts while also keeping an open mind. That's how we grow into understanding life in various ways. The negative comments people, including friends, give off isn't to hurt you - though it may seem like it - but to grow from it.
No, people's harsh words hasn't always been kind but it has been beneficial for me. That's when I learned to stand up for my own and what I believe in while being open to the possibilities.
Once you learn how to take in what people say and convert it into something positive, then are you truly capable of fully grasping the complexity of life, the cruelty of the world, and the harshness of criticism.

My "Perfect" Standards

This may sound very similar to “The List” post from earlier but I would like to extend a bit more. I found my paper that I had for my previous Psychology 101 class and found it fun to read. I was pretty much having a nostalgia moment since it was from three years ago.
Here we go.

What do you look for in a significant other?
Personality or Physical Features?

The most common answer would usually be personality, but here is the truth. If I had to choose, I would say both. I will gladly admit that I, too, look at physical features just like anyone else when finding a mate; however, I do like to look at personality as well.

Throughout my whole teen years, whenever a question like that has been asked, I would say personality. Why? Based on my past experiences, I’ve known what it was like to be rejected due to the fact that I did not fit the part. I was not considered “sexy” or even fit to be considered the girlfriend type.

I was friend-zoned quickly!

And for a while, I’ve made a list of what I would love to find in a guy in the physical feature department, life status, and personality.

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Like many people on this planet, I look for physical features in a guy. Probably many would think that I am speaking quite shallow because I am considering the looks of a guy. Yes and most likely, No. Don’t get me wrong, it would be nice to land a guy who I would love to look at constantly thinking he’s some sort of supermodel but that’s not what I meant when I say physical features.

I want to make sure that this man could carry a girl my size – big, curvy, islander type of structure, etc… If I may, I would like someone who is tall. I used to say that I would prefer a guy who was tall enough that even if I attempted to wear heels, I wouldn’t end up being taller. But I am happy wearing flats and shoes more than something that could kill me eventually. However, the reason for stating that a taller man would suffice was because I have always been the tallest person I know. Out of all my friends, I am usually the tallest one.

Let me just say, it is hard to find someone who is taller than a 5’8.5” girl!

Not only was height a big asset, but I preferred for him to be physically fit. Meaning, it would be preferably great to have the guy be athletic and toned. Muscles are nice…(sorry >.<)

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(Okay...so I can't help it! Adam Levine is just GORGEOUS!)

(I honestly don't know who's this from but I gasped when I saw this pic! ^^) Tattoos used to be a huge “NO” for me but it has changed over the last few years, especially when I decided to get one for myself. I did, however, set limits on the quantity of tattoos as well as size. Being “drenched” in tattoos…I’ll have to rethink that one. Here’s the deal, even though I have gotten myself a tattoo of my own, I still strongly believe that our bodies is the temple of Christ. It was written, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Right now it will sound crazy for I wrote a scripture from the Bible and yet I have done the exact opposite. That is for another time; another story to be told later.

Life statuses can be a tricky subject to talk about when it comes to finding a life partner. Sometimes we say that the person doesn’t have to be wealthy and rich but, in all honesty, we also don’t want them dirt broke and no direction in life. As much as possible, I wouldn’t care if the a man does not have millions of dollars in their bank account just as long as they are able to live a better life than poverty (still sounds a bit shallow, doesn’t it?). Having a riveting discussion about men’s life status with a great friend of mine, she stated that she would “like to have a man who is so old and filthy rich that when he dies, he will leave all the money to me.”

As oddly disturbing and very Anna-Nicole-Smith-like, it was just too shallow. I don’t look for wealth because I don’t need it. Stability, even if modern, is better than so much or so little. I just wanted a man who is simple, a virgin (if that still exists!), never married, and maybe around my age or a few years older. It would be nice if he has no criminal record either. The last thing I need is to worry my brains out thinking, “What did he do this time?”

I’m not mean…I’m just clean. (And also very picky like I have mentioned in my previous blog).

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

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Finally, we talk about personality. In my opinion, personality is the foundation of a person’s real identity which is why I’m more fond of it. I love guys who can make a girl laugh; it shows that they have a great sense of humor. But then there are times when I’d like someone to be serious too.

Balance.

A guy with a great personality would usually have a great sense of humor, kind hearted, caring, and sweet (at least, that’s what I always thought). It does not make him “gay” but a diamond in the rough. However, there is only one thing I look for in personality besides the others I have mentioned.

God Fearing. Does the man love God more than anything? If a man is a God-fearing man, then all other things will come into place.

Let me make one more example:

In the autumn of 2010, I befriended a guy. He was smart, funny, caring, lovable, and most importantly: God-fearing. He placed God first in everything. He also turned out to be a really great friend that happened to be a former member in the same Bible Club in high school I attended.

This may sound idiotic, to most people but here is what I truly found out: because my friend loved God so much and showed it in everything he does in life, it was inspiring and soon later turned out to be a little crush. While focusing on God the most, that crush turned out to be love. And that meant my first time love. Fast forwarding a little, he and I never became anything more than just friends. But I was okay with that.

Even though he had everything that I wanted, especially in height, it still never progressed on from where we stand now. Why is that? Maybe it’s because God was showing to me that it is possible to love someone the way I did with him, that it exists, and that He had someone better.

I did learn a lot from loving my friend. Because he was so God-fearing, everything that made him who he is, dork and all, just had me accept him even more. I learned that the past and flaws never matters because in the end, his personality outshines everything else.

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Physical features of a man and a clean status would be great to find in a true mate. But then again, no one is perfect. And with that, I looked more towards personality because that’s what defines a person.

ISOLATION: Your fault or Theirs?

Isolation is usually one of the deadliest feelings in most teenagers (and in some cases, adults as well). Even when we are just hanging out with friends or family – in or out of school, at the park, in the mall, or in other public places – there is always that feeling deep down inside that is saying, “I am so alone.”

Ever felt isolated, even once? If not, here is what it feels like. It SUCKS!

Why? Three reasons:

(1)   People
(2)   Depression
(3)   Insecurities

Reason #1: PEOPLE
Why? Imagine being in a brand new school filled with unknown kids in the same age range or higher, started eating lunch in one of the cubicles in the bathroom, and the only friend present is the administration people, teachers, or textbooks. Pathetic, I know...

As days go by, one meets other people and become friends, seeming to as if they know each other a lot. One could say that they feel really confident; until suddenly, isolation creeps in like a bug from a crack on the wall when a friend constantly calls them “weird” or “annoying.”

I think we've all been through that. I know for sure I have gone through hard times feeling isolated, especially in high school.

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It’s hard to consider being yourself when even your friends are saying things that puts your self-esteem down, even when it is unintentional. I sat in the cafeteria, listening to the various conversations. I had an idea that could be shared with the group but failed to release the information due to feeling insecure. It felt like someone had put my voice on mute. They broke jokes that were too uncomfortable for me, I fell silent ever since.

That was my mistake. I chose to become isolated because I never spoke up. And when I finally did, it was a bit too late. After separating schools for college and being one of the few who moved out of state, I lost a few friends for finally speaking. So when it hurts, just say it.

People can make us uncomfortable or even feel unwanted in our own groups. Sometimes, we just need to be able to speak up and if they’re really friends or understanding people as some states they are, then the feelings of others, especially yourself, should be taken to consideration and things would be worked out.

Reason #2: DEPRESSION
Now I definitely am certain we ALL have gone through depression. The depth and length of it is what I am uncertain of. It all differs.

Depression is one of the most common causes of isolation. Through isolation and depression combined, it usually leads to death or a very close call. From my observations, it usually starts with the questions:

“Why am I like this?”
“Why am I so different?”
“Why won’t anyone understand?”

Etc…

Through my experiences, I would always try to find answers for those questions. Then I figured that it was three things in my case: (1) homesickness, the uncertainty of what is happening back home and feeling alone in a strange new world, (2) feeling lost about everything, especially my faith, and (3) not having the independent experience everyone else had.

Being mostly in a mixed-religion family, the traditional ways were rather difficult when living in a very different cultured environment than our own. The feeling of freedom was seldom for most people like me if coming from a very strict family.

Depression in this case (more or less my case actually) carried me to the stage in life that I wasn’t able to get out of my comfort zone or out of this transparent bubble I took a custom to for more than 17 years. And just like any teenager, I blamed my parents for the time being.

However, now it is different (somewhat). I don’t blame others for my depression. Although it may seem like it should (if one knows my past), it is not the best way to deal with it. I was used to the bubble I have mentioned just a little while ago. I relied on my parents for everything. I was a weakling or most likely to be what my parents wanted to be proud of. Again, I was weak to speak.

Reason #3: INSECURITIES
Well, I pretty much included insecurities in the first two reasons but I think it’s best to expand it a little more. Shall we?

As we all know, everyone has their own form of insecurity which prevents us from really expanding our horizons. This was my major reason for isolation. Around the age of 12 or 13 (practically in the seventh grade), insecurities came in so quickly it was my second identity in some ways. A former friend, who I grew up with in the same school, always made me feel inferior, taunting me about my size. Horizontal not vertical. It always came with the hand gestures for more emphasis. It started from there. I always got insecure with hanging with friends when it came to shopping or doing anything girly. I knew that I would feel like an oversize luggage that people brought along to feel better about themselves. That was my intake on everything because of my weight. Another incident was when I was always asked to sing.

Now in some cases, I love to sing my heart out even if I don’t get the notes correct; however, to be asked constantly to sing in front of an audience I am not well acquainted with, I just couldn’t. I freeze up and lose my voice. Even worse, I began to slouch.

Slouching was my indication of feeling low about myself. Every time I would feel shy, I would become the hunchback of Notre Dame! From being ridiculed for my size and pressured into something I had no compassion of performing in front of an audience, I isolated myself from everyone. All this lead to being introverted completely. Don’t be fooled, I love hanging with friends; however, the fear of being teased and pressured rested in my mind for many years.

It sounds idiotic, right?
Probably after reading this, one would question: “Where are you going with all this?”

Even though all my points had some ridiculous example of why I would isolate myself, I always admit that it was my fault. That’s usually the first step in getting over isolation. Accept that it was partially our own faults that cause us to step away from people and being very closed minded.

We isolate ourselves because of what others have done to us. We build comfort in the darkness knowing that no one else can hurt us if we just stay away. But it’s not like that.

Being isolated would be like being in a shadow, never really tasting what light is like. We would blame others for our insecurities instead of blaming ourselves for not conquering them. We shun people out in fear of getting hurt or bothered. When doing that, we forget to realize the truth behind everything. We forget that we have a voice and a choice. We forget that it is ourselves alone that can put us down.

No matter where we are or who we’re with, the feeling of isolation would still be around, waiting for that moment to strike. But it’s our decision.

Let it in?
Or keep it out?

"Be Happy"

If you're happy and  you know it
CLAP YOUR HANDS!
If you're happy and you know it
CLAP YOUR HANDS!
If you're happy and you know it
and you really want to show itIf you're happy and you know it...

Did you clap your hands?

How about stomped your feet?

Did you yell YIPPEE??

How does one express happiness?


There are various ways of expressing happiness like the following:
-Tears
-Smile
-Laughter
-Dancing
-Singing
-Writing
etc...

Everything said above can also be a way of expressing if one is hurt or sad. Correct?
So how can one really express happiness?

It's the language. When one sad, smiling never reaches from one ear to another, as many will say. Tears portray the sorrow that leaves the body slowly. Laughter can be heard differently from the intonation of the voice. Writing, singing, and dancing are determined by movements and choices of words.

As simple as it sounds, it's not always easy to tell if someone is truly happy or sad. I say this from my own experiences.
Lately, a lot of people have told me to be "happy." They say that I needed to look at life as a happy person and move forward. As much as I appreciate the kindness of others and their concern, my happiness is my happiness.
The way I express how happy I am is very simple yet very complicated. Unless someone truly knows a person, then is the only time they would be able to decipher whether the language unspoken is happy or sad.

When I'm happy, I am either loud or quiet. Same thing goes when I am depressed or broken. Because one simple action can go both ways, it's best to consider the intention behind such expressions.

So as odd as this whole entry sounds and as confusing it was for me to write it, let's all consider something:
A smile doesn't always portray happiness just as tears portray depression.

Don't focus on the outer layer but the inner layer of the book.

FOCUS!

Hey everyone,

So this photo was made a while back because of something I remembered from Bible Club in high school. Well, thanks to my best friend and his wonderful brother, I found that focusing on something is a great way to get motivated to do something.

I will make this work with my journey and yours too. “FOCUS” it says on the photo. If we don’t focus, we will never get to where it is we want. Correct? Wishing and hoping without doing anything won’t get us anywhere either. We can wish and hope when we also do something to bring us closer.

One of the reasons why some of us, I include myself as well, aren’t capable of reaching our goals (whatever they may be, how big or small they are) would be because we tend to lose focus. No focus means we give up easily and so we have. Then we wonder why we never finished our journey.

So my friend, I would like to suggest that you find something to focus on. When you focus on something, you find that THAT is your reason for reaching your ultimate goal or any goals for that matter. It never said that it will be easy when we start or when we keep on going. But focus on what is ahead, the benefits, the feeling you will have once you run that race!

Thinking about giving up? No. Don’t. All you have to do is FOCUS

Focus = Motivation = Inspiration = Work Harder ===> YOUR GOAL!

Negative Energy

This may sound weird or wrong, but here’s my advice:

Think about what it is that makes you angry and stressed.
When you figure it out, channel that negative energy into your work out routines.

We all heard that right? Well, I’m here to say it again along with the others who've said it before.

Take all your anger whether it be toward yourself or towards a person and use all that energy and work it out. This will make you more determined to show them what you’re made of. And it will also be a good way to not commit anything you will regret later.

This is why I say it:
Generally there’s just so much crap going on in my life even if they are really small things. I’m going to be honest and say that I don’t always handle them well. But now I’m beginning to. Right now, most of my “hatred”, anger, frustration, pain, and tears came from one person alone and it really does affect me. I won’t say anymore but just the slightest reminder of this person, I’m upset and hurt and remember all the depression I've been through and still go through. Don’t worry,it’s nothing super crucial but it’s still something that I’m very bothered with.
Now, all this anger inside of me is building up and that psychologically made me feel hungry and craving for food even though I know I am not hungry or that I am full from my previous meal. You know the whole EATING YOUR SORROWS AWAY motto we hear all the time that food is the best thing to console us when we are down? Yeah. All bull. Sure, it will work for the time being but if you are insecure about your body, trying to keep track of your meal intakes, or whatever it is….food is NOT the best option, especially when you are angry because you are just packing all that food into your system.
Believe me, once you “eat your sorrows away” you will find a pound or more waiting for you on that weighing scale. And also when you eat so much, you become lazy and tired and just want to sleep or be a couch potato. Do not deny that this has never happened to you or it never will because it can happen if we don’t channel all our anger energy into our routines.

So here;s the part of the advice:
Get all your angry songs, what keeps you pissed off of whatever it is or reminds you of whatever and it pisses you off, and play it as your playlist. I know a lot of you are already doing this. And some are not. It’s still your choice. I just thought it’d be really helpful because right now, it’s helping me not only get over my anger in a better way but also it calms me down as I put my anger in something that I can gain positively.

YOUR CHOICE.

Social Awkwardness

I was always the social awkward outcast in the group I was in. I was usually by myself because my friends were not with me, they couldn’t stick by me.

Being picked on for the way you look, dress, act….it’s not all happy go-lucky that some people may think. It’s really life changing and heart breaking. For years I always thought that I was not the type to be socialized with. Believe me, it was the dumbest thing to think about myself. I’m not saying that I’m perfect and that everyone should get to know me or love me because that’s never going to happen.

But because I do things differently, I've been treated differently. No, I’m not incapable of anything. I’m just as normal as you. But then again, what’s really “normal” in this world of society now? To others, a person who is “normal” is someone who does the same thing everyone else. However, you might be as abnormal as you’d say one person is because the norm to them is how they see life.

I pick on myself a lot to try to get a point here. Sometimes I wonder if I did get through people. Now, I really don’t care. If I do, yay! If not, bummer. But all in all, to say that someone’s not “fit” to be a part of the normal society or what isn't just rude, but hurtful.

If people say that we are all equal, why come up with this dumb tactic that you’re only normal if you do the same things people do. So if people jumped off a 100ft cliff into the crashing waves to kill themselves, it’s considered normal? Or if people are “fit” that everyone else have to be? Those who are fat, or chubby, or big boned have no right to live in the same world everyone does?

Well, let me just get this out: If a person has to keep up with a trend just to be accepted in this world that we so humbly love now, then it’s not worth it. It’s better to be an outsider than to follow trends that will never last a lifetime.

So, what is normal? That’s a question that you must ask yourselves before considering telling someone that they’re not.

We’re all different, but we all have our little abnormal moments. So are you normal? Are you in with everyone else?