Knock Knock

Doesn't it always seem like as soon as you decide that you are going to be positive and have good vibes so you can better yourself and your situation, there is always someone that just tries to ruin that? Negativity is something that is very hard to avoid. It seems that it always finds its way back into our lives. The great news is, we have the power and the ability to control how far it gets. 

When someone who is not welcome in your home comes knocking on your door, are you going to let them in? Generally the answer would be NO! You peek out and see that person and you ignore them.  I understand that sometimes there are special circumstances where you may let the person know that they are not welcome, but you do not let them get comfortable or feel as if they have a place in your home. This is the exact same way we have to handle negativity. It should not be welcome in your life, just like that particular person is not welcome in your home. Once you allow negativity in, it has a way of draining you and depleting the positive energy that you have established.

Before it even gets comfortable, stop it at the door. I am generally a very calm person that does not let others get to me. I usually put things in perspective and every time I discover that this person is not worth any of my energy. However, there are always some situations that happen so fast, that this negative energy is in our home sitting on our couch with a glass of lemonade and we did not even know it. Keep Calm & Get them out! Do not let negativity settle into your life and get comfortable. If they happen to sneak in, show them the door immediately. This is so important because once you let a negative person know that they are affecting your positivity, they continue to have power over you. They continue to occupy your time and are satisfied with that. They are not worth it.



Long story short, when Negative Nancy comes knocking, DON'T ANSWER!

Go For The Goals.

Last week I discussed keeping a positive thinking mindset and the difference it can make in your life. Thinking positive is being positive. With a positive mindset, you realize that every situation you face, every encounter you make is an opportunity to grow and become better. It is a door opening and chance to learn and experience, whether good or bad. These things will allow you to make small steps to the ulitmate goals in your life.

With these thoughts in mind, set goals for yourself. Everyday we are getting older and have to focus a lot more on the future. What is next? What things do I want to accomplish? When do I want to accomplish these things? As a senior, these are the things that are constantly on my mind. What is next after I graduate from Bowie State? Do I want to go to graduate school immediately? Who do I want to work for? What do I want to do? Who do I want to do these things wtih? Its overwhelming thinking about so many different things. This week I focused on organizing my thoughts. First, think about what you know. I know that I love public relations. I know that I would be okay with moving from this area. I know that I do not want to work for someone for the rest of my life, and I know that I want to be financially stable and happy. What do you know about yourself?

Though these things are sort of general, they are actually important. From these things I can start to set small goals for myself, conquer those goals and set new ones. Eventually the goals will get greater and before you know it, those small steps and small goals become big steps and big goals accomplished. By taking those small steps and accomplishing them, I am building confidence that I can reach those bigger goals.

Long story short, small goals turn into big goals, accomplish them all.

 

Death to Pessimism.

"Belief drives behaviors and self-limiting belief leads to self-defeating behavior. Believe in yourself and your abilities"

 

Most times we do not realize how much our thoughts control our behavior. Once a person repeatedly thinks something, eventually those thoughts will come to fruition, whether in success or failure. We all remember The Little Engine That Could. The emphasis was on the fact that he kept repeating to himself "I think I can. I think I can." and guess what? He could!

Lately, I have found myself in a very negative state of mind. I constantly tell myself I am too busy, I am over whelmed and that I have too much on my plate. The reality is I am only what I say that I am. Negative thoughts only take away the space that positive thoughts could occupy. This limits my ability to do well because before there is an outcome, I have already counted myself out by my thoughts alone. From now on, I am not too busy or overwhelmed, I am simply well occupied. I should be grateful for all the opportunities that I have to make myself a stronger and better person. Challenges in life are great things, they are a chance to prove just how strong you are.

I admit, life can get a little over whelming sometimes, but the great thing is God will never put more on you than you can bear. With midterms before us it is very critical that we take this time to practice our positive attitudes. Even if your grade is not where you believe it should be, know that it is not too late. Instead of sulking about what you did not do thus far, know that there is the same amount of opportunity ahead  to make a great change! Believe in yourself, think positive thoughts and be the best you.

Long story short, the glass is only half empty if you think it is.

Finding Peace

This week for me has been very BLAH! That is the only way that I could describe it.

 My days being hectic and disorganized are nothing new at this point. I always have so much going on, and it never seems to end. I have realized though, that the reason that I feel like I don't ever have time for anything is because I plan so poorly. I have the worst time management skills ever sometimes. I feel like the only free time I have is when I'm driving. I am usually alone in my car and it gives me just a little time to relax. The fact that this is my only down time is sad, but I appreciate it. We all have that space that we go to that gives us time to just breath and get ourselves together. Everyone should have a place of tranquility, just a few minutes to yourself to reflect and get your mind together. When I'm at home the place of tranquility is in my living room. It is just a place to relax and enjoy the moment for a little while. It is surronded with pictures of my family and friends which always give me motivation.

My humble living room.

One of our living room walls. It reminds me that this a space of my own and the pictures are from fun memorable moments which helps bring me back to a place of happiness and gratefulness.

Long story short, find your place of tranquility so you won't go insane.

Marecya was able to go and cheer at CIAA championship that our boys won this weeks so she was very ecstatic. I was so happy to see her having such a great time.  <3

dollar BILLS

Moving out of your parents house and away from campus definitely does have its perks of course. Having your own space, coming in and out as you please, being able to do what ever it is that you want, when you want and how you want. BUT, it has it down falls too, which is the reality check. BILLS, we all hate those, no more home cooked meals already ready when you walk in the house, the convenience of being on campus is gone, did I mention BILLS? The thing with bills is you know that they are coming, so I try my best to cut my sick shopping habits in order to prepare for them. Bills includes rent, electricity, car insurance, cable, internet, cell phone and credit card. This is done. BUT, its not the things that you expect that are suprising, its the things that you never saw coming. That being said, my car got towed ($175) , my tail lights went out ($50) , I got pulled over ($70) , && my license expired ($50). So, with a grand total of $345 you can see where my frustration comes from. Not to mention every day living cost like food and gas, and as a student, books and supplies for school.

Yes, I do have full time job to pay for these BILLS, but it just adds to the stress. I work at the front desk at a hotel and you wouldn't even begin to believe the things that I have to deal with on a daily basis. Having to focus on all of these things takes a toll. This is how my mind gets all jumbled and trying to focus on things like school gets complicated. Its just been a frustrating week, but I have to deal with it because you need Dollars in order to pay Bills. & I need my education in order to get dollars. My goals for this next week is to just keep calm & remember my goals. The only great thing that happend this week is that I found out that Marecya's 3 more chemo sessions got cut down to 1. Which is great!

Long story short, life costs and I'm paying.

Life Changing Experience

This weeks post is dedicated to my best friend Marecya Burton. She was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and is currently going through Chemotherapy. Now, if you don't know much about chemo, its basically pouring endless chemicals into your body in order to attack this cancer, but in the process it kills a lot of healthy cells including your hair. It also makes you feel really weak and sometimes moody.  Now Marecya has the prettiest, healthiest bounciest hair EVER and the most bubbly personality. I means she's a cheer leader for heaven sake! lol. So, I promised before she was actually diagnosed with Cancer that if she were to have to go through chemo and was to lose her hair that I would cut my hair as well. So of course, once she was diagnosed I had to keep my word. Chop Chop!! She and I spent the day together and made the big chop. She was so excited that I would sacrifice my hair for her cancer, but for me it was the least that I could do.

Once we got ourselves together and finished our tears and hugs we posted a picture on Instagram and Twitter and the impact was so unexpected. So many people were touched by the entire story and by the high spirits of Recya and her courage to fight on. She is the strongest person that I know. It would have been so easy for her to make excuses and she would have actually had a decent reason. BUT she took the high road and is making the best of her situation by keeping a smile on her face, encouraging others ad enlightening them on Ovarian Cancer.

Moral of the story, your situation is something that could always be worst, so make the best of it. Your excuses will not get you any where. & Most importantly MY BEST FRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS!! ;)

CHECK OUT HER STORY AT thetealdiaries.blogspot.com.

Hey! My name is Jasmine. I am a 21 year old full time student, athelete and employee. Im still young trying to figure out life on my own and of course I am going to make plenty of mistakes. At this point I am trying to figure out a way to balance all of this out. Between running track, working full time and trying to graduate on time my life is a MESS! I have devised a plan to get clean it up & I'm inviting you to take this journey with me. I will be posting my progress, encouraging words, and what I am learning along the way. Feel free to give feedback and advice because I'm sure I'll need it.

We all know that throughout life there are highs and there are lows. But what about the in between? . This is my journey. My road to redemption. Welcome!