Day 12-Books
I absolutely love reading! Unfortunately I did not get to read for pleasure this year as much as I would have liked to (being an English major, there's a lot of it that's required, which leaves little time for other stuff). However, that's not to say I didn't read at all. Here are some that I would definitely recommend, if you haven't read them already.
In no particular order...
Jesus Calling (Sarah Young)-it's technically a Christian journaling devotional, but it can be read like a book. I started reading it over the summer and felt like I got more out of that than actual attending a regular church service on Sunday. Not to say that books should replace community! Whether you believe in God or not, I would definitely recommend it.
Stories I Only Tell My Friends (Rob Lowe)-I'm a big fan of memoirs, especially those written by celebrities. I feel like it's a good way to find out more about them, other than the sleazy stuff we hear in the grocery gossip magazines. I've seen a few of his brat pack films and watched him on Brothers and Sisters every once in a while, and his life sounded fascinating.
The Best Of Me (Nicholas Sparks)-Definitely not THE best novel he's ever written. The story seemed to follow the same old formula, and the ending was a little predictable. I'd say read Safe Haven and save this one for when you absolutely need something to read.
Through My Eyes (Tim Tebow)-OK, whether you're a fan of his football playing abilities or not, there's no denying that this man is one of a kind. I was in awe (and a little teary eyed) as the book went on, and I think I read it in about two days. Very inspirational!!
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings (Dr. Maya Angelou)-This was more for a class, but I found it interesting nonetheless. She's definitely someone I can picture sitting on a front porch with and talking all day to.
The Gospel Side Of Elvis (Joe Moscheo)-Celebrities and spirituality are a pretty common theme for me. I love Elvis Presley as a musician, and have always been interested in the way that he viewed God and spiritual manners in general, since he did record a few gospel albums. Beautifully written and a great look at a different side of a legend.
Coming Home (Karen Kingsbury)-The final installment of The Baxter Family Series. If you haven't read any of her work, start with Redemption and go from there. The characters in every book are amazing and well written. But bring the tissues, and a lot of them!
Ehh....(meaning, I put it down halfway through)
Her Daughter's Dream (Francine Rivers)-I liked Her Mother's Hope a lot better; again, it was pretty predictable. A typical child prodigal story set in the 1960's counter-culture of California. And nothing will ever compare to Redeeming Love.
The Power of A Praying Woman (Stormie Martin)- a lot of people in my church really enjoyed this, so I thought I would check it out. I was also struggling with prayer at the time that I picked it up, but it didn't seem to offer a whole lot in terms of how to pray. That's when I started reading Jesus Calling.
Oh No I Didn't.....
Before everybody jumps back in horror, I assure you that I'm not recommending it at all. For the sake of wanting to know what it was about before giving out any criticism (as many faith-based and church groups were doing) I did read the first ten chapters of Fifty Shades of Grey. It was dumb. To each their own, but the whole premise was so damn dumb that I threw it under my bed and didn't pick it up until my Mom wanted to let her friend borrow it. Basing it off of Twilight takes it to a definite negative. The writing is terrible, and I will never understand anyone that says it was the best book they've ever read. Please, go pick something with substance. I would go on about the whole idea of blaming fiction for our culture's views on relationships, but that's for another time.
What were some of your favorites that you read this year? So so? Down right terrible?
Showing posts with label celebrities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celebrities. Show all posts
December 12, 2012
January 07, 2012
Role Models...Should We Have Them?
I've been meaning to write this for a long time, but had trouble with finding the right words to say. I wanted to discuss it on the heels of a topic that I wrote about last year in the midst of a sports scandal at my school; that is the power behind making a choice and the positive or negative impact that could follow. Yet, I couldn't come up with a clear answer in regards to the concept of role models. Even today, I still go back and forth about it, but I have somewhat of an idea. And while some may disagree with it, it is just an opinion.
The common consensus is that my generation, and every generation following suit is morally going downhill. There are political leaders vowing to make changes that will supposedly "save" America, and make claims that they're the right person for the job. Soon after, somebody cries foul for one reason or another. Athletes, movie stars, and musicians are hailed as royalty, but then they get themselves into a jam and fall just as quickly as they rose.
And so the elders cry out, "where are the leaders? Who can give a sense of direction? Who can be a light?" Or my favorite, "what happened to the old days?"
That made me wonder, are some people really all that great as they're proclaimed to be? That's not to say that nobody screws up and that they shouldn't take any responsibility for their actions. Yet, I'm beginning to believe that a lot of it has to do with the media; they harp on celebrities who supposedly have this saintly image, but one wrong move and they go straight to tearing them down.
Of course, then we're told that it is more realistic to look up to people in our communities, such as teachers, parents, or those in service jobs. But don't they too, have their share of stumbles? Don't get me wrong, I love my family; but there are definitely mistakes of theirs that I certainly don't want to repeat anytime in the future.
It's not simply a matter of who you look up to, but how and why you look up to them.
A couple of years ago, I had to watch a friend go through an extremely rough patch in his life. It affected me very deeply because of how close we were, and there were moments where I did take it personally. At first, I blamed myself for what he was going through.
I looked up to him very much, especially when we were first getting to know each other. And now that I look back on it, I realize that most of the pain and anger that I had against him wasn't due to what he was doing to me. It was because he would no longer be this person of example, this person that I held so much in high regard. In my eyes, he was perfect; but that image of perfection would vanish in the midst of what was happening at the time.
Not long ago, I wrote about people that inspired me throughout 2011. I have never discussed this before, but there were times where I was slightly intimidated by being around them. It wasn't related to anything they did, but I had this notion that they were all put together, while I was the complete opposite. I can recall several times where I would have breakfast with a friend and in the back of my mind think, how do you do it? I struggled very much with not telling specific people about what exactly was going on in my life; A part of me wondered if they would genuinely understand, because neither of us had ever talked about that kind of stuff.
It has taken me awhile to fully realize that while some may appear to have it all figured out, or have a lot going for them, deep down they're still ordinary people. They have fears, needs, struggles, and pain just like the rest of us. And while that does not excuse those who know damn well that they're doing something stupid, yet do it anyway, or those who preach one thing but live another...no one will ever be completely and utterly perfect.
That is why I have always done my best to be both honest and authentic. While I ultimately cannot control how other people see me, I really don't want to be put on some kind of pedestal or become the postergirl of any particular matter.
So when it comes to influences, I've learned not to look at people as the epitome of anything. Rather, I look to different people for different reasons. There are those that I admire because of their work ethic, determination, and strength. For others, it's their morals, attitude, personality, and/or overall outlook on life.
With that being said, the lines can and often do become blurred: you cannot expect a young kid to immediately stop adoring their football hero because he got busted for drugs. On the other hand, while it is perfectly justifiable to be angry when a person royally screws up due to a bad decision, is it fair to expect them to constantly try to live out this golden image? I'd like to think that first a foremost, a person would want to live a healthy lifestyle when they have so much going for them, or they have potential to do great things. It seems like living a certain way for another's sake would only be a way of trying to please them.
Like it or not, each and every one of us is a role model of some kind; there are those of us that live as examples of what to do, and there are those of us who live as examples of what not to do. It doesn't matter if someone goes on live television and proclaims whether or not they're worth emulating; people will see what they want to see.
I know that I am recognized and admired for a variety of things; I've been approached by various teachers, friends, and strangers over the years who tell me what an inspiration I am. I can only hope that I emulate a positive message; perhaps not solely on morals or beliefs, but on how to work hard and never give up on what you really want in life.
But the main reason I see myself as a role model is not because of what I do, but because I have younger siblings and cousins. While I always try to communicate with them that I'm not perfect, I want them to know that there are risks worth taking, along with risks that are definitely not worth taking.
As much as we all want to have others that have gone before us, someone that can teach us and guide us, I do not believe that the lack of positive influences in our society means that we're all doomed. Personally, I believe that it is a chance to learn how to become leaders in our own right, as opposed to carbon copies.
In hindsight, the path that one person takes should not determine the path that others will take. No one forces you to do anything, whether it be good or bad. Just like a person who was raised in a church has the capability of falling, a person who was raised on drugs and alcohol has the capability of getting back up. It is about having the will to do something, regardless of how hard it may be.
Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody screws up. But, everybody also has a choice.
And regardless of where you come from, how you were raised, or what you've been through, the choice is yours.
The common consensus is that my generation, and every generation following suit is morally going downhill. There are political leaders vowing to make changes that will supposedly "save" America, and make claims that they're the right person for the job. Soon after, somebody cries foul for one reason or another. Athletes, movie stars, and musicians are hailed as royalty, but then they get themselves into a jam and fall just as quickly as they rose.
And so the elders cry out, "where are the leaders? Who can give a sense of direction? Who can be a light?" Or my favorite, "what happened to the old days?"
That made me wonder, are some people really all that great as they're proclaimed to be? That's not to say that nobody screws up and that they shouldn't take any responsibility for their actions. Yet, I'm beginning to believe that a lot of it has to do with the media; they harp on celebrities who supposedly have this saintly image, but one wrong move and they go straight to tearing them down.
Of course, then we're told that it is more realistic to look up to people in our communities, such as teachers, parents, or those in service jobs. But don't they too, have their share of stumbles? Don't get me wrong, I love my family; but there are definitely mistakes of theirs that I certainly don't want to repeat anytime in the future.
It's not simply a matter of who you look up to, but how and why you look up to them.
A couple of years ago, I had to watch a friend go through an extremely rough patch in his life. It affected me very deeply because of how close we were, and there were moments where I did take it personally. At first, I blamed myself for what he was going through.
I looked up to him very much, especially when we were first getting to know each other. And now that I look back on it, I realize that most of the pain and anger that I had against him wasn't due to what he was doing to me. It was because he would no longer be this person of example, this person that I held so much in high regard. In my eyes, he was perfect; but that image of perfection would vanish in the midst of what was happening at the time.
Not long ago, I wrote about people that inspired me throughout 2011. I have never discussed this before, but there were times where I was slightly intimidated by being around them. It wasn't related to anything they did, but I had this notion that they were all put together, while I was the complete opposite. I can recall several times where I would have breakfast with a friend and in the back of my mind think, how do you do it? I struggled very much with not telling specific people about what exactly was going on in my life; A part of me wondered if they would genuinely understand, because neither of us had ever talked about that kind of stuff.
It has taken me awhile to fully realize that while some may appear to have it all figured out, or have a lot going for them, deep down they're still ordinary people. They have fears, needs, struggles, and pain just like the rest of us. And while that does not excuse those who know damn well that they're doing something stupid, yet do it anyway, or those who preach one thing but live another...no one will ever be completely and utterly perfect.
That is why I have always done my best to be both honest and authentic. While I ultimately cannot control how other people see me, I really don't want to be put on some kind of pedestal or become the postergirl of any particular matter.
So when it comes to influences, I've learned not to look at people as the epitome of anything. Rather, I look to different people for different reasons. There are those that I admire because of their work ethic, determination, and strength. For others, it's their morals, attitude, personality, and/or overall outlook on life.
With that being said, the lines can and often do become blurred: you cannot expect a young kid to immediately stop adoring their football hero because he got busted for drugs. On the other hand, while it is perfectly justifiable to be angry when a person royally screws up due to a bad decision, is it fair to expect them to constantly try to live out this golden image? I'd like to think that first a foremost, a person would want to live a healthy lifestyle when they have so much going for them, or they have potential to do great things. It seems like living a certain way for another's sake would only be a way of trying to please them.
Like it or not, each and every one of us is a role model of some kind; there are those of us that live as examples of what to do, and there are those of us who live as examples of what not to do. It doesn't matter if someone goes on live television and proclaims whether or not they're worth emulating; people will see what they want to see.
I know that I am recognized and admired for a variety of things; I've been approached by various teachers, friends, and strangers over the years who tell me what an inspiration I am. I can only hope that I emulate a positive message; perhaps not solely on morals or beliefs, but on how to work hard and never give up on what you really want in life.
But the main reason I see myself as a role model is not because of what I do, but because I have younger siblings and cousins. While I always try to communicate with them that I'm not perfect, I want them to know that there are risks worth taking, along with risks that are definitely not worth taking.
As much as we all want to have others that have gone before us, someone that can teach us and guide us, I do not believe that the lack of positive influences in our society means that we're all doomed. Personally, I believe that it is a chance to learn how to become leaders in our own right, as opposed to carbon copies.
In hindsight, the path that one person takes should not determine the path that others will take. No one forces you to do anything, whether it be good or bad. Just like a person who was raised in a church has the capability of falling, a person who was raised on drugs and alcohol has the capability of getting back up. It is about having the will to do something, regardless of how hard it may be.
Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody screws up. But, everybody also has a choice.
And regardless of where you come from, how you were raised, or what you've been through, the choice is yours.
December 21, 2011
My Version of The Best (And Worst) Of 2011
Day 21-Pop Culture
I thought I would take a little break from the heavy-duty topics and focus on something a little bit more fun. This is just my personal view on the music, movies/TV, and books that came out during 2011.
Music
I hate to say this, but it seems like a lot of popular music these days tends to get repetitive year after year. The beats and the lyrics are different, but the underlining message is the same. That doesn't mean that it isn't a good song, but I feel as though originality is slowing fading into the background. It's the reason many artists tend to be "good" but not necessarily timeless.
Some of these aren't only just from this year; I can't remember when exactly a lot of them came out, but I know that the majority of them are from 2010-2011.
I absolutely LOVED....
Good Feeling-Flo Rida
Teenage Dream-Katy Perry
Long Hot Summer-Keith Urban
Without You-David Guetta ft. Usher (or anything by Usher, for that matter)
Memories-Kid Cudi
Just A Kiss-Lady Antebellum
S&M-Rhianna
Tonight, Tonight-Hot Chelle Rey
Till The World Ends-Britney Spears
Country Girl (Shake it For Me)-Luke Bryan
Dirt Road Anthem-Jason Aldean
Headlines-Drake
Love After War-Robin Thicke; I think he's just really under-appreciated as an artist.
I wanted to hate, but it eventually grew on me....
Super Bass-Nicki Minaj
Mike Posner-I saw him in a concert that he put on for my school at the beginning of the year, and I haven't been able to get him out of my head since.
Give Me Everything-Ne-yo and Pitbull; I don't really like the overall message of the song, but it's catchy
I'm kind of done with....
LMFAO
Taylor Swift-Don't get me wrong, it's not that I hate her; I'm just not crazy about a lot of her music because it sounds so high school. Every time I hear a song of her I wonder "now what boy might this one be about?" It's like how Kelly Clarkson tends to write about how much relationships suck- can you change the subject every once in awhile?
Lady Gaga-She has an amazing voice, but I really don't understand a lot of her songs these days. Lately, I find myself missing "Poker Face"
Jason Derulo
Movies/TV
Really enjoyed....
Thor-I would take Chris Hemsworth over his older brother any day
Bridesmaids
The Fighter
Soul Surfer-not your typical cheesy Christian movie, thankfully; I bawled my eyes out for most of it
Friends With Benefits
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
Didn't care for.....
The Green Lantern
Larry Crowne
No Strings Attached
The Hangover II
And as far as TV goes....
I don't usually have all that much time for TV at school, but my must sit down for would be "Once Upon A Time." Granted, it hasn't been picked up for a full season yet so I probably shouldn't get completely hooked right now, but so far I'm loving it. I really want to find myself a sitcom, if anyone has any recommendations.
I'm sorry, but I think the Kardashians are way past their heyday. I loved them at first, but then after Kim's rush to the alter and only being married for seventy-two days, I lost a lot of respect for them. You'd think once they all started getting married, they would have the brains to turn the cameras off. I don't think they would have any problems staying famous, if they ran their businesses in the right way. I could go on...
Just get rid of Teen Mom already. One season is enough.
Books
I can't remember who the author was, but I really enjoyed the biography about William and Kate. It was refreshing to read what seems like a genuine love story, especially in the midst of all these other couples breaking up. And I did get up at three o'clock in the morning to watch the wedding, thank you very much.
"Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks was also a page-turner. I don't understand why so many people consider him a disgrace to literature, other then maybe because most of his novels after "The Notebook" haven't been able to stack up. But I honestly couldn't put the last one down!
I can't say there was a book that I hated, but I didn't care much for "Devil In The White City." It looked like a great story, but there were so many details and I wasn't sure what to focus on exactly. It got to the point where I had to stop reading it because it was giving me a headache.
I still want to get my hands on Rob Lowe's autobiography, as well as Tina Fey's. I think I make more lists of books that I want to read as opposed to actually reading them.
Well, there you have it. While you may or may not agree with my opinions, it was an interesting year. Hopefully by next year "reality" will stop taking over, Hollywood might become classy again, and for crying out loud, I want Justin Timberlake to start bringing sexy back again! He's a decent actor, but he needs to start making music.
I thought I would take a little break from the heavy-duty topics and focus on something a little bit more fun. This is just my personal view on the music, movies/TV, and books that came out during 2011.
Music
I hate to say this, but it seems like a lot of popular music these days tends to get repetitive year after year. The beats and the lyrics are different, but the underlining message is the same. That doesn't mean that it isn't a good song, but I feel as though originality is slowing fading into the background. It's the reason many artists tend to be "good" but not necessarily timeless.
Some of these aren't only just from this year; I can't remember when exactly a lot of them came out, but I know that the majority of them are from 2010-2011.
I absolutely LOVED....
Good Feeling-Flo Rida
Teenage Dream-Katy Perry
Long Hot Summer-Keith Urban
Without You-David Guetta ft. Usher (or anything by Usher, for that matter)
Memories-Kid Cudi
Just A Kiss-Lady Antebellum
S&M-Rhianna
Tonight, Tonight-Hot Chelle Rey
Till The World Ends-Britney Spears
Country Girl (Shake it For Me)-Luke Bryan
Dirt Road Anthem-Jason Aldean
Headlines-Drake
Love After War-Robin Thicke; I think he's just really under-appreciated as an artist.
I wanted to hate, but it eventually grew on me....
Super Bass-Nicki Minaj
Mike Posner-I saw him in a concert that he put on for my school at the beginning of the year, and I haven't been able to get him out of my head since.
Give Me Everything-Ne-yo and Pitbull; I don't really like the overall message of the song, but it's catchy
I'm kind of done with....
LMFAO
Taylor Swift-Don't get me wrong, it's not that I hate her; I'm just not crazy about a lot of her music because it sounds so high school. Every time I hear a song of her I wonder "now what boy might this one be about?" It's like how Kelly Clarkson tends to write about how much relationships suck- can you change the subject every once in awhile?
Lady Gaga-She has an amazing voice, but I really don't understand a lot of her songs these days. Lately, I find myself missing "Poker Face"
Jason Derulo
Movies/TV
Really enjoyed....
Thor-I would take Chris Hemsworth over his older brother any day
Bridesmaids
The Fighter
Soul Surfer-not your typical cheesy Christian movie, thankfully; I bawled my eyes out for most of it
Friends With Benefits
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
Didn't care for.....
The Green Lantern
Larry Crowne
No Strings Attached
The Hangover II
And as far as TV goes....
I don't usually have all that much time for TV at school, but my must sit down for would be "Once Upon A Time." Granted, it hasn't been picked up for a full season yet so I probably shouldn't get completely hooked right now, but so far I'm loving it. I really want to find myself a sitcom, if anyone has any recommendations.
I'm sorry, but I think the Kardashians are way past their heyday. I loved them at first, but then after Kim's rush to the alter and only being married for seventy-two days, I lost a lot of respect for them. You'd think once they all started getting married, they would have the brains to turn the cameras off. I don't think they would have any problems staying famous, if they ran their businesses in the right way. I could go on...
Just get rid of Teen Mom already. One season is enough.
Books
I can't remember who the author was, but I really enjoyed the biography about William and Kate. It was refreshing to read what seems like a genuine love story, especially in the midst of all these other couples breaking up. And I did get up at three o'clock in the morning to watch the wedding, thank you very much.
"Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks was also a page-turner. I don't understand why so many people consider him a disgrace to literature, other then maybe because most of his novels after "The Notebook" haven't been able to stack up. But I honestly couldn't put the last one down!
I can't say there was a book that I hated, but I didn't care much for "Devil In The White City." It looked like a great story, but there were so many details and I wasn't sure what to focus on exactly. It got to the point where I had to stop reading it because it was giving me a headache.
I still want to get my hands on Rob Lowe's autobiography, as well as Tina Fey's. I think I make more lists of books that I want to read as opposed to actually reading them.
Well, there you have it. While you may or may not agree with my opinions, it was an interesting year. Hopefully by next year "reality" will stop taking over, Hollywood might become classy again, and for crying out loud, I want Justin Timberlake to start bringing sexy back again! He's a decent actor, but he needs to start making music.
July 23, 2011
Throw It All Together and You Get...ME
Good and bad are but names very readily transferable to that or this; the only right is what is after my constitution, the only wrong what is against it. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
We are our most potent at our most ordinary. And yet most of us discount our “ordinary” because it is, well, ordinary. Or so we believe. But my ordinary is not yours. Three things block us from putting down our clever and picking up our ordinary: false comparisons with others (I’m not as good a writer as _____), false expectations of ourselves (I should be on the NYTimes best seller list or not write at all), and false investments in a story (it’s all been written before, I shouldn’t bother). What are your false comparisons? What are your false expectations? What are your false investments in a story? List them. Each keep you from that internal knowing about which Emerson writes. Each keeps you from making your strong offer to the world. Put down your clever, and pick up your ordinary.
Day 9-My Ordinary
I had to read this prompt several times in order to fully understand what the author was talking about. Even as I write this post, I'm only doing so based on my interpretation of what the author is saying. In a way, it's a continuation of my last post, so it might be best to read that one first.
I have always been rather aware of the fact that I'm not exactly like everyone else. Not just physically, but on an emotional level as well. However, I've been on the fence when it comes to how I feel about it. It's not something that I'm ashamed of, but I not particularly proud of it either; and by proud, I mean it's something that allows me to be on a pedestal of some kind or to claim that I'm better than others because of it.
When it comes to current events, I'm extremely middle of the road. It's not that I don't care to pick a side, it's just that I would like to understand what both sides of an issue are saying before I form an opinion.
I believe in using kind words, but also have a tendency to be a bit of a smartass; I call it sweet, with a little bit of spice.
I like variety and having options; that's why I chose to attend a public University as opposed to a small liberal arts college.
It seems like a lot of young generations (including mine) are under so much pressure to define themselves and/or to be "different" from their peers. My question is, why is it such a big deal? Is there ever a point where a person says knows exactly who they are and has it all figured out? Like it or not, we all change at some point.
When it comes to being unique and being different, people see it in their own time. I've seen a number of musical artists who appear to be moving heaven and earth to maintain their individuality, yet it's now coming into question as to whether they're being themselves, or just being flat out obnoxious. Take Lady Gaga, for example. I enjoy her music, but some of the songs that she's been releasing after "Born this way" don't make any sense to me. Which leads me to ask, do these songs have a particular message, or is it just for shock value?
And I mean no disrespect to her in any way whatsoever. I think she's got an incredible amount of talent. What I'm trying to say is that there is a line between trying to be your own person and being in everyone else's face about it. If you have a point to make or a message to spread, by all means do so. But at some point, some will become overwhelmed or annoyed and just not want to listen anymore.
But that is why I say just be. I'm not going to constantly worry about defining myself, because I know that I'm in no control over what other people think. Just because you put a label on yourself doesn't mean you'll fit into it.
A friend jokingly once told me, "Alyx, you're just too much to handle!" What can I say? That's just me!
July 08, 2010
Really Now...
I was recently on itunes, just browsing through the new music section to see if there was anything good. As much as I didn't want to, I wound up clicking on Miley Cyrus, just to see if she had actually come up with anything decent this time. Granted, I usually like her; I read her book and she honestly seemed like a down-to-earth person. And, I didn't really mind Hannah Montana as long as my sister wasn't blasting it loud enough to hear it through the walls.
But what I came across at this particular point just bugged me to no end; it wasn't just that she was dressed to work a street corner, or that her latest music video was flat-out weird. It's not that she sounds out of her mind when she talks about being allowed to live on her own, or possibly getting married when she's of legal age.
It's that while she's trying to ditch her tween-friendly image and prove to the world that she's more "adult," she seems to forget that she's only seventeen years old.
There's no denying that whether you're a guy or a girl, everyone goes through that at some point; you want to be independent and not be treated like a child all the time. You're tired of being told what to do and what to believe. When all is said and done, you want to have the ability to live your own life on your own terms. I can understand that, because I'm currently going through that type of experience.
But there are certain ways to go about it; when one constantly shoves themselves in people's faces saying "look at me, I'm all grown up!" those people tend not to pay attention; 1.) they get sick of it really fast 2.) They know that the person is most likely not doing it for themselves, but for the sake of pleasing others. And when you're doing something solely for the purpose of someone else, most of the time it will not turn out the way you want it to.
Another thing that gets overlooked is that these transitions take time. I think teen stars these days would actually be taken more seriously if they actually took the time to mature; maybe step out of the spotlight for a year or two and focus on other interests. Go to prom. Graduate from high school. Go to college and get a degree in another field, because fame doesn't always last forever. Be a mentor to another up and coming artist.
Of course, there is the "well, Britney, Christina, and Lindsay did it...so why can't she?" type of argument. There's definitely some truth to that, but they've always had somewhat of a sexual edge to them, and they were more in their twenties when they began walking around scantily clad and doing strip-teases on stage (I don't condone that in any way, but it's more, shall we say "common" for a woman to do that in their twenties and up than when they're not of legal age). And aside from Christina, who (thankfully) cleaned up her act after awhile, look where the other two ended up; both have partied and been to rehab on multiple occasions, eventually becoming more known for their antics and scandals rather than their movies or music.
Sadly, I have a feeling that this girl has lit a rocket fuse that is only headed for when destination: trouble.
What bugs me even more then celebrities doing this kind of stuff, is kids in general just growing up way too fast. And no, I'm not just talking about the music they listen to or the clothes they wear, despite the fact that both those aspects have become questionable. I'm talking about kids in their late tweens and early teens (possibly even older then that) having this skewed view of adulthood; they believe that once they get older, everything will be just fine and dandy.
Personally, I believe that their is no particular "rite of passage" when it comes to this phase in life. Having sex, for whatever reason, does not make you an adult. Drinking alcohol does not make you an adult. Wearing certain amounts of clothing does not make you an adult. Living on your own, getting married, having babies (or whatever order one chooses to do those things in) does not make you an adult.
In reality, it's all about maturity and how you handle things. Obviously, mistakes will be made and consequences will have to be dealt with. But that's a part of life; take responsibility for your actions and acknowledge that you messed up. At some point, you have to forgive yourself, allow others to forgive you, and move on.
For me, the most rewarding (and hardest part) about being an adult is coming to the realization that it's not all about me; that with whatever choices I make, other people will be affected. Sometimes in good ways, sometimes in bad ways. When I don't make good decisions for myself, I hurt other people as well.
I didn't write this to say that I have it all together, or that I'm perfect. Just because I'm eighteen and going to college doesn't necessarily mean I'm "all grown up" so to speak. I don't believe there to be a specific age where we stop growing, at least emotionally and spiritually. You learn something new about yourself and about the world each and every day.
My main point is that if you want people to see you in a different light, you can't force it or rush into anything. Just be, and the right people will notice and respect you because of it. Don't be in a hurry to grow up, because there will come a point where you're going to wish you were young again.
But what I came across at this particular point just bugged me to no end; it wasn't just that she was dressed to work a street corner, or that her latest music video was flat-out weird. It's not that she sounds out of her mind when she talks about being allowed to live on her own, or possibly getting married when she's of legal age.
It's that while she's trying to ditch her tween-friendly image and prove to the world that she's more "adult," she seems to forget that she's only seventeen years old.
There's no denying that whether you're a guy or a girl, everyone goes through that at some point; you want to be independent and not be treated like a child all the time. You're tired of being told what to do and what to believe. When all is said and done, you want to have the ability to live your own life on your own terms. I can understand that, because I'm currently going through that type of experience.
But there are certain ways to go about it; when one constantly shoves themselves in people's faces saying "look at me, I'm all grown up!" those people tend not to pay attention; 1.) they get sick of it really fast 2.) They know that the person is most likely not doing it for themselves, but for the sake of pleasing others. And when you're doing something solely for the purpose of someone else, most of the time it will not turn out the way you want it to.
Another thing that gets overlooked is that these transitions take time. I think teen stars these days would actually be taken more seriously if they actually took the time to mature; maybe step out of the spotlight for a year or two and focus on other interests. Go to prom. Graduate from high school. Go to college and get a degree in another field, because fame doesn't always last forever. Be a mentor to another up and coming artist.
Of course, there is the "well, Britney, Christina, and Lindsay did it...so why can't she?" type of argument. There's definitely some truth to that, but they've always had somewhat of a sexual edge to them, and they were more in their twenties when they began walking around scantily clad and doing strip-teases on stage (I don't condone that in any way, but it's more, shall we say "common" for a woman to do that in their twenties and up than when they're not of legal age). And aside from Christina, who (thankfully) cleaned up her act after awhile, look where the other two ended up; both have partied and been to rehab on multiple occasions, eventually becoming more known for their antics and scandals rather than their movies or music.
Sadly, I have a feeling that this girl has lit a rocket fuse that is only headed for when destination: trouble.
What bugs me even more then celebrities doing this kind of stuff, is kids in general just growing up way too fast. And no, I'm not just talking about the music they listen to or the clothes they wear, despite the fact that both those aspects have become questionable. I'm talking about kids in their late tweens and early teens (possibly even older then that) having this skewed view of adulthood; they believe that once they get older, everything will be just fine and dandy.
Personally, I believe that their is no particular "rite of passage" when it comes to this phase in life. Having sex, for whatever reason, does not make you an adult. Drinking alcohol does not make you an adult. Wearing certain amounts of clothing does not make you an adult. Living on your own, getting married, having babies (or whatever order one chooses to do those things in) does not make you an adult.
In reality, it's all about maturity and how you handle things. Obviously, mistakes will be made and consequences will have to be dealt with. But that's a part of life; take responsibility for your actions and acknowledge that you messed up. At some point, you have to forgive yourself, allow others to forgive you, and move on.
For me, the most rewarding (and hardest part) about being an adult is coming to the realization that it's not all about me; that with whatever choices I make, other people will be affected. Sometimes in good ways, sometimes in bad ways. When I don't make good decisions for myself, I hurt other people as well.
I didn't write this to say that I have it all together, or that I'm perfect. Just because I'm eighteen and going to college doesn't necessarily mean I'm "all grown up" so to speak. I don't believe there to be a specific age where we stop growing, at least emotionally and spiritually. You learn something new about yourself and about the world each and every day.
My main point is that if you want people to see you in a different light, you can't force it or rush into anything. Just be, and the right people will notice and respect you because of it. Don't be in a hurry to grow up, because there will come a point where you're going to wish you were young again.
March 27, 2010
Beauty and What It Means to Me
Beauty and the subject of it have been around since the beginning of time; but these days, it seems have to have become the epicenter of modern American culture. There isn't a magazine that hasn't covered the topic or doesn't constantly focus on it. So much in fact, that photos get constantly airbrushed and doctored as to convey the message that "beauty equals perfection"
And that, unfortunately, is a message that has carried itself over to millions of women (and even men) world-wide. I see and hear about so many teens and young women putting on nearly a pound of make-up every single day. (One girl I went to high school with during my freshman year would apply and reapply cover-up/face powder almost hourly. Now granted, she struggled with bad acne but truth be told it wasn't really helping). The number of eating disorders are going up almost every day because they want to be stick thin; and for those who are actually comfortable with their body type, they get criticized for being supposedly fat.(I'm thinking of Jessica Simpson here, whom I think is one of the few celebrities that doesn't act completely fake). Frankly, all of it as a whole is incredibly disgusting as well as sad.
In my own personal opinion, there are two main things when it comes to beauty. In regards to physical beauty, moderation is key. I'm all for wearing make-up, going tanning and even cosmetic surgery, but I really think it depends on how much and why. I believe that make-up should emphasize one's natural features; when I wear it, I try to stick with the shades and colors that go best with my eyes and skin tone. Just as well, I have different looks for both day and night; in other words, I try to avoid heavy amounts of eye-shadow and eye-liner unless I'm going out and/or it's for a special occasion.
When it comes to tanning, I don't think a little vitamin D will kill you. At the same time, skin cancer does run on my mother's side of the family, so I am careful as to how often I do tan and remembering to wear sunscreen while outside. And although I wouldn't have plastic surgery unless I felt I absolutely had to, I'm not going to judge those that do. The only thing I will say on that particular subject is that if one does decide to have it, he or she will have to live with the consequences for the rest of their lives. It's not a decision that should be taken lightly.
Even more important than physical beauty is emotional beauty; that it shouldn't be about what you look like, but how you feel. Don't go wearing seven or eight-inch heels if you think you're going to break your neck in them (as much as they say that pain is beauty, I don't find that to be true all the time). I'm all for being attractive in what I wear, but I'm not going to wear clothing that I feel vulnerable in or ultimately sends a "come and get it" kind of message. Girls should respect their bodies and it's good to be a little bit mysterious. And I don't like dressing up to the nines all the time; I'm not saying that people who do are bad, because it's what they're comfortable with. But I enjoy wearing just a simple tank top and sweatpants and little to no make-up because I can just chill and focus on how I feel, not what I look like
I've had my own struggles with beauty and self-esteem since I was a child: In first through fourth grade, I hated the clothes that my Mother bought me because I thought I looked ugly in them. When I got to middle school, it was frustrating because girls my age were looking and dressing like they were seventeen and eighteen years old. It until my freshman year to learn how to apply eye-shadow and eye-liner without looking like a complete mess.
And even now in high school, I still battle my own insecurities. There was a time last year when I was insanely jealous of a few of my close friends because of how they looked. There are days where I truly wonder if I am beautiful, because I've only been told by friends, family and facebook stalkers who just want to jump my bones. I question as to whether my handicap is the reason why I have yet to be asked out on a date or asked by someone to dance. And hearing "this school needs hotter girls" doesn't help much either.
When it all comes down to it, self-confidence and lack of it is the biggest problem. The saying that "in order for others to love you, you have to be able to love yourself first" rings completely and entirely true. But than poses another dilemma: how does one become confident in themselves without becoming full of themselves? And how does one be confident each and every day?
It's not easy, and it's not going to get any easier. There will always be standards and ideas that society expects people to live up to. The biggest lesson I've learned is that if you're going to look, act or dress a certain way, do so because you truly feel that it's right and it's what you want. Living to please others will only give satisfaction for so long or not at all.
We can't change the media or the way it works. The only thing we can do change the way we view ourselves and others.
This website is amazing. Check it out for yourself
There is beauty in everything; You just have to take a step back and open your eyes
And that, unfortunately, is a message that has carried itself over to millions of women (and even men) world-wide. I see and hear about so many teens and young women putting on nearly a pound of make-up every single day. (One girl I went to high school with during my freshman year would apply and reapply cover-up/face powder almost hourly. Now granted, she struggled with bad acne but truth be told it wasn't really helping). The number of eating disorders are going up almost every day because they want to be stick thin; and for those who are actually comfortable with their body type, they get criticized for being supposedly fat.(I'm thinking of Jessica Simpson here, whom I think is one of the few celebrities that doesn't act completely fake). Frankly, all of it as a whole is incredibly disgusting as well as sad.
In my own personal opinion, there are two main things when it comes to beauty. In regards to physical beauty, moderation is key. I'm all for wearing make-up, going tanning and even cosmetic surgery, but I really think it depends on how much and why. I believe that make-up should emphasize one's natural features; when I wear it, I try to stick with the shades and colors that go best with my eyes and skin tone. Just as well, I have different looks for both day and night; in other words, I try to avoid heavy amounts of eye-shadow and eye-liner unless I'm going out and/or it's for a special occasion.
When it comes to tanning, I don't think a little vitamin D will kill you. At the same time, skin cancer does run on my mother's side of the family, so I am careful as to how often I do tan and remembering to wear sunscreen while outside. And although I wouldn't have plastic surgery unless I felt I absolutely had to, I'm not going to judge those that do. The only thing I will say on that particular subject is that if one does decide to have it, he or she will have to live with the consequences for the rest of their lives. It's not a decision that should be taken lightly.
Even more important than physical beauty is emotional beauty; that it shouldn't be about what you look like, but how you feel. Don't go wearing seven or eight-inch heels if you think you're going to break your neck in them (as much as they say that pain is beauty, I don't find that to be true all the time). I'm all for being attractive in what I wear, but I'm not going to wear clothing that I feel vulnerable in or ultimately sends a "come and get it" kind of message. Girls should respect their bodies and it's good to be a little bit mysterious. And I don't like dressing up to the nines all the time; I'm not saying that people who do are bad, because it's what they're comfortable with. But I enjoy wearing just a simple tank top and sweatpants and little to no make-up because I can just chill and focus on how I feel, not what I look like
I've had my own struggles with beauty and self-esteem since I was a child: In first through fourth grade, I hated the clothes that my Mother bought me because I thought I looked ugly in them. When I got to middle school, it was frustrating because girls my age were looking and dressing like they were seventeen and eighteen years old. It until my freshman year to learn how to apply eye-shadow and eye-liner without looking like a complete mess.
And even now in high school, I still battle my own insecurities. There was a time last year when I was insanely jealous of a few of my close friends because of how they looked. There are days where I truly wonder if I am beautiful, because I've only been told by friends, family and facebook stalkers who just want to jump my bones. I question as to whether my handicap is the reason why I have yet to be asked out on a date or asked by someone to dance. And hearing "this school needs hotter girls" doesn't help much either.
When it all comes down to it, self-confidence and lack of it is the biggest problem. The saying that "in order for others to love you, you have to be able to love yourself first" rings completely and entirely true. But than poses another dilemma: how does one become confident in themselves without becoming full of themselves? And how does one be confident each and every day?
It's not easy, and it's not going to get any easier. There will always be standards and ideas that society expects people to live up to. The biggest lesson I've learned is that if you're going to look, act or dress a certain way, do so because you truly feel that it's right and it's what you want. Living to please others will only give satisfaction for so long or not at all.
We can't change the media or the way it works. The only thing we can do change the way we view ourselves and others.
This website is amazing. Check it out for yourself
There is beauty in everything; You just have to take a step back and open your eyes
June 30, 2009
Fragility
It blows my mind how fragile life truly is, especially with the recents deaths of Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, and Billy Mays, all within a week and a half. Death is somewhat of a strange subject for me; I have never really experienced complete sadness when a relative has passed on (reasons being that I was not particularly close with any of them, nor did I know them very well), but I get so shaken up when I hear about others. This happens especially if it relates to an illness or if that person seems considerably young at the time they go.
My initial reaction was along the lines of "what?! Are you kidding me?? wow.." It was more the timing, because both Farrah and MJ were more relatable to my parents generation/era then to mine. Farrah was the woman with the insanely curly hair that my mom often sported when she was my age. Michael had good music, (I DO remember dancing to Billie Jean and Thriller at various dances that I went to) but he seemed to have a weird personality and I felt sorry for him. And Billy Mays was the Oxy-Clean guy who's commercials eventually got annoying because they were shown so much on TV.
Yet, it has taught me a lesson; simple, but one that I often have to re-learn over and over again:
Life is short. You can only take it so seriously, but neither should you take it lightly.
This is the reason why I tell my family members and friends that I care for them whenever I get the chance. It is why from this point on I am trying to look at the bright side of things more often and not worry or stress about what is ultimately out of my control.
I definately have more to say on all these subjects, but will leave those for future entries.
My initial reaction was along the lines of "what?! Are you kidding me?? wow.." It was more the timing, because both Farrah and MJ were more relatable to my parents generation/era then to mine. Farrah was the woman with the insanely curly hair that my mom often sported when she was my age. Michael had good music, (I DO remember dancing to Billie Jean and Thriller at various dances that I went to) but he seemed to have a weird personality and I felt sorry for him. And Billy Mays was the Oxy-Clean guy who's commercials eventually got annoying because they were shown so much on TV.
Yet, it has taught me a lesson; simple, but one that I often have to re-learn over and over again:
Life is short. You can only take it so seriously, but neither should you take it lightly.
This is the reason why I tell my family members and friends that I care for them whenever I get the chance. It is why from this point on I am trying to look at the bright side of things more often and not worry or stress about what is ultimately out of my control.
I definately have more to say on all these subjects, but will leave those for future entries.
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