Month: April 2016

Sophomore Schooling

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As my sophomore year has come to an end, I feel as though this year was filled with so many more life lessons than my freshman year. So without further nonsense, let’s get started.

  1. If you don’t like what’s going on in your life/you’re unhappy with a situation MAKE A CHANGE: LET ME SAY IT ONE MORE TIME FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK IF YOU DON’T LIKE A FACTOR IN YOUR LIFE MAKE A CHANGE. This is one of the most important things I have taken away from my sophomore year. For example, during the fall semester, I hated the classes I was taking for my major. I was so incredibly unhappy with where my major was taking me and I didn’t feel like what I was doing was right. So one afternoon I sat in my room and took career path quizzes literally all day. Once I got over the fear of disappointing others and putting my happiness first, I changed my major. After I sat in my first advertising class of the winter semester, I knew the change was for the better.
  2. Listen to your gut: Your gut, conscious, or whatever you choose to call it is always right. When it tells you to leave, get the hell out. When it tells you to speak up for yourself, let your voice echo from the mountain tops. When it tells you something isn’t right, it isn’t and you need to stick to your morals. Just listen to your gut, please do it.
  3. Put yourself out there: This can be in a class, group, club, or whatever else life throws at you. If you just sit around and don’t push yourself to get where you want to be, you’ll never get there. Yes, yes, yes it is terrifying to possibly face  rejection. However, this way you’ll be getting your name out there and show people who you’re interested. Without change and stepping out of your comfort zone, you’ll never grow or get what you want.
  4. Take the initiative: Be a leader. Stand tall. Take charge. Whether it be in a group project, sorority committee, or talking to someone new! If you want something take the initiative to get it because no one can read your mind.
  5. Cry if you need to: While I’m very in tune with my emotions, sometimes I hate to cry. First, because I’m an ugly crier. Second, because there are times when I don’t want to feel any emotion and try to be strong. But this year I have learned that to feel better, you just need to let those tears flow! Once you’ve had your pity party, then you can come back happier than ever!
  6. Be honest: It’s honestly as simple as it sounds. Tell people how you feel. They’ll have more respect for you when you do.

Well… I’m a junior. Holy heaven above it’s crazy. I’m so excited where life is taking me and I can’t wait to learn more! Love life, smile more, and enjoy the ride!

xoxo,

Marissa

Complain Less, Be Thankful More

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Hello Lovely Readers!,

This topic has been in the making for quite some time now and today I’d like to address the topic of complaining. Lord knows I am guilty of this and I know I’m not the only one out there. Ever since I have been trying to rid myself of toxic, negative energy I’ve noticed that I complain less about school, projects, and the like, but I notice that I complain about the absolute most stupid things. Literally everything that doesn’t matter or no one cares about. For example, the way my hair looks, the way I phrased something in a conversation and worrying if they took it the wrong way, or not having the kind of attention I want from certain people. Honestly, as I am sitting here typing this waiting for my class to start I am EMBARRASSED that I even let this take over my mind.

The other day 07cf4ace9343f9b0ee69b405acff75efI was sitting with a friend and she was telling me about family health issues, as well as her own, and how it has been affecting her life. As she continued on, I sat my head back in the car and squeezed my eyes shut while I thought to myself “Marissa, honestly what is your problem? You’re groaning on about something you’re not even going to care about in two weeks while your friend is going though something life shattering.” I wanted to slap myself because I felt so ashamed for being incredibly selfish.

But why do we do this? Do we honestly get so caught up in the stupid, minute details of our life that we can’t recognize that there are actual problems in the world? There are people who don’t have
a safe place to sleep, are dying of incurable illnesses, have no food to eat, or don’t have a support system to fall back on. Not only do I think that this is a prevalent issue in my own life, I think this is a problem with our culture as a whole. We are so caught up in our own lives and frivolous issues that we don’t stop and think about what others are going through…and let me tell you it could be a lot worse than you’re hair being frizzy.

Whenever I get to complaining about my unimportant problems that don’t affect anyone but myself, I try to step back and think “It could be so much worse. You should be thankful for your family and wellbeing.” I try my gosh darned hardest to put other’s first because I believe that’s important to do so, but lately I’ve been having some selfish slip ups and I want to personally apologize for that. While I do realize that it is important to get your troubles off your chest and take time for yourself, you always need to ask “Is this honestly important enough to complain about?”

It’s definitely not an easy task for some to try to be completely selfless for .08 seconds, but I’m really challenging all of you to sit down and ask someone how they’re doing. It’ll be a nice refresher to get a look into someone’s life and realize that you’re not the only person out there going through a rough time.

Spread Your Wings

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Happy Sunday my friends! Earlier this week I was scrolling through Pinterest looking for some positive affirmation and I stumbled upon this lovely quote pictured above and it got me thinking.

Lately, I have been into just putting myself out there and immersing myself into things I don’t normally do. It has been a work in progress for sure, but I keep asking myself “Why was I so afraid to fail if I didn’t know what the outcome would be?”

Partly, I believe that deep down I am very self-conscious; I want to appear like I have all my shit together (even though I totally don’t). But also, I believe that there was a part of me that thought I didn’t have to take leaps of faith. I was at a part of my life where I actually thought I had everything together: the career path, the lifestyle, the relationship, and the wise head on my shoulders (which I like to believe I still have). Now that some of these factors in my life have changed, my eyes have actually opened up to what’s really out there: SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES!! There are so many new places, people, and things to see and do. The world, universe, and God have created so many wonderful things that are just waiting to be explored!

Now that I am actually looking at all of the opportunities and possibilities, I have told myself that I’m not allowed to sit and wonder What If?! I have told myself that I have to take chances because otherwise I’ll never grow or learn. I want to be able to look back on my life and not have to worry about what could have happened, but instead look back at all of the opportunities I’ve seized.

So, the next time you’re in a situation where you’re conflicted about the 50/50 outcome, just jump because you’ll never know if you’ll end up flying instead of falling.

Dear My 13 Year Old Self

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Dear 13 Year Old Marissa,

First off I would like to say, you are so brave. I have seen the pictures and I have the (cringe worthy) memories, but every time I see you in Grandma Hila’s kimono I can’t help but crack a smile. Even though deep down you care so much about that other people think of you and your appearance, you give off the impression “I like to take risks.” Also, I’m proud of you for telling your friends that you didn’t want to get the dirt on that bully and didn’t participate in that chain email of bashing other people. I’m proud that you stuck to your morals and upheld your values even though you had the chance to be humiliated.

Most importantly, I want to tell you that you need to have more faith in yourself. It honestly doesn’t matter what anyone in Ubly Community Schools thinks of you. One day you’re going to graduate in the top ten of your class, win a shit ton of awards, and start a blog that will inspire people you never knew would give you the time of day. You have SO MUCH potential, kindness, and honesty running through your veins and when you move out of that little town there are going to be people who appreciate everything you’re about. Trust me on this one, you have so many amazing qualities and you’re going to help so many people.

Boys. I’m almost 21 right now and I still haven’t cracked their code. Sorry girl, but it’s still all confusing. However, you’re going to learn from them, grow from them, and make some really great relationships. You’re going to have your first kiss and fall in love! It’s a breathtaking experience if I’m being honest with you, but I’ll warn you to never lose sight of yourself. Don’t let them tell you that you can’t dream big, join/stay in a club, move away from home, or cut your hair. Trust your gut instinct, it’s never wrong and when it tells you to leave, Marissa GET THE HECK OUT OF DODGE. You WILL cut your hair, move away from your tiny town, dream bigger every single day, and be an amazing leader in that club. If they really love you, they won’t hold you back.

Take a chance. If you think that boy you met on that one random day is cute, please slide into his DMs (you don’t know what those are right now, but you will soon). Chances are he thinks you’re cute too and wants to get to know you. The worst thing that can happen is that he says no. If you never take a chance, you’ll always wonder what if.

Friends. Sooner than you think some of the people you hold so close will become jealous of your abilities. It sounds narcissistic, but it’s true. It’s going to be an all out war, but you’ll come out on top. You’ll come out stronger than ever. You’ll be left with the greatest of friends (aka Kady and Sydney are amazing people, never let them go) and you’re going to meet so many more it’s insane!

All in all I’m trying to tell you to be the good and honest person you are. Yes, you’re going to grow and change, but never lose sight of your big dreams and big heart. Marissa, you’re an amazing person and looking back I don’t have any regrets because God will only give you what you can handle. Just enjoy the ride and focus on the good in the world.

xoxo,

Marissa

128 Sisters and Counting

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Not including myself, I have a family of 127 sisters. No, we are not all biologically related. No, this isn’t some crazy story that’ll end up on TLC or 60 Minutes. I have 127 sorority sisters.

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Never in my life have I had a biological sister. I always wanted one, but my mom and dad told me, “No, you and your brother are enough.” I would get frustrated that I didn’t have anyone to talk about boy drama with or share shoes with, but then I came to college, went through recruitment, and was welcomed with open arms to more sisters than I ever imagined wanting.

Looking in, people would probably think putting 128 girls into one room would start World War III, but it’s far from the truth. My sorority sisters are some of the most amazing people I know and I’m lucky to know them all by name (unless I’m exhausted and mix up a name or two, it has happened). They are my cheerleaders and support team. They are my go to when I need advice. They are my comedians. They are my team members. They are my co-workers. They are my classmates. Honestly, the list goes on for forever and I hope I am the same for them.

Everyday I am exposed to their opinions, thoughts, values, ideas, and accomplishments and it has helped me grow to see so many other points of view. They’ve voted me onto committees, teams, and an executive position which have all shaped me into the woman and leader I am today. They do so much for me and I wish them all nothing but happiness and achievement!

I wouldn’t be the same person I am today if it wasn’t for my sorority sisters and I am incredibly blessed to have them in my life. I love them for who they are and what they do in and out of our chapter and I’ll support them no matter what 🙂

So, Go Greek, it will be the best decision you’ll make all year.

DZLAM!

Change is Good

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Despite the title of this blog post, change is scary for people because it’s the unknown and uncomfortable. I’ll admit it, sometimes I’m afraid of change and to step out of my comfort zone. However, without change (and a little leap of faith) you’ll never grow or lean.

My first example of change is making new friends. Whether you and your friends had a falling out, you’re moving, or you’re just trying to put yourself out there. You’re changing who you tell your secrets to. You’re changing who you bring over to your house. You’re changing who you laugh until you cry with. There are so many amazing people out there who are like you and want to get to know you, but you need to put yourself out there. Change is good.

Or you could be changing your major. I’ve been through this process and at first it feels like you’re failing and giving up. I changed my major from psychology to advertising AND LET ME TELL YOU I HAVE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER! There was a whole new realm of knowledge and facts just waiting for me to dive into. If you’re not happy with what you’re studying now, you’re not going to be happy in 10 years. Change is good.

Another change is ending a relationship and putting yourself out there/starting another. If you’re unhappy or the relationship isn’t healthy you should end it. Again, it’s hard. It’s uncomfortable. It’s a change you’re not used to, but everything happens for a reason and the universe/God will give you what you need. Change is good.

Change is weird. At first it may seem like everything is falling apart and nothing is going right according to your plan. Change is learning. After the change happens, you can sit down and reflect and learn from what happened. Change is a new beginning. It’s liberating. It’s finding something new about yourself. It’s the next chapter. Embrace what’s new and accept the challenge. Change is good.