Tag: lessons

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

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

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.

 

I Got It From My Momma

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MY MOMMA! ISN’T SHE JUST SO ADORABLE?!?

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Today is this special lady’s birthday! In the 20 years I’ve gotten to spend with her she has given me some of the best advice and I thought I could share it with all of you beautiful people!:

  1. Never Depend on a Man (or Woman depends on your preferences)– This is her favorite and mine too. Growing up and going through various boy drama my mom always told me to never depend on a man for anything. Not for money, love, happiness, or company. YOU are able to go out and pay for your own things and make your own money. YOU deserve to be happy without being dependent on someone else’s attitude. YOU can find company/companionship with someone other than your significant other (ex. friends or family). (And my favorite) YOU need to love yourself before you can love another person, you’re allowed to be a little selfish.
  2. “It Is What It Is”– AKA shit happens and once it’s done, there isn’t always something you can go back and fix. As long as you tried your best or gave your best effort, don’t worry about it.
  3. “In 100 Years Nobody Will Care”– I embarrass myself all the time or there are times when something doesn’t go the way I planned/I don’t get my way. In these moments, I think that everyone is going to notice or think less of me, but in actuality it isn’t a big deal and in about two days either 1) no one is going to care or 2) everyone has already forgotten.
  4. “Beauty Knows No Pain”– This quote is from one of our favorite movies, Cinderella (it’s not the original version if you were curious). It takes long, hard work to get to where you want to be (ex. losing weight or trying to brush the endless tangles out in your hair) and without a little bit of pain or effort, you can’t achieve your goals.
  5. “Just Because Someone Else Is An Ass, Doesn’t Mean You Have To Be”– If there’s someone in your life who is bullying you or putting you down, there’s no reason to have to stoop to their level. If you don’t take the high road, you’re just as bad as the person doing wrong by you. Even though it’s hard to bite your tongue, do it anyway (you’ll thank my mom later)!

Now, there are probably 1,000,000 more phrases my mom says to me, but there are the most frequent. I am so thankful for my mother and I am blessed for even knowing her. She fills my darkest days with so much light and laughter. She gives me endless opportunities and blessings. She is the best mom ever and there aren’t enough “thank you’s” in the world! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM 🙂

P.S. Listen to your mom, give her a hug, and tell her I Love You today. Trust me, it’ll make her day.