This past weekend, I made the trek down to Nashville, TN to see one of my favorite bands play. (And I got the opportunity to see some grade school and high school friends, so even better!) Mae was having a reunion show after doing two in Virginia Beach, and they were celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their first album, Destination: Beautiful. Hearing it live straight through was so amazing. They also played a few more songs for an encore. The last time I had seen them, they were on their Goodbye: Goodnight tour, promoting their last album (e)vening. So when I heard about this recent show, there was no way I was going to miss it. It didn't disappoint. There's something about being in the moment, hearing songs live that you lived your life through. Something just so special about being with other people that have done the same, whether you know them or not. Nothing that makes us differnt matters. Everyone is there for the same reason: to remember the emotions you feel when you hear these songs, to enjoy the music, to enjoy the moment.
Mae always was a band to listen to whenever I wanted to relax. I do yoga to it, I listen to it before bed, when I wake up and walk to school: it's some of the most soothing and relaxing music I have.
One thing I've learned from their music: live in the moment. For me, that's one of the hardest things to do. I know I'm always looking forward to the next thing, the next big event, the next reaction I have to run, the next weekend plans, the next person I meet. It's hard not to look at the future for me, since I've grown so accustomed to planning everything out in advance. I've recently adapted to only planning what I need to plan, and not much more. Call it sponataneity; I'll consider it causing less stress for myself.
I'm trying to appreciate the here and now more. I may not be living every day to the fullest, but I'm trying to be happy with what I have done, what I have accomplished with each day. Whether it's being in lab a full day, or going to see my favorite band; whether it's taking a walk in the park, or going out with friends: it's about just enjoying the moment. Each one is different, and unique, and too often we're always looking for the most exciting, the most enjoyable. What's to say that this moment right now isn't enjoyable? And if it's not, how can you change that?
Too often, I'm waiting for the next big thing to come up. Why not just make the next big thing right now?
Only thing that stops you from that is yourself. We can be our own worst enemy when it comes to our self-happiness.
What can you do to live and enjoy each moment? What helps you to enjoy your life? What's something that you've done for yourself lately?
Remember that while you're waiting for the sun to enjoy the rain. It's beautiful wherever your destination.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
Do what makes you happy. Remember what makes you happy.
First things first: Beyonce for president. Seriously. She is an amazing human being, and anyone who can't see it... better get your vision checked out. Been on a Beyonce kick since the Super Bowl halftime show. AWESOME.
Now. Moving on.
A friend had this quote on her facebook today:
"Happiness is not a destination. It is a mood, it is not permanent. It comes and goes and if people thought that way, maybe more people would find happiness more often."
Like so many others, I'm always looking for happiness. Overall, I think I'm happy, there are days where I'm not. But I do agree with this quote, where there isn't a spot called "happiness", and once I get through certain events, then I will reach happiness. You decide whether or not you're happy. People, food, groups, events, these things can help make you happy. But ultimately, you are the only person that controls your happiness. The second you let someone else be in charge of your happiness, you're not happy.
That's something I've been trying to achieve recently, as I had so much stress from my 2nd year talk, chemistry in general, and relationships with people changing. I wasn't depressed or anything, but I didn't feel happy. I felt indifferent.
So, I decided to get back to things that make me happy. One of the those things is soccer. Whether it's playing or watching (more watching now than playing), soccer has always made me happy. Recently, the US men's national team has played in an international friendly against Canada, and a World Cup Qualifier against Honduras. Even though the results of these games were not what I wanted, watching the games with a group of soccer fans just as crazy as I am was so great. I'm talking about the American Outlaws, the USMNT supporters. There are chapters in many cities across the US, and they definitely have love for America and the Yanks. Check them out if you love soccer, and want somewhere to watch games with crazies: http://www.theamericanoutlaws.com/ The guys (and few gals) that meet down at Molly Malone's in Covington, KY are so awesome, so come join us sometime!
Another thing that has made me happy is yoga. Leslie, the yoga instructor on Tuesdays at the Rec Center here at UC, must be a hypnotist or something, because she's INSANE at what she does. And I mean insane in the best way possible. I never thought it would be possible to turn off my brain for 45 minutes, and then be somewhat peaceful for the rest of the night. But, oh, it is possible, and it's more than wonderful. I also go on Wednesdays, and sometimes on Friday (but it's late sometimes). If you have never tried yoga before, and just want something calming yet good for your body, I highly recommend it. It doesn't matter if you're the most flexible person or not, but it's been such a good addition this semester.
I'm also just taking time for myself, and not worrying about trying to make things happen as much. I'm trying to hang out with friends, both old and new. But I'm definitely recharging myself for what is coming in the future. Life isn't always easy, but there's no reason it can't be fun and you can't be happy overall.
What are things that make you happy? If you're feeling down, think about the things that usually make you happy. Have you been partaking in those events, things, people, etc? If not, revisit those, and then look at how you feel after.
Just because today might be a bad day today, that doesn't mean that tomorrow won't be a wonderful day. Keep your head up loves, and just breathe and take life one day at a time.
Until next time. I'm going back to my Beyonce girl crush, and enjoying my Friday. :)
Now. Moving on.
A friend had this quote on her facebook today:
"Happiness is not a destination. It is a mood, it is not permanent. It comes and goes and if people thought that way, maybe more people would find happiness more often."
Like so many others, I'm always looking for happiness. Overall, I think I'm happy, there are days where I'm not. But I do agree with this quote, where there isn't a spot called "happiness", and once I get through certain events, then I will reach happiness. You decide whether or not you're happy. People, food, groups, events, these things can help make you happy. But ultimately, you are the only person that controls your happiness. The second you let someone else be in charge of your happiness, you're not happy.
That's something I've been trying to achieve recently, as I had so much stress from my 2nd year talk, chemistry in general, and relationships with people changing. I wasn't depressed or anything, but I didn't feel happy. I felt indifferent.
So, I decided to get back to things that make me happy. One of the those things is soccer. Whether it's playing or watching (more watching now than playing), soccer has always made me happy. Recently, the US men's national team has played in an international friendly against Canada, and a World Cup Qualifier against Honduras. Even though the results of these games were not what I wanted, watching the games with a group of soccer fans just as crazy as I am was so great. I'm talking about the American Outlaws, the USMNT supporters. There are chapters in many cities across the US, and they definitely have love for America and the Yanks. Check them out if you love soccer, and want somewhere to watch games with crazies: http://www.theamericanoutlaws.com/ The guys (and few gals) that meet down at Molly Malone's in Covington, KY are so awesome, so come join us sometime!
Another thing that has made me happy is yoga. Leslie, the yoga instructor on Tuesdays at the Rec Center here at UC, must be a hypnotist or something, because she's INSANE at what she does. And I mean insane in the best way possible. I never thought it would be possible to turn off my brain for 45 minutes, and then be somewhat peaceful for the rest of the night. But, oh, it is possible, and it's more than wonderful. I also go on Wednesdays, and sometimes on Friday (but it's late sometimes). If you have never tried yoga before, and just want something calming yet good for your body, I highly recommend it. It doesn't matter if you're the most flexible person or not, but it's been such a good addition this semester.
I'm also just taking time for myself, and not worrying about trying to make things happen as much. I'm trying to hang out with friends, both old and new. But I'm definitely recharging myself for what is coming in the future. Life isn't always easy, but there's no reason it can't be fun and you can't be happy overall.
What are things that make you happy? If you're feeling down, think about the things that usually make you happy. Have you been partaking in those events, things, people, etc? If not, revisit those, and then look at how you feel after.
Just because today might be a bad day today, that doesn't mean that tomorrow won't be a wonderful day. Keep your head up loves, and just breathe and take life one day at a time.
Until next time. I'm going back to my Beyonce girl crush, and enjoying my Friday. :)
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