Stress, Love, and Relaxation

So its been a busy week. Trying to balance out work, class, studying, tests, homework, and a minimal social life seems to be more difficult than I expected. This week was a big challenge. I had two tests in my online classes, class, reading, and work was just stressful. Through all of this I have been working at ways to relax and relieve my stress. If I don't, I tend to suffer from migraines. My only trigger I have been able to fully nail down is the stress. My theory is if I can minimize the stress when I feel it coming on, I will be able to avoid a migraine later. Getting migraines only causes more trouble and stress in my life and its nothing but a viscous circle. So, I am starting to look into alternative methods to quick stress relief; whether it be mantras, meditation, massage, or just distraction. I have taken up running, but it only seems to mildly help the situation. One thing I have found that helps me is my boyfriend Ian. I may be stressed out, but it sometimes helps to have someone there who will hug you and tell you it'll all be okay. So while I am lucky to have my boyfriend to help my stress level, it is only natural that sometimes he causes more stress than he gets rid of. So if you have any recommendations, please, let me know. I know now not to take on such a large workload, but I need to get through the next little bit and I will be okay. This is supposed to be my hard semester, so at least I'm getting it over with now.

Remembrance

9/11/01. Sad moment in our history. My heart goes out to the family and loved ones who lost people that horrible day. TV is overwhelming today with footage of the sad day that changed our country as we knew it . I was in seventh grade and was so naive I have no idea what was happening. I wish I could have immediately felt the effect that this would eventually have on me, on all of us. I am so grateful for the people in my life and I am so lucky to have each day. I want to thank all of the troops who risk their lives everyday so that I can have each day, that all of us can live the lives we are living. This emotional day will never be forgotten.

Happy Side of Life

I recently have noticed that some people I know are constantly upset and grumpy. I have decided not to be like them. I have realized that always looking on the negative side of things is just going to continue a spiral downward until nobody can stand to be in your presence. It is much more healthy (and pleasant) to look on the bright side; see the silver lining. Bad things happen to everyone, it is how you deal with life's curveballs that make you the person you are. So here's my advice, get over it, move on, be happy! If not, you run the risk of being "that person." You know, the one nobody wants to hang out with because they bring down everyone else's good  mood? I cannot stand that person. So get off your lazy self-pitying butt and do something about it. Take some time to do something that makes YOU happy and just let the bad shit brush off your shoulders. It is not right to dwell on the small shitty instances of life. Stay positive and you have more of a chance to be a person that people enjoy being around and you will make your life easier. TRUST ME.

"Snug as a bug"

The past few years have been tough on me. Through this tough time, however, my mother and I have gotten much closer than we've ever been and I will never be able to express how grateful I am that we have reached this point in our relationship. I know she is always there to support me and I am there for her in the same way. The mutual respect and love we have for each other is special. Nothing can compare to the special love of a mother and a daughter. I have been considering lately of getting a small tattoo to celebrate this relationship that I have with her. I have two tattoos so far; my first one to celebrate music (as you probably know, it is a very powerful influence in my life), and the second one I got to remind me of my childhood and how lucky I am to have been raised by my wonderful father. To many it may seem silly that I got my initials on my wrist, but everyday I see my tattoo and I am reminded how lucky I am and I am more grateful everyday for his positive and loving influence in my life. I will always be close with my father, but my mom and I have more recently become closer. My mother used to tuck me in at night and as she tucked me in she would say " Snug as a bug in a rug... and your feet." It may seem silly but I am considering incorporating the "and your feet" portion of that saying in my tattoo, or it may be all there is to the tattoo. It is just an idea that I've been bouncing around.. now it is time to ponder. I love you mommy.

Music is the Cure

Most people will agree with me when I say that music is amazing. All aspects of it can help people. Whether you like to create it or just listen to it, it is a great release and a fun form of therapy. I can really appreciate music, all types. I love the way an acoustic song can move someone emotionally, a good hip-hop song can give someone a release from the way they feel when they dance to it, the way a good country song can ease heartache; the personal relationship each person has with music is different but I am grateful for all types. The stress I've been dealing with lately is temporarily out of my mind when I listen to a really good song that has lyrics that touch me and a melody that intrigues me. So whether you feel relieved, content, depressed, stressed, excited, upset, dramatic, optimistic, pessimistic, aggressive, disappointed, grumpy, affectionate, hyper, or calm, remember, musice is there to support your emotion, or help you change it. Music is powerful, so use it!

Back to Reality

Last week school started again. I like to challenge myself, and, like a crazy person, I signed up for four classes and told my boss I'd still work 37 hours each week. I am now in my second week of this balancing act and am realizing what a challenge this will really be. I am curious to see how much I can push myself. I'm sure my social life will suffer for this one slightly, but I think it is worth it. My education is important to me and I've worked really hard to be able to do both school (full time) and work again. I will not work as a secretary for the rest of my working-life. I am lucky to have the job I do and to work with the people I do, but this will not be me for the rest of my life! So here's to working towards change and chasing those goals that I have feared will become a far off dream! Wish me luck!