Poetry Draft

After the holidays I was thinking back on the week and how I didn't step out of the box and didn't do things with my family. I missed the chance to make precious memories with them. This poem is in response to the feelings that overwhelmed me in the 24 hours after I left.

I'm not me...
By: Alyssa Collins

I'm not the me I want to be
I'm not the things I thought I was

I once thought I had a purpose and was special
Now I see that was a mirage
All along I've been wandering through the desert
Waiting to find some grand motivation
Something that will make everyday worthwhile

And while I wait... and wander through this desert place
I find that my motivation and the person I was dwindle away
The mirage is even dimming and I cannot see myself

I wanted to be a positive, enjoyable person to be around
I wanted to enjoy my life and be proud of myself
I wanted to have grand accomplishments and to say I helped someone

But what do I have? I have a selfish, quit mentality
When something comes up that could allow me to be good to someone I am close to,
I push them away. I am cynical and hard to be around

When I can set aside my selfish, stupid reasons for wasting my time
in order to do something fun, then I'm good with me
But when I let a stupid idea or sore spot prevail... then I am ashamed

Time passes quickly and we always take things for granted until it is too late to realize it
It is time I stepped up and became the me I want to be
No more wasting time aimlessly staring at a screen or sitting in silence

I will find meaningful conversation when there is an opportunity
I will share the written word and start on the many projects I think will write themselves
I will be the me I want to be.

Unexpected friendships

Hello beautiful/handsome people,

Isn't it a wonderful day? At least, I sure hope you're having a wonderful day.

I just wanted to share my thoughts on friendships that were not in your sight, but that happened and have enriched your life.

My grandpa remarried in 2006 a few months before my 15th birthday. I liked his wife enough, but I didn't really have a relationship with her, yet.

If you have had someone in your family get remarried then you know that you're a little apprehensive and nervous at first. You are happy that your family member found love again, trust their judgment, and like the person... But you're just not sure how your family dynamic will change and hope that all the things you loved before stay a part of your lives. Its an interesting dichotomy.

Quickly after they married I became good friends with my grandpa's wife. She just took me in like she had known me my whole life. Whenever I needed advice she helped me through, she took me out and treated me to girls days, we worked together on projects, and she engaged me in thoughtful conversations even though we are apart of different generations. During trying times, before I moved, she was the person I turned to for a listening ear and guidance, which was only two years into the marriage.

 She probably doesn't know it, but she was the only person I talked to about something going on in my life at one point. It was a time when I desperately needed someone to listen to me and help me work through the situation. I don't know what would have happened if I didn't have her to lean on.  Even after I moved we were able to stay close and have nice visits when we were together.

Lately I keep reflecting on our beginnings over eight years ago. I held our friendship very close while I lived away, but we definitely weren't able to communicate as frequently. I would say that the physical distance did become a slight relational distance. Which happened with everyone I was close to when I moved. Just part of the whole thing even though we have countless technologies that help us keep in touch.  Now that I am living with her (and my grandpa!), I am glad that we can have daily chats and that she can mentor me in person. I learn something new from her everyday.

I am just very grateful that my grandpa fell in love with her because she has added so much to our family--love, laughs, generosity, creativity, a realness of sorts, and many good times.

In the beginning I knew she was a nice lady and I knew we would have a good relationship, but I didn't know we would be friends. In fact I would consider her one of my best friends.

(Shout out!- Love you Laurie and I am extremely thankful for your friendship, unconditional love, and all that you have done for me.)

Do you have a good friend that you didn't expect to be so close to? Let them know how much they mean to you!

Simply Live in that you appreciate your friends.
Live Simply in that you enjoy the kind of routine things you do with your friends--like sit around and talk, get their advice a problem, rants when somethings or someones being annoying, etc. As John Lennon said, "Time you enjoyed wasting, was not wasted time."

Until next time,
Alyssa

Reflecting on Kinky Boots

Hello lovely people, 

I was typing up some stuff work and listening to my Wicked, Kinky Boots and Phantom of the Opera station on Pandora Radio. It is always interesting how your mind wanders and thinks of things that still strike a nerve. 

I saw Kinky Boots back in February, so six months ago, and when we were walking there was this casual looking guy and his two sidekicks outside of the theater. The main guy had a megaphone and was talking about Jesus and salvation, and everything that comes with that. I really wanted to go up to him and ask him why he was saying all of this at a Kinky Boots performance. Had he ever seen the play? Did he know what it felt like to be looked down on and dehumanized? If he had seen the play and knew what it was like to be dehumanized then he wouldn't have been spreading this message.

It really infuriates me when people can get out there, take their time, and go to all the effort to do something like in the guise of hate and "I'm better than you". We all act in ways that the God in the Bible would see as not in accordance with his teachings. So why did this guy need to protest outside of a show that is all about embracing and loving yourself? 

Does he protest outside of movies that perpetrate violence? Does he protest outside of shows or movies that degrade women? I don't know the answer, but my guess would be no. 

A show about a love, peace, and acceptance is not one that should boycotted. This man only protested because one of the main characters is a transvestite. Who cares about the 15 other characters and the theme of the play. Shame on you for putting down someone for being who they are. It is not acceptable to judge people based on their gender, skin color, or religion....yet he can put down someone for being gay, lesbian, transgender, or queer. 

Does this guy really think yelling out to two or three hundred people going into this play will bring these sinners and those who are in the play to Jesus??? Why would they even want to listen when you are approaching them in a negative way? 

I just cannot sit by and stand for this type of behavior. It does not make any sense and really hurts those Christians who are kind, compassionate, understanding of people because they get generalized with this bad example. If you are a Christian who believes that part of the Bible that says not to judge your neighbor then I appreciate you. If you are a part of another religion and believe that people should live and let them then I appreciate you, too! 

I want to leave you with the lyrics from the final song in Kinky Boots so you can understand the message it sends if you haven't seen it. 

"But before we go, we would like to leave you with the Price and Simon secret to success:
Alright, now we've all heard of the 12 step program, have we not?

Yes, but what you can do in 12, I want you to know that we all can do in 6 now, and it goes like this:

One: Pursue the truth

Two: Learn something new

Three: Accept yourself and you'll accept others too!

Four: Let love shine

Five: Let pride be your guide

Six: Change the world when you change your mind!

Just be. Who you wanna be.

Never let them tell you who you ought to be.

Just be. With dignity.

Celebrate your life triumphantly.

You'll see.
Its beautiful."

Read more: Original Broadway Cast Recording - Raise You Up / Just Be Lyrics | MetroLyrics. 


Here is the Kinky Boots Musical website if you want to find it near you! I highly recommend it. 


Simply Live in that you get the speck out of your own eye before you try to get out of someone elses. 

Live Simply in that you enjoy little or big theater productions! 

Love always, 
Alyssa 

We cannot be indifferent.

While in New Orleans I came across a homeless man holding a sign saying "homeless hungry veteran" near Canal and Bourbon Street. At least 300 people had walked past him paying him no mind.

He was probably in his early 60's and I just looked at his sign and passed wishing I had some cash to give him. Then I grabbed my partners arm and turned back to him. I just spent $45 on a meal and $10 on drinks. I could not just walk by when I had just spent so much money on more food than I could eat and on drinks that I didn't need.

I told him I had no money, but would be glad to buy him a meal if that would be okay. His eyes got big and he said, "ye-yeah."
We walked into the Krystal Burger and I told him he could order whatever he wanted. He just kind of looked at the menu so I suggested the chicken sliders for him. "That sounds good. Could you please order for me?" I was glad to, but felt such pain for him that he was so ostracized from society that he felt he couldn't even order a meal.

He came to New Orleans for a job from New Mexico. All of his family is in New Mexico. The painting company went under. Without a job and when you literally live pay check to check you cannot make ends meet long. He was evicted, can't find a job, and is now left on the streets.

Without access to the internet or a car this man that served our country in the Army is left sitting on Bourbon street at 11 p.m. hoping someone is kind enough to give him money so he can eat.

I asked him if there were any shelters that he knew of, and he said he tried them but every time he went they were in such bad conditions that he got sick so he won't go back...

In a country of such tremendous wealth how can atrocities like this occur?

We are often guilty of thinking that homeless people are just bums, but if you put yourself in their shoes you can understand how hard it is to get off of your feet. The only reason I have what I do today is because of my supportive family and connections.

If you have the ability to buy someone a meal then please do it. No one can progress if they are constantly worried about survival.

After I wished him well and walked away I just felt helpless that I couldn't do more. But my partner reminded me that I just made a difference in his life and if that's all I can do right now then I need to be proud of that.

"The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference." - Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor

Live the life you want with no inhibitions!

Regardless of your suspicions about Bruce Jenner's coming out earlier this year, you cannot deny that he has taken a bold step that took an enormous amount of courage. 

I am super excited to see such a public figure come out and say-- This is who I am! Forget who I was and get to know the real me. I think there is a piece of all of us who want people to forget about the reputation that precedes us and show our real selves. Often times it is hard to show the softer side because we are afraid that we will be rejected. And what could be more damaging than someone not accepting the real part of you? But that does not mean we should put on our faces and just enjoy the masquerade. 

It is far more beautiful and attractive to show your soul. I love authentic people. Those who are vulnerable and aren't afraid to be themselves are the ones you end up connecting with the most. Do not be afraid to show people who you are. Let them love and accept you for exactly who you are. Let them love the things about yourself that you hate. People will often surprise you, let them. 

I hope we can all find acceptance within and then share it with the world. This post has been inspired by Caitlyn Jenner and the gigantic step that she has taken to overcome her reputation and be who she wants to be. 

Simply Live in that you love every aspect of yourself- your body, your inner demons, your quirks, your talents.

Live Simply in that you accept others for offering you insight into their soul. It is not your place to question who they  are. 

Much love, 

Alyssa

Pride

Pride is a interesting character flaw that we all have to deal with from time to time.

We often don't know it's there until it makes a surprise appearance. Sometimes I don't know I'm being rational and doing the right thing, or if pride is getting in my way of doing the right thing.

How do we even know what the right thing is? Every situation is different and can have many scenarios as to how it could play out in the 'right' way. It hard to know which route to take sometimes. But the important thing is to listen to your gut and not let your mind get in your way.

Often times my mind starts to over think things and then pride starts to creep in. When you are in doubt as what you should do in a situation take a deep breathe, analyze all of the possible scenarios, pick the one you honestly believe to be the best, then buckle up and relax knowing that you made the best decision for you. Others may not agree with the route you chose, but as Eleanor Roosevelt said:

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you'll be criticized anyways."

I write this because recently a situation arose and I thought I would have acted differently than someone else. But after discussing their decision with them I understood and agreed with their decision... I should not have let my pride and judgement get the better of me. Instead I should have sought understanding of the persons decisions and let them decide for themselves how to live their life. It is hard not to step into other people's lives and tell them how to live it.

We must truly live by the ethic of reciprocity -- treat others as you wish to be treated. It is that simple.

So simply live in that you are validated in your decisions. You are the only one living your life.

Live simply in that you support those around you, and that you only intervene in their lives when they need a helping hand, not when you have your agenda to how they should live their lives.

Much love,
Alyssa

Respecting and learning from older generations

Around Christmas time my grandpa (who I call "Pa") was generous enough to offer me a job helping him type up his writings. For many years he has been a journalist, and on top of that he is an incredibly ingenious man with a story for every occasion.

I grew up just 5 minutes from Pa so got to spend a lot of time with him over the years. There are some stories I feel like I lived, yet every time I see him now I hear new stories that captivate me. He has definitely mastered the art of storytelling. My grandpa's stories and generosity are infamous in our neck of the woods. He is just a wonderful person and has added so much richness to my life and countless others.  

I have typed up about 30 pages of stories for him so far and it is so nice to gain that insight into his thoughts, hear about the way things were for him growing up, and to visualize pivotal points in his life that helped shape him into the man that I know and love. He certainly has enough stories to fill a book and I am beyond honored that I get to help him compile this book over the next few months. 

I remember writing a paper about my hero when I was in middle school, I wrote about Pa. He is truly an inspiration. Words cannot describe how awesome it is to be able to type up memorable events, people, incidences, and values that he has experienced throughout his life. The journal entries he has sent me thus far are really comprehensive. They cover childhood up until this current year. It is really amazing to learn about my great grandparents and have the opportunity to feel like I knew them.

It is my wish for every generation to connect with the ones before them on a deep level. I learn so much from my grandpa, have a better sense of how fortunate I am to have things we now take for granted, and have a better sense of purpose for my life because of our relationship. 

He has lived an amazing, distinguished, and incomparable life. I consider it a blessing to know him, a gift to be related to him, and an honor to work for him. 

Simply Live in that you connect with those around you, especially those that have a few more years experience in life than you.

Live Simply in that enjoy the little stories along the way that enrich your everyday life.

Much love,

Alyssa

The Men Who Built America Provides Outlook on Modern Society

"Every business is about understanding people. Which people you have to get through, which people you have to embrace, which people you have to jump over, which people you have to push out of the way. That's the game." - Donny Deutsch, Advertising Mogul. Season 1 Episode 1 of The Men Who Built America.

This is just one example of the extremely aggressive language used in the show "The Men Who Built America". My little brother is home-schooled and was watching this episode for a little history lesson. Quite frankly I found this show/story to be disheartening and embarrassing.

People like to look at Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, and Carnegie as if they are these miracle workers who made America the "greatest nation" that ever existed. We are a nation that cares not about the well-being of our own people or other nations because we are playing a game, and the way to win the game is to be number one monetarily. Who cares about human rights, happiness, income disparity when you can be rich? Money is the only value that this country was founded on at the turn of the century.

As someone who raised in church and has read the Bible I can tell you that the example Christ set was one of unselfishness, giving, and denouncing the rich/powerful. While this country claims to be "Christian" nation, the example I found from Christ's teachings does not seem to be the example this country was founded on or the values in which it holds.

I am all about having ambition and striving for success. But success is defined by so much more than your pocket book. It makes me so sad to see these great men who built this country scheme and find ways to be the richest men in the country no matter who they harm or what irreversible harm they cause to the environment (granted they did not know it would hurt the environment at the time, but could they really think what they were doing was good for Mother Earth?). Then what made the realities of this show even worse is there are business founders talking about these men (like that dreadful man from Shark Tank) all talking about the example they set and the game of business.

It makes me sad that I studied business, even though I see business as an opportunity to provide something for your fellow man. I couldn't understand why someone would go into business unless it was to increase someone's happiness and help make their lives more useful... but then I look around at all the advertisements and items in my house which were just put out there in order to make someone money. 90% of our stuff we do not need, it kind of makes life simpler, but overall it was just a waste of money that helped someone accumulate cash on top of the millions they already have.

Moving forward as a country, society, and humans I hope that we can focus on making individual lives better... I hope we buy more locally, focus on doing things that make us happy (not making money to buy happiness), find fulfillment in everyday and stop selling our souls to the corporations that buy off our government and destroy our earth for their fleeting large sum of money.

Money is just a concept of our mind anyways. If we focus more what the value of something is to us and less on the monetary value imposed by the market or society we can find what is truly important to us. The things we love most we cannot put a monetarily value on... Even on his worst day I would not sell my little brother because the value I have placed on him is much more than any material product on this planet... That is because people and relationships are what strengthen us and are of the highest value. Yet we want to focus on money and being better than our fellow man just to make more money and feel better about ourselves. I guess we are so scared of being failures and being inadequate that we have to measure ourselves by something everyone has to some degree, which is money.

Anyways! As you can tell I am quite passionate about this subject and I could go on and on about it all day. But instead I will leave with my two tidbits and your own thoughts about the matter.

Simply Live in that you see people as more than a dollar sign and competition.
Live Simply in that you don't feel like you have to keep up with the Jones's by buying unnecessary items that really don't improve your life that much.

Much love,
Alyssa

It's time to be mushy

My heart is so filled with love!

You really learn a lot about yourself and how much people mean to you when you move to a kingdom far far away. I was on the West coast for 3 months (which is not that long- and I did study abroad so I went 5 months without seeing friends and family before) and I was just so homesick! Which is strange because I don't really have a home over here in the East coast because my parents moved when I was in college so I never lived with them. That old cliche "Home is where the heart is" is so true though! I know I am home whenever I walk off the plane with a giant smile on face and when I am reunited with my best friends at our Alma Mater's Homecoming.

Whenever I made the decision to move to California it was solely for me. I wanted adventure, to find fulfillment in the workplace, and to lead a life that was making the world a better place. I didn't think about how it would effect those around me or what effect it would have on me. I still want fulfillment and to change the world for the better, but I know in order to do that I must be in a place that feels like home. When you are constantly thinking of your loved ones and how you wish you were with them it makes it hard to focus on what you're doing. A solid foundation is key to a happy life so now I know why small towns filled with families that have been there for generations don't want to ever leave.

My partner and I decided to take a break right before I left for California (the post "What Is Love" is about our relationship). We still talked and were very close friends, but I am happy to say that the distance helped us go back to the basics of our relationship and reconnect on a different level. Being away from someone allows to see all of their positive traits and reminds you how much better your life was with them in it. I don't like labels or looking toward the future, but I just want to say that if you truly love someone that love will never go away.

I think it is very therapeutic and good for the soul to take a journey that is very spur of the moment and turns around your whole life. I have always known who I am and what is important to me, but this taught me even more about myself. It taught those closest to me about me too and allowed us to connect on a deeper level.

Simply Live in that you always follow your heart without worrying about others' perception of you because you are the one being effected.

Live Simply in that you appreciate what you have in your life and don't expect or feel that you need a whole lot more. (If you gain more then great! Celebrate as it happens, but don't feel like you continually have to find more in your life.)

Love,
Alyssa

Letting go.

Letting go is such a hard thing to do... when you care about someone, the place you're at, something else in your life you can't just let it go. That seems like betrayal, wasted time, and pain. But in reality it is the best thing to do. If you are holding onto something that is causing you to doubt yourself or second guess then it is time to let it go... you aren't doing anyone a favor but grasping on to something that's not there.

I was having trouble letting go until last week. I felt like it was my job to hold on. Like something was there for me to hold on to. My mind would have been clear and my soul free had I just let go. Then I could truly enjoy this amazing journey of life, instead of looking to the past and analyzing things that I cannot change. I am never going to get the result I wanted or the feeling I once had, so the best thing is to let go and live in the present. Just enjoy the day and know that the sun will continue to rise.

Simply Live in that you are finding joy in each day.
Live Simply in that you don't harbor regret or sadness over the past.

Much love,
Alyssa

Be Involved In Your Society!

A fundamental problem we face as humans is complacency and becoming numb to our surroundings (at least in my own personal experience). It is easier to silence all of the problems going on around us than to actually think about them and discover solutions.

As much as I believe the government in the United States is ineffective at it's current state, I know that government is the best way to enact change. And I am a firm believer in the idea that you cannot complain or discuss something if you do not know the facts on the matter. If you are disengaged from politics and don't make yourself aware of the issues then you are just as much at fault as the senators who are making decisions.. and by you I am also including myself. Part of the reason I write blogs is to sort through my thoughts and remind myself of ways I can improve. I am angry at myself for being complacent and expecting the media or whoever to educate me on the issues instead of going out and educating myself. I don't mobilize until a decision has already been made and by that point I can't even be mad because I didn't call my senator or write a letter to show them my support on certain issues... Then I have this other part of me that knows how much money corporations are funneling into state/national campaigns and cannot help but feel that my voice is silenced... When someone with a personal agenda spends thousands of money on an individuals campaign they basically have that individual in their pocket..especially if that person wants to get re-elected since the person with the most money apparently wins the campaign. It infuriates me that the best candidate may not win simply because they do not have enough money to run the race... I am a business major and this set up is definitely made by business people because you cannot play the business game unless you have money. Government should not be like that....it should be based on credentials and who connects/understands the people. So we need to stand up and educate ourselves on the issues, which companies are contributing to campaigns, and if senators are voting in the interest of their constituents or in the interest of the corporation that helped get them in office.

This is not a party issue. It your right and duty as a citizen to have a voice in the political realm. If we continue to remain silent things will only get worse. Corporations are the most involved in politics- money wise and action wise (lobbyist!). We have to join together to get the public interest to our state and national senators if we want our votes to matter once again!

A friend showed me some great, nonpartisan websites that make it easy to keep up with what's going on in the House and Senate. It shows a summary about the piece of legislation, a link to the full resolution, how each individual senator/representative voted on the resolution, and what money they received from special interests/organizations. It is awesome and makes it easy to stay involved! There isn't anyone yelling at you about something, a waste of time update, celebrity crap, or biased views--just facts!

So I hope you check them out and make a pledge today to be an active member of our democratic society. I am pledging to get on these sites instead of Facebook at least 3x per week.

Simply Live: Be thankful that you live in a society that allows you to voice your opinion and that was created to make sure each and every person has a voice that should be listened to by the government!
Live Simply: Don't look at things based on sides or preconceived biases. Simply make it a point to know the facts and make the call based on your personal beliefs (then don't judge others if their personal beliefs are different).


With dreams of a mostly unified population that controls government decisions,
Alyssa

What is love?

Love comes in many forms... and there should be many words for love in the English language. Love for family, love for friends, and of course the love everyone is searching for, romantic love.

The love I have for my family is the strongest love I have ever felt. Then of course I love my friends dearly and would do anything for them. I never thought I would find that romantic love, but over a year ago I was able to open my heart to someone else. It was such an exciting and liberating feeling. I'll never forget the day I realized I was in love. For the first time I thought of the future-- a year or 2 down the line and this person was in it. It was really cool. I had never had that sense of vulnerability or necessity for another person. But just with every relationship in life there are times that test you as a person and as a couple. Whenever disagreements start it could mean it is the beginning of the end of this romantic relationship. But does that mean it has to be the end of the relationship? I mean you've invested so much time, love, and devotion into this person. Why end it on a sour note to where you go off calling each other names and looking at all of the flaws in the relationship?  For this reason the wonderful man I fell in love with and I decided we would take a break. We are in pivotal points in our lives where we have to chose a path that could dictate our future. Which job do I get? Where do I want to live? What the heck do I even want to do with my life? Sometimes it is too hard to make those decisions with the expectations that come with a relationship.

But you have so many precious, and fantastic memories with this person... it is so hard to let go of that romantic relationship that you so deeply felt for what seems like forever. So I have found that love is letting a person go and hoping your paths will stay side by side no matter which type of relationship you're in... even if it hurts, and even if there's doubt. For whatever reason life has a way of working itself out. I am a firm believer in fate, so if it's meant to be down the road it will be. It is best to demote each other down to friend in order to  preserve the relationship instead of let things get to the point of blowing up. Arguments are never fun, and no one should be in an unhealthy relationship. I am glad that we were mature enough to see that this was the solution we both needed. He needs to figure out what he wants out of life and find the happiness within. I need to roam around pursing my wild dreams.

If it is a time of growth and direction change in your life there is nothing wrong with putting things on pause. I've been in my apartment moping on and off for hours because this is a scary time in my life, and because the thought of losing someone I love is the saddest feeling ever. But through our conversations and the willingness to stay best friends I find the true meaning of love... and for that I am eternally grateful. I hope and pray that we will be able to cultivate a better friendship, work through the pain and come out stronger on the other side.

I just feel so honored that I got to be in this chapter of  R's life as his partner, and I am just so happy that we can continue to write our stories together. I hope that you can experience honest love in your life... which in turn means being selfless and doing what's best for the other person (and the other person being selfless for you).


R, if you're reading this I wish I could explain to you the impact you've had on my life. It has been nothing but positive. Thank you for giving me the chance to get to know you on this level and picking me to be your girlfriend. You are an amazing person and I know we will continue to make memories down the road. I love you from the bottom of my heart and always will.

Simply Live: in that you are not afraid of love and loss... for there is no loss when you truly love.
Live Simply: feel the flow of your relationships and always be willing to meet people where they are.

Love always,
Alyssa

Get the facts

Whenever an issue comes up that you are passionate about... make sure you look up the issue and learn the ins and outs of the entire thing. It's easy to believe the one or two liners that come out about the issue when they don't present the entire scenario.

I was really upset the other day because I saw the basic media coverage of something. It made it seem like a basic liberty and individual rights had been taken away because they view corporations as people... Well I am very opposed to corporations being treated like people when the main goal of business is profit (yes I believe there can be ethical businesses out there that give profit back to employees or the community, but it is very rare and you have to have money to play the business game). So I was outraged and ranting about it with several friends.. Then one friend asked me what was going on and I told them what I thought the whole thing was about. They start researching only to find out that the main thing I was mad about wasn't even a part of it.

Ughhhh all the wasted energy and negativity because I chose to make inferences. I still do not like what happened, but I understand it a little better from the other side now. The other side doesn't understand the hypocrisy of their actions and thoughts, and a corporation was still treated like a person .... BUT! I am not fuming anymore.   And now I can educate and discuss the topic accurately instead of spread lies like I was doing before.

Let's try to research something before we talk about it in order to relay accurate information and not cause an uproar over nothing. It's like taking a statement out of context... it's never good for anyone.


Simply Live in that you find beauty in truth.
Live Simply in that you never take something for face value.

Pro Veritate

Until next time,
Alyssa

Picking sides creates a lose/lose situation

We are very opinionated creatures.. it is in our nature to rationalize things and think we have the answer. Everyone seems to think they have to be on one side or the other when it comes to just about everything. You have 2 friends who are in a fight--it is hard to remain unbiased you have to pick who's right and who's wrong. You have your religion, because it's what you believe and everyone else is wrong if they are a different denomination or religion. Then there's politics and you always feel like you have to be Democrat or Republican 100% of the time no matter the issue.

When we put ourselves into these set boxes it only causes conflict because there are always people who won't agree with you. Look at elections... it's always 52% X and 48% Y. Does that mean the 48% is wrong and should be disregarded? No, that is a huge number of people who's opinions should be valued and looked into.  Some would say there are 2 sides to everything, but I would argue that the number of sides there are is equal to who's involved in the issue. We all have different takes on things and coming together is the only way to fully resolve the issue.

I really wish we didn't have these barriers that are pressed upon us for whatever reason. Picking a side does not lead to progress it leads to stagnation. When we close our minds to one side there is tremendous room for error. Literally everyone loses when they put a definition on themselves and close off 50% of their surroundings.

I know there are fellow independents out there who are tired of this 2 party system. Bernie Sanders is an amazing congressman who is bipartisan so why aren't there more people like that if that is what the public wants?  Congresses approval rating is at 13%... obviously people are not happy and I honestly believe that is because everyone feels like they have to pick a side. I just don't get it.... I hate all of this polarization. How can we break away from this mindset?? So many things would be better if everyone just sought for mutual understanding. Sometimes you may agree to disagree but I think compromise can always be reached.

Simply Live-- care about knowing 60% of more about something before deciding what you believe..
Live Simply-- don't see things as right or wrong. See a situation and think how can I reach a better conclusion than the one we are at.

Have a beautiful day!

Promote peace,
Alyssa

Kindness is Infectious

I don't think others (or ourselves!) realize what an incredible impact a little kindness can have on someone. From holding a door, to smiling, or giving a gift any act of kindness goes a long way. When someone is kind to me I pay it forward. It is my mission each and every day to do one nice act. If it can be something big, then great! But usually it's just something small. Spreading kindness will make your day, week, and life better.

A lot of times I will do something because I want to or think it is just common courtesy, but many times it turns out that it leaves a big impact on the other person! It's incredible that something so small can literally make someone's day. So remember that kindness is infectious.


You never know what inspiring someone will do... Tell someone they are amazing and can achieve their dreams today. Because we all can. Every success story went through trial and error to become a success. And even once you have reached your goals and definition of success you still must go through hardships and transitions to remain in the place you want to be. So don't be afraid to jump out and chase your dreams. Especially if your dreams can get other people involved. As I've said before, there is strength in unity. We are all searching for a community in which we connect with others and belong.

I hope you have a lovely Tuesday!

Dreaming of impacting the world,
Alyssa

Start with the (wo)man in the mirror

I saw a video tonight with a former celeb turned Tea Party member blasting Glee for the kiss between Kurt and Blaine. It is not my style to get into political debates or force my ideas on other people because the beauty of humanity is that we are all different... physically and mentally. A lot of who we are we can't even control- I certainly didn't pick which genes were passed down nor did I have a say in the family I was born into. Luckily I was born into a typical middle class family with supportive, educated parents and grandparents which has allowed me to experience the best life has to offer but also see the struggles people go through each and every day.

We cannot ever understand why someone acts the way they do because their life has lead them to the decisions they are making.. They follow their heart and mind just as you and I follow ours. Therefore, it astounds me that people like this woman can get online and make a big fuss over something they cannot fathom and something that has NOTHING to do with them. I love freedom of speech just as much as the next guy.. but I also love freedom of opinion, which many people forget. We get so caught up in our own head that we start to think we have this secret outlook on all of the things that become implanted in our minds. When in fact we are human and it is impossible to know everything.

If we changed our mindset from knowing more than everyone else, to learning from others we will become more connected and more fulfilled as individuals. If you are more understanding towards others they will be more understanding to you. We all have things that plague us ... if we start a conversation about it we will find we aren't alone and we can even help someone else better their current situation. We won't have this mentality that everything has to be black and white, when there is a very clear and large gray area.

So please, please don't feel like you are better than your fellow human. Instead feel like you can learn from each other and reach a mutual understanding which in turn makes the world a better place.

That is the point of Simply Live... the affairs of another are no business of yours. Live your life in a way that makes you fulfilled, and don't judge the way others choose to live their lives.

Live Simply in that we live a world where everyone wants something more... so one day a week give to someone else. Whatever you have to give that day. Read 'The Giving Tree' to see just how much you can give and the impact you can have on someone else.

I wish you many laughs, smiles and blessings this week!

Peace and love,
Alyssa

Staying busy > Being Idle

The idea and physicality of time is a hard one to grasp. We know that there are only 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes within each hour... yet some days seem like a blink, and others seem like an eternity.

If you find a good combination between being busy and having some relaxation time you can control the pace of your day. When you're busy the day always seems to fly by because you are continually striving to mark off the next thing on your list. But when you're just sitting.... waiting for something to do.... the day drags on. I tend to start thinking of all the things I could or should be doing. The things in my subconscious I've been avoiding start to surface when I'm idle.

So if you stay busy you find something to look forward. While you don't want every day to fly by, it is nice to keep a solid rhythm to your daily life. If you're like me sometimes you take on too much and then the days really start running together and it's suddenly Friday when you thought it was Tuesday. This also isn't good... it doesn't allow you to sit back and enjoy the simple things in life- like how great it can be to plop down on the couch and take a deep breath after a long day.

I believe it is good for our bodies and mind to have a solid rhythm that it beats to. When we do nothing our minds turn off and our bodies don't work properly. When we are on overdrive we tense up, get headaches, and our minds start to glitch.

So find the good pace in your life.. and when things become too busy or too idle find one thing to change to even it back out. Find one thing you are grateful for today and admire something beautiful in your environment.

Simply live your life- fulfill your passions and set your own pace. You determine your happiness.
Live simply- No need to focus on the material things, they will tear, tarnish, and eventually wither away. A connection made with someone can never go away, it can only grow stronger.

Have a wonderful day!

Peace and Love,
Alyssa

Change the World

For the first time in my life I feel that my dreams could actually be reality. While I am a dreamer, I also struggle with not letting cynicism bring me down. We are always hardest on ourselves... cut yourself a break! If you're trying your best and maintaining your values then you are three steps ahead... of whatever you're supposed to be ahead of. If we just start to believe in ourselves instead of allow ourselves to think we aren't good enough we could accomplish anything.

Change cannot occur if we just sit back and hold ourselves back. I realized that I am capable of putting things in motion. Even if things don't go as I plan the worst thing I could do is not even try. I have good ideas that match other people's ideas I'm sure. We just need to come together for a cause and start leading.

The power within leadership and using your voice is not one to be overlooked or undervalued. Your voice can be heard... the only person that can stifle it is yourself. I'm tired of sitting back and thinking that I have to conform to the way things are. I don't like this material, negative society that I am living in. So I am going to change it.

The emphasis should be on relationships, exploration- of the world, the earth, and ourselves, finding the good in the day-to-day. Between work, the news, expectations, politics, religion, etc. I just feel bombarded and weighed down. Because I care deeply about people and issues I don't want the things that vary person to person to be my sole priority. I want to focus on things that build up instead of tear down. I want to connect with Mother Nature and experience that lies in each and every day.

That is what simply living is... and in order to do this we must live simply. Shed all of the waste. Let go of all of the negativity. Just take a deep breath and find the beauty that surrounds you.

May you have a wonderful, thoughtful work week and relaxing weekend.

Peace and love,
Alyssa

Bad things happen to good people

I always feel like I am trying best to live by my values and respect others' values. But it seems among the great things that come back to me, there is always something negative that detracts from what could've been great. Like I'm on this whirlwind adventure, living my dreams, and yet travel plans NEVER work out. Something always happens that makes me feel and appear stupid even though it really is becoming way more complicated than anticipated. It's just so frustrating. I know things can't be good all the time, but why do the bad things have to come when you are finally happy and honestly enjoying something.. I wish some people in my life would spend more time bringing each other up instead of dwelling on the bad and bringing them down.. especially when there is no control over some things. Oh well, I will count my blessings, which are far more tremendous than the bad. I am truly living a dream and not many people get the opportunity to do that.

Please spend time seeing the good in people and situations.. even when its bleak. Keep your head up and count the good things in your life. I'm sure they outweigh the bad. Hey, you are on the internet being fortunate enough to read my blog. ;)

Sincerely,
Alyssa

What's all this about?

Hey readers, fellow bloggers, and friends!

Ever since I was young I have loved all types of writing... I've always loved telling everyone my opinions on life matters and situations. So I figured I would start a blog about my ideology on life... I don't want to be confined to writing on one subject..I just want to be able to come on here and write what I am feeling or something I've read that day that has had an impact on me. Don't worry, it won't politically or religiously charged because I don't like that kind of debate. I just love the little things that make your day, or those little epiphanies you get about something.

I've been writing in a journal and sometimes I write "you" in it.. For example, "see you next time" or "you couldn't imagine". I think everyone who keeps a journal writes like that. So I was wondering the other day, what do I mean by you? or who do I mean? The journal, or myself? Or maybe it's the hope that someone will read it and think something of it one day?  This thought lead me to start this blog. I think I want people to see my thoughts and know my opinions. Even if no one keeps up or reads my posts that's okay. Writing is partially about appealing to an audience but mainly it is for yourself... Helps you to really look at your surroundings and analyze your feelings.

So here's to just writing.. without the formalities or forced topics. It's a way to Live Simply... and all you need to do in life is Simply Live.

Yours,
Alyssa