In our Labels post, I wrote about not letting other people define you. This post is a follow-up on that and I’m going to focus on being careful with how we define ourselves.

It’s often so easy for me to let my insecurities and past failures get the best of me. I spend way too much time worrying about these little faults and not enough time working to actually better myself. I’m beginning to realize that no matter how many times I review a situation in my mind, or think back to a past conversation and decide what I should’ve said, nothing will change. These things shouldn’t be a reason to stress, but a call to action. I can either let my mistakes define me, or I can learn from them and ultimately grow. I know that I can’t be the only one with these tendencies. We are often way too hard on ourselves in ways that will never count.

A lot of the time we strive for perfection, which is sadly impossible. And we get so caught up in it that we end up missing out on the experience. What we should be doing is striving for excellence. The way I see it, these are two very different goals. I see perfection as going through the motions and checking off goals and criteria on a list. On the other hand, I see excellence as taking the time to put my heart and soul into what I’m doing. To me excellence is doing my absolute best, not just trying hard to get everything done right. The choice is yours, you decide how you go about things. You can be too hard on yourself and miss out on potentially wonderful experiences, or you ease up and give yourself the chance to truly grow.

We always have choice. Even though we can’t always be in control of what is happening to us or around us, we can always control our reactions. Society can place its expectation on us, but it is up to us to decide if we will use those things to define ourselves or not. I have this new thing that I’ve been doing. When I find myself thinking about the “coulda, woulda, shouldas” in life, and they start to get to me, I just think or say “set yourself free”. I’ve realized that in those moments I’m the only person holding me captive. No one else in the world has as much power over me as I do. I use that phrase to get myself to snap out of it and get back on track. When you’re tormenting yourself with unnecessary thoughts, set yourself free. Stop worrying about the things that you can’t change and start working on the things that you can.

“God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.”

– Reinhold Niebuhr

~ L

On Monday an act of evil was able to steal the spotlight. Hate and violence have threatened to take away our peace. Yes, I’m talking about the tragedy that occurred in Boston. A day that was supposed to be full of joy and hope quickly turned dark. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected in any way. In times like these we feel so powerless. That’s natural, but we can’t let things like this stop us. Instead of letting evil win, it is up to us to stand up and spread love.

Just like bad things can take center stage, good can do the same. Even with the news of the terrible things that occurred on Monday, there were stories of heroic people who were willing to give of themselves to help others. These are the types of things that restore our faith in humanity. In the midst of the chaos and bad things that were happening people were still willing to hold onto good.

Real people read what you post on the internet. Even more, really important people have the chance to read your posts. There’s just something about not having to say things to someone else’s face that takes away some of our inhibitions. For some reason we don’t think things through as much if we’re going to post them on the internet. This is something that can get us into a lot of trouble.

Would you want your future employers to read your diary? Would you want the words that you have written to affect your likelihood of getting into college? If you don’t think before you post things on the internet, this is what can easily happen.  No matter how private it feels, the internet is a very public place. Everything that you say has the potential to be displayed to the masses.

As they say, a picture’s worth a thousand words. They can put unsavory words in your mouth if they’re distasteful.  These types of pictures have the chance to hurt you and hold you back when it really counts.

Here are a few things for you to keep in mind when it comes to using social media:

1. Think about what you’re going to post before you post it. Don’t let a flood of emotions lead you into posting something that can harm you in the future.
2. If you post something that you regret, don’t be afraid to delete it and then post an apology.
3. Remember, not every picture that’s been taken needs to be posted on the internet. Share them offline and ask to be untagged in any photo that you think could harm you, or even better, ask for it to be removed.
4. Buy a diary or journal. This can is a place where you can privately and freely express your innermost thoughts and feelings.
5. Be mindful of your audience. Take some time to think about who you are connected to on the internet. Would you stand in front of this group of people in person and say what you’re posting? If not then just don’t post it.

It’s up to you to make sure that you correctly portray yourself on the internet. Take the necessary steps to make sure that your social media presence will not put your bright future in jeopardy. If you doubt that something that you post will be taken the right way, then refrain from posting it. There are plenty of other more private ways to share your thoughts with others. Always remember to think before you type.

The first day of spring is upon us. It might not feel like it outside yet for some of us, but it is technically spring. I’m so happy about it! It’s my favorite season for so many reasons. Everything is changing and coming alive. There’s an amazing feeling in the air. I don’t have to bundle up so much anymore, and finally, because spring means that my favorite holiday, Easter, is almost here. This amazing time of year carries with it a promising message of rebirth. From the baby animals that will soon be running around, to trees budding, and the story of Jesus rising from the grave. There’s this contagiously exciting feeling  all around. Don’t miss out on it. You can join in on all of the excitement too!

“Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.”
Doug Larson 

I really like this quote. I think it’s really true. With the idea of spring comes a new mindset. Sometimes this mindset comes before the sunshine and warm weather. Victoria and I  have decided to try some new things this spring and we think that you should join us in them. So we have a challenge for you! We want you to try to form a new good habit or break an old, bad one.

My personal “new thing” this spring is a combination between breaking a bad habit and forming a new good one. My challenge is to be kinder to people that I pass as I’m walking around campus and where ever else I go. I’m a shy girl and sometimes I have trouble with simply smiling and saying hi to people. I want to start a new habit of getting over my shyness in these situations and being openly friendly to everyone that I see. No matter who they are. I’ll  never know how much a two second interaction can impact someone’s day and a smile and a hello are both easy to give.

This is my personal new habit. What will yours be? And just in case you are wondering, these are not just “new season resolutions.” They are meant to be more long term than that. We want you to think “new season, new habit.” We hope that you will take the time this spring to start something new that will enrich your life and the lives of others.

~L