Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Just Laugh!!

There are very few things in life more wonderful than a good laugh session. I believe that a good laugh here and there is one of the most important things to have in life. It's therapeutic in a way. Whenever I'm feeling down, upset, or going through tough times, a person that makes me laugh can turn my entire day around. That moment in time, where you let go and forget what was on your mind, and just laugh, is so cathartic and wonderful. I recently spent a lunch break with a friend who made me laugh uncontrollably the entire time. All my cares and worries were washed away and we went back to work with the biggest smiles on our faces. After having a bad couple of days, and not doing so well emotionally and mentally, I was so thankful for that break in my day, and she made it that much better. Making someone laugh is just as amazing as having someone make you laugh. Being able to bring that happiness to another person is so rewarding. If every person had a good genuine laugh at least once or twice a day, the world would be a lot happier of a place. Anyone that can make me laugh and smile is automatically amazing in my mind. People these days take life so seriously, and become so stressed that it alters them and those around them. If we all helped each other out a little more, took life less seriously, had more fun, and laughed more, I'm sure we would be a much happier society. My personal recommendation for everyone is to take a deep breath, relax, and smile. Think about something funny you heard or saw, and laugh. Go to a comedy show and laugh. Call up a friend, reminisce, and laugh. Just laugh. Laugh with others, to yourself, quietly, loud, briefly, or nonstop...Just smile & laugh!!! (And if you can laugh and make another person laugh also, then even better!)

Sincerely,
Amber
xox

WHY?!?!?

What is up with the whole 'sock's with sandals' thing??? I know I'm not the first person, or the last, to bring this topic up, but it just boggles my mind...

I'm all for freedom of expression, individuality, and personal sense of style. But seriously, socks and sandals?!?!?? What is the appeal of combining the two? Now I'm not talking about the new fashion of stockings or socks worn with various fashinable heels, I'm talking about regular everyday wool or cotton socks worn with flip flops, athletic sandals, and birkenstocks. From the people I've seen wearing this combo; it doesn't look particularly comfortable, especially the ones that wear the thong style sandals with socks. One of the greatest quality's about sandals is that they allow for your feet to breath, stay cool and are freeing and comfortable. They were designed for the feet for hot and wet conditions so why add socks to them?? How comfortable can they be in the hot sun and sand with socks on?!?!? I'm sure some people think it’s a good look, but not every person that wears this combo can think it’s fashionable or remotely attractive. Especially the shorts with calf/knee high socks and sandals look... I just want to know why. I'm not here to judge, I'm just curious. As I was walking along the beach today I came across at least 6 people sporting this trend and it got my mind running and wondering what the appeal is for these people. If your worried about hurting your feet on hikes or something then why not just wear runners?? They'd keep your feet more protected then a layer of cloth.. Anyways, I just thought I'd pose the question as to why and see what people have to say...

Sincerely,
Amber
xox

Check out some interesting sites on the topic...

Monday, May 28, 2012

Treat Others How You Wish to be Treated!!


It's a simple concept people, "TREAT OTHERS HOW YOU WANT TO BE TREATED!!!!!!"

I find it absolutely appalling the amount of bullying that still goes on these days. You'd think that society would be ashamed of itself by now... I bring this up as I just finished watching yet another YouTube video of a young woman who is soo depressed from being made fun of every day that she contemplated ending her young precious life. (Was helped by family and has decided not to go through with it and is doing better.) I can't say that I'm not blameless either. I have definitely said things about others in conversations in my lifetime, but I also realized how bad it was, apologized and have vowed not to do so since. Of course everyone is a critic these days and we don't think twice about criticizing others on a daily basis, but what's the point?!?! What good does it do anyone to make fun of or criticize another? If you need to feel better about yourself, how about working on everything you don't like about yourself, before you put others down. I live by a motto of always trying to put myself in others' shoes and seeing things through their eyes. It’s a simple life practice that can mean the difference from being a b*tch/a$$hole to being a kind caring person. I always wonder what the bullies, whose targets have committed suicide, think after, and if they are at all remorseful. If they don't think twice about it and aren't remorseful then obviously there is something wrong mentally with them and they are sick and disturbed individuals who need help. The world will always contain a few of those unfortunately... But the ones who feel bad, who truly realized what their words and actions have caused, do they stop their behavior altogether, or just for a brief period of time until the events are pushed to the back of their minds... What is it that makes a person become a bully? Is it one thing or an array of things? If we could help figure out some of the answers as to why people act the way they do then maybe we could begin to eradicate the problem. Instead of performing studies on which hair color is more appealing or whether insects really have feelings, we should be focusing on studies that center around creating a better world, by figuring out what causes human beings, who are all the same at the moment of birth, to become the type of people they do. Instead of funding huge campaigns for more bike lanes in a city why aren't we focusing more money towards anti-bullying campaigns etc. I attended the Anti-Bullying rallies this year, as I do every year, and it was quite disheartening to see the small amount of people that showed up to such a great cause, compared to the ones that will show up for a random sporting event. I was bullied at a young age and made to feel self-conscious about myself for years, to the point that I was in such a deep depression that I constantly considered suicide and attempted it more than once. Thankfully I am still here today, a strong survivor of bullying, but I worry about all the others who go through the same thing and don't have the support system I did, or the strength. What is the point of creating a prettier, metropolitan world, if the people that inhabit it are cruel & careless human beings??? I know that I'm rambling and not staying on track but I am so passionate about this issue and have so much running around in my mind about it that it's hard to get it all out. Basically, bullying needs to stop, we all know that. People need to become more mindful of their words and actions. Think twice before you say something... if you knew that is was a person’s last day on earth would you say something mean or hurtful to them??? If you knew that your words or actions may be the last straw, and on a heavily weighed down psyche, that causes the person to end their own life, would you still say and do them??? If not, then why is it okay if it's not the persons last day...it should never be okay. If you're ever about to do or say something that you wouldn't like to have done or said to you then don’t do it and keep your mouth shut.

The saying "treat others as you wish to be treated" sums it up perfectly and it should be engrained into every mind all over the world!!!

Sincerely,
Amber
xox


Visit one or all of these sites and become educated...Help make a difference!!
www.pinkshirtday.ca
www.standupday.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhYyAa0VnyY
www.cca-kids.ca/media/facts_bullying.html
prevnet.ca/BullyingFacts/tabid/94/Default.aspx
www.ourkids.net/bullying-facts-statistics.php
www.bebullyfree.com
www.stopbullying.gov/
www.standtogether.tv/
http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/res/cp/bully_4211-eng.aspx

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Age is Just a Number...

Didn't exactly expect my first blog post to be a sad love story/vent but oh well.

I met this absolutely amazing guy, we hit it off right from the beginning. He is sweet, caring and one of the funniest people I think I've ever met. We have a lot in common and he seemed perfect. We had one day/night that was unbelievable and amazing before everything changed. I hadn't smiled or been that happy in a very, very long time. The next day I still couldn't stop smiling, it was indescribable. I wanted to message him soo badly, but I knew he was busy at work, and I know how important it is to him, so I wanted to leave him to it and would hopefully talk later that night. When he messaged me, as I was getting off work, I got the BIGGEST smile on my face, I was soo excited and was looking forward to another long night of talking. He had told me previously how much he liked me and had fallen for me, and I was the same towards him. We both couldn’t explain it, it was such a strong connection. We hadn't thought to ask each other’s ages until yesterday. He told me his and I didn't think twice about it, I had dated older guys before and have no problem with it as I tend to attract them since I'm more mature and down to earth for my age. When I told him mine, he seemed shocked at first, but said it was because of how mature I was and so on. We didn't mention it again after that and just continued on with falling more for each other. He talked about coming to visit and never wanting to let me go. . . of course I was falling fast and was excited. . . that’s my fault. . . what can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic. He messaged me on Saturday night saying how it was busy at work, due to the holiday, and he hadn't had a chance to get away at all during the day. I understood and didn't mind, I told him it was the same for me (even though it wasn't that busy). He said he was going to get some food and then we could talk later. A few minutes later he messaged me again saying how he couldn't wait and had to tell me that he had told his family about me and that they had convinced him that I was too young for him. He said he was going to be ending things between us and that he was sorry to be hurting me and that he was hurting as well. I was beyond shocked, to say the least. I felt like someone had taken a metal bat to my gut and then grabbed and twisted my heart at the same time. I didn't really know what to say except "Wow, Okay then..." I didn't understand how this could be happening, not after everything. It may have been brief but there was something different about our connection and now he was throwing it away because of what other's had said. I've had time to think about it and I understand in a way. I understand the pressures of family and how important their opinions can be. My family is first and foremost to me at all times and I take their advice and opinions very seriously. However, I also live for me and my happiness and they understand that I have to live my own life and do what makes me happy, and they whole heartedly support me in that. I feel as though I was thrown away without a second thought. Like I was being judged by people who have never met me and know absolutely nothing about me and it hurts. He didn't know about my past relationships, I don't talk about that stuff unless asked. Maybe if he had known that the last guy I was with was around his age and that age doesn't have to be an issue, maybe he would have thought twice about it. . . I'm not like others my age. . . I was raised differently and have always been way more mature than everyone my age or close to. I have done a lot and experienced a lot and it has made me who I am today. . . it has made me the person he fell for. I'm not a big party girl; I've done that and am over it. I'm just not like others my age. I am mature and level headed, a hard worker who has worked for everything I own. I pay my own rent, own my own car and co-run a business. I'm the only one I know who's already ready to settle down and such. I've done the dating thing, the partying, and the recklessness, I'm past that stage of my life. He said I need to live my life and not be stuck with an 'Old Guy'. That thought never crossed my mind because that would never be the case. Age is just a number; it's all about your mindset. If I think about me at 40 and him at 53 that doesn't sound bad to me…chances are I'll be more mature than him anyways, cause I am a woman after all hahaha. "Age truly is just a number, passion knows no age requirement...it is how you feel and think that matters more than your age or the difference thereof." If there was a different reason for the sudden change of heart then I would understand and leave it at that, but to end something so abruptly because of something so menial boggles my mind. I respect the fact that his family has a strong influence over him, I think it’s wonderful when a man is so connected to his family, it’s a very endearing quality. However, at the same time I feel as if every person has the right to make up their own minds on how to live their lives and what decisions to make, and I feel as if he didn't make this decision as much as his family did for him. Then again, I may just perceive it to be that way by how he worded things. One of the worst parts is knowing that if his family had met me, before knowing my age, they never would have batted an eye at it because they would have seen me for me, a strong, independent, mature adult woman who could be a great source of happiness for him. I can't say what would have happened as I can't predict the future, but that is half the fun of life isn’t it?? Not knowing what will happen next but enjoying the ride anyways... Sure, we could have been together for a while and realized it just wasn’t working and parted ways, but that could happen with any woman he meets and dates, that risk is a part of life....OR we could have had something amazing and been happy together for the rest of our lives. That is a risk you take when you fall for someone, but if you don't take the risk then you will end up alone. He will be taking that same risk with the next person he meets and decides to date; they could be the exact same age but not work out for millions of other reasons. It's a mistake to dismiss someone by something they have no control over. If the family worries that he will be with me and settle down and then I will up and leave, because I'm young, then that's not a fair assumption to make, that can happen to anyone no matter their age and you can't judge me or say what I will do in the future based on my age either. I am not that type of person. Nothing changed when he told me his age except knowing that he could maybe teach me a few things here and there and in the bedroom =P and what’s wrong with that… Isn't that what relationships consist a lot of...teaching each other and learning from each other. He's still a young man and can do plenty of things if he wanted to. Being older doesn't have to be a life sentence nor does it mean you can't date whoever you want (within legal limits of course). I'm not a hussy, I'm not a gold digger, I'm nothing but myself and he fell for that for a reason. I pay my own way and take care of myself, that doesn't change based on the age of the person I am dating. I'm just a woman looking for love, adventure and a happy ending. I wish I could tell him some of this, but even if I could, I don't know if he would change his mind or not. It sucks but I guess its life. Heartbreak is part of it, I know that, it's not my first heartbreak by any means, but this time was different for me. I wish there were more men like him out there, he is definitely a one of a kind and I can't wish him anything less than the best, because he deserves it. I hope that he can live his life for him and him only…accept advice and opinions from others but ultimately make his life his and do with it what he desires, because I believe that is when he will truly be himself and be happy. Everyone needs a support system and people to bring sanity to insane situations, but everyone also needs to make decisions about themselves and their lives for themselves, and learn from those that don't work out and bask in the glory of those that do. I could go on and on, as any woman could when heartbroken and hurting, but alas I shall bring this entry to an end. This amazing man will always have a place in my heart and memories, and deep down of course I hope things will change, but if not, then I will hurt for now and heal later, and remember him as the amazing person he is, and stay forever thankful for the wonderful things we shared together.

Sincerely,
Hopeless Romantic (Amber)
xoxo