positive outcomes

(When you think of a really good blog post idea in math class and decide to jot it down in the corner of your notebook but afterward coming back to it and not being able to read your own handwriting...#BloggerStruggles)

From experience, I know that by being positive about something, the outcome will always leave you happier than if you were to be negative about something. Recently, I've encountered experiences where I have felt annoyed or upset. Even though I am no expert at always being happy, I know that by changing your mindset, you will be happier. And if not happier, at least you will be able to appreciate the situation more and understand points of view a little bit better. Nobody in this world is perfect. But if we all decide to put in an effort to catch ourselves in the act of being negative about something and doing something positive instead, the world would be a much nicer place. It would be a step in the right direction, at least. Now I'm not saying that everyone has to be happy-go-lucky all the time. That is definitely not the case. There are times where it is okay to be sad or angry. Take a funeral for example. You definitely don't want to all of a sudden be randomly laughing at a funeral. But besides mourning, think of the good memories that have been shared and remember those moments more than the last breath. Bring a positive light to any situation and it will allow you to take fewer things for granted and more things to appreciate and cherish.

j.j.

[inspired: two English assignments; a quote from Ecclesiastes and the speech This Is Water by David Foster Wallace]

your true calling

Recently, I've been thinking about a concept. A teacher of mine asked us to raise our hands if we find ourselves working harder at the things we enjoy doing. Pretty much everyone raised their hands. I think this is such an important thing to talk about because many people still don't know the difference between loving something and doing it because it benefits you in ways that don't fulfill your happiness. Especially now that I'm officially a junior (eek), it's time for me to start thinking about what I want to major in. There are so many articles out there (I know, because I've read them) that have headlines such as "TOP TEN HIGHEST PAYING JOBS IN 2016." For a while, you're caught up in this overly competitive world where people are comparing their salaries and in doing so they've lost the most important thing in life: happiness. Don't worry, I've been there. We all have. But it's time to take a step back. Close all your tabs that have lists of high paying majors and surveys that will grant you easy money. Close your eyes and think. What do you love doing? Not things you do because your friend does them. Not things you do because it will look good on your college resume. Especially not things you do because "I'm going to study law and become a successful lawyer because my parents are making me become one but it's okay I guess because at least I'll make a lot of money." (Nothing against those studying law or are lawyers. It was just an example.) Really think about the things that you have a passion for. Respond to the constant voice in the back of your mind yelling the occupation that you know you would be excited to do every single day for the rest of your life. It doesn't matter what the starting salary is, or if you have to struggle in the beginning. If you choose the thing that you love doing, none of that will matter. You will succeed.

j.j.

introversion-extroversion

Hey there, my name is Jenny and I'm an introvert.

Not many people introduce themselves that way. At least, nobody that I know. But there seems to be an unspoken boundary of introversion-extroversion. If you're an introvert, you'll most likely be seen at the edge of a party, striking up a deep and meaningful conversation with someone who you find close to. If you're an extrovert, look no further than to the huge clump of people, laughing wildly and exchanging small talk. (I hate small talk.) You may feel no inclination to change your behaviors. You're comfortable with being inside your own shell. And I get that. I don't take huge risks, but that also means that I don't often allow myself to experience things in life that maybe I'll find to be my favorite thing to do or least favorite thing to do. I think it's healthy for everyone to take at least one small step toward the other side of the spectrum. If you're an introvert, try something that an extrovert would do. Host a party. Talk to the stranger that you're sitting next to on the bus. Share your ideas verbally more often. And if you're an extrovert, walk in the shoes of an introvert for a short time. Read a book. Journal your thoughts. Go for a long, quiet walk in the woods. See how the experience goes for you. Maybe you'll find a new favorite hobby, meet some people that you wouldn't have otherwise met, or maybe you'll just go back to your respective corners and continue living life the way you always have. Either way, let us all be aware of the fact that most introverts would like to have their space and most extroverts would like to lessen their space.

j.j.

[inspired: Quiet by Susan Cain]