How About a Little Positivity?

The more I am online, tweeting (professional reasons to join, I swear!), updating Facebook statuses, and reading the news, I am overcome by how negative our world it. Let's put aside the fact that news is meant to be interesting and enticing so the more scary and horrible the story, the more people will read it; but also the incredible negativity about people online. People on blogs, journal communities and Facebook talk smack about other random people, celebrities or just people in general. It is like there is some sick satisfaction people get about putting others down. It is the epitome of grade school behavior.

In a world where you have to be online to "interact" (and boy do I use that term loosely) and stay current with what is going on, how do you avoid the negativity?

1) Only add or interact with people that choose to be positive or contribute positively to the world.
2) Understand that the internet is not a real reflection of people. Ever. It is heavily edited, photo shopped, and polished to make people feel however we want them to feel.
3) You can only control yourself and your actions.

I suppose it can become overwhelming sometimes.
We must remember that we build the world we live in and the more positivity we put out there, the more positivity we will get back in return.

In the meantime, things that make me smile...

Annnnnd......break!

Reverb: Finishing December

27. What are 12 things your life doesn't need in 2012? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 12 things change your life?
In 2012, I don't need:

1. Anyone from the past that can't contribute positively to my future. Gets easier with age.
2. Not having a partner in crime (i.e. a mate, a buddy of the male persuasion). I plan to start socializing more and getting out there, especially once I move to my next location/career.
3. Financial limitations. Sometimes my own fault, sometimes just a result of where I am right now with work/bills. I plan to budget a lot closer, build my savings up significantly, and realize that I don't "need" anything.
4. Lack of confidence. Working out helps this immensely!
5. Lack of physical activity. Seriously, get ass off couch! 
6. Not taking care of myself. I have only come to realize lately that I need to buy the more expensive shampoo and nicer moisturizer because they make a difference. It is nice to see my skin improving and generally feeling better (see #4).
7. Insomnia. It has become a problem the last few months and I need to figure out the best way to overcome it. 
8. Sweet tooth. Fortunately (or unfortunately) I have been able to aim more towards crunchy snacks that are not necessarily unhealthy. 
9. I need less of the internet. I am on it all the time with work but when I get home, I feel like I have to check Facebook, email, Google Reader, etc. I would love to be able to come home, watch a little television, make dinner, read, and go to bed. Nothing else. 
10. Inside time. I am inside far too much and it bugs me. Enough said.

28. Inspiration: What are three things that have inspired you this year?

1. All of those people that have struggled with their weight and did a complete turn around into an active, happy, and healthy person. 
2. My friend, Amy. She is incredibly strong, smart, and always a girlie girl. I love that she is such an original who always stays true to herself.
3. Glittery, sparkly things.

29. What was the theme of your life in 2011? Why? 
Inspiration.I am always inspired and excited by people and things around me. I am inspired by experiences that I am lucky enough to have. I am constantly inspired and motivated by life.

30. What do you want the theme to be for 2012? 

Main Entry:	hopeful  [hohp-fuhl]
Part of Speech:	adjective
Definition:	optimistic, expectant
Synonyms:	anticipating, anticipative, assured, at ease, blithe, buoyant, calm, cheerful, comfortable, confident, content, eager, elated, emboldened, enthusiastic, expecting, faithful, forward-looking, high, hoping, inspirited, keeping the faith, lighthearted, looking forward to, reassured, rose-colored, rosy, sanguine, satisfied, serene, trustful, trusting, unflagging, upbeat

31. Donate blood. Save a life. 
Doing so next weekend! I always encourage everyone who can to donate blood. 

And that completes the Reverb project! I hope to have some more exciting posts coming up.

Reverb: December & 2011, et al

23. Best moment of December
-In one of my classes, College Student Development, we were given the task of presenting our path of development and discovery through higher education. In this, we were to show everything, both good and bad, and include those that provided good company a long the way. It was such a personal project but I really committed to be honest and open about my experiences. I, along with many other friends, were surprised we made it this far! We have no idea how we managed to still be here, alive, and present and in freakin' grad school! The project really showed me how far I have come and how much I have to give to other students going through similar things or students who have yet to really discover themselves. 
-Girl's holiday get-together. It was my first little shindig at my apartment and it went very well. Oddly, we had a LOT of cheese items and then lots of candies for gingerbread houses. It was so much fun to just relax and hang out without having to worry about assignments or deadlines. 
-Visiting the Detroit Institute of the Arts with a dear friend, Avanti. She showed me Detroit, we made some art and saw some art, grabbed an amazing Greek dinner at Pegasus and grabbed treats from Astoria Bakery before the snow started to really pour. Such a wonderful night!

24. Lesson learned. What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward?
-I can do anything I set my mind to. As corny as that sounds, it is so incredibly true. I just have to get out of my own way and forget my fears. 

25. What is one picture that best represents 2011 for you?

26. Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?
I wonder what this year has in store for me! I am always up for anything and open to new experiences.