For Today...Something Unrehearsed

Today I am writing after a stressful night. I realized last night after talking to someone that my life isn't exactly where I want it to be. I am still falling short of my dreams and my ultimate goals. Unfortunately I am still up in the air when it comes to finishing my first leg of my university career which I was more than hoping to have finished by now. Everyone seems to want to tell me that I'm doing ok and that I'm better off than many others, but it just isn't enough for me at this moment. I want to have a fuller feeling of independence. To have the abillity to extend my reach to the stars and beyond. I have had so many dreams dashed up on the rocks of irony that it seems I can never piece them together...so instead i am melting them down and starting again. This time I will approach things in a seemingly more selfish way. This time no one will step on my toes or try to trip because I will swiftly move past them. This time I will turn a deaf ear to my nay sayers and will in turn listen to my own instincts and follow MY own ambitions and not someone else's expectations. "Its time to trust my instincts...close my eyes...and leap...Its time to try defying gravity." Old lyrics from Wicked...but they still do and always will hold true to my own story. I hope that my words can give hope to those who feel like they have lost all passion for life and living for their dreams. I feel like all those parts of me that were cast in darkness and strife are now able to breathe in the fresh air and find hope in the hopelessness. For all those who don't know what to do when you feel backed into the perverbial corner...just remember why you do what you do...remember your dreams...call back those passions that started you on your path to begin with. Only then will you start to achieve fulfillment in all you do.

I hope I have helped to shed light on all those dark places...not just in others, but in myself as well. Here's to a future filled with happiness and light!

TNWM

Words...The Double Edged Sword

Has someone ever told you something and no matter how seemingly insignificant it seems you can never seem to shake it? Does it still fill you dread and doubt at what was said even though intrinsically you know its not true? Well that is how words are....they cut a wound so deep that no amount of healing can ever truly patch up those scars. People really need to be more careful about what they say. No one truly realizes the impact they might have. Say for instance in my own life...I grew up hearing a lot of things such as how to be, how to act, how to dress, when I looked bad, or had maybe gained too much weight, and etc. Those things have never left my mind. Those words have left scars that affect my personality, my day to day life, and the way I react to others. Of course over the years I have been able to overcome most of my self-concious issues and find myself as the beautiful creation I was made to be, but not without a lot of struggle and help from my friends.

My words of advice are to those who have suffered and maybe are currently suffering from harsh or judgemental words. My words are simple: believe in yourself and believe that God has made every one of us in His image. The only imperfections are the ones others point out to make themselves feel better. Believe in yourselves, believe that you are unique, and love yourself no matter what. Only when you can come to accept yourself and your flaws, can you truly show the world the precious gems you really are.

"Through the pain comes love, through the struggle comes strength, and through words we can change the world." -- Me

Keep your heads held high and if you need to look for help remember...LOOK UP!! : )

TNWM

NEW BLOSSOM!!! Introducing My Beautiful Orchid

I have been raising a very special orchid plant. It really means alot to me and I have been careful to provide it the most special attention I can give. And it seems to have paid off! My orchid has a new blossom. I am so very proud of how well my plant seems to be doing.

They have opened up a nurturing nature inside of me and I am seeing the beautiful results of my work. Starting this garden was the best hobby I have ever had!!!

In other news, I am still continuing to eat healthy : ) EVEN THOUGH camp food is very difficult to digest...I am stilllll very active as the kids keep me on my toes playing soccer, kickball, and dodgeball. ANNND I have rediscovered my love of four square hahaha! These amazing kids have brought the child in me and I am rediscovering aspects of myself that seemed lost. They are teaching me as much as I am teaching them. Even though we have just started I already know I will dearly miss most of them. With kids like these, the future seems so much brighter. They are going to lead us into a more prosperous and hopefully more harmonious future.

TNWM

The Fun is Officially Begun!!!! GLI 2010

I am about to embark on my fourth summer at Northwood University as a Group Leader/Camp Counselor with the Global Language Institute (GLI). Despite the stuffy title, GLI is in fact one of the most amazing camp experiences of my life! Kids and teens come from all over the world to learn the English language....AND most importantly to have the time of their lives! I have been a part of children's camps since I myself was a camper starting in the 1st grade. They are important parts of kids lives as that is where they learn important life and social skills and garner memories they will keep the rest of their lives. This camp is very special to me because of the things I also learn. These students and campers have given me the opportunity to experience new cultures and learn new languages. I have a blast EVERY year and I hope the trend continues! More to come as the fun rolls along! VIVE LE GLI!!!!!

P.s. My plants are alllll doing well. Since I have to live on campus for the camp I simply took them with me : ) new pics and posts on them to come!!!!

TNWM

Just A Short Thought...

I just wanted to write and say that I am a very lucky man. Not everyone gets to experience the kind of love I am enjoying on a daily basis. I have my friends surrounding me and I so much love in my life. I am grateful for where I am and for what is in store for me. I can now say for certain that I am happy. I am now just merely awaiting the destiny I have yet to discover! Its very exciting and life is just one adventure after another. It is time to start enjoying it and finding my purpose in it!

TNWM

Growing Plants

I have always enjoyed walking in gardens. Plants and flowers have always had such a calming effect on me and I always enjoyed having them around. So I decided on creating my own garden and I wanted it to be a variety of plants that I have always found the most beautiful or interesting. I will introduce them each in their own separate blog piece so you have to be patient as I have begun a true garden and I have planted quite a few plants.

I thoroughly enjoy watching each and every one of them growing. I feel that my own personal growth is somehow connected to the growth of each and every one of these small beings. I have watched them grow from tiny seeds into the tall beautiful stalks that they have become. I am very excited for each and every one of them to flower and become the beautiful plants that I've envisioned them to be.

My first plant I want to introduce everyone to is the ever growing ever tall Sunflower!

So far this one is the fastest growing and most sturdy of all the plants. It started out as five seeds, but now they are five tall standing stalks! I am so proud of them as they grow. I can almost feel as if each has a name...but I won't know until they each have produced their flowers and find voices of their own. They are like my children and I care for each of them and love them like family. THAT I believe is the true secret to a successful garden. Fill the garden with love and it will grant you the peace and serenity required to live a more fulfilled and peaceful life. God put these plants here for us to enjoy...but also care for. It is a small service we can give back.

TNWM

Disney : The Magic NEVER Dies

Thursday July 8th I got the opportunity to once again to visit the wonderful world of Disney at the Magic Kingdom! It wasonce again a day to remember. I went with all my dear friends including one Elizabeth Demarco whom I have come to value dearly in my life. I met her when I was a scared freshman in college and we were in the same class and program. She was an immediate joy in my life and has been a great friend ever since. Well thursday she had to leave Florida for her home in New York because she has a better job waiting for her there. It was our last opportunity to share our one great joy of Disney one more time before she left.

The Magic Kingdom has always been one of my favorite places to visit because the moment you walk in it is pure MAGIC! There is a feeling about the place that is simply abuzz with pure excitement and adrenaline. The moment you see the magnificence of Cinderella's castle, you tend to forget what age you are and you revert back to the age where you were happiest and most innocent. Where all the little things were all that was needed to make you happy and get you all jittery with excitement. The sights, colors, sounds, smells, and people all make the experience worthwhile.

We rode all our favorite rides and ate at our favorite places. Another nice thing about this place is that you can constantly be making memories no matter where you go. As long as you are with special people, you can make as many memories as there are moments. And I was with some very special people : ) The moments I shared with the people there are ones that I will remember for my entire life.

Disney's magic will never die for me. I will continue to love every moment I spend there and with the people I go with. Disney continues to be a place of magic and wonder...a place where I know dreams come true...and a place where love is abundant...and where people can just be free to act like kids again.

And I will continue to seek more great times there in the future.

TNWM