Boston; A True Tragedy

     Every heart throughout the world has been touched by what has happened recently in Boston. As runners crossed the finish line two bombs just seconds apart went off killing 3 people and injuring nearly 200. These past few years shooting after shooting has affected so many people's lives, families, and souls. I won't go into the details of these shootings or the past bombing because I'm sure everyone has heard them multiple times. What I do want to talk about is what is on all of our minds: what are we supposed to do after something like this happens? How are we supposed to react?

     If you are anything like me then you probably just have to take a moment to really understand and realize what is going on. Once you've accessed the situation you'll often feel a desperate want to do something as well as wanting to catch the person who did that awful thing. If and when you are in a situation where you can't do anything except pray my only advice is just that, to pray. God is always right there when you need Him, just a prayer away. When you are scared, hurt, or maybe even just angry, bring it to God. Just remember these two things: 1. One person doesn't make the whole world a bad place. 2. One day doesn't make your whole life a mess.

     While I was writing this we already had the relief that "Suspect #1" had been killed and wasn't worrying us anymore and just a few moments ago "Suspect #2" was taken into custody. I believe that right now is a great time to bow your heads for a moment of thankfulness that this nightmare is over. I know for some, however, this isn't over but yet just the beginning for those who has a family member that was killed or injured. Please keep those people who are just beginning this new journey in your thoughts and prayers over the next few weeks as they will need all the support they can get.

Role Models in My Life

     Whether we know it or not, we all have a role model in our life. Personally, I have two. The first is my Grandma. She is the most amazing person I've ever known. She has gotten me through so many hard times while I've been growing up and I know I can come to her with anything. Even though she is always very busy, she still finds the time to e-mail me every day. Needless to say, she has taught me to be a better person and I know for sure I wouldn't be where I am without her to guide me here.
     Another of my role models is none other then Michael Weatherly. No, I don't know him, nor have I ever met him. But, I've taken the way he acts and the way he presents himself into consideration for the way I should carry myself. His humor is something I've tried to incorporate into myself as well as his personality. Michael is a guy I really admire and appreciate.
     Whoever your role model is, tell them and for my last thought, make sure your role model is someone worth looking up to.

Time Alone -- Peace and Quiet

     To everyone, down time is extremely important. That ten minutes in the morning before you get your day started or that twenty minutes before bed. Whatever spare time you have to yourself, it's that time you look forward to in the day. If you don't have any time, even five minutes to yourself during your day, then something needs to be tweaked. 

     Every single person needs a break, a time to themselves, a time without screens or screams. Just a few moments of complete silence to gather yourself and assess your day. If complete quiet sounds like torture to you, then grab a CD of classical music, something to calm yourself down. Even the most relaxed person in front of the TV doesn't know what it's like to have that time where you can just clear your brain. Over the rest of this week, do your best to find 10-15 minutes where you can just be yourself and find that calm, it'll really help you refresh and have a new perspective.