Be Thankful For What You Have

“There is always someone less fortunate than you.” I remember my mother always telling me this as a child. When I was little, I remember my mom always tried to feed me food that I hated like hotdogs and peas. She would make me sit at the dinner table until I finished every bite. At the time, I thought this was unfair and cruel. Now I realize that I was greatful to have a hot cooked meal sitting in front of me every night, when there are starving kids around the world that don't get any food at all.

Also, when I was little I had a lot of toys, some that I didn’t even use. When my mom tried to give the toys I didn’t use away, I would get so mad at her. At the time, I didn’t realize that there were children that don’t have any toys at all, and it would be terrible to let my toys sit and go to waste.

Be thankful for what you have, because it might be taken away in the blink of an eye. There are always other people less fortunate than you so remember, be grateful and don’t take things for granted.

Be Yourself

 

Why is it that so many people try so hard to fit in? The only person we should be seeking acceptance from is ourselves. We should be proud and happy of who we are. We should also be proud to be different because if we were all the same, life would be so boring.

I remember when I first started middle school, I didn’t know anyone. None of my elementary school friends went to my middle school. I felt so alone and scared. I kept hoping that everyone would like me and that I wouldn’t be the “weird” kid. Now that I’m older, I look back on that day and think, so what if I was the weird kid? I would be myself, be happy of who I was and nothing else would matter.

You shouldn’t have to change yourself to fit in. If somebody tries to change you, they aren’t worth it. They should accept you for who you are. Don’t let anybody try to tell you that you aren’t good enough because you are.

Never Take The Easy Way Out

You have to work for what you want in life. As people, we grow to realize not everything in life is just going to be handed to us. If you really want your goals and dreams to come true, you have to work at it. You have to put everything you have and really focus on the important things. If you take the easy way out you aren’t helping yourself in the long run. I remember the first time where I really had to focus and put everything I had into what I wanted. The thing I wanted most at that time was to make the traveling girls soccer team. I had been playing soccer ever since I was a little kid, but only recreational soccer which isn’t traveling. The opportunity finally came up to where I could try out for the team. I was so nervous, I felt like I was going to throw up. I kept telling myself if I try my best, I could make the team. After tryouts, all the exhausted players, myself included, all huddled up to listen if our names would be called to be on the new team. When the coach called my name I felt like the happiest kid alive, and I realized that hard work really does pay off.

Working hard really is worth it in the end, and taking the easy way out won’t help you in the long run. Work hard if you want your dreams to become reality.

You Don't Know What People Go Through...

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I’m sure a lot of you have heard this quote, and know exactly what it means. Basically, this quote is saying don’t be judgmental. There are so many people in this world that will take one look at you and judge you. The crazy thing is they don’t even know you. People judge you based on many things, your clothes, your looks, and the amount of money you have, and sadly even your race. The unbelievable part is they have no idea what you’re going through. For example, I remember in 6^th grade I had this boy in my class named Christopher. Everyone always made fun of him, and called him weird. They would always say he smelled really bad, and would tell him to go to Wal-Mart and buy some deodorant. What they didn’t know is, both of his parents smoked around him in the house. He had tried many times to get them to stop, but they never listened. How did I find out? He told me because I was nice to him and was one of his few friends. I didn’t care what people thought.

You don’t know what people are going through; it could be a really tough time in their life. So remember, don’t judge someone before you even know them.

Life is too Short to Hold Grudges

You never know how much time you have left to spend with someone. “We are never guaranteed tomorrow.” This quote applies to everyone and it’s absolutely true. There have been many times where I have held a grudge against someone, but then I realized it wasn’t worth it.

For example, the first time my best friend Teal lied to me, I was mad at her for like 5 days. I didn’t talk to her, and to be honest it was awkward because I had a ton of classes with her. I finally realized it wasn’t worth being mad at my best friend over a little lie she was embarrassed by. If she had died or something, I would feel so terrible because I had held a stupid little grudge.

Grudges will eat you alive, you have to learn to let go and remember that everyone makes mistakes.

My Role Model - #3

My brother and I are 3 years apart. We fight a lot, but I’m pretty sure all brothers and sisters do. Even though we fight all the time, and it doesn’t seem like we like each other, I still look up to him. My brother has always been a responsible teenager. He doesn’t get into any trouble like some teenagers do. He puts school and family first and I admire that. He has taught me to put the important things first like family and school work.

My Role Model - #2

My mom has been there for me my whole life. I can honestly say that I do not know what I would do without her. She has taught me thousands of things, and she has helped me be the person I am today. Words cannot describe how very lucky I am to be blessed with a mother as amazing as her. One of the most important things she has taught me is to always follow my dreams. She has always supported me my whole life, with things like gymnastics and soccer. Most importantly, she has taught me to be a good all around person. “Treat others how you want to be treated.” I remember her constantly saying that to me when I was a child, and now that I’m older, I understand why. She was right, if you want to be respected in life, you have to respect other people.