Next time, show them a smile.

I find it odd, that on Valentine’s Day, I discern more depressed posts on Facebook concerning not going out for the evening than posts expressing joy for whom they intimately have in their life right now. I see people constantly stress over “that cute girl” or “that hot guy” that 80% of people I know cannot muster up courage to speak to him or her. I walk around my campus and watch people put forth the conscious effort not to make eye-contact with anyone not familiar.

Intrigued, I wonder why, in the generation of the most social atmosphere ever presented in the history of mankind, we find ourselves captivated by what the screen eighteen inches from our face presents, instead of the probable like-minded souls and relationships waiting to happen. Of course, I do occasionally find myself at fault for partaking in such an act, yet, I shame myself at missing the chance of meeting someone new and expanding my personal network– perhaps missing out on a meaningful relationship with an ordinary stranger.

I strive to present a social, outgoing demeanor; you should as well.

Put the phone down when conversing; speak to them through consistent eye-contact, the utmost attention, and of course, an endearing smile.

Next time you make a decision…

Each and every day we are given the opportunity to make decisions— some more important than others. We deviate decisions based on how we feel, the risk of them, and how each decision can benefit us. When decisions come at a great cost— money, time, resources— we examine closer the potential return, the potential benefit, and the potential lost.

Human nature tells us to invest the least possible amount of resources in an act of safety and cautiousness. Yet, we are better off investing a little more than we want, instead of investing a little less than we need. In the long run, that little extra effort, that little extra cost, will always prove cheaper and more beneficial. It’s vitally crucial, not that the utmost is put in to it (depending on circumstances), but that a more than adequate amount is put forth. You excel by creating a strong base and investing a little more than “just the right amount,” assuring safety and assuring a flourishing future.

When in a new pursuit, whatever it may be, commit to it, and, by investing the proper amount, see yourself advancing to the next level.

Develop a Passion.

The clock shows 10:42PM on a Saturday night. A friend sits to the left of me, tirelessly grinding away at the bureaucracy of applying to her dream school; another friend sits to the right of me, painstakingly refining the third draft of his research paper covering global diplomatic affairs. Choosing to “stay in,” we forfeit the chance to either go out or go to sleep. Going against the stereotypical Saturday night of our peers, why exactly do we work through the long hours, chipping away at homework and self-educating on all there is to offer? Perhaps our passions differentiate between the standard, party-chasing student; perhaps we’ve become fond of the happening of learning; perhaps this is our passion. It’s not an ambition to skip going out with our friends, but an ambition for self-actualization– thriving to develop personally and professionally, doing what needs to be done, as we reach for our goals.

That’s what drives me; that’s what drives us. I have no problem prioritizing my efforts, working the late night and early dawn hours, and, when necessary, standing alone to fulfill my vision.

What’s your passion?

Martin had a dream, can we have one?

To display affection for MLK day, I thought to expand upon dreams– not the dreams of night, but the ones of influence that inspire your decisions, choices, and actions every waking moment.

Dreams vary in accordance to wants, needs, and interests. Some dream of a new home, while some dream of overcoming poverty; some dream of touching the lives of millions, while some dream of a future with one other soul. Whatever the dream, the innate fact that we all dream is the connection we share. Not only entitled, we are deserving of a dream. We strive for the better things in our lives, our communities, and our world. The journey to fulfillment sometimes falters by speed bumps and distractions, enticing failure when reaching for completion, but nonetheless, we share the common journey of pursuing a dream. Here for a purpose decided upon by you, we realize we dream together. Every one fights a battle; every one chases a dream.

I dream of leaving an impact in some beneficial, elusive way for everyone. What will I do for them? Not sure. How will I do it? Haven’t figured it out. But I dream to make it happen, and I promise I’ll provide the steadfast dedication to realize it.

“The whirlwinds of revolution will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” – Martin Luther King

What’s Your Message?

“My life is my message.” – Gandhi

Gandhi, a blissful, endearing man, crafted an array of beautiful quotes, but none move me like this simple, five-word sentence. The clarity of his message for Indian independence glistened through every form of nonviolent civil disobedience and act of peace.

The cultivators of time, like Gandhi and others who’ve generated an extravagant impact, each visioned to change something in the world– their message. Whatever it be, they did so through the actions, endeavors, and hard-fought victories and losses. Striving to expand my means and push myself to achieve some kind of contribution to this planet, I question, what is it I want to do? What is it I want to change?

What’s my message?

What’s your’s?