Take Control.

Mohandas Gandhi is definitely an admirable person. He was able to lead the people of India to independence from British rule in 1947. It doesn't end there, his view on life is inspirational. While reading "Gandhi's Top 10 Fundamentals for Changing the World" I reflected on getting the most out of life. We are really have control over the way we experience life. If we choose to live in a peaceful environment of which we are happy with than we must make the change for things to be the way we want them to be. By holding on to the past we are only hurting ourselves because the past is over and we can't go back and change it. "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." This is one of the many quotes of Gandhi that I can connect with. It really does take a lot of strength to be the bigger person to be able to forgive and move on. It is really something that not all are capable of. I've had situations in which I've had put that resentment away because it wasn't causing any good to anyone and it was only holding me back. Also, to know that if you don't do something about it, nothing is going to change. "An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching." By just saying things and not doing anything nothing can change and nothing will. If one wishes to see a change be done one should get out there and do something about it. This is definitely something that I need to work on. I've always had the want to make a difference, even if its the slightest, just to know that I've helped put a smile on someone's face. But it is easier said than done. I would like to be able to practice what I preach and make the time to just get out there and make a change. This applies to leadership because a leader must be persistent, actions should match what is said. If people cannot trust that their leader is going to do what he is asking them to do than they will be less likely to do what is advised.

Reading "The Optimist Creed" really reassured me that I need to look out for my happiness through my mind set. If I think positive and look for the best in every situation and in people then will I build more self confidence. Optimism is really a powerful mindset that can help one make the most of everyday. By something as simple as greeting every person that you meet with a kind smile, you can really have a positive impact because an smile is contagious. It really takes a lot "to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind." For one to be able to face adversity with confidence really helps one stay sane and healthy. Optimism can be hard to carry out consistently. It is one of those things that can depend on the situation that you are facing that can impact the strength and the confidence with which you face the problem. I agree that choosing to learn from your mistakes and what didn't work can help you feel better about it and look at the bright side of it, you learned something useful perhaps.

Esperanza B. :)

Live the life YOU want to live.

While reading the article, "18 Truths to Start Telling Yourself" many of the descriptive quotes made sense to me, mainly because they are quotes that I have read many times before. Personally, as cheesy as it may sound, I have some words of motivation that I tell myself, "Take every chance, make a change, put yourself out there and do as you want because at the end of the day you shouldn't be wondering 'what if?'" Those who are friends with me on Facebook can tell by their newsfeed updates that I like putting up some inspirational quotes every now and then. But its one thing to say it and its another to actually, "practice what you preach" as the article stated. It has been hard for me to put myself out there and do something as simple as talking to a stranger. I feel like it works both ways, if the person is kind and approachable it definitely makes taking the chance a whole lot  easier. Although, I do feel like everyone has a story to share and I'd like to hear it. I definitely feel like I have accomplished some personal growth over these past few months, especially this semester. Transitioning from high school to college was not something that "clicked" to me right away. I can definitely agree that I was not as aware about my strengths and weaknesses. Now, I am more comfortable at recognizing this and it has helped me achieve much, not just on the self improvement side. Just like truth #18, "knowledge without action accomplishes nothing," I have chosen to actually do something about it and what I know has definitely impacted how I choose to live.

Reading "15 Ways to Live, and Not Merely Exist" really got me thinking more about that to be happy one must have well balanced control over YOUR OWN life. One should not let others' opinions/negative comments bring you down. Appreciating the good things in life, love those that love you, forgive and to know when it is time to move on can really impact your life. Thinking about the haves instead of the have not's really helps me appreciate what I've been blessed with. Although it may seem that the universe controls everything that happens to us, by stepping up and taking charge of the little things that may seem unimportant can really make a difference in our happiness. Everyday matters, because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Here's a cute song that I find inspirational for when it comes to believing in yourself :)

"Who says your not star potential 

Who says your not presidential 

Who says you can't be in movies

Listen to me, listen to me

Who says you don't pass the test

Who says you can't be the best

Who said, who said"

Esperanza B. :)