Today is a day for guidance and self-preparation.
I had a conversation with my brother last night about doing what makes you happy. In his sixteen years, he's got a better grasp on what that means than I do. I do worry about him. I want to see him make the right choices and not lose sight of his love for creating videos, because he has the opportunity to do some really great things. I miss the passion that I once had for life, and knowing that I can watch him right there beside his, makes me smile. Making plans for yourself if tough, especially when you don't quite know what your options are. If you have the chance to squeak out of the mouse hole that you've been in, and really see some of the wonders of the outside, you get that ache to relocate, to maybe a bigger mouse hole, or perhaps a cozy spot under a futon that someone left outside [that is, only until you find a good group of other little wanderers to huddle close with in a swanky home somewhere. I don't know, guys... I am pretty loose with my words, just try to pick up what I'm putting down, here].
So, I put together a small, helpful list of things to share with my kid brother, and yours too, that helped me along my way after a move to the 'Big City'.
Even if Boston is really a very small city, you've gotta get your start somewhere.
1. Be Honest.
You won't get anywhere by bee-essing your way through life. People can usually see through this. If embellishing could be helpful in some small way, and you can make up for the things you say, then go for it- but don't stretch yourself beyond your means to get things done until you know that you can back that ish up. Save yourself time and embarrassment.
2. Know Your Limits.
Don't push yourself too hard, and get the rest you need. Nobody likes a tired-ass. And you'll feel better about the projects that you put your energy into. Take care of your health, because when you're working really hard to create some small piece of yourself, any setback can be horrendous. Trust me.
3. Use GOOD Energy.
Stay positive about what you start and always finish it. Put your heart and soul into everything that you do. You'll feel good about what you sign on for, even better about what you finish, and you'll impact other people in awesome ways, making it possible for them to do the same. You'll also find great people to spend your time with that way who work the same way that you do.
4. Know Your Friends.
If you find yourself huddled with the wrong rodents, and you go to a party and you get socked in the eye by some boy with stability issues that dates a friend, by all means... find new mice. This sort of thing is alllll a learning process. Stay close to what you love, and don't stray from your plan or path with distractions of flashy, scene kids that make life seem sooo cool. You'll find that they'll probably just ditch you when you can't make it to a concert with them, talk about you behind your back and steal your Super NES at the next party that you throw. And buy the beer for.
5. Above ALL Else:
Do not give up and go home with your teeny mouse tail between your legs.
I promise, when you call Mom and she tells you that you need to work harder to make rent, and not ask her to spot you $30 for groceries... you'll want to hate her. But Dude, make that Ramen Noodle work. I swear, you'll get crafty with your kitchen menu options. And when you spend too much cash on that last night out with Freddy before classes start, you'll make up for it. That bussing job in Blah Blah restaurant will suck, but making the cash to buy your OWN food will feel absolutely glorious. You'll get used to it, and even grow to liiike being self-sufficient.
My point is, getting to where you want to be isn't just something that you end up working for. You work hard for it. It builds you. It creates the foundation of the person that you're meant to become. Without real struggle, you'll never truly appreciate this life, or what you're given. Lemons? Don't you dare cry about it- you just got free lemons. Do something cool with them, like make necklaces from the seeds and sell them to your hipster friend down the street...or dab the rim of your cousin's drinking glasses when they aren't looking. It just so happens to be those small things that keep you from remembering that you'd ordered kiwi or starfruit instead.
All the love in the world,
Your wiser, cooler, fabulously dressed older sister.
also...could you ask mom for $30 and then send it to me? You can still get away with that, right?
Crap. I'll totally pay you back...
I had a conversation with my brother last night about doing what makes you happy. In his sixteen years, he's got a better grasp on what that means than I do. I do worry about him. I want to see him make the right choices and not lose sight of his love for creating videos, because he has the opportunity to do some really great things. I miss the passion that I once had for life, and knowing that I can watch him right there beside his, makes me smile. Making plans for yourself if tough, especially when you don't quite know what your options are. If you have the chance to squeak out of the mouse hole that you've been in, and really see some of the wonders of the outside, you get that ache to relocate, to maybe a bigger mouse hole, or perhaps a cozy spot under a futon that someone left outside [that is, only until you find a good group of other little wanderers to huddle close with in a swanky home somewhere. I don't know, guys... I am pretty loose with my words, just try to pick up what I'm putting down, here].
So, I put together a small, helpful list of things to share with my kid brother, and yours too, that helped me along my way after a move to the 'Big City'.
Even if Boston is really a very small city, you've gotta get your start somewhere.
1. Be Honest.
You won't get anywhere by bee-essing your way through life. People can usually see through this. If embellishing could be helpful in some small way, and you can make up for the things you say, then go for it- but don't stretch yourself beyond your means to get things done until you know that you can back that ish up. Save yourself time and embarrassment.
2. Know Your Limits.
Don't push yourself too hard, and get the rest you need. Nobody likes a tired-ass. And you'll feel better about the projects that you put your energy into. Take care of your health, because when you're working really hard to create some small piece of yourself, any setback can be horrendous. Trust me.
3. Use GOOD Energy.
Stay positive about what you start and always finish it. Put your heart and soul into everything that you do. You'll feel good about what you sign on for, even better about what you finish, and you'll impact other people in awesome ways, making it possible for them to do the same. You'll also find great people to spend your time with that way who work the same way that you do.
4. Know Your Friends.
5. Above ALL Else:
Do not give up and go home with your teeny mouse tail between your legs.
I promise, when you call Mom and she tells you that you need to work harder to make rent, and not ask her to spot you $30 for groceries... you'll want to hate her. But Dude, make that Ramen Noodle work. I swear, you'll get crafty with your kitchen menu options. And when you spend too much cash on that last night out with Freddy before classes start, you'll make up for it. That bussing job in Blah Blah restaurant will suck, but making the cash to buy your OWN food will feel absolutely glorious. You'll get used to it, and even grow to liiike being self-sufficient.
My point is, getting to where you want to be isn't just something that you end up working for. You work hard for it. It builds you. It creates the foundation of the person that you're meant to become. Without real struggle, you'll never truly appreciate this life, or what you're given. Lemons? Don't you dare cry about it- you just got free lemons. Do something cool with them, like make necklaces from the seeds and sell them to your hipster friend down the street...or dab the rim of your cousin's drinking glasses when they aren't looking. It just so happens to be those small things that keep you from remembering that you'd ordered kiwi or starfruit instead.
All the love in the world,
Your wiser, cooler, fabulously dressed older sister.
Crap. I'll totally pay you back...
2 comments:
LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My brother and I are super close and he is going to the Air Force. This inspired me to make a list of things for him too. :)
Thanks ali! Let's get singin!
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