I’ve been going back through all my old writing journals (at least the one’s I’ve got with me here in NYC) lately, seeking inspiration in my old jottings for new material and music. It’s been an amazing journey! I’m excited about finding little gems in what I’ll admit is often a big mush of feelings. BUT! The good stuff is there and I’m so grateful for old-me and so excited for now-me and sometimes I even think “Hey, this girl is pretty good!” Then I read another angsty love poem, and again I can laugh at myself.
In the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college, I took a visit to Switzerland and Italy with my mom and sister and suddenly found myself with time to reflect in a way I couldn’t at home. What I’ve typed below is a slightly cut version of what was a much longer entry from that trip, but I think so much of it still stands true, and I’m proud that 18 year old me had this much scope about the world.
THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN I START BITCHING/WHINING/BEING MEAN/BEING UNGRATEFUL:
-all my blessings
-Desiderata: “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself”
-the helpfulness of a positive attitude
-Desiderata: “No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should”
-It’s okay not to have control
-It’s also okay to be wrong
-It’s just money. Pieces of paper.
-Unkind words hurt people
-Don’t take it personal, everyone has bad days
-Make your own sunshine
-“It is enough to be taken care of by myself” -Brian Andreas
-Positivity. Seriously.
-What is beautiful/fun/unique/wonderful about this person/situation?
-Two heads (or three or four or ten) are ALWAYS better than mine alone.
-It’s ALSO okay to be scared and stupid and uncreative.
-I could never, ever end up with nothing.
-Kindness is better than being “cool”
-Let it be!
-Always be generous. It will feel better than acquiring masses of stuff.
-Be happy. Smile.
Good reminders on a sunshiney spring day.
SMILE Y’ALL!
Cheers,
Rebecca
