As I woke up today, I had no plans so my first gut feeling was like, "Here goes one of those boring days where I do nothing but sit around the house and do nothing." I didn't get out of bed till about NOON, yeah that is bad..I KNOW. I got up and did my thing aka turned the tv on for a while, in hopes something brilliant would come to my mind. Around 1 pm, I went to step outside to check what the weather was like, HOLY wow it was nice outside. Today ended up being a pretty rad today, wasn't boring. It is January 6th today and it was a high of 55 degrees I believe. I'm not a big fan of the cold, so I was digging the weather. Shout out to my brother today, he probably won't be reading this, but it was his birthday, so happy birthday again brother. He is on a skiing trip this weekend with friends, so he will be hitting up the slopes getting face full of snow.
I love those days when you wake up, the weather is beautiful, and it brings a smile to your face. I love it when I'm back at college and it goes from being winter time to spring time and I can wear shorts to class. Love that feeling! I just realized this past semester, I was walking down the stairs to the lobby area in the dorms and JT looked at me and said "WOW what are you all dressed up for?" I was soooo confused because I had no clue what he was talking about. I was wearing a jacket, jeans, a shirt, a baseball cap, and shoes. He looked down at me and said, "Your actually wearing shoes" It was pretty funny, because I am one of those guys who wears addidas flip flops a lot, I mean why not their comfortable. Heck rain or snow, there always ready to GO.
My message today is simple, a friend was talking to me about the phrase tonight at a sporting event of WHAT IF, what if their are aliens, what if were not really alive, just the word "WHAT IF" can makes you think of anything and everything. Often in real life situations or experiences the phrase,"WHAT IF" can make us over analyze a situation, a person, a past relationship, your family...all of that. My message is pretty clear, thinking about what we did, could have done, what were doing now, shouldnt matter.
To sit here and say that I haven't done it, or that we all don't do it from time to time would be a lie. Basically, the past is the past, the future will be the future, maybe your a believer in that everything happens for a reason or maybe not. Best thing as individuals that we can do is focus on NOW, nothing we did or happened can change, but we sure as heck can live in the moment now. Yes, you hear it all the time, "live in the moment", don't worry about tomorrow..and quite frankly its true. If you focus and live your life now, and don't make excuses for why this happened or why you don't want to do something will only impact life down the road. All I am concerned about is tonight, and what ever happens tomorrow will happen. Hey, as my college likes to say, SHIP HAPPENS. Time to set sail, live your life, do what you want to do, say what you want to say, be with who you want to be with, pursue that dream or goal you've always had. Are you down? You willing to take that risks? Are you afraid? It's a good thing, because if you really want it, you'll do what it takes.
Every day is a new day....have a good night everyone...PEACE
Friday, January 6, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Defying the Odds
I love heart warming stories, period! I've never really thought about why I find that they always grab my attention so easily. The more I think about it, I realized that there are A LOT of reasons why, but a big part of it, is that it makes me evaluate my life more, and how blessed and opportunistic I am sometimes. This next story I am going to share with you, many of you might already know about, but hey there is nothing wrong with being reminded.
Before I go on, I would like to say that when I look at life, I don't really look at peoples life being awful or having it better than me. I've realized growing up that everyone is going to have a DIFFERENT story, whether it is good or bad. How you grow as a person from it is up to you. Maybe it has made you into an amazing individual, or maybe it has impacted your life and still does today. Maybe its a story not many people know, or would understand. Believe me, either way no one has the right to judge you or your life being it good or bad. Yes, I have had my ups and plenty of downs in my life, but that's beside the point. The point I want people to realize is that no matter how hard it gets, even when the odds seem against you, and that there isisn't hope, there REALLY is. You may not see it now or understand what I'm talking about but if there is anything you can get this, when you have hit rock bottom, its bound to get better. Never lose hope, many people out there care, and want to see you do well. Nothings is perfect, nor would anyone want it to be. When you see someone having a bad day, or just randomly see a friend say HI, or give them a hug. You never know how much it could make THEIR day.
Now to my story, a kid by the name of Jason McElwain in 2006 was a manager for a high school basketball team. He went to practice everyday, and helped out with the team in anyway he could. Here is the catch, the guy had a love for basketball, but one thing was holding him back from ever playing, he was Autistic. I could talk for ever about what happened, but at one point in your life you've probably encountered someone with Autism. Long story short, his senior year during their last home game of the year, the coach let him dress. During the last 10 mins of the game, the coach LET HIM GO IN. The entire gym was packed, hoping to see him play. He missed his first shot, but then made his next SIX THREE POINTERS! Talk about defying the odds, are you kidding me. I get the chills every time I watch the video, its an amazing story and in the near future their making a real movie about it. This kid is an inspiration to millions out there I am sure. I am going to attach a link of the video at the end of this post in case anyone wants to watch it.
So my message is this, don't let the hardships in your life impact how you live it. Like I said before we all have different lives and stories. Embrace it. Remember that time you didn't like the grade you got a C or a B on a test , or your friend didn't call you to hangout, and you got so MAD? Random example, but heck there are people out there that are defying odds with disabilites that I or anyone probably couldn't even begin to imagine. Appreciate the life you live, times will get better. Look for others for support if you need it, and try to give a helping hand in anyway possible, even a simple hello to someone can do wonders.
Crazy how certain moments, or experiences, can give you the chills and be like WOW. Life is unexpected, wouldn't have it any other way. If your reading this tonight, text or tell someone how much you appreciate them, or even see how their doing. Why not..right?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tui8EOdv_VU Here is the link if you would like to see a video.
Until next time......PEACE !
Before I go on, I would like to say that when I look at life, I don't really look at peoples life being awful or having it better than me. I've realized growing up that everyone is going to have a DIFFERENT story, whether it is good or bad. How you grow as a person from it is up to you. Maybe it has made you into an amazing individual, or maybe it has impacted your life and still does today. Maybe its a story not many people know, or would understand. Believe me, either way no one has the right to judge you or your life being it good or bad. Yes, I have had my ups and plenty of downs in my life, but that's beside the point. The point I want people to realize is that no matter how hard it gets, even when the odds seem against you, and that there isisn't hope, there REALLY is. You may not see it now or understand what I'm talking about but if there is anything you can get this, when you have hit rock bottom, its bound to get better. Never lose hope, many people out there care, and want to see you do well. Nothings is perfect, nor would anyone want it to be. When you see someone having a bad day, or just randomly see a friend say HI, or give them a hug. You never know how much it could make THEIR day.
Now to my story, a kid by the name of Jason McElwain in 2006 was a manager for a high school basketball team. He went to practice everyday, and helped out with the team in anyway he could. Here is the catch, the guy had a love for basketball, but one thing was holding him back from ever playing, he was Autistic. I could talk for ever about what happened, but at one point in your life you've probably encountered someone with Autism. Long story short, his senior year during their last home game of the year, the coach let him dress. During the last 10 mins of the game, the coach LET HIM GO IN. The entire gym was packed, hoping to see him play. He missed his first shot, but then made his next SIX THREE POINTERS! Talk about defying the odds, are you kidding me. I get the chills every time I watch the video, its an amazing story and in the near future their making a real movie about it. This kid is an inspiration to millions out there I am sure. I am going to attach a link of the video at the end of this post in case anyone wants to watch it.
So my message is this, don't let the hardships in your life impact how you live it. Like I said before we all have different lives and stories. Embrace it. Remember that time you didn't like the grade you got a C or a B on a test , or your friend didn't call you to hangout, and you got so MAD? Random example, but heck there are people out there that are defying odds with disabilites that I or anyone probably couldn't even begin to imagine. Appreciate the life you live, times will get better. Look for others for support if you need it, and try to give a helping hand in anyway possible, even a simple hello to someone can do wonders.
Crazy how certain moments, or experiences, can give you the chills and be like WOW. Life is unexpected, wouldn't have it any other way. If your reading this tonight, text or tell someone how much you appreciate them, or even see how their doing. Why not..right?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tui8EOdv_VU Here is the link if you would like to see a video.
Until next time......PEACE !
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
What Defines You?
First thing I would like to do is give a shout out to NM. Ever since I began listening to Bruno Mars a couple weeks ago in his car I've really started to like his music. NM you are the biggest snake I know, no nonsense there.
Anyways...Earlier this break a person close to me texted me saying she was reading a book. I didn't think that in my mind I would ever read a book over XMAS BREAK, but for some reason I decided to give it a chance, open up the possibilities and see what happens. I am 3/4th's of the way done with the book, and I can honestly say it has REALLY opened my eyes to a lot of aspects of my life that I never realized, and one of them I would love to share today to who ever decides to read this :)
Has anyone ever told you to think "Outside the box" or to put yourself in someone else's shoes? I'm sure at one point in time in your life it has happened. LONG STORY short, this amazing book I'm reading is called, "No Turning Back" by Bryan Anderson. A story of a man who served in Iraq and is a triple amputee who lost both his legs and his left arm. He had a very special message in this book I want to share. As individuals we limit ourselves to others perceptions sometimes. Some people will label you as boring, no fun, doesn't like to drink, studies too much, doesn't know how to live, a dirty person, inconsiderate, I am just throwing random things out there. Has anyone ever put a label on you, even when they don't know you? Sure, we all have. Bryan Anderson's message was simple like this "Impossible though it might first appear, escaping from these invisible prisons is what we all need to do. We aren't meant to live like this. THERE IS NO BOX, unless you place yourself there.
Forgetting about the box is about learning to think bigger and see the possibilites in everything around you. The only thing holding ourselves back is really...US. Me? You? Only thing stopping you is your mind. Everyone has a different story, but at the end of the day, it comes down to, are you going to let that stop you from your dreams and goals? "Can't" is not in my vocabulary anymore. The moment you stop feeling bad for yourself, and putting a smile on your face and realize people out there do care about you and want to see the best, thats is the first step.
START TODAY, its never too late. Your the captain of your own ship. I believe in everyone, yes not everyone is going to get a long, or like each other, but there is good in people. I've been guilty in the past of caring too much what people think, yes we all have been hurt, but that's a part of life. I can accept that. Past two years I've really opened myself up to people and have been living my life. Met some amazing people, had some great experiences, and cant wait for the fall semester to begin. If there is anything you get from this post, just remember to go outside that BOX. Don't listen to other people, BE YOU, everyday is a new day, there is hope! Some people may ask, why am I so positive? I'm just accustomed to the fact that, life is what you make of it. You can either sink or swim, and I choose to live. FIND SOMETHING YOU LOVE AND GIVE IT YOUR ALL.
It may be a relationship with someone, a sport, college, a best friend, volunteering, opening up to someone, the list goes on and on. Maybe you don't feel comfortable talking to someone, thats okay, your not a lone. There are people out there willing to listen, even ME :) Let today, or tonight, or tomorrow be the beginning to something new. Never lose hope, put a smile on that face even when times get rough, because It will get better.
You all have a special gift, find it, and don't lose track of it. Impossible is Nothing.
**I don't know who might read these post, but whether you do or don't by pushing the comment link below you can leave a comment if you would like, it can even be anonymous.**
Anyways...Earlier this break a person close to me texted me saying she was reading a book. I didn't think that in my mind I would ever read a book over XMAS BREAK, but for some reason I decided to give it a chance, open up the possibilities and see what happens. I am 3/4th's of the way done with the book, and I can honestly say it has REALLY opened my eyes to a lot of aspects of my life that I never realized, and one of them I would love to share today to who ever decides to read this :)
Has anyone ever told you to think "Outside the box" or to put yourself in someone else's shoes? I'm sure at one point in time in your life it has happened. LONG STORY short, this amazing book I'm reading is called, "No Turning Back" by Bryan Anderson. A story of a man who served in Iraq and is a triple amputee who lost both his legs and his left arm. He had a very special message in this book I want to share. As individuals we limit ourselves to others perceptions sometimes. Some people will label you as boring, no fun, doesn't like to drink, studies too much, doesn't know how to live, a dirty person, inconsiderate, I am just throwing random things out there. Has anyone ever put a label on you, even when they don't know you? Sure, we all have. Bryan Anderson's message was simple like this "Impossible though it might first appear, escaping from these invisible prisons is what we all need to do. We aren't meant to live like this. THERE IS NO BOX, unless you place yourself there.
Forgetting about the box is about learning to think bigger and see the possibilites in everything around you. The only thing holding ourselves back is really...US. Me? You? Only thing stopping you is your mind. Everyone has a different story, but at the end of the day, it comes down to, are you going to let that stop you from your dreams and goals? "Can't" is not in my vocabulary anymore. The moment you stop feeling bad for yourself, and putting a smile on your face and realize people out there do care about you and want to see the best, thats is the first step.
START TODAY, its never too late. Your the captain of your own ship. I believe in everyone, yes not everyone is going to get a long, or like each other, but there is good in people. I've been guilty in the past of caring too much what people think, yes we all have been hurt, but that's a part of life. I can accept that. Past two years I've really opened myself up to people and have been living my life. Met some amazing people, had some great experiences, and cant wait for the fall semester to begin. If there is anything you get from this post, just remember to go outside that BOX. Don't listen to other people, BE YOU, everyday is a new day, there is hope! Some people may ask, why am I so positive? I'm just accustomed to the fact that, life is what you make of it. You can either sink or swim, and I choose to live. FIND SOMETHING YOU LOVE AND GIVE IT YOUR ALL.
It may be a relationship with someone, a sport, college, a best friend, volunteering, opening up to someone, the list goes on and on. Maybe you don't feel comfortable talking to someone, thats okay, your not a lone. There are people out there willing to listen, even ME :) Let today, or tonight, or tomorrow be the beginning to something new. Never lose hope, put a smile on that face even when times get rough, because It will get better.
You all have a special gift, find it, and don't lose track of it. Impossible is Nothing.
**I don't know who might read these post, but whether you do or don't by pushing the comment link below you can leave a comment if you would like, it can even be anonymous.**
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The Journey Has Just Begun: Day 1
So as you all will be able to tell, this is my first blog. For the past week I've thought about how interesting it would be to write a daily blog on not exactly "my life", but rather random thoughts, stories, things that make you think, maybe something inspiring/motivational, a funny story, my day in general....the list could go on FOREVER. When I do write a a blog, I won't use peoples names, but rather their initials when it is appropriate. Some people may ask, "Why am I doing this or What is the point?" Heck, I don't even know if I know, I'm just going with it and see where it takes me.
Day 1: If you know me, you would know I'm not the most artistic/creative person in the world when it comes to making things, but heck even I know I have to give it my best shot, that is all that matters, right? I wanted the background my blog site to be a certain picture, but I couldn't seem to figure it out quite yet so for now its supposed to be a simple picture of a highway, life is a highway in a sense right, I dig it.
As I am writing this first blog, I'm jamming to some music on Pandora. I love that music can truly have an impact on your mood, I'm in that mood right now where I feel like I could bring out the air guitar! For me I would say I was the biggest bum today, I sat around watching Law and Order SVU and made a list of some things I would like to get accomplished before I go back to college from this winter break. I can't tell you how much relaxing winter break has been from being at Shippensburg University, but I'll be honest, I'm about ready to go back and see EVERYONE. I miss being around friends everyday, and staying up all night with friends for no reason at all. Who sleeps right??? I went to the YMCA the other day to get some basketball shots up, and when I went there the gym was packed. I was going to go lift, but instead I decided to shoot around. After about an hour everyone had cleared the gym, and these two guys came in. The one guy you could tell he was physically disabled, and had a hard time walking. At first glance I looked at him and know felt bad for him, but out of no where, the guy starts horsing around, throwing basketballs everywhere, laughing his head off, and enjoying playing basketball with his friend. To some that may be just a normal thing, but I am one who is a thinker which can be a bad thing in some cases, but sometimes the littlest things really inspire me. It brought a smile to my face to see that he wouldn't let his disability define who he is, instead he goes out there and does his own thing. I'm a firm believer in having daily reality checks, because as individuals we all are given the most amazing gift, which is to have life. There is no point in dwelling on certain circumstances, most that will do is makes someone doubt who they are or what they can do. I ended up talking to the two guys and learned a lot about them. The man with the physical disability ended up going to game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Mavs and Heat last year and went to an All Star game years ago and got over 20 autographs from some of the best players in the NBA. Heck I'm jealous, for real!! Anyways my point is that yeah life won't be easy, no body said it would, but just seeing that guy be happy and not care about his limitations brings a smile to my face. Even writing all this, inspires me. I'm ready to run a marathon right now, no really. LETS GO! Well it is 1:03 in the morning right now and in all honesty I'm not really tired at all. Being that its winter break and I don't have much to do and I can stay up to whenever which has truly messed up my internal clock. You know its bad when its 3 am and your wide awake haha! Tomorrow is a new day, its Wednesday Hump Day, ohh yeah! One day closer to being reunited with everyone at SHIP, but going to enjoy this time to relax with no worries and see the family and friends before its time to board the SHIP again. Have a dentist appointment in the morning, guess I better go brush my teeth 100 more times between now and 8 a.m. :) Have a good night everyone, you all are grrrreeat.
Sincerely,
Grant
Day 1: If you know me, you would know I'm not the most artistic/creative person in the world when it comes to making things, but heck even I know I have to give it my best shot, that is all that matters, right? I wanted the background my blog site to be a certain picture, but I couldn't seem to figure it out quite yet so for now its supposed to be a simple picture of a highway, life is a highway in a sense right, I dig it.
As I am writing this first blog, I'm jamming to some music on Pandora. I love that music can truly have an impact on your mood, I'm in that mood right now where I feel like I could bring out the air guitar! For me I would say I was the biggest bum today, I sat around watching Law and Order SVU and made a list of some things I would like to get accomplished before I go back to college from this winter break. I can't tell you how much relaxing winter break has been from being at Shippensburg University, but I'll be honest, I'm about ready to go back and see EVERYONE. I miss being around friends everyday, and staying up all night with friends for no reason at all. Who sleeps right??? I went to the YMCA the other day to get some basketball shots up, and when I went there the gym was packed. I was going to go lift, but instead I decided to shoot around. After about an hour everyone had cleared the gym, and these two guys came in. The one guy you could tell he was physically disabled, and had a hard time walking. At first glance I looked at him and know felt bad for him, but out of no where, the guy starts horsing around, throwing basketballs everywhere, laughing his head off, and enjoying playing basketball with his friend. To some that may be just a normal thing, but I am one who is a thinker which can be a bad thing in some cases, but sometimes the littlest things really inspire me. It brought a smile to my face to see that he wouldn't let his disability define who he is, instead he goes out there and does his own thing. I'm a firm believer in having daily reality checks, because as individuals we all are given the most amazing gift, which is to have life. There is no point in dwelling on certain circumstances, most that will do is makes someone doubt who they are or what they can do. I ended up talking to the two guys and learned a lot about them. The man with the physical disability ended up going to game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Mavs and Heat last year and went to an All Star game years ago and got over 20 autographs from some of the best players in the NBA. Heck I'm jealous, for real!! Anyways my point is that yeah life won't be easy, no body said it would, but just seeing that guy be happy and not care about his limitations brings a smile to my face. Even writing all this, inspires me. I'm ready to run a marathon right now, no really. LETS GO! Well it is 1:03 in the morning right now and in all honesty I'm not really tired at all. Being that its winter break and I don't have much to do and I can stay up to whenever which has truly messed up my internal clock. You know its bad when its 3 am and your wide awake haha! Tomorrow is a new day, its Wednesday Hump Day, ohh yeah! One day closer to being reunited with everyone at SHIP, but going to enjoy this time to relax with no worries and see the family and friends before its time to board the SHIP again. Have a dentist appointment in the morning, guess I better go brush my teeth 100 more times between now and 8 a.m. :) Have a good night everyone, you all are grrrreeat.
Sincerely,
Grant
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