Being grateful

Gratefulness 

This is a trait that should be valued, but often is forgotten about. Think about your day so far. Think about the conversations you've had with friends/co-workers/family/ etc. How many of those conversations involved at least one complaint about something? I bet you that at least once today you've complained about some aspect of your life. I do it all the time and I wish I didn't. In fact starting with this post I'm going to actively work on complaining less. 

How often do we find ourselves beginning sentences with " I hate" or "I wish --- was different" or "--- sucks"?

Why talk like this? Why set yourself up for a negative thought? In all honesty would you rather focus on the good things in life or the bad? If you answered "the bad" I honestly have nothing more to say to you. Enjoy being unhappy, but keep that negativity out of my life.

My last post alone should be evidence that I don't spend enough time simply enjoying life. Everyone look at the big fantastic world outside your window. What if you'll never be a millionaire? What if you'll never have that dream job you want? What if that guy you're dating right now breaks up with you a few months down the road? Stop worrying about it. Stop worrying life won't work out exactly how you had it planned. Stop focusing on what you don't have and instead focus on what you do have. You have to start with the foundation and work your way up. 

Give it a shot people. Stop at your desks and quietly reflect on what you do have. Be thankful you are fortunate to have something when so many have nothing. That F on that paper or that annoying co-worker that said something rude, is not going to matter down the road.

Cheers,

Ash

A New Adventure

Yesterday at work I got the opportunity to tour our Youth In Government program as they had their annual conference. I can honestly say I had no idea such a program existed. It's amazing how big the program is and how amazing these high schoolers are!

For those of you who aren't aware of the program, YIG is a chance for 8th-12th graders to participate in a mock government. Students can work their way through the court system, House of Representatives, and one ambitious student even gets elected as the Youth Governor! These kids vote on bills, learn about lobbyists, argue in court, and so much more. I've never been that into politics before since I tend to believe that as a whole politicians are more concerned about getting things their way than actually helping people- not the point of my post though haha.

I met this year's Youth Governor and let me tell you, she is amazing. She's this beautiful young lady that's a senior in high school that is so polite and charismatic that I was blown away when introduced. Guys, this girl is is this tiny little thing and yet she commands more respect and authority than most adults I know. She was brilliant and confident while being humble at the same time.  Basically after listening to her talk to our group for ten minutes it made me:

- rethink my high school choices

- rethink my college choices

- feel completely inadequate as far as my life choices 

- feel utterly humbled beyond any level I've been to before

  

Bonus: I've never been to the capital building so of course I had to take pictures. I can not believe how beautiful the building is!

Cheers!

Ash