Progress.

This summer has been spectacular. I've been exposed to an inkling of real life and I love it.

I am not saying that this inkling of real life is spectacular, but it is so different than my day-to-day school life. This difference is what makes it spectacular.

In high school we're always taught to work hard, it'll pay off some day, right? I have always been a strong believer in the game theory. School is just a tough game filled with tricks and conspiracies. The teachers are out to get us. Our parents are allied with them. Our friends are the only ones experiencing the same thing as us, but we secretly have to do better than them. This game can suck the joy out of youth, but not if you find the loop hole. Simple. Enjoy it.

I sure as hell enjoyed it when I met Nancy Pelosi, Bill Clinton, Senator Ike Skelton and Senator Carl Levin. Hard work for better results, isn't that the American Dream? I don't aspire to be a politician as of today, but the thrills of getting involved in the political world were phenomenal, because I simply enjoyed it.

I do not advocate living every day for tomorrow, no, no, that is not at all what I'm trying to say, neither do I advocate living every day for today. I believe in the balance. Enjoy today for what it is while keeping in mind what needs to be done for tomorrow.

Life is about balance. Even though I'm just figuring this out, it's still progress.

Day and Night Dichotomy.

Day and Night. Ha! A continuation of my whole optimism versus pessimism idea. I think realism with hints of optimism would be nice, but think about it with the metaphor of day and night. Day usually symbolizes light and purity and goodness, and night symbolizes darkness and despair and evil. 

There is a dichotomy is almost every single aspect of life.

For example, I want to write this post so badly, but I'm too lazy, SO dichotomous! Right?

Haha, Peace.

Be Ok & 12 Days.

"I just want to be okay today." - Ingrid Michaelson. Ah, what an ingenious song, the lyrics say it all. Realistic optimism, I like it. A lot.

Anyways, lesson on love for the day: do NOT fall for someone in 12 days. 

It's no way to stay happy, sure many people believe in the "love at first sight" type of thing, but you can't honestly fall for someone without knowing them well, that's just TOO optimistic, basically ridiculous. I wish everyone would be happy and optimistic but this is reality and we need to be realists. Sure, let yourself go, trust your instincts but don't be stupid.

When you find that person you don't always just "know." Television has really ruined this reality for us, we always expect to just feel this electric spark immediately, or something. But you don't, hell, the person you're meant to be with could be your best friend, it could be the guy who you see on the metro, the guy in your art class, the guy you haven't met yet. Who knows? Don't worry about looking for love, when the time is right, it will find you. Have your fun in between, don't let yourself go though. Be honest and true to yourself, don't get into anything half-heartedly, but the way to stay happy is to know and have confirmation that it's all reality. Then my dear, you can live your freaking fairytale any way you like. Go for it, have a unicorn, dream in the clouds, fancy a trip to the moon, life and death together forever. You can have it all, but just make sure it's the right one.

There are so many different types of love, and sometimes we crave the type of love only a family can give us - unconditional, or the type of love a friend can give, you know the 'always be there' type of thing, but sometimes we just want to know we are someone's everything. I know this feeling we all want this attention. It's so intense and powerful, just like it is when you make someone your everything. In your heart of hearts, unless you know its legitimately the one, don't play games. And especially, learn from your mistakes, and from others.

For example, don't fall for someone who you hardly know in 12 days.

More, Run, Jumper.

These three songs have really touched me lately, brought my spirits up. The lyrics are beautiful, the music is soothing, and as T.Wells says, they are a "whisper in the dark" for the broken-hearted. 

More by Tyrone Wells has beautiful lyrics, light sounds and conveys the message that there is more to life, don't give up? Please? "I've seen the great heights, Reminding me, that I'm alive. I don't wanna die, I don't wanna waste another day, Or night, I know there's something more, Than what we're living for."

See? There is music out there, to make you realize this. (:

Run by Snow Patrol. It is an overall sad song. But one line got to me, and it's about being there for someone regardless of the situation, forced or chosen. "Light up, light up, as if you have a choice. Even if you cannot hear my voice, I'll be right beside you dear." No matter what, please know that SOMEONE will always be there for you, you know they've been there all along. Just smile that someone cares that much. OR smile because you know YOU will always be there for someone, regardless of their circumstances. Help a brother out. (:

Lastly:

Jumper by Third Eye Blind.

I do have to admit, I recently discovered this not so new song.  Listen to it for yourself.  (:

But the best lyric from it is obvious, "I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend, cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in. And if you do not want to see me again, I would understand, I would understand." Haha that sounds not so nice, I know, just listen to the song. (:

Even when I'm broken and down, my music cheers me up. Smile sunshine, tomorrow's another day. Make it yours.

Weighted Work

I know that some people believe that their good deeds go unnoticed. I know you may lose hope and faith, believing that it is useless. I know the poem below is religious/faith oriented, but either way, anyone reading this should comprehend from this message that YOUR good work does NOT go unnoticed. Karma notices. You'll see. 

And truly, you'll get what you deserve, nothing less. Don't give up on me or on yourself.

Weighted Work

Beyond the luminous gates

Resides the Eternal and Everlasting

Frolicking with what ease.

Test you have passed, no you cannot

Be a sinner. For the weight,

The weight is what seems,

But seems on the terrain not

What exists on the scrolls.

Sacrificial deeds you have executed

Have weight in this world.

For you believe that He is righteous,

Your words are pardoned

And He welcomes you to his abode

In the never-ending sky.