Stuff Lauren Says

Where I work we depend on interns and volunteers to help us in the day to day operation of our entire organization. It is because of these fantastic, dedicated and selfless people that we get to do what we do each and every day. We make every effort to make them feel special, appreciated...what have you but sometimes it is important to really listen to what they have to say. Sooo...today was Hayley's last day as an intern...a sad day for me especially because I have grown very attached to her. She is spunky, funny, energetic, genuine and very true to herself. Qualities that I adore in people. We were talking this evening at work and she wanted me to do a blog on the stuff Lauren says. This is prompted by her asking me last week if I had any advice for her...OF COURSE I do!! So here it is, the stuff Lauren says.

-Read The Giving Tree: only one time per year. This book makes you appreciate sacrifice, it makes you appreciate the human condition and how it changes, and by reading it only one time per year you appreciate the message more that way.

-Watch TV or listen to the radio in another language: This will allow you to appreciate your ability to communicate with others and understand what someone who does not speak your language goes through every day just trying to understand what you are saying to them.

-Change your style: if you are like me wearing a dress is reserved for funerals, weddings, or only a few select times...wear a dress every once in a while...shock people...and if you are a bit more prissy...go without makeup, or wear a t-shirt...show people your ability to be different than your image...

-Do something that makes you uncomfortable: For me this would be calling a random person to ask them a random question. Believe it or not I am not too fond of talking to people I don't know...Challenge yourself..it is important.

-Look at old pictures: Not to make fun of the old clothes and hairstyles but to appreciate your journey. If you can look at pictures of yourself and remember a good time or even a bad one tell yourself you made it...because you did.

-Help a perfect stranger: help someone in need...like literally in your face, at that moment in need. Because you never know when you will find yourself in need of someone else to simply show you compassion.

-Write a hand written letter: write a letter to someone, anyone. Write a letter to yourself to open a year from then...write some goals for yourself, for others, make a plan and put it in an envelope..tuck it away and open it a year later. You will be surprised at how much is different...even your handwriting can change. You never know.

Be a good person: really? Yes really. Sometimes people need to be reminded that being a good person is important. Being a good person means you stand up for something. Being a good person means you love yourself and expect others not to love you, but respect you. Being respected means that you respect people.

-Give what you get: If something wonderful happens to you, make something wonderful happen to someone else. Share that feeling. Who wouldn't want to share their excitement with someone else?

-Quit Judging people: Only judge yourself because only you make your life what it is. Unless your judgement of someone drastically changes their situation and makes it better stick to the golden rule: Do unto others...

-Float: anywhere, somewhere. Be weightless. Feel your soul.

-Listen to music LOUD!: listen to your music loud, be lost in it. Music is powerful, listen to different kinds of music. Find the stories within the song...struggle, victory, love, hate, anger, sadness. All of these emotions are in music, help the music define your feeling.

-Love yourself: love who you are. You are what you are with no mistake. Embrace your life. Appreciate it. Because living is a privilege denied to many...appreciate it.

Hug a child: Make a kid feel special. You were a kid, someone made you feel special...give that feeling to someone else.

Lastly: Be a good example: you never know when someone is watching you. Be a good person all the time, not just when you are being watched. If you screw up...own it. If you rock it out..talk about it. Be proud of who you are. When you are proud of you, others know that it is okay to be proud of yourself.

There you have it. Be who you are. Love who you are. Love other people. But don't judge other people. Live your life big while you have it. And as always be a good example for someone else...and obviously keep reading this blog!