Create Your Own Sunshine

I'm going to try something new, I'll see if I can stick to it.  Over the weekend I found an old journal from my 12th Grade English Class and it had a lot of inspirational journal topics.  As I was reading over them, I thought I should give them all a try again.  Something to get me back on my feet writing. I'll still write a few of my usual blogs, my rants and raves.  This is just a little extra to keep things fresh.  Let's get this thing started.

"What you say says who you are."

When I wrote my original journal entry on August 24, 1995, Social Media did not exist.  The small reflection talked about people who do not speak intelligently, or who may use slang words.  I referenced the fact that stereotypes could be placed on those people and may make them seem uneducated.  I also reflected on those who talk incessantly (yes I used that word in 12th Grade) about their lifestyle.  Those who bragged about this new thing or that, their new car, clothes or hair style.  This would make a person seem "cool" or "tough" to others.  At that time, my end of my journal said, "I think if you have to say something to represent who you are, you may be no one at all."

I may have just had it back then I think.  Things really haven't changed have they?  With all of the Social Media and constant lifestyle of technology, we are constantly living up to other's standards.  Why aren't we living up to our own standards?  Are we trying to be skinny for ourselves or for someone else's perspective of us?  Do you "check-in" to the gym to prove something?  What about the times when you are out eating at a fancy restaurant.  Don't forget to take a picture of that food!  Hey, I'm guilty... I do it all the time.  I have a great friend that calls me out on it all the time.  Why do I do it though?  Wow, why do I do it?  Wait!  Let's get a family photo in front of this cool fountain.  Don't forget to use the hashtag #iloveus or #familytime.

What you say says who you are?  Are you really this person, or are you living up to the standards of someone else?  Do you want everyone else to see the happy?  Be happy on your own, and don't make the mistake of others happiness for you determining your happiness.  Create your own happy.