Hey guys! Guest post is up! Check out The Strange Musician blog to see it! :) Click here!
Kisses,
Isabelle
Friday, July 15, 2016
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Life as a Book Character
As I am lounging here in my hammock in the middle of the woods devouring books, I can't help but wonder what it would be like to be one of the characters in my stories. In many ways, it seems impossible. All the female characters in teen fiction books are alluring, beautiful with and without makeup on, guarded, irresistible, mysterious, and the guy always falls helplessly in love with her. The girl is never mean, never cruel, and everything always works out for her. Every time I read a book depicting such a utopia, I find myself wishing I could be like her. While she has problems, in the end it all works out. She gets the perfect guy, she gets into her dream college, she gets a clean resolution. All loose ends tied into a neat little bow.
In contrast, real life pales in comparison. You don't always get the perfect guy. You don't always get into your dream college. Everything doesn't always work out. So what would it be like to live in a world that everything did? I've spent countless summer days reading about these powerful females and trying to learn from them, emulate them and their personalities so my life could be just as picturesque as theirs. I want their carefree adventures, their true love, and their happy endings. Unsurprisingly, pretending to be someone you aren't doesn't do much good for you. All I managed to do was confuse and hurt myself when it didn't work out like the storylines. But that doesn't stop my imagination from longing for such perfection. What it be like to be a character in a book? Sometimes I wish I was one.
Kisses,
Isabelle 🤔ðŸ’
P.S Stay tuned for a guest post coming up in the next few days! I will be guest posting on The Strange Musician. Hope everyone will check it out!
In contrast, real life pales in comparison. You don't always get the perfect guy. You don't always get into your dream college. Everything doesn't always work out. So what would it be like to live in a world that everything did? I've spent countless summer days reading about these powerful females and trying to learn from them, emulate them and their personalities so my life could be just as picturesque as theirs. I want their carefree adventures, their true love, and their happy endings. Unsurprisingly, pretending to be someone you aren't doesn't do much good for you. All I managed to do was confuse and hurt myself when it didn't work out like the storylines. But that doesn't stop my imagination from longing for such perfection. What it be like to be a character in a book? Sometimes I wish I was one.
Kisses,
Isabelle 🤔ðŸ’
P.S Stay tuned for a guest post coming up in the next few days! I will be guest posting on The Strange Musician. Hope everyone will check it out!
Friday, June 3, 2016
Stereotypes
Ya know what really rattles my cage? Stereotypes. I despise how people generalize according to outward appearances. "She is a blonde so she must be stupid." "He has glasses so he must be a nerd." "She wears a lot of makeup so she must be a hooker." Small minded comments like this really steam my clams. Even worse are the ones that involve race. "He is black so he must be a criminal." Or "She is middle eastern so she must be a terrorist." Especially gender ones, even ones as little as "Females are good cooks." Or "Males are all strong."
No. Not everyone is what you think they are. It runs so much deeper than that. People are complex and unique and can not be molded into one specific category. Stereotypes are for ignorant and small minded people who have nothing better to do than judge others.
So please don't stereotype. Don't conform and don't judge others. Just let them be them and just be you.
Kisses,
Isabelle
No. Not everyone is what you think they are. It runs so much deeper than that. People are complex and unique and can not be molded into one specific category. Stereotypes are for ignorant and small minded people who have nothing better to do than judge others.
So please don't stereotype. Don't conform and don't judge others. Just let them be them and just be you.
Kisses,
Isabelle
Sunday, May 29, 2016
How to Bounce Back from Disappointment
I am a drum major of my school's marching band. It has been my dream since I was a freshman. At the end of my sophomore year, I tried out to be the drum major. I was astonished to find out that I made it, along with two of my other friends! This past season was the first time our school has ever had three drum majors. The position was everything I dreamed it would be and more! I absolutely fell in love with it and tried my hardest every day. It changed my perspective on life-- so much so that I wanted to be drum major in college and become a band director. I felt like I was good at it and I had a firey passion for music, band, and my peers' success. I decided to try out again at the end of this year. I was overjoyed to discover that I made it again. I was so proud to have accomplished my dream once again. There was no better way for me personally to finish high school: living, eating, and breathing my dream. My senior year was supposed to my year; the year that I can shine; the year that I would not let anyone take advantage of me; the year that I could be head/competition drum major. This idea was euphoric and I wanted it so bad. It was within reach; I could see my fingertips grazing on the surface.
Until it wasn't. Sometimes dreams don't work out the way you want them to. What I worked so hard for and craved so intensely, I didn't receive. One of my other drum major colleagues got it instead of me. I was not going to be the head and my dreams were not going to come true. I found out the morning after. I was completely crushed. It was the biggest let down of my life thus far. Anyone who has had something like this happen to them knows the sorrow and regret that accompanies having the most important and substantial aspirations, goals, and dreams crumble into dust. For a couple days, it is like you have been swallowed by a black hole of despair. The next stage I experienced was disbelief and numbness. Accompanying that was attributing blame. I distinctly remember laying in my bed and asking God why. Asking Him what I did to deserve this. I thought back to every little mistake I made throughout the previous season, then to my whole high school career. I analyzed every single action, word, and attitude. I examined my confidence levels and my outward appearance, anything that could make me insuperior to the one who got it instead of me. Next was anger. I didn't lash out, but I let the anger consume me, rumbling deep within my chest. I took it out on myself. Eventually, I talked to my band director, asking him what I could do better so I could be drum major in college. I was hurt when he said "Keep doing what you're doing." But what I'm doing now isn't good enough; I didn't get it. I'm still working on rebuilding my confidence and pride, and my ego is bruised. The decision hasn't gone public yet-- only the head, his close friends and family, me, and my close friends and family know. I'm still working on me.
However, in order to successfully bounce back from disappointment, you have to feel all the feels (that's such a weird sentence! Lol). The five stages of grief are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. There is no set time that should be spent in each stage-- it all depends on the individual. The denial stage is characterized by disbelief. In this phase, it is common to question yourself, those around you, and God. Next is anger. In the anger phase, the tendency is to attribute blame. Remember not to be too hard on yourself, but also don't push your friends away or inaccurately blame others for your misfortune. In the bargaining phase, it is common to offer trades or make promises. "If I can only have this, I will trade this" or "I promise I won't do this anymore if I can just have this back." Unfortunately, God works on His plan on His own time, so chances are if you lost it, God has a plan for you and your future. After the bargaining phase is the depression phase. Once it becomes clear that the event really happened and that it won't be reversed, sadness ensues. This is typically the longest phase, especially with losses of friends, family, or pets. When in this stage, remember that it will get better and that it is not your fault. The last phase is acceptance. With acceptance comes closure and you can finally move on.
The most important thing is to go at your own pace! Rushing through the process or wallowing in a certain stage could inhibit or negatively affect your healing. On the bright side, with every little letdown, you're building your resilience. You'll get through this! Good luck and feel better my lovelies!
Kisses,
Isabelle 😘❤️
Until it wasn't. Sometimes dreams don't work out the way you want them to. What I worked so hard for and craved so intensely, I didn't receive. One of my other drum major colleagues got it instead of me. I was not going to be the head and my dreams were not going to come true. I found out the morning after. I was completely crushed. It was the biggest let down of my life thus far. Anyone who has had something like this happen to them knows the sorrow and regret that accompanies having the most important and substantial aspirations, goals, and dreams crumble into dust. For a couple days, it is like you have been swallowed by a black hole of despair. The next stage I experienced was disbelief and numbness. Accompanying that was attributing blame. I distinctly remember laying in my bed and asking God why. Asking Him what I did to deserve this. I thought back to every little mistake I made throughout the previous season, then to my whole high school career. I analyzed every single action, word, and attitude. I examined my confidence levels and my outward appearance, anything that could make me insuperior to the one who got it instead of me. Next was anger. I didn't lash out, but I let the anger consume me, rumbling deep within my chest. I took it out on myself. Eventually, I talked to my band director, asking him what I could do better so I could be drum major in college. I was hurt when he said "Keep doing what you're doing." But what I'm doing now isn't good enough; I didn't get it. I'm still working on rebuilding my confidence and pride, and my ego is bruised. The decision hasn't gone public yet-- only the head, his close friends and family, me, and my close friends and family know. I'm still working on me.
However, in order to successfully bounce back from disappointment, you have to feel all the feels (that's such a weird sentence! Lol). The five stages of grief are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. There is no set time that should be spent in each stage-- it all depends on the individual. The denial stage is characterized by disbelief. In this phase, it is common to question yourself, those around you, and God. Next is anger. In the anger phase, the tendency is to attribute blame. Remember not to be too hard on yourself, but also don't push your friends away or inaccurately blame others for your misfortune. In the bargaining phase, it is common to offer trades or make promises. "If I can only have this, I will trade this" or "I promise I won't do this anymore if I can just have this back." Unfortunately, God works on His plan on His own time, so chances are if you lost it, God has a plan for you and your future. After the bargaining phase is the depression phase. Once it becomes clear that the event really happened and that it won't be reversed, sadness ensues. This is typically the longest phase, especially with losses of friends, family, or pets. When in this stage, remember that it will get better and that it is not your fault. The last phase is acceptance. With acceptance comes closure and you can finally move on.
The most important thing is to go at your own pace! Rushing through the process or wallowing in a certain stage could inhibit or negatively affect your healing. On the bright side, with every little letdown, you're building your resilience. You'll get through this! Good luck and feel better my lovelies!
Kisses,
Isabelle 😘❤️
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Love
Picture this: a young couple, approximately fourteen, holding hands. All of a sudden, the boy turns abruptly to the girl, looks into her eyes and proclaims his feelings. He says it. The three words and eight letters that hold so much meaning and emotion. That make any relationship real, legit, serious. "I love you."
If you are like the majority of modern society, the first thought that pops in your head is "They're too young" or "They don't understand what they're saying." Society's first instinct is to shame, chastise, and criticize. We live in a world that is very opinionated and bold, especially about others. We assume prematurely and are quick to judge others while turning a blind eye to our own flaws. We are hypocrites. Personally, I am tired of it. I am fed up, and it all starts with society's perception of love.
First of all, why do we allow others to influence our relationship choices? I watch as so many of my friends dissect the pros and cons of dating someone. While thinking through the decision is important and sometimes friends can see what you fail to, letting your friends decide who you can and cannot date will only end in fights, resentment, and heartbreak. It is just a bad idea in general.
Next, we perceive love as one simple thing, but it is not. That is a common misconception. Love is so many things, yet one thing; it is so complex, yet fundamental. Love is such a broad topic and it simply cannot be molded or forced into one general, universal definition. With that being said, love is so different. It is unique to everyone. No one loves the same way. What is love to me may not be love to you. In addition, love is different at different stages in life. Right now at 16, my idea of love is drastically different from what it will be when I am 25. I cannot stress this enough: love is not just one thing. It is so complex and circumstantial that it just can't be forced into a concise, accurate definition.
The fourteen year old couple mentioned above could very well be in love. But that is not for us to decide. Love is unique to the individual and should not be collectively defined. In fact, we should just mind our own business. Who cares if they're in love? Who cares if they aren't? It's their life and their relationship. Not ours.
Kisses,
Isabelle :)
P.S. Sorry for not posting recently! It's a crazy time of year as school is coming to a close, but finally all of my standardized testing is over. In fact, I took my last AP Exam this morning! So I should be more present now. Again, sorry! Have a great day!
P.P.S Please check out the new poll and vote.
If you are like the majority of modern society, the first thought that pops in your head is "They're too young" or "They don't understand what they're saying." Society's first instinct is to shame, chastise, and criticize. We live in a world that is very opinionated and bold, especially about others. We assume prematurely and are quick to judge others while turning a blind eye to our own flaws. We are hypocrites. Personally, I am tired of it. I am fed up, and it all starts with society's perception of love.
First of all, why do we allow others to influence our relationship choices? I watch as so many of my friends dissect the pros and cons of dating someone. While thinking through the decision is important and sometimes friends can see what you fail to, letting your friends decide who you can and cannot date will only end in fights, resentment, and heartbreak. It is just a bad idea in general.
Next, we perceive love as one simple thing, but it is not. That is a common misconception. Love is so many things, yet one thing; it is so complex, yet fundamental. Love is such a broad topic and it simply cannot be molded or forced into one general, universal definition. With that being said, love is so different. It is unique to everyone. No one loves the same way. What is love to me may not be love to you. In addition, love is different at different stages in life. Right now at 16, my idea of love is drastically different from what it will be when I am 25. I cannot stress this enough: love is not just one thing. It is so complex and circumstantial that it just can't be forced into a concise, accurate definition.
The fourteen year old couple mentioned above could very well be in love. But that is not for us to decide. Love is unique to the individual and should not be collectively defined. In fact, we should just mind our own business. Who cares if they're in love? Who cares if they aren't? It's their life and their relationship. Not ours.
Kisses,
Isabelle :)
P.S. Sorry for not posting recently! It's a crazy time of year as school is coming to a close, but finally all of my standardized testing is over. In fact, I took my last AP Exam this morning! So I should be more present now. Again, sorry! Have a great day!
P.P.S Please check out the new poll and vote.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Prom
Prom. Every little girl's fairytale: big Princess dresses, pretty makeup, heels, a date, and lots and lots of pictures! The epitome of youth, a major landmark you'll remember the rest of your life. Prom has a reputation of being a magical evening, one to look forward to and remember forever.
Personally, I've been looking forward to my first Prom for 16 years. When I was little, I would dream about how beautiful I'd look in my long ball gown, how elegantly I would dance, and how dashing my date would look. Prom was the reason I was looking forward to being a teenager.
I say all this because my first Prom was April 2nd. It was everything I hoped it would be and more! But it also wasn't. It was actually really stressful. I wanted everything to be perfect and so I obsessed over every detail. I planned everything from appointments to ride arrangements to dinner reservations. Everything was going swimmingly until my hair appointment went an hour over which caused me to be an hour late to pictures-- oops! (Lesson learned: get an earlier appointment next time.) On the other end of the spectrum, Prom was one of the best nights of my life. I will remember it forever! After the hair fiasco, everything went smoothly. I had a great time with my date and I even got to witness two good friends be named Prom Prince and Princess!
Living in a fairytale doesn't always happen. Dreams don't always come true. But that night, mine did. Never stop dreaming, never stop believing. It just might come true!
Kisses,
Isabelle <3
P.S. Share your Prom experience(s) below! :)
Personally, I've been looking forward to my first Prom for 16 years. When I was little, I would dream about how beautiful I'd look in my long ball gown, how elegantly I would dance, and how dashing my date would look. Prom was the reason I was looking forward to being a teenager.
I say all this because my first Prom was April 2nd. It was everything I hoped it would be and more! But it also wasn't. It was actually really stressful. I wanted everything to be perfect and so I obsessed over every detail. I planned everything from appointments to ride arrangements to dinner reservations. Everything was going swimmingly until my hair appointment went an hour over which caused me to be an hour late to pictures-- oops! (Lesson learned: get an earlier appointment next time.) On the other end of the spectrum, Prom was one of the best nights of my life. I will remember it forever! After the hair fiasco, everything went smoothly. I had a great time with my date and I even got to witness two good friends be named Prom Prince and Princess!
Living in a fairytale doesn't always happen. Dreams don't always come true. But that night, mine did. Never stop dreaming, never stop believing. It just might come true!
Kisses,
Isabelle <3
P.S. Share your Prom experience(s) below! :)
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
When You Feel Alone
The feeling of loneliness is a very common feeling in today's day and age. Something as little as a status on Facebook, a picture of a cute couple on Instagram, none of your friends responding to your texts, or a Promposal in the school hallway can overwhelm you with loneliness. When the feeling hits, sometimes it's hard to focus on anything else. You get a hole in your chest, can't breathe, and hurt from the inside out.
When you feel alone, it's common to want to do one of two things: wallow in your self-deprecating thoughts, or make yourself feel better. Remember: it is okay to cry and sometimes it will make you feel better. :)
When I wallow, I like to do it comfortably. I change into the fluffiest pair of socks I own and put on my favorite pair of pajamas. Then, I either wrap myself in a blanket burrito style or I turn on my bed heater and lay under the covers. I will just lay there and let my mind wander for a while. I think about everything. I remember someone I miss, imagine what-ifs, and wish I was out doing something productive. If that doesn't work, I will turn on sad music with relatable lyrics. Occasionally, I will even eat peanut butter or ice cream (I know-- very cliché) and go through sentimental old photos. It may not be healthy, but oh man it is so satisfying to devour something yummy after a crappy day!
Elevating your mood after it crashes can be difficult. It really depends on the person. What works for me is to focus on something enjoyable, like reading a good book, watching Netflix, or doing my homework (not enjoyable, but distracting nonetheless). It's amazing how well distracting yourself can be. Due to tiny miracle workers in your body called endorphins, exercising also boosts your mood. Running purges all my negative energy. The harder and faster I run, the better I feel-- as long as I remember to stretch afterwards! When I need cheering up, I also like to write. I keep a journal that I write in occasionally. It's filled with a plethora of things: from to-do lists to emotional rants. If you need to let something off your chest, than this is very therapeutic and I highly recommend it. The final and most important thing to do when you want to alleviate the loneliness is.... PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE AND GET OFF SOCIAL MEDIA!!!!!! Social media will only make you feel worse. Do yourself a favor and take a break from the negative energy.
Loneliness is like a math problem: discouraging, but solvable! Good luck, feel better, and treat yourself. You deserve it! :)
Kisses,
Isabelle :)
When you feel alone, it's common to want to do one of two things: wallow in your self-deprecating thoughts, or make yourself feel better. Remember: it is okay to cry and sometimes it will make you feel better. :)
When I wallow, I like to do it comfortably. I change into the fluffiest pair of socks I own and put on my favorite pair of pajamas. Then, I either wrap myself in a blanket burrito style or I turn on my bed heater and lay under the covers. I will just lay there and let my mind wander for a while. I think about everything. I remember someone I miss, imagine what-ifs, and wish I was out doing something productive. If that doesn't work, I will turn on sad music with relatable lyrics. Occasionally, I will even eat peanut butter or ice cream (I know-- very cliché) and go through sentimental old photos. It may not be healthy, but oh man it is so satisfying to devour something yummy after a crappy day!
Elevating your mood after it crashes can be difficult. It really depends on the person. What works for me is to focus on something enjoyable, like reading a good book, watching Netflix, or doing my homework (not enjoyable, but distracting nonetheless). It's amazing how well distracting yourself can be. Due to tiny miracle workers in your body called endorphins, exercising also boosts your mood. Running purges all my negative energy. The harder and faster I run, the better I feel-- as long as I remember to stretch afterwards! When I need cheering up, I also like to write. I keep a journal that I write in occasionally. It's filled with a plethora of things: from to-do lists to emotional rants. If you need to let something off your chest, than this is very therapeutic and I highly recommend it. The final and most important thing to do when you want to alleviate the loneliness is.... PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE AND GET OFF SOCIAL MEDIA!!!!!! Social media will only make you feel worse. Do yourself a favor and take a break from the negative energy.
Loneliness is like a math problem: discouraging, but solvable! Good luck, feel better, and treat yourself. You deserve it! :)
Kisses,
Isabelle :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)