brand new

So, I'm trying this new thing out. It's called "being more positive." Why would I need to do that?

Well, the people who know me best would tell you that I'm either very happy or very upset. They'd tell you that I'm either very positive or very negative. Basically, it's an either/or ordeal - my mood is never somewhere in between.

I'm going to put an end to this. As much as I feel like it doesn't affect others, I know it does. And as much as I feel like it doesn't really affect me, I know it does.

I also know that I'm not the only one out there who is like this. If you know you're the same way, you should do this with me. Just a suggestion...

Photo by NaPix -- Hmong Soul

Here are a set of basic rules I've created:

1. Keep negative thoughts and opinions of others (and things) to yourself. To put it simply, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!
2. Don't hold grudges against others. To put it simply,  forgive and forget (most things, not all)!
3. Smile often and laugh much.
4. Don't focus as much on or talk as much about the negative. Focus on the positive!

By just following these four guidelines, my week has already been much better than usual. Each day, I have encountered problems (as always), but I've dealt with them in a more constructive, positive way. I've been less disappointed, less upset, and less angry.

I'm feeling better than I ever - I'm feeling brand new.

Sending happiness and happy days your way!

abroad again

A couple posts ago, I mentioned that I had made many changes in my plan for my academic future. Here they are:

• I had been majoring in Public Relations and had a double minor in Spanish and World Business. That has now become a double major in Public Relations and Spanish.
• Explanation: There was a chance I would not have finished my World Business minor because the higher level classes were not offered every semester. Furthermore, there will always be someone who is well-versed in business concepts and procedures. I can learn that along the way. Spanish and knowledge of the Latino culture, however, is not something you can learn along the way. 
• I had not planned on taking summer school because I wanted a major internship this summer. Now, however, I will be taking one class this upcoming summer and will not have an internship.
• Explanation: To have the major internship I had wanted, it would be beneficial to take Public Relations Writing beforehand. Due to the course sequence in the Public Relations major, however, I will not take that class until Fall 2010. I've decided that, instead of going into a major internship without having taken the writing class, I'll take that during the summer and apply for internships afterwards.
• Because I will have an extra semester to work with after I take my Public Relations Writing class, I'm going to study abroad in the Fall of 2010 in Malaga, Spain.
• Explanation: Becoming fluent in Spanish and learning more about the culture by experiencing it firsthand will be beneficial to my future. I can also try to find a job working in the Public Relations industry abroad, since I will have taken the writing class. I'll be more prepared.

So that's all that has changed. It's a lot, I know, but I feel that it will create better options for me in the future. I'll be happier too.