Bad Days

     Have you ever; gotten over something, started getting better, etc. then suddenly everything went back to usual? Well you're not alone. Just recently I've been getting better; much happier, less stressed, enjoying simple things in life. Well of course that was short lived, after a bunch of my good days I finally hit the wall. Just the last few days have been full of tears, stress, and negativity. It's been difficult dealing with these last few days, since I had just started to get better. It's going to be hard when you first get this way again, but I have some ideas that I hope will help you.
     First, when you have your bad/stressful day, look at it as a rainy day. When you think of it as a 'rainy' day then you will begin to imagine a more sunny or less stressful day. Second, try thinking of the bad day as a chance to enjoy a simple thing. Such as; a warm cup of coffee (or tea), or maybe the sunset or sunrise. Our bad days always seem to remind us of a simple thing we usually seem to miss out on. Third, take some time to take a walk, head out to your local park or lake, take a nice stroll. This may or may not work, but it could reduce a bit of the stress you earned throughout your day. Lastly, try to just take a deep breath and move forward. Bad days will come and go, there's no doubt we will all get one. Sometimes the best we can do is take a deep breath and just face the facts. Sure, this isn't the best advice but it could be the only thing that gets you through the day.
     No matter what kind of day you have, or week. Remember that in the end, things will normally begin to look up. If it's not looking up, it's not the end. Take some time to smell the roses, take some time to enjoy a simple thing or two, or just take in some oxygen and get prepared for a good day later on. Whatever works for you. Remember that life will balance our good days with our bad, though it seems like we always get more bad days.

I hope you have a great weekend and stay safe!

Bullying SHOULD be old news..

      We live in a world that keeps finding reasons to make another person feel awful about who they are. Unfortunately, more people support the side that promotes bullying, harassment, and worst of all judgment. It's not up to us as a society to judge someone based on their life. We each have a different lifestyle and we all are different; whether anyone wants to believe it or not. Just because someone doesn't fit in societies standards of perfect or beautiful, we immediately should be able to reticulated and harass them. Then, if someone does it to us it's wrong and the person doing it to us should be beat up or such. Well, it's wrong no matter who you are, what your story is, or whatever may be the case, to bully and harass someone that you may or may not know anything about. Though, with the way things are set up, I know this will probably live on until the end of the world. However, instead of jumping on the bandwagon of harassment and bullying we could begin to fight back. There is people no matter how much promotion there is to 'non-bullying' they will immediately use the 'offended' card on people. I'm sorry to inform you but the whole offended by such comeback is getting old. I'm not offended by bullying, but I'm ready for there to be an end to it. It's getting old watching people go back and fourth in insults, why can't we just be nice? Is it because 'it's for kids'? Well guess what? Being nice has no age. In a world of awful, continuous news, why can't we spread more positive? Of course there will be that person or people who find a way to make someones positive attempt into a bad one. A terrible excuse for bullying/harassment has to be 'well my parents are this way so I am'.. NO! You don't have to be like your parents. You are not force to be rude and cruel to others, you have the choice to change. I'm nothing like what my biological family was like, I made it my goal not to become anything like them. We live in a world full of hate, harassment, and bullying, why can't we just change that? It's not hard.
     There are so many ways to lessen the problem. Someone makes an insulting comment on your status: DELETE it. It's not on your status? then just ignore it, don't give it your attention. That's what these people want, is people start an augment, get grumpy about it. If it's verbal, ignore it.  Believe me, I know it's hard to just ignore it. If it's physical, do something about it. Speak up! There is more people on your side then theirs.
     Don't fight fire with fire. It puts nothing out. Fight it with water, make it peaceful, and don't jump on the bandwagon. It's hard living in this world of so much hatred, but let's remind society there is still people with hearts.

One Year Of Firefighting

     Tuesday night {Sept 8th 2015} I've been a firefighter for a year. Sure, this isn't anything too important, but it is an accomplishment. In the beginning I didn't know how I would feel about it, if I'd be good enough, but today it's different. In honor of the year in the fire service I thought I would share what I've learned in my year. However, this isn't about what I learned about firefighting but from firefighting.
    First things first: ALL LIVES MATTER! In the fire department you don't usually know the person or people who you are saving or helping. However, that doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if the person is black or white, straight or not, etc. we come we do our job and we go home. It doesn't make a difference who the person is, we are there to do what we signed up for. All this talk today that one persons (groups) life matters over another is in honesty a lot of nonsense, EVERYBODY is important, NOT just one group or person. Second, I learned quick what respect and responsibility is. Of course I knew this ahead of time, but in the fire department it is more than important to realize those two words. Respect is not only given to the senior members but everybody, even on calls we respect the citizens around us. Our company is responsible if we show disrespect to anyone, because the name on our trucks is the name we represent. This leads in to responsibility, not only around the fire house either, this goes for everywhere. Our actions, our responsibility. You are not there to mess around and break things then blame some else, you are their to be responsible and take care of the house. If you were to accidentally break something, you own up to it. Responsibility doesn't just mean when things get broke, but when you say something: you are responsible for what you said. Third, you learn that what is being said will eventually be something very important. If one day chief talks about how to set up for a wildfire operation, you better be listening and learning. At any point in time you may be face with that situation. Everything you learn in the fire department is extremely important.  Don't take for granted all the training/drills. What you learn and use will really make an impact. Fourth, LEADERSHIP. This isn't only the chief, deputy, lieutenants, job. Throughout your time in the fire service you will learn leadership, no doubt. Don't abuse it when it comes to your chance. Leadership is a person who can lead a group to do great things. Never forget that. Lastly, the fire service has it's days, we may not 100% agree with everyone's views, we may not agree 100% with how things should be ran, but take a moment to realize this won't last forever. Some day the people you get to work with and spend time with won't be there anymore. Don't forget to enjoy the good times with the crew, even if it's washing a truck or if it's setting up for a chicken BBQ. These small things will fly by. Yeah, I've only been in it for a year; what do I know? Well from talking with the older members, I can tell you: Life is short, you better enjoy it while you can.
     So, to anyone who looks at the fire department and thinks 'that can't be hard' or 'you just learn how to fight fires', you really haven't experienced anything until you experienced firefighting. It's not just about the fire service, it's about life lessons.
     I hope everyone has a safe and happy Labor Day! Also, don't forget to thank a firefighter, police man, ems, etc. on 9/11.

Volunteering & Leadership: Can We Make A Change?

     Am I the only one who is tired of hearing all this negative news? I feel it's about time to start changing it. Yes, I agree that the news usually will only tell negative news because it's how they get people to watch, but say we didn't do this to get on the news.. Yes, doing something good without any publicity. No matter who you are, you can make a little change in someones life. Maybe just a quick 'hey how are ya?' message or maybe a visit, whatever it may be, whatever it may take, just do it. This can be done without having to be publicly recognized for it. Although, I know that it can't happen like that in a world full of technology. So, if you decide to do something good for someone else do it! Afterwards if you feel the want or the need, post a picture of you or your group on social media, adding #SpreadThePositive.
     I know I talked about this last time I posted but it truly is something I care about. Getting out in your community and doing something can make a much larger impact then you could imagine. For instance; I am a volunteer firefighter, as of Tuesday (Sept 8th, 2015) I've been in the fire service for 1 year.  Over that year I've respond to a decent amount of calls, and to this day I don't realize what difference I may have actually made, but I know from others who send cards or small little thank you gifts, that has a crew, our teamwork and service really impacted someones life. Sure, that's a little big, and I realize not everyone has the ability to be a firefighter. However, there is endless things you could do to Spread The Positive, it could be as easy as volunteer at a soup kitchen, volunteering at the VA, or donating food to a shelter. As our parents taught us (or may not of) all those little things add up into bigger things. Each little bit of volunteering that you put in, is just adding up to a large impact in the end. Around you are so many opportunity's, take advantage of what is available to you. Remember that no matter what you do, it is making a difference for someone else.
    This leads us into one last thing; leadership. This is your opportunity to show what kind of leader you can be. Get out and do something, our world right now (whether you want to believe it or not) could use more positive leadership. Give this a chance! Don't turn it down! Take some time to Spread The Positive!

#SpreadThePositive Challenge

     The world is slowly becoming worse. People fighting over rights, people fighting over a flag, kids bullying each other, adults bullying each other, etc. Instead of joining in, why not try something a little different? We all have a voice, but the problem is; we aren't using it. As a individual we can voice out positive and encouraging messages, but unfortunately not many people are taking this chance. 'One person can't change the word' well I believe one person can. If one person in politics can start a wave of voice, why can't an average individual? With more positive and encouraging motivation/messages, we could slowly bring back a better world. I'm well aware the world will never be 100% better but we could always try to make it at least 50%.
    That is my challenge to you! Take some time from your life and HELP! There is so many opportunity's around you to help out someone else. Volunteer; whether it's something as big as firefighting, spending time with patients at a hospital, dishing soup at a soup kitchen, donating goods to charity, etc. Maybe it's something as simple as taking time to message someone you see having a hard time, whether you are close to this person or not, sending a message can save a life. Even just easily hanging out with this person, doesn't matter if you go to a park or go the an amusement park, just knowing someone is there for them is enough for them. The opportunity's are honestly endless. Life is too short to sit back and spread negativity, so how about be more encouraging. One person is all it takes to start a movement!
    I'm well aware you hear these things everyday, but it seems like the only way people will do something anymore is if it has a hashtag and challenge written with it. So why don't we start the #SpreadThePositive challenge?
    We have a world that needs a change, so why can't we be the ones to start a change? Give it a try, don't just brush it off. You may have all the time in the world, but someone else might not.

Your Story!

      I hate to inform you; life will never follow your plans 100%. Although, if you remain positive and keep your head up, then you may achieve better. We all have a story, and each page lies a different plot that will lead to an interesting conclusion. Like in a story we read on to find out what better comes out of it, treat your life like a story. Instead of sitting back when life hits you with a curve ball, get up and swing your bat at the next ball. Life isn't meant to be easy, if it was it wouldn't be as fun. Take a set back as a chance to improve.
      For me, I have had some trouble in my past, I prefer not to talk about it; but things just didn't go my way. Instead of getting bitter I decided to get better. Sure, I still have my set backs and curve balls but I try to remind myself of the positive I have yet to face.
     That's what I believe we all need to do; don't get bitter, get better {Josh Shipp}. Let's not sit back when our plot gets sour, let's get up and face this head on. One day all of our mistakes and set backs will make sense. If they don't and if nothing gets better please don't end your story. There is so much out there that has yet to be explored. Life has many more chapters, if you don't like the one your on change it. Don't sit back and take it. There are so many amazing stories about people who have made it through their tough times and came out on top. Steve Harvey had gone through homelessness and divorce; here he is today a successful motivational man who many have come to enjoy. Brent Smith {of Shinedown} has gone through drug addiction, he became sober and now is an amazing performer. Everyone successful around you has faced a difficulty at some point that you may never know about, you're no different. So, when you face a time in your life where things have taken a turn, don't look negatively on it, take a more positive route. In the end, remember to smile and stay positive.

Stay Positive,
Brooke

 Ps:

Leadership

            I see the question "What is leadership" appear in a lot of places, and I thought I would take some time to give my opinion on it...
         First, I feel like a leader shouldn't be defined by some position that a person has earned. Anyone can be a president (or high power), but only few can actually lead well. A leader to me would be any individual (no matter what rank they are in society), who takes the time/steps to encourage, motivate, persuade, someone else to do well and achieve great goals. It shouldn't be just a higher power individual, and I feel like that's where we go wrong with naming 'leaders'. Second, as a firefighter I do have a Chief, Deputy, Lieutenant, etc. but none of them are any good if they aren't good leaders. Yes, they have 'positions' of higher power but they are suppose to encourage us and teach us to do well. In my fire department our higher authority is a group of wonderful leaders who teach us very well, but I know some people and fire departments aren't as fortunate. Like I mentioned previously; anyone can be considered a leader by their position, but only few can actually show leader qualifications. Third, what I consider good leader qualifications. Well, like I said before anyone who can; teach, encourage, and motivate another person(s) to do well. However, a leader can't just stop there, they should really take over, until these other individuals have reach full potential and rubbed it off on others. Basically, when one leader takes over, many other leaders should develop afterwards, it shouldn't be a influence we are ashamed to share, but one we are happy to see spread. We need a little less negative influence and a lot more powerful and positive influences; to achieve that we must change our 'Leaders'. Anyone can become a high position, but that will never make them a leader until they can actually show they can be one! 
        I highly encourage you to take the steps and become a leader to someone around you, whether it is one or one-hundred people. Just take the steps and spread a positive influence to those around you! Make your words count!