New Year, New You

July 26th, 2017: Mom fell down four steps and fractured her ankle. As the fire crew was helping her, her phone kept ringing. Checking the number as they took her outside, I didn’t recognize it, so I didn’t answer it. Once at the hospital, we waited for a nurse to check her ankle. I didn’t mention the phone call, I brushed it off.

As a nurse checked mom, Tim came in and told us dad called. After the initial shock, mom broke into tears. My shock still hadn’t faded. I went out to talk to the kids, as Tim gave mom his phone to talk to dad.

Once I received the phone outside the medical center, I said hello. As soon as dad said; “Hey Brooke, haven’t heard from you in a while”, I fell on the sidewalk in tears.

This moment is my 2017 highlight. It is my reminder that in the dark times, a light is somewhere. This light was much more visible than most this year.

I won’t be the person to say how happy I am to see 2017 leave, but I will say; I hope 2018 is better. I’m happy for my health, my family, and my blessings. Some events from this year have been memorable. From hearing dads voice for the first time in 7 months to winning second place in the Fireman’s Competition (with Amber & Ben) to receiving Fire Company Photographer. Of course, there’s much more in between, but that’s the beauty. Through all the things done throughout the year, I will always have stories to tell.

My hopes for 2018:

1. That it starts off better than 2017.
2. Be more active on my Youtube channel.
3. Do more with my photography.
4. Spread more smiles and kindness.
5. Do more for others, than they’ve done for me.

As this year ends, remember that every year something will happen that makes it the absolute worst. But, the less you focus on the things that make it the worse and focus more on what is being done to make it better. You will see some change.

May your New Year be safe and fun. Spent with those you love. And may you find happiness in whatever comes your way.

Much Love,

Brooke.

Dealing With Difficult Situations.

     December was not the best month for me. I went through an extreme low in my life, unable to explain what was happening. This month starting out hasn't been near as bad, but it hasn't exactly been amazing either. Emotionally, things have been difficult for me. However, in this time I've come to realize what it's like to be lonely, even when you are around people. This feeling has happened to me before. Thinking no one really gave much of a care about me when in reality people really did care. Although, what many people don't realize; when you are in a state of extreme lows, you don't see people the same. Your feelings are different, your thoughts are different, you are different. No matter who around you tries to help, it's you who has to step up and fight back. Fighting against something that's not physically there is not easy, it's not something you can control in one night. Dealing with this type of stuff takes small steps until you reach your ideal goal. Starting small doesn't mean you are weak, it means you're trying. Trying is better than sitting back and accepting it.
     Now that I am attempting to get better, things around me seem to be more triggering. Unfortunately, that's what happens sometimes in order to improve ourselves and strengthen ourselves. Going through something so difficult, it's okay to have a breakdown. Just remember to keep moving forward and learn from the past. 
     In the end, you're not alone. No matter how bad you feel you are, there are so many people out there who care. Those people may not show it, they may not say it every day. But they care. I thought I was alone, I couldn't have been more wrong. People I thought hated me, turned out to be the ones who cared the most. I'm thankful for these people and those around me who were patient and helpful through my worst times. 
     To anyone who reads this and feels lonely/depressed, please don't give up. There are people around you, it takes some time to find them, but there are people who care. To anyone reading this who knows or think they know someone dealing with depression right now, take the time to message them. Just talking can really change someone's day.

It's Your Life

     Life is not easy. Just about everyone knows this. So, when it gives you a curve ball you have two choices. Sit back and complain or push forward and do something. If you want to get something done, don't sit around complaining about it and expecting people to help you through it. At some point you won't have 200 some friends, eventually you'll have yourself. Just you. That's when you learn to live for yourself.
     Stop making lame excuses to why you can't do something. Just because so and so said you can't or just because you believe you lack this or that. Those aren't even excuses, there set backs. Set backs don't have to come from someones mouth, it can come from ourselves. You ultimately make the calling decision whether you do something or not. There's no one else to blame. People around you can help and persuade you. However, you chose the outcome yourself. For example; wanting to do something as a career or life style, it's not dictated by what someone says, but what you make of it. Do not blame someone else, it's okay to be upset with someones view or decision, but blaming the person for what you do is unnecessary.
      If you don't like what someone says, instead of using words use actions. Prove them wrong and move on. Your life is yours, your decisions are yours, your mistakes are yours. Anything in your life is yours. It's your choice to live or complain. It's your choice to learn or give up. Nothing in life is handed over without a ounce of effort backed behind it. If you are unhappy about the way your life turned out, fix it. Don't say 'I can't do it because so and so said this..' instead do it because they said that, use it as motivation.
    People won't be there forever, eventually you'll find yourself alone in making decision and you won't have a large group of support. It shouldn't matter what people around you think. Your happiness is what matters. If you are happy, what is someone else to tell you to stop? Don't listen to them, it's that simple. Our lives are ours, our lives are meant to be lived and every now and again, learn from. It's your choice whether or not you make the effort to advance on your goals, not someone else. It's yours. Sometimes what other people say are your chances to motivate yourself and to encourage yourself, they may be a sand paper against your skin, but their also a learning and motivating chance. Take it while it's there and move on. In the end, life goes on whether you choose to go with or sit back and let people affect you.

Have a great day, 

Brooke.

Holiday Challenge 2015

      Before I begin, I thought I would start with explaining my vision of Christmas. While much of this world likes to embrace the idea that Christmas (the holidays) are a time solely for receiving presents, spending boat loads of money, and nothing else. I like to take a more different approach to the holiday seasons. Personally, I like to look at the holiday’s as a time for me to enjoy my family, while many are very unfortunate to be missing a loved one or more than one. In addition, I love to believe that this time of the year should be celebrated with random acts of kindness, friendly gestures, and volunteering. Many of my post have been about volunteering, I’m aware. However, this time of the year I believe it’s more meaningful.

With the definition of this, I bring to you a bit of a challenge. Anyone who reads this, I don’t care who you are! I challenge you to do something this season. This thing can be anything. Something as small as hold a door for the person behind you, offering to help carrying someone’s goods, buy a snack for someone who’s down on their luck right now, maybe volunteer your time at a local organization. Anything you do, whether it’s big or small, it can make an impact. Take time to buy a toy for ‘Toys For Tots’, drop some loose change in those famous red kettles, maybe grab a warm drink for someone who is ringing the bell. There is no limitation on the amount of things we can do. Just a simple card, a simple message, a simple smile. Anything!

With all this negative stuff going on in the world right now, I feel like we could use some more positive uplifting stories. If each of us took a few minutes to spread some sort of kindness we might be able to put more smiles in the world.

If you have a chance while doing your random thing of kindness. Maybe snap a picture, take a video, then post it on Instagram or Twitter or Facebook. Post it with #2015HolidayChallenge and let’s make this positive thing a trend. The more people we get on board, the more good we can spread.

Don’t read this then just carrying on. Anyone around you could be suffering; your neighbor, your friend, your coworker. People have a good way of hiding what’s going on. Something so simple could change a bad mood. Something so little can start something so big. So join me and let’s finish off this year with something more positive!

As Thanksgiving rounds the corner, I would like to send a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I hope it's filled with many thanks, lots of food, and great memories. Take some time to be thankful for those around you. One day they won't be there. Stay positive and have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Youth Problems 2015

     Our youth are becoming a very interesting group. Sometimes it's not a positive interesting either. The youth today act like responsibility is a choice and not a priority. For me personally, I find responsibility to be a top priority. I'm responsible for anything and everything I do. Not a single person can make me do anything, they could influence me, but ultimately I make the decision. I've had enough of people blaming the parents for so many of these kids now and days. The more and more we set the blame to the parents, the more and more the kids will do these dumb and irresponsible acts thinking 'My parents are going to get the blame for it'. The less we show our youth that their responsible for their actions, the more likely we are to see a negative slope in attitudes. 

       Cell phones have become a problem for much of today's youth. Yes, I find cell phones just as useful as the next person, but how many of our youth are actually using their phones for productive things? I would guess about 10%, that could even be a bit high. For example, all of these apps now that we can download and expose ourselves to the world. Many kids get on these apps and start chatting and posting, then they feel all tough and land themselves in trouble. Unfortunately, these kids haven't really took the lesson of turning off the devices. They get all upset over things they keep putting on themselves, and sit there and whine about it. Every device has a power off switch, if more kids learned to use it, maybe cyber bullying wouldn't be such an epidemic. 

       Many of these kids are growing up to be irresponsible as I mentioned before, but not only irresponsible but disrespectful. Personally, I fully respect others. On the other hand, our youth have decided they'll pick and choose. Respecting our elders, is no longer a top priority among kids. They believe that they have full responsibility to do whatever they desire. Possibly because stricter child protection laws save their rear ends. Maybe because they just want to be cool. Whatever may be the case, it is becoming obnoxious. 

      I'm not saying that every kid needs to be church goers, not every kid needs to be spanked. I'm only saying that the youth now and days is immature. Overall, I believe it has a lot to do with cellphones, now that they have a phone they don't need their brains (I don't intend to sugar coat this). I also don't intend to blame every young youth today, so many amazing kids have yet to be discovered. Although, as news has taught us; if you didn't do anything bad, you're not worth the spotlight. 

     It's unfortunate that this youth can come up so negatively. Looking at it right now. I don't see anyway to change it. Though, one day we may find a way.  

I thought I could, so I did!

     Before I get started with this one, take a chance to read this:

     This leads me into tonights post. Going back to the story we all heard in grade school 'The little engine that could'. Our outcomes are reliant on our mindset. Want a negative outcome? Have a negative mindset. Whatever you set your mind to, you will achieve. 

     Once having your mind believing you can't, you basically have said 'I'm giving up' and that always seems easier than putting forth more effort. However, if you just were to change your mindset to 'I can do this' you have set yourself on to a path of accomplishment. Our minds are truly amazing features, and they are very intellegent. Your brain will do whatever you tell it. So as I said if you believe you can't, you won't. No one ever got anywhere taking the easy road, life doesn't work like that. We face different things along the path and that is when we start our 'we can't' mindset. 

    From this point on I believe you should take on the 'I can' mindset. It's not easy, it's not meant to be, it's meant to challenge you. The challenge is what makes you stronger. In order to get anywhere in life we need to face challenges, we need to believe in ourselves. Again, our brains believe what we tell them. The more times you sit back and tell yourself: 'I'm not good enough' or 'I'm stupid'. The more and more your brain will believe it and adapt to it. To change it, it takes a bit of believing. This type of believing doesn't take some Disney song. To believe in yourself you have to put forth some effort. Once you begin to think 'I can', you will! 

Think Before You Judge

     It seems like now and days people keep finding new ways of putting someone down. Unfortunately, putting these people we hardly even know down is becoming more common. Why is it society finds a need to say or make rude unneeded comments about someone before getting to know them? It's coming to an extent with this world/society that it feels if you are not 'perfect' in their eyes then you are immediately a new target. For example, it seems more and more I read in the news about people ridiculing and harassing Autistic kids because they are 'loud' or a 'nuisance'. It's unfortunate people can send death threats about these kids to their parents, saying these kids should never live. These kids deserve a chance in this world as much as we do. You don't know their story, any one of us could of been autistic, but fortunately we aren't. It's not right for us to harass anyone like that. Not only Autistic kids, but, the homeless, people who can't make ends meet who try harder then you may ever see. We just immediately assume that these people do nothing and sit on their butts all day. At any time in our life, we could be just like them. As I mentioned, you have no idea if they may be hard workers that hit a rough patch or if their not. So, instead of being quick to judge them, why can't we just live our life's and stop being so concerned about ridiculing someone else's.
     We have enough time to judge and harass others for their lives, lives we really can't change. But, we don't have the time to fix our lives? We don't have the time to do something good? If more people took that time they use to judge, harass, and worry about someone else's life style and put it to helping, working, volunteering, saying more positive things; this world could honestly be a better place.
     Though, I know this world will not change just because of a teenage girl writing some post. However, I do believe if just one person reads this, then takes action towards it, it could start something amazing. We act like we can't do anything, but really, if we put in our minds we can, we would be shocked at what we could get done. As Henry Ford once said: "Whether you believe you can or you can't, you're right". Teach your brain that you can make a difference, and watch, you will! This doesn't require some complicated pre-calculus problem, it just requires some true motivation!
     Take some time to compliment someone, take some time to ask someone how their day is, offer them some assists moving something. Those small, simple, easy, things can really make a big impact. None of which requires judgment, other than judging which one you should do!