Hmmm...questionable

I don't quite know what it is about people in general...but we do a lot of stupid things. We say things we don't mean, keep inside what we feel and when we feel inadequate and weak...we lash out at others to try and fail to bring ourselves back up.

It's a vicious cycle that I have been guilty of at times; but recently I feel like I've been the brunt of many people's insecurities and I, unwittingly, have been letting them drag me down a slippery slope. They say misery loves company, but don't come knocking at my door anymore because no one will be there to answer.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent - that's what I've had to repeat to myself over and over these past few weeks. It's pointless to let another's negativity infiltrate your life to the point where you don't know why you feel upset anymore. You may have nothing to be ashamed of but just the presence of that person can knock you down and leave you breathless, unsure about yourself and even your own life.

All I can say is that if you're feeling down on yourself or lost- look in the mirror to find the problem. Don't blame it on others or try to make them feel as if they are the ones with the issue. Nine times out of 10 the culprit is you.

Girl on a horse

Portrait taken in Athens, Ga. Thanks to Leslie (and Bella, of course) for being a good sport!

Painting or Photo?

Photo.

Cameron Parish, LA
2.5 years after Hurricane Rita wiped out every last home on this beach.

It's (Alternative) Spring Break, Baby!

Happy Spring Break people!



I can't quite put into words how grateful I am to have a week away from college, work and responsibility for once! I literally ran out of a midterm Thursday morning and rushed to the airport. I threw my bookbag on the floor and felt more liberated than I have in months (how sad is that?).



I'm spending my break, once again, working with United Way in Hurricane Rita/Katrina relief in Lake Charles, LA. I'm two days away from beginning work, but I can't wait to get started. Being around the best kind of people in the world doing work that is truly about a community and not for individual gain is something that I only get to do once a year during my spring break. I really hope to be able to continue doing this for as long as I'm able.



Today we heard stories from Hurricane survivors, and even though I'd like to call myself a 'three year hurricane relief veteran', I realize that these people are the true vet's. They came out on the other end of a tragic natural disaster that could have consumed their lives and their livelihoods and they are still going strong today.




Anyway, I'm stepping off the soap box now. This year I am the team leader for a crew of 10 volunteers - it's a little daunting, but I can only hope that they leave feeling as inspired to do more in their communities as I did when I began this journey three years ago.


Wherever you are this week, whether it's on the beach or rebuilding homes, I hope you are staying safe and having a great time! :)

Who'd a thunk?

Sunsets over the beach? Neh. Sunrise over the mountaintops? Kid stuff.
Starburst pattern coming out of your refrigerator? Now that is beautiful light.