Grudges

What I don't understand is the act of holding a grudge.

Not only is it emotionally draining, all it does is perpetuate hate. I'd like to quote my new favorite person Lewis B. Smedes. He says, "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." Let's all think about this for a minute...


...Alrighty then, time to analyze.


Personally, I see a grudge as a needle being dug into my insides. Graphic? Yes. But I can think of no better comparison.

When we hold on to those negative feelings we have toward others, all it really accomplishes is damage to our souls.

Harboring hate does not solve the problem, it can only make it worse.

Holding grudges destroys friendships, marriages, sisterhoods, etc.

So why do it? Why not forgive and set ourselves free?

There is so much more to life than getting even and waiting for others to receive payback. It's time to live our lives for ourselves, and stop worrying about how much we despise those who may have done us wrong. In all honesty, its not our problem-its theirs.

Common Courtesy

What I don't understand is a general lack of common courtesy I witness during a typical day:



Example 1-Holding the door open.



If subject A enters the door while subject B is following closely behind, shouldn't it go without saying that Subject A should hold the door for subject B?



Even if subject A turns around to see if anyone is coming, that would be a huge improvement. I just don't get how you can literally slam a door in someone's face. It's very upsetting.



Example 2-Improper use of smoking benches.



I could literally dedicate an entire blog to this, but my friend Laura has already done so. Please check out her blog at :http://www.lauracnick.blogspot.com/ for a full explanation.



Example 3-Litter



This one KILLS me! We need to be respecting our property, not abusing it. With trashcans (and recycling bins) around nearly every corner there really is no excuse for such a disgusting act. We are lucky to have such a beautiful campus, and to be quite honest (and cliche) litter trashes everyone.



So that's all I've got for today. Stay tuned for some potential topics I've got floating around:



Why people strike up conversations during study time

Racism

Video Games



And some others. Let me know if there's anything you'd like to read about!

Small Talk

What I don't understand is small talk. I do understand the purpose; to fill the awkward void in a lackluster conversation. However, I feel as if it is often devoid of any sort of substance.

Iam aware the idea is not to engage in any sort of profound or earth-shattering discussion. However, a little less small talk and a little more depth is never a bad thing.

I often feel as if small talk is all for show, and no one really benefits from anything being said. Topics such as the weather, local sports, and adorableness of children can only carry you so far and waste so much time.

If we want to really start learning about one another, and delving deeper than the surface of every conversation, we are going to have to cut back on the fluff and get right to it.

So don't be afraid, people. Feel out the situation, discuss the "big game" for the 49th time, then try and discover something new and interesting about the other party. Never know-could be the start of something incredible.




fyi-for some helpful hints on small talk, go here :)

"Leisurely" Walkers

What I don't understand are "leisurely" walkers. Allow me to explain...

When I am stuck behind a cloud-gazer in the ten minutes I have to jet from the West Center to Thurmond, I can't help but think, "don't they have somewhere to be?"

I am a firm believer in using my time efficiently. There are only 24 hours in a day, in which the majority of us are given an equal opportunity to maximize our productivity. One of the best solutions I have found to minimize wasted time is to quicken my step.

Walking is one activity that can be done at practically any point during the day (and at night as well, if you're willing to carry a can of mase and a steak knife), so why waste the time walking to class when you could be putting your efforts toward something more beneficial? Like, oh I don't know, studying perhaps?

Granted, there are certain circumstances where walking at a rate of negative 2 mph is acceptable, but to and from class is not (and should not) be one of them. And if you are a slow walker by nature, or just feel the need to pause and admire the new shingles on Tillman, take a step to your right (the slow lane) and let us speedy strollers pass on by. Is that too much to ask? I sure hope not, my friend.

Just to help out all those slow walkers out there, I have provided a brief list of circumstances in which walking slow is the norm:

1. Admiring the vastness of Winthrop Lake
2. Through an empty, abandoned field where no one will be stuck behind you on the sidewalk
3. In the comfort of your own residence hall/living room
4. Alongside a small child/person with exceptionally short legs
5. I'm out of ideas.

So next time you're tempted to stop and smell the roses, by all means go ahead. Just make sure to check behind you for the girl with curly hair, and a purple bookbag feverishly memorizing her stack of flashcards. She'd very much appreciate it :)

Scholarships

What I don't understand is why students don't take advantage of available scholarships. It's FREE MONEY. Here is my current situation:

I just had a meeting with the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards. It took about forty three minutes for me to realize that if I were a math/science major, I'd be "ballin" right about now.

However, I do not fall into that category. The category under which I am listed is "girl who is pursuing a career in a competitive field in no need of any new hirees".

Not to say that careers in science, math, or even education, are not competitive (I know they are, since I see my peers working their young buns off to graduate with such degrees), all I mean is my chosen career path is certainly not experiencing a shortage in qualified graduates. So what does this mean? Fewer scholarships. So, to all those future biomedical technicians, math professors, and organic chemists, PLEASE take advantage of the scholarships available. You'll be doing yourself a world of good. Promise :)