Life is Fragile

This entry has a tone that is quite different. However, my inspiration came to me at the same speed as any other. I was recently introduced to the emotional story of two college aged females who experienced a tragic mistaken identity at the result of a fatal car accident. A book written by the two families is entitled, Mistaken Identity. Their story was also recently broadcasted by Matt Lauer on the Today Show, as well as appearing on the Oprah Show. I will let you read and feel the story for yourself, so I do not plan to share the details. Here are my feelings.

Life is fragile. Not everyone knows this value at this very moment. On a day to day basis, events unfold for people that are often taken for granted, and or done so with out a moment’s hesitation. I know however that there is a strong ring that my life is built upon that means the world to me, literally. Family, friends, love, joy, feelings, and passion are components that I cherish deeply and have the utmost appreciation for. With in my own life, there have been the expected ups and downs. However, I have stayed true to my essential components. Each memory has been mentally recorded and I am ever thankful of each and every opportunity that my life has presented me with. The loss of a loved one is often coined the most difficult life event for others to respond to. This loss can be a physical loss, a mental loss, an emotional loss, and also the mere death of someone. I feel strongly that people whom I care about deeply deserve to know that their place in my life is of such significance that the thought of them leaving for any reason is beyond my capacity to understand. I value my family and friends for many reasons, many of which are individually significant. Therefore, each person has a uniquely special place in my heart as well as my life.

I know the value of life in my own book. I hold myself accountable to it everyday. And not so surprisingly, if I neglect to identify with it for a day, someone close to me reminds me to do so. This phenomenon is incredible. The internal feeling I have when this happens is like the effect of a light bulb illuminating the world. From the moment I wake up and move through out my day, I reflect on situations I am involved in or experiences I have. My reflections often lead me to the conclusion that I am who I am because of the way I view life, my surroundings and my approach to living. This may not sound so profound, but it is for me because I can speak it, and live it. I am proud of where I am as a result of the many life experiences that I have encountered. I understand that my life is important to me and what is important to me is equally essential to my own life’s happiness. The value I place on the word fragile explains, I hope, how I view the opportunities that I am presented with, as well as the relationships I have.

I relate this entry to a late friend. Her life ended to the surprise of everyone in her family and to her friends. I think of her and how my life has changed as a result of her tragic death. At a young age yet at a critical maturation stage, I along with other close friends experienced the loss of a loved one. Because of the feelings I had during this excruciating period, I was able to grow as an individual. I am ever thankful for the daily life happenings that may not always get the acknowledgement they should because of what was learned as a result of this situation. Forever, I will remember how valuable a life is. Sarah will always have a strong influence on my life and teach me about my future.

Live Music!

Recently I had the opportunity to do one of my favorite things, listen to live music. I love live music for many reasons. Most of all, I know from personal experience that music takes an immense amount of dedication. Musicians learn and practice so much, maybe more than anyone else. Making the sounds just as you want them to sound is not as easy as it sounds (yes, that is funny, queue laugh).

Another reason I love live music is the ever entertaining people-watching that I can do while listening. People are just fascinating, and I really enjoy observing my surroundings. Music draws in a unique crowd depending on the arrangement, artist or venue. I really enjoy that a mix of people from countless social, ethnic, or personal situations can attend one show and all be simultaneously mesmerized.

Live music for me is also an opportunity to pay tribute to a critically important component of our lives. From a young age music provides children with chances to connect or excel when other aspects of their lives are not so certain. The arts and music programs offered to children in school, or through museums, radios, unofficial garage jam sessions or chalk art in the driveway are essential elements to building meaningful young members of society. By supporting live music and keeping it alive gives those select children the continuous opportunity to strive to attain their goals.

Music also has a personal element of satisfaction for me. I know that I can share an important past time of my own with people who hold special places in my life. The enjoyment that I get out of spending quality time with good company while listening to fabulous music ranks high on my list of things to do. For this I am thankful for the time that the speed of life slows down and the important things are appreciated. I love music and what it is capable of doing. This is the best part… music has the potential to affect everyone like this. Go ahead, give it a try!

Education

It would only be expected that my first rambling would be about education, right? So here it goes.

The power of knowledge never ceases to amaze me. I find within the tiny cracks of learning lies the secrets to life and living free. For those people who take the time to educate themselves be it in a traditional classroom or self educating, they know what I am talking about. However the challenge lies with the decision to do something or not. We as people take in the world around us and absorb new things everyday. Sometime we may identify that things just aren’t right and other times we ignore what we hear because of the potential ramifications. And yes, we also have opportunities to acknowledge and appreciate the good parts of life. This ties into education because those who take action based on call on their educational background. A clear picture of what they should do, and why is supported by their knowledge base. This decision may not be instantaneous or easy but, through the process of critical thinking, answers surface. The reason that I am so fascinated by this is because every time I learn something new, I see a connection. These connections have created a web of knowledge for me to access when and where I want to or need to.

This is significant for me specifically because as a student of education, I am presented with many issues that surround the institution we all know as school. We have all been students at one time, and have probably been victim to some systematic error. I have, or at least feel like I have. Now that I am learning how learning occurs and the process of individual acquisition, my ‘ah-ha’ moments are on the rise and I am constantly having to turn-off the light bulbs in my head. To experience this feeling is similar to the rush one feels after a roller coaster ride or when you take your first bite of your favorite dish. It is that feeling of pure satisfaction. Be it a rush of adrenaline or a wave of pleasure, you know your state of happiness. I feel passionately about education as the essential tool for a strong world. This education I recommend is about awareness.

Now to tie my comments together for some sort of concluding statement. Education is the mighty driving force behind the decisions we as people make. To make a good decision is relevant to the individual. But the key element in that decision process is supporting their position by providing rationale for their choice. I will always entertain listening to an argument that is opposite my own beliefs if it allows for a learning opportunity. The statement, “You learn something new everyday” is so true, if you allow it to happen. And by doing so, you are creating your own web of knowledge that will enhance your life and the decisions you make. Life has more clarity to me everyday, and education is the reason why I can say this.

First Entry

Hello and welcome!

I have started recording my personal feelings, thoughts and experiences because of the impact they have on my life. As a result of supportive people around me and my geographic location, I have had the opportunity to see and observe the beauty of the world and it's people.I would like to thank you for your interest in my reflections. I hope to share my experiences as well as stories with you for an entertainment and enriching read.

Please enjoy what I have to share, as it is what I feel I am able to give back in appreciation for all that I have.

-Lauren