Thanks Abe
24 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
Today, I was pondering about the exciting and huge year that is coming up…my senior year. It’s like I have been thinking about this year since I was a little kid. I’m going to be the oldest. Kids are going to look up to me wondering what its going to be like when they are my age. What…me? But I still feel like one of those kids!
Before today I was, of course, thinking more on the stressful part of my senior year. ‘Work now play later’ kind of thing. And why is that? Hmm let me think. Oh…COLLEGE. The stressful thought has been lingering above me for months now. College applications, making good marks, getting good teacher recommendations, and the dreaded SATs. These stressful times coming up were making me forget about all the good and exciting times to come. The scary thoughts would sometimes make me toss and turn at night. Is this unnecessary? I’m starting to think so.
Abraham Lincoln said something back in the day that has really changed by point of view. He said: “Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” I read that a few days ago and it has really stuck in my mind. This man was President of the United States during the Civil War–a really hard time for our country. He was leading our country through this very stressful time and he was still happy. Wait, he wasn’t overly stressed and concerned all the time? I don’t know about you, but stress can sometimes make me go a little crazy. But after reading Mr. Abe’s quote, the thought sparked in my head. All the things that have been stressing me out do not even compare to the stress that Abraham Lincoln had to face. If he can do it, why not me?
The little things that I stress in my life will certainly not determine how my future will turn out. Of course, there are some people who will allow that to happen to themselves. Some people take negativity and let it control their life. But, not me. I’ve decided to take Abe’s advice. If I want to be happy then I will be happy. Simply as that.
I think that we all should stop and think about what really matters in our lives. What are the things that you should stress about and what are the things that simply do not matter? Remove the bad stuff and replace it with new and refreshing things…and yes they can be little. Stop and smell those roses. Take your dog for a walk in the afternoon. Bake cookies with you mom. And so on and so forth. Or you could take it to a whole new level. You could make one of those “bucket lists.” Fill it with crazy dreams like traveling to a different country, sky diving even. Anything to make you think about your future in a positive way.
Dont’ sweat it. Everything in life will fall into place. For now, just enjoy life along with everything it has to offer. And if you are ever feeling overwhelmed, just keep good ol’ Abe in mind.
