About Me

My photo
I'm bighearted, I'm a perfectionist, and I take my time on everything but still manage to be punctual. I take pride in being born and raised in the South because my family allowed me freedom to instill a standard of discipline within myself that I will carry within my heart and mind for the rest of my life. I make lists, a habit gained from my best friend, and I do not like to settle for less of anything. I have found that being a hard-worker is the most rewarding attribute that I have because it comforts me and motivates others. Other than performing, choreographing, and dancing, my favorite hobbies are reading and writing. I would never pass up a chance to write about anything for a living because I find it soothing...hence the beginning of my blog. Blogs were brought to my attention in one of my classes, and I decided to take the time to start one when I realized all of the amazing things that are happening to me so far in my senior year. I never want to forget the bliss that is currently in my heart so I am taking on the task of becoming a blogger.

Friday, October 29, 2010

A mind of my own =)

"Ask most people what they want out of life and the answer is simple - to be happy. Maybe it’s this expectation though of wanting to be happy that just keeps us from ever getting there. Maybe the more we try to will ourselves to states of bliss, the more confused we get - to the point where we don’t recognize ourselves. Instead, we just keep smiling, trying to be the happy people we wish we were, until it eventually hits us- it’s been there all along. Not in our dreams or our hopes but in the known, the comfortable, the familiar." 

According to Christian D. Larson, "The master mind is the mind that thinks what it wants to think, regardless of what circumstances, environment, or associations may suggest."  This is my new outlook/goal.  It seems really easy or like a simple concept to grasp, but I've struggled with conforming my thoughts based on the opinions of others for a while now.  I like when others are happy and I strive to make people happy but I have also learned that my happiness is just as important.  Happiness is something you cannot succeed at faking.  You can fake it all you want, but in the end you only hurt yourself and others along the way.  I am indecisive at times towards myself and towards others because of my lack of a "master mind."

I have a hidden talent/curse of being able to focus on a certain goal or thought while blocking everything else out that may interfere with my success.  At the spur of a moment, in a fleeting second, or over longer periods of time, I can block everything out and concentrate on whatever thought is in my mind.  I think I will be able to use this strategy in the best way when I can effectively think for myself and know that these thoughts, the ones that make me utilize this "talent", are exactly what I want.  Why put so much energy and effort into a thought unless it is something you really want?  Maybe because it helps take your mind off of another thought, or maybe you trick yourself into thinking that it is your own thought but it’s actually influenced by others?  When I can evaluate a circumstance, be aware of a certain environment, and associate myself likewise, all while thinking for my own self, I will experience an honest happiness living with a "master mind."

Thursday, October 14, 2010

More sweet than bitter...

As I have been driving in and out of Hartsville for the past couple of weekends, visiting family, attending a wedding, and traveling home for Fall break, I have noticed this special feeling I get when I leave and return to the city. I can't pinpoint exactly what this feeling is but I believe that makes it even more unique.  I know it is derived from memories, friendships, experiences, possibilities, and the overall charm of Coker College.  I also know that I will carry this feeling with me for the rest of my life.

Every year I have been at Coker has been full of excitement, opportunities, and room for individual growth.  This year, I cannot put the level of my happiness into words.  The first time I walked onto the stage of the Watson Theater, I knew that I belonged at Coker.  Four years later, I feel like I am exactly where I should be in my life.

I am appreciative, motivated, determined, leading, making important decisions, asking questions, taking on responsibilities, volunteering, taking risks, creating, showcasing, and performing art, and experiencing how hard work pays off in all situations.  I am living like never before and it may very well be linked to this feeling or mindset I previously described.

Senior year is already going by too fast but it just keeps getting better.  My hopes are that this blog will help me capture all of the moments I want to remember from this bittersweet ('more sweet than bitter') year.

Brief recap so far...
All  moved in to JLC!

 Ushers at Convocation
 Splash Party at the Boathouse!
 Week-long Residency with Iara Cerquiera, Guest Artist from Brazil
 Amazing:)
 First Coker Dance Elites Performance, Bonfire, Homecoming Weekend
 Jazz Carolina Performance
 Ali's Piece, "Sobriety?" Fall Dance Concert
 & a few shots from my Paris-Lyon, France study abroad trip, May 2010
 Before seeing the Paris Opera Ballet
 After a Site-specific performance with company "Anou Skan" in Lyon, France
 The Louvre!
 Water Lillies by Monet!
 After a Martha Graham technique class with instructor
 After an intense Horton-Ailey technique class with instructor