What does that mean? I had no idea what this was when I first heard the quote at the FBLA motivational rally last Thursday. However, after Alex's speech, it really changed my view of things.

Alex Sheen is the founder of "Because I said I would," a social and nonprofit organization. It encourages and supports making and keeping promises to end suffering, pain and depression, instead building happiness and hope. They have promise cards that you can request or print off from their website to write down your promises. It might be a small thing such as smiling when you meet eyes with someone, to big and life-changing promises such as promising to not hurt yourself or to not think about negative thoughts that might lead to committing suicide. You can write your promises down and give the promise card to the person that it is related to. For instance, on my first promise card, I wrote down to not be so sensitive in the morning, especially to my mom. After writing that down, I gave my card to my mom, and I'm working towards the day that I can get it back from her, which is when both me and my mom think I kept my promise.

At first, I didn't believe that one paper card could make any difference in keeping a promise. However, after writing around five cards about things I wanted to fix or to try, they really made me keep the promises and work towards them. One of the promise cards I wrote was to read a book for 30 minutes every day. Now that is not a promise I make with other people but with myself. Keeping that card on the back of my phone and looking at it every time I touch my phone, I am half-forced to read a book instead of surfing through the Internet.

I would recommend everyone to write promise cards and check out the website for "Because I said I would." I still remember Alex's speech that if everyone would keep the promises they made, the world would be such a better place. It reminded me of all the new year's plan I make every single year but failed every single time - oops.

Let's remember to keep all of our promises! You can pretend to care but you can't pretend to show up!