If, like me, you're always looking for ways to better yourself and become an improved version of you, then the idea of a new year and fresh beginnings should be very appealing. Towards the start of January many people make "Resolutions" they intend to keep, but slowly these promises fade out and we return to our old ways. These empty promises aren't kept because they haven't became a habit yet. Of course, you can choose to change your habits at any point during the year, but with the new year comes a new opportunity forcing you to improve. So as we approach 2017, reflect on the past year. Think of what you did right, and what you learned from being wrong. Remember the good, and the wisdom you gained from the bad. Feel the love you shared, and discard the hate you experienced. Decide now what you want to bring with you in 2017, because the future is here, and I will embrace it with open arms and an optimistic spirit. These new resolutions you promise yourself are attainable with the correct mindset and the right amount of determination. Steer your mind in the direction you want your life to go this year, and watch for the final destination. Never give up on yourself or your desires; because you can accomplish any idea that comes to your imaginative brain. Dream big for 2017, because greatness begins with thoughts and the desire to pursue them. From your current state, you have three options. First, you can remain stagnant and unmoving from your present position. Second, you can retrogress into darker stages. Or third, you can change your life for the better and begin to reach your full potential. There is always room for improvement, and with an attitude full of optimism and hope, you can be the person you want to become. Never forget your memories of the past, but live in the moments present, and look to the future for continual growth. In 2017 your happiness depends on one thing...you. Make up your mind; what you want and what you don't. Find the delicate line between doing what you please while still showing mature responsibility in your actions. This year come out of your comfort zone and show the world that you aren't a "new person," but simply an upgraded version of who you've always been. Search for improvement until it becomes second nature, and never settle for mediocrity. You are destined for greatness if you only believe it.
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Student Life
5 Things To Do That Are Better Than Writing A Paper
Don't waste your time trying to write that paper when there are so many more interesting things you could be doing.
15h
848
Unsplash
Writing a paper is never fun and is rarely rewarding. The writer's block, the page requirement, be specific, but don’t summarize, make sure you fixed any grammatical errors, did you even use spellcheck? and analyze, analyze, analyze.
Papers can be a major pain. They take up so much time and effort that by the end of the process you hate yourself and you hate the professor for making life so difficult. Questions of your existence start roaming in your mind. Am I even cut out for college if I can’t write a single paper? Am I even capable of taking care of myself if I lack the energy to open my laptop and start typing?
Why put yourself in this horrible pit of doubt? Here are five things that are better than writing a paper.
1. Meditate
What’s better than sitting in a criss-cross position, doing nothing? Not that paper! Meditate and focus on your breathing, relieve the stress in your life. That paper has a lot of negative energy and you, my friend, deserve nothing but the best.
2. Groom yourself
Enjoy a day at the spa or do your nails at home. Everyone loves a well-groomed person and thinking about that paper has made you forget about personal hygiene. Don't let yourself go for an inanimate object. Make sure you are doing well physically before giving your energy to other people or things.
3. Eat lots of chocolate
Chocolate makes the world go round, so have as much as your heart desires. Indulge in some luscious milk chocolate or even white chocolate, but if you dare say you love dark chocolate we will have a problem.
4. Go for a walk
Walk outside and enjoy the view! Walk your dog, cat or go out with another human. Enjoy your surroundings, take a whiff of that fresh air, get those muscles moving! Keep the mind sane while getting nice toned glutes!
5. Netflix and chill
Netflix is a drug. The best drug ever and the only thing that you should be doing in your life. If any of the other options don’t sound appealing, Netflix always sounds like a good time.
Now, of course, you will have to get that paper done sooner or later, but these five things will help you eventually get to that point. If you don't take care of yourself and make sure that you're are doing well first, how do you possibly think you could successfully get a paper done? Where you stand in your mental and physical state mirror how well you will do on any assignment. Give yourself a break, relax for a bit, and then get grinding on that essay.
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Relationships
10 Reasons Why Sisters Are The Best
Who could be a better friend than your own sister?
15h
564
Taylor Hooper
I can barely remember back when I was the only child. Most would say it’s because it is extremely difficult to remember things as a toddler but I would say it's because I was bored until my sister came along. My mother always says how important the "sister bond" is and with every year that passes I realize how right she is. Instead of writing a novel about all of the wonderful things there are about having a sister I decided to list a few of them instead.
1. She's your number one fan…and you're her's.
"L" for LOVE!
2. It feels like you guys can communicate telepathically at times with just a look.
....
3. Fights last for about two minutes because you find something funny and have to show them.
Hey come look at this video of a cat talking.
4. Concerts in your car are a regular thing.
VIP only.
5. You have an innumerable amount of inside jokes that are always funny.
If they don't seem funny its because you had to be there obviously.
6. When she gets clothes it's like you're getting new clothes too.
SHARING IS CARING.
7. She's seen you at your worst and doesn't judge you…but has taken pictures to remind you.
You look cute but do you know what's even better? This picture of you with frosted flakes in your hair, come look.
8. She always knows just what to say to cheer you up…or what food (or drink) to make you if words aren't working.
Mac and cheese and whatever bottle is open coming right up.
9. She's the first person to jump to your defense.
God Bless you and good luck if you've wronged either one of us.
10. You have a permanent best friend.
Because no one knows you and loves you like your sister...also you live together so its hard to escape.
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Twitter
It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.
1. Google is your best friend.
Google will probably answer any question that you have about anything, ever. Why does my foot hurt? What is a 401k? How long can someone survive off of chicken nuggets and wine? I am also willing to bet the answer to the meaning of life is on there somewhere.
2. Don't be afraid to say no!
Being out there in the real world, we are going to have many responsibilities and probably not a lot of free time. When you do have free time, and if you are like me, you aren't going to want to get out and do too much every time single time. It's OK to say no once in awhile. Besides, once you are on your own, you can't pretend your mom won't let you go out if you wanna stay in and relax.
3. Justify your actions/purchases.
If you are going to do something, especially something ridiculous, always make sure you can back it up with some form of logic. *Drops a few hundred dollars on "Supernatural" Convention tickets* They may never come back to town since the series is almost over! If you are going to make a big purchase though, make sure you aren't breaking yourself and have enough money to get you through. You can take risks, but be smart about it.
4. Call mom.
Much like Google, she has the answers to most of life's questions. How long should I microwave the chicken? Does it really matter if I separate the darks and the colors? She is always on your side, even if you are wrong, but she will tell you that you are wrong and help you fix the situation. She isn't going to be there forever, and she will appreciate the phone calls to know how you are doing. Trust me, life will be easier and you will understand a lot more if you talk to her.
5. Remember to do things that make you happy.
It is scary to think about the future. Usually people think that being an adult is wake up, work, eat, pay bills and sleep. Get out there and travel while you can. Continue to work on your happiness. Visit your friends and family. Continue to paint or play video games or set a night each week to completely unwind if those are what you are into. Adult life doesn't have to be a scary thought constantly looming over you. You will be just fine.
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Lifestyle
7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict
I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.
03 December
1026
Tumblr
If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.
1. You have a Gold Card
Whether you know where your physical shiny Gold Card is that you were sent in the mail (mine is happily in my wallet) or you simply see the Gold Card on the Starbucks app, your Gold Card symbolizes your membership status with Starbucks. My Gold Card status is good through the end of 2017. Naturally, we addicts have no problem maintaining Gold status each year since we have around a drink a day.
2. You know how to use the mobile app like it’s the back of your hand
From mobile ordering to finding a Starbucks that’s open past 9 p.m., the Starbucks app has got your back. The app is basically an addict's best friend. It holds my Gold Card in it with my balance, all of my Star Rewards, coupons and the power to mobile order. Without it, how would we be able to find a Starbucks to get a late night Chai tea latte at 9:30 p.m.? With the mobile app, I've got the power of Starbucks coffee at my fingertips.
3. You mobile order is saved and ready to order with the push of a button
Early morning? Don’t want to sit in the drive through line? We addicts know that the mobile ordering is the solution. All I have to do is go to the order tab on the app and right at the top is my usual drink, grande iced Caffe Americano. I simply click "order," leave my house, grab my drink off the counter, and head off to work. The glares I get as I walk past the line of people waiting to order or receive their drinks are unreal, but what can I say, I’m smart and order ahead.
4. The baristas know you by name
Each one of the baristas knows you by name when you walk into the store. Now some of the drive-thrus even have cameras in them and when you pull up they see your face and say “Hey girl! Want your usual *insert drink here*?” Having the baristas as your friends is a perk, you know them, they know you, and most importantly, they know exactly how to make your drink perfectly.
5. You can’t get through the day without at least one Starbucks
Well, I average two a day so maybe I’m a super addict. A girl’s got to have her espresso in the morning and tea in the afternoon though, right? Most addicts will have to start their mornings out with a coffee or whatever their drink of choice is. If we addicts miss our morning caffeine, we will most likely be grumpy and the best thing to do is get us some caffeine ASAP.
6. The amount of caffeine that you can consume in a day scares most people
During this past finals week I managed to drink 12 shots of espresso in a five-hour period. Granted, I did start shaking around 8, I downed them like a champ and proceeded to write two papers and take an online exam. Caffeine = productivity.
7. Most people around you question why you go to Starbucks everyday
*Sigh* Non-addicts -- they just don’t understand an addict's need for a delicious cup of Starbucks everyday. It’s basically a necessity in our lives and there’s often criticism from those who don’t believe in caffeine or even worse, they prefer Dunkin' Donuts coffee over Starbucks. Some people tell me that I don't need my Starbucks everyday but caffeine isn't an optional, it's necessary.
At this point, everyone around me has realized I’m an addict and while there has been attempts to intervene and halt my addiction, all attempts have failed. I’m a proud Starbucks addict who enjoys their finer coffee. So fellow addicts, keep on drinking Starbucks and block the haters out over a nice hot cup of Starbucks.
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Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash
College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)
1. Don't Show Off
If you're one of those people who can write a 15-page story in one night, then congrats, my friend. Only needed one cup of coffee? Even better. However, for some of us, ideas don’t flow as soon as we open our laptops. Brainstorming is often a must and not everyone will finish things at the same time. Go at your own pace. Don’t be ashamed that an “easy” assignment took you so long. The point is that you got it done in the first place.
2. Fit in a Nap
College, has its perks: more freedom, friends living in walking distance, and binging on crappy food. But there’s one thing we all dread and it’s waking up in the morning and attending yet another tedious class. It’s strange that in high school we manage to stay there for eight hours straight but the idea of sitting in a two-hour lecture is mind blowing. Hearing a professor drone on for that long has a tiring effect. So, if you have time, don’t ignore that feeling. Give in to it. I’ve learned that a 20-minute nap can actually be effective (don’t get me wrong a two-hour one does the trick too). I’m more willing to do work as the guilt of previously wasting time motivates me.
3. Sit and Observe
Sure, you’ve been told that your “young years” are for mistakes. But why not let other people make those? Let that kid who got caught plagiarizing inspire you to submit all original stuff even if it’s complete shit. Let that girl who drank too much inspire you to stop double fisting and keep track of your limit. There’s no reason to spend another night by the bathroom toilet. Just watch the ridiculousness that goes on and somehow you’ll find yourself becoming the mature one in the room, otherwise known as the momof the friend group.
4. Reward System
We’ve all been through a rough cramming session that has taken a lot out of us. Sure, the real world is hard but studying for hours on end is no cakewalk. A necessary step in keeping one’s sanity is to go celebrate after finishing said studying. Skip the dining hall and order a pizza (suggestion: split with roommate for a cheaper outcome), go to karaoke night at a frat, or if you’re low on cash, have a "Lord of the Rings" marathon. The point is: unwind.
5. Procrastinate the Right Way
The first thing to note is that we all do it. Procrastination takes a hold of the best of us and there’s no way around it. So why not take advantage of that time you aren’t using for homework? Maybe reorganize your closet, throw a load of laundry in or (if you have access to a kitchen) whip up a real dinner for yourself. Ignore the temptation that is telling you to watch a whole season of Parks and Rec.
6. Be Civil with your Roommate
Only some of us are so lucky when we go the “random route” in choosing a roomie. This is a person you will have to see, hear, and sleep next to every day. You’ve got two semesters to perfect living with them. If the two of you aren’t friends, at least discuss schedules and be considerate when they have an 8 am the next day. Also, never start a fight about little things. There’s more of a chance their dirty dishes will get washed if you leave a passive aggressive note or casually mention it.
There’s a million to navigate college, but these small things can apply to life in general. For example, learning to be civil with your roommate can help you learn to put up with that annoying coworker who insists on undermining you at every given opportunity. Dealing with these type of situations can grant you more satisfaction in the long run, instead of taking the easy way out.
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