To Disobey or to Obey, That is the Question

When I first got to college, I began to notice how different people around me interacted with their parents. The words they would use, their tone, the way they would respond, etc. It was all quite different from how I interacted with my parents and sometimes I found my jaw dropping at the things I would hear. I'll never forget listening to a girl sitting in the hallway outside of my dorm cursing at her mother telling her to shut up. I shook my head in disgust not only at the girl's reaction but also at the fact that her mother tolerated that attitude. I also realized that a lot of people are not close with their parents, which omits the idea that their parents influence their daily decisions. That being said, my relationship with my parents is like none that I've seen before. I talk to my mother more times in one day than I can count on one hand and the thought of making my parents proud crosses my mind during every life-changing decision that I make. I also share my life with my parents because I feel as though, as their child, I am forever a part of their unconditional love and vice versa; therefore, there is not a lot that I can't share with them. Some people drop their jaws at how open I am with my parents but I thoroughly enjoy talking to them to gain their insight and their opinions that are more than often correct. When I tell my parents something and they give me their advice, whether they say do it or don't do it, I usually listen because, as the saying goes, "mother knows best." A lot of my peers cannot say the same as I find them often lying to their parents or just not listening at all. I won't say that I am the perfect child who heeds every word my parents say but when it comes to serious matters, prayer and the opinion of my parents are the only answers I need.

Now my question to you is, do you all find that you often obey or often disobey your parents? Feel free to answer anonymously.

Inspiration for the Mind

I think it's safe to say that very often, life throws us curve balls that we must catch, speed bumps that may prevent us from going as fast as we wanted, and hurdles that we sometimes have to struggle to jump over. I personally know that throughout trying times, it's hard to stay on track and stay positive, especially when so much envy and negativity surround me. However, I must say that there are several quotes that keep me grounded and faithful that the bad will turn to good. I've decided to share them with you:

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they go right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart, so that better things can fall together."
- Marilyn Monroe

"It's not how you start the race, it's how you finish it."
- My father

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
- Martin Luther King Jr.

Now ladies, I would like to ask you the same question. What is a saying, quote, song, poem, or the like that keeps you motivated and confident when hard times have found you?

P.S. - Happy Valentine's Day! :)

Valentine's Day

Flowers, chocolate and love is often what comes to mind when I think of Valentine's Day. It is what seems to be the most popular way to celebrate the holiday that many young ladies are so fond of, particularly those who are in a relationship. It's a peachy thought to know that someone cares and loves you so much and to be able experience and express that love on February 14th of each year is heartwarming. Although I am single, I plan to use this year's Valentine's Day to express my love and appreciation for myself as a strong, beautiful female who has accomplished much in the so many but yet so few 20 years of my life. However, if I did have a male companion, I must say that my ideal Valentine's Day would consist of the two of us making dinner together, a movie (perhaps a comedy) and I would like for us to create handmade gifts for each other that must have a significant meaning. Although males often lack in the area of creativity, it would be a fun and interesting way of expressing our love for each other without having to worry about who spent more on who :-)

Now ladies, the same question applies to you. What would your ideal Valentine's Day look like?

P.S. - If I had the choice, my significant other would be Dwight Howard :-)