While this was my intial reaction to my alarm sounding off this morning, I couldn't help but to quickly shurg it off. Sometimes you wake up in a particularly good mood for no apparant reason (although, for me, I usually have to have a pretty good reason - I am NOT a morning person!). And I had a great reason - I had a wonderful break and weekend, being with people I love. Besides that, I just felt good. Good about the rest of the school year, good about next semester, good about the people in my life. Just all-around good.
It is amazing how one mood can make such a difference throughout the day. If you start out in a bad mood, chances are it will stay that way; unless, of course, you make a conscious decision to try to change it. And, most likely, you will negatively affect those around you. Likewise, if you start out in a good mood, people will recognize this and appreciate you for it - and eventually take hold of them. The energy rubs off, and people start to share in your joy (and hopefully not negativity).
With that being said, I can definitely say my day today was great. I let my happiness and confidence carry with me throughout the day, and only good things seemed to happen. Lots of us say that we had a "bad" day. But what even made it "bad" in the first place? There are times when most people would agree that some situations are just not good at all; and while this is true, lots of this thinking simply just comes from having a certain mindset. It is just how each person perceives the situation. If what may seem like a "bad" day seems to form, do something about it. Don't let it take over your day - let that motivate you to make it better. Only wallowing in something makes it worse (come on, how do you think I manage to go on every day after wathing the Bengals lose.. or tie?)
My first class reminded me of how we all need to stay in this good mood - and not only that, but we also need to feel like we need to reach out to others. In my feature writing class, our teacher sent us off to observe a scene, take notes, and come back to type out a detailed description of what we saw. I went with another girl on the second floor of the academic building in a lounge area. Here is what I put together in a few minutes:
The second floor of the Landrum building at Northern Kentucky University was bustling. Students rushed in and out of the doors, either leaving behind the bitter cold or their last few minutes of free time. Others casually walked down the hallway, talking with friends or listening to their iPods. One girl, bundled up in a long scarf and a wool, black jacket, craddled a pile of four books in one arm. In the lounge area of the Sociology and Anthropology center, a couple of girls happily chatted and enjoyed eachother's company. The second floor was indeed bustling - except in the far left corner of the lounge, close to the doors.
Wrapped up in her jean jacket and purple blanket, a girl was peacefully sleeping in a black, leather chair. Despite the constant swing of the heavy black doors, she lay completely motionless and at ease. Her brown pony tail lay scrunched against the chair, a bit messed up. Students swung open the doors, laughing, talking, and being loud - all of which usually disturb someone trying to sleep. But not this girI. She was determined to get her beauty sleep. If there is a will, there is a way.
Ok, so it did turn out to be a bit amusing after all. But what I failed to mention is a certain situation what we encounted with a blind student (the other girl chose to write about that part). While we were standing around taking in the sights and sounds around us, a blind student walked in and asked a guy if she could sit down on a bench. He said that there is no room but there are chairs around the corner. He pointed. Forgetting she couldn't see, he led her to where the chairs were. The girl and I happened to laugh at this moment since someone just ran into us; we felt a bit creepy observing everyone around us... stalkerish if you will. But, the laughter could not have come at a worse time. The girl turned in our direction and said, "Please don't laugh. I am trying." To put it simply, I felt absolutely awful. So did the girl that was with me. It seemed easy enough to us - we went over to apologize. While it was a simple act, it made me feel so much better. I know it was just a misinterpreation, but it was still worth an apology. It is just so easy to take things for granted... and sight is one of them. I just hoped I brightened her day a little!
My day progressed as usual, with me being in a light-hearted mood. Yes, everything seems to be a bit brighter when already in a good mood, but sometimes... man, things just go your way. I got two really good grades back today - one on my query letter for our next journalism story: narrative/real-life drama (I am doing it on my grandpa, who is a double amputee, and has been through numerous surgeries that have almost taken his life serveral times). I also got an A on my final Geology exam. And lastly, I brightened someone else's day by giving them a little gift.
While it is nice for things to "go your way" from time to time in order to have a good day, it all just comes down to perception. If you tell yourself it's going to be a good day, it will be (I know, sounds cliche.. but oh so true). Likewise, if you tell yourself the day is going to be awful, well... just brace yourself. The point of all of this? If something doesn't quite go your way, don't dwell on it. Move on and let that motivate you to do some good. The world needs lots of it!
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