The Power of Music

I'm sure many of you can relate to days where you don't feel like getting out of bed; where you want to pull the covers over your head and just shut out the world around you.  There are times where I feel helpless, that nothing I do seems to matter or make a difference.  This is normal; this is something we all go through.  The trick is to try to overcome this feeling of stress, anxiety, or sadness.  I find a great release in music.  I love to listen to slow, calming music that features a piano, violin, or acoustic guitar.  I like to get in my mustang, drive the scenic route by my house and have this calming music in the background.  It clears my mind; my attention is on the road and on the songs.  Hopefully by learning how to cope with the pressures of life, you can learn to recognize how truly special you are and how much you have to offer to those around you. 

One of the songs I have come to love is 'Keep Breathing" by Ingrid Michaelson.  These lyrics speak to me in times when I feel small and she basically sings about the emotions and thoughts I have from time to time.  Maybe you can relate to them too and find her beautiful voice and easy music to be therapeutic and help you regain your motivation to take on the world :)

The Body Positive

Hi Everyone!!

In class today we had a speaker for the SJSU health center.  She gave me a flyer for The Body Positive seminar.  This seems like a worth while event that anyone of all ages can attend.  It is meant to increase self-care for people of all shapes and sizes.  Two women, Connie Sobczak and Jessica Diaz will be leading this event. 

The event will be on Wednesday, April 11 in the Engineering Auditorium; Room 189 on SJSU's campus.  The speakers will be on from 4:00-5:30 followed by FREE FOOD from 5:30-6:30.

Here is this organization's website that provides excellent information on building self esteem, a positive body image, and a healthy lifestyle:

www.thebodypositive.org

Am I Pretty or Ugly?

As apart of my morning ritual, I start my day with watching the Today Show.  Usually I just have it on as background noise, but one report really caught my attention.  Anne Curry, one of the main reporters, was discussing with a psychologist about young girls posting videos of themselves on YouTube, asking their audience if they find them attractive.  These are young teenage girls between 12 and 16!!  What is even more outrageous are the harsh comments that people were  posting in response to her video.  Some people bluntly said that they thought she was ugly! It saddens me that this young girl needed reassurance by total strangers to make her feel secure about her body.  Some people are just plain mean, and will just say hurtful things regardless if you are the most beautiful person in the world or not.  Not only will posting these types of videos not help you build your self esteem, but posting pictures and videos of yourself online, makes you more vulnerable to unwanted viewers, like sex offenders.  I am posting this video with the hopes of showing you that this is not a healthy method to help build your confidence.  Surround yourself with positive, loving people who help to make you feel good about yourself, and have your best interest at heart.  We have all gone through times of self doubt, feeling like we don't measure up to what society expects us to be like or look like.  Be strong and tell yourself that you are perfect that way you are.  Seriously!! Say it to yourself out loud, in front of the mirror.