1. Your grades are actually important
Freshman year is cool because you're not in junior high anymore, but freshman year is when everything starts to matter. Especially your grades. This is the year that a transcript is introduced, which is a scary thing. That's the little piece of paper that colleges and scholarship boards will be reviewing all during your senior year. So basically, don't slack off too much because you think that they "don't matter".
2. Make sure to have fun
There will be a time in your high school career when you don't have that much time to have fun or to go out and do things. Junior and Senior year will hit you in the face with responsibility, so make sure to enjoy freshman year. Try new things. Talk to new people! Worry about grades, but not so much That you're up at 1am crying over them. Yes, your grades are important. but they don't control you.
3. Eat that cookie
You're a freshman. There's no reason to count calories. Enjoy high school, because one day you'll be near the end with regrets and the constant thoughts of everything you didn't do.
4. Your counselor is your bff
I really really wish I knew this freshman year. The counselors are hired to help you, I promise. Find their email, memorize that, and don't be afraid to use it in order to ask them questions. They've probably heard your question before and probably have plenty of answers. My counselor is probably one of the biggest blessings. I ask her plenty of questions, and she usually emails me back within a few hours. However, if you aren't that lucky, don't be afraid to go into their office and ask whatever you need to in person. They're especially helpful when applying for colleges and registering for the many tests you're going to have to take before you can graduate or begin the application process.
5. It's okay to seek help
This kind of goes hand and hand with the counselor thing, but it's also sort of different. I understand that you're probably going to struggle with something emotionally. There is no shame in asking for a friend, or professional to help you get through those. Entering high school is a big change, and some people are better at it than others. Don't worry, you probably aren't alone in the way you feel. People also seem to drift away or get closer to others during this year too because of the way that everyone's classes or lunches line up. That's alright. If anything is hard for you, don't be afraid to ask someone to help you work through it. Your feelings and emotions are so valid.
Anyways, this is just a glimpse of what I wish I had known. High school is a place where everyone will grow and change in ways imaginable. Getting through freshman year is just the start of it, but it is doable.
Have a great day :)
Emma Jane
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Princess Love
Today I got advice from a man who's significantly older than me, but still young at heart. He was telling us the story of how he had first gotten with his late wife when they were teens. The story consisted of her coming out for the date, him telling her that she had ten minutes to take off all of her makeup, and then them going out to a pool party and dancing on top of the high dive diving board. It was probably the sweetest story that I've heard in awhile. However, he told me that when I meet the right person for me, I'll just know. He also said "when you find a guy that makes you feel like a princess, nab him". Little did he know, that I've had a guy who made me feel like a princess. It didn't work out at all, but that's okay.
Right now, I'm searching for something stronger than a princess. I think I've known that I'm a princess for quite a while now, so I feel like one on the daily. In my humble opinion, I think I'm searching for someone who makes me feel wanted, valued, and loved. It's so important to know your worth to someone, without having to constantly tell yourself that you are, in fact, important to that person. Man, the constant reminder to yourself gets EXHAUSTING. The sad part about it is that we, as girls, settle for whatever we can get. "Oh, he's gotta care about me because he called me pretty the other day" Or "Oh, he bought me a meal, so that obviously means he cares." These are all real things I've had to tell myself when being around a guy.
You know what Christ says about that? Ha. Well, he says in Proverbs 4:23 to "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Having to convince yourself that another human cares about you is definitely not a way to guard that thing. Also, in one of my favorite verses, he says in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 a little something about love, which doesn't consist of constant personal reassurance. He says "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."
At the end of the day, being called and feeling like a princess is nice, but it's even better to feel loved. It's going to be great to be with someone who is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, and not proud. I want someone who does not dishonor others, is not self seeking, is not easily angered, and doesn't hold a grudge against me because I mess up all the time . I want someone who protects, trusts, and hopes. So maybe through that, I'll feel like a princess. However, I think love is essentially the feeling that will surround me when I find whoever it is.
I hope you have a blessed week :)
Emma Jane
Right now, I'm searching for something stronger than a princess. I think I've known that I'm a princess for quite a while now, so I feel like one on the daily. In my humble opinion, I think I'm searching for someone who makes me feel wanted, valued, and loved. It's so important to know your worth to someone, without having to constantly tell yourself that you are, in fact, important to that person. Man, the constant reminder to yourself gets EXHAUSTING. The sad part about it is that we, as girls, settle for whatever we can get. "Oh, he's gotta care about me because he called me pretty the other day" Or "Oh, he bought me a meal, so that obviously means he cares." These are all real things I've had to tell myself when being around a guy.
You know what Christ says about that? Ha. Well, he says in Proverbs 4:23 to "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Having to convince yourself that another human cares about you is definitely not a way to guard that thing. Also, in one of my favorite verses, he says in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 a little something about love, which doesn't consist of constant personal reassurance. He says "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."
At the end of the day, being called and feeling like a princess is nice, but it's even better to feel loved. It's going to be great to be with someone who is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, and not proud. I want someone who does not dishonor others, is not self seeking, is not easily angered, and doesn't hold a grudge against me because I mess up all the time . I want someone who protects, trusts, and hopes. So maybe through that, I'll feel like a princess. However, I think love is essentially the feeling that will surround me when I find whoever it is.
I hope you have a blessed week :)
Emma Jane
Monday, February 6, 2017
B&R (Books and Relationships)
Imagine you're carrying an open book and it's dropped. Now, there's no way you're able to pick the book up and turn to the exact page you were on, right? (let's assume there's no bookmarks) Right. That's what relationships and friendships seem to be like, an open book-subject to close whenever a time comes. It's scary to open that book open again sometimes. It's even scarier to start reading a new book all together.
Recently, I've come to discover that starting a new relationship with someone is scary. I don't mean specifically like "lovey dovey dating" relationship, but an interaction between myself and another person. I'm intrigued by them, and of course want to further our relationship by letting them into my life, but it's scary. There's old wounds still in my heart from when I had opened up to the wrong people, and they had been books that were slammed shut. I don't believe that I'm alone on this, and if you're reading this, you aren't alone either. I think it's perfectly normal to be terrified of vulnerability. I've talked to plenty of people, and I usually give the advise "is the risk worth it? They aren't worth it if they don't respect the part of you that's decided to open up" However, here I am, deciding if the risk is even worth it. What if they decide to close the book? What if they run away? What if they don't like the part of me that's not as cool as they think I am?
I think our society has always prided itself on presenting the best versions of people as possible. This is exhibited in the appearance of celebrities, in instagram pictures, tweets, and so on...We do it too. Quite honestly, it gets tiring, trying to please people or impress them all of the time. This is what I tell myself when I'm forming new bonds with people. I've gotta let them see who I really am, because trying to do otherwise would be exhausting. It's almost like posting a no-makeup picture on instagram, for the whole world to see-physical vulnerability. If someone can't handle you when you're emotionally vulnerable, and being yourself, then they really aren't worth it (also, side note, I have to spell check the word "vulnerable" every time because it's so hard to spell). But anyways, I think it's good to let your true self show, not the version of you that you're trying to be for someone else.
Also, back to this book thing. I just talked about how scary it is to open a brand new book and start reading. However, it's even scarier to pick up a book that was dropped and open it again and start reading. Because sometimes the words seem to be in a different language and all out of order looking. Right now I'm referring to broken friendships. They could have ended because of a previous relationship, a dumb fight, or a natural separation. In order to be back in someone's life, I think one must realize that the book was dropped, bruised, and shut closed for a significant amount of time. I have no magical answers on how to restart a relationship that was once ended. I'm still struggling with that one myself. Maybe it takes acknowledgement on both ends of the faults of each party involved, and the will to want to move passed those faults in a more productive way than anger. But I don't know honestly. Turning each page is a slow process, through the hurt, confusion, anger, regret, resentment, and sadness. I believe the pages eventually become happier things, like forgiveness, remorse, understanding, peace, patience, and love. However, it's work to get there.
I think we all struggle with either opening a new book, or re-opening old wounds. I refuse to believe i'm perfect, or anywhere near close. I can't offer much, other than what i've learned through personal and vicarious experience. However, at the end of the day, no matter how fragile, heavy, or scary your personal book is (that may be a little bruised), God has his hand in all of it. He's got the WHOLE WORLD in his hands!!! That means you too!!!
Also, class ranks and GPA's came out today. Remember that it doesn't define you at all. Jesus still died for you regardless of what that number says.
Anyways, sorry for the metaphor that gets too hard to follow sometimes.
Emma Jane :)
Recently, I've come to discover that starting a new relationship with someone is scary. I don't mean specifically like "lovey dovey dating" relationship, but an interaction between myself and another person. I'm intrigued by them, and of course want to further our relationship by letting them into my life, but it's scary. There's old wounds still in my heart from when I had opened up to the wrong people, and they had been books that were slammed shut. I don't believe that I'm alone on this, and if you're reading this, you aren't alone either. I think it's perfectly normal to be terrified of vulnerability. I've talked to plenty of people, and I usually give the advise "is the risk worth it? They aren't worth it if they don't respect the part of you that's decided to open up" However, here I am, deciding if the risk is even worth it. What if they decide to close the book? What if they run away? What if they don't like the part of me that's not as cool as they think I am?
I think our society has always prided itself on presenting the best versions of people as possible. This is exhibited in the appearance of celebrities, in instagram pictures, tweets, and so on...We do it too. Quite honestly, it gets tiring, trying to please people or impress them all of the time. This is what I tell myself when I'm forming new bonds with people. I've gotta let them see who I really am, because trying to do otherwise would be exhausting. It's almost like posting a no-makeup picture on instagram, for the whole world to see-physical vulnerability. If someone can't handle you when you're emotionally vulnerable, and being yourself, then they really aren't worth it (also, side note, I have to spell check the word "vulnerable" every time because it's so hard to spell). But anyways, I think it's good to let your true self show, not the version of you that you're trying to be for someone else.
Also, back to this book thing. I just talked about how scary it is to open a brand new book and start reading. However, it's even scarier to pick up a book that was dropped and open it again and start reading. Because sometimes the words seem to be in a different language and all out of order looking. Right now I'm referring to broken friendships. They could have ended because of a previous relationship, a dumb fight, or a natural separation. In order to be back in someone's life, I think one must realize that the book was dropped, bruised, and shut closed for a significant amount of time. I have no magical answers on how to restart a relationship that was once ended. I'm still struggling with that one myself. Maybe it takes acknowledgement on both ends of the faults of each party involved, and the will to want to move passed those faults in a more productive way than anger. But I don't know honestly. Turning each page is a slow process, through the hurt, confusion, anger, regret, resentment, and sadness. I believe the pages eventually become happier things, like forgiveness, remorse, understanding, peace, patience, and love. However, it's work to get there.
I think we all struggle with either opening a new book, or re-opening old wounds. I refuse to believe i'm perfect, or anywhere near close. I can't offer much, other than what i've learned through personal and vicarious experience. However, at the end of the day, no matter how fragile, heavy, or scary your personal book is (that may be a little bruised), God has his hand in all of it. He's got the WHOLE WORLD in his hands!!! That means you too!!!
Also, class ranks and GPA's came out today. Remember that it doesn't define you at all. Jesus still died for you regardless of what that number says.
Anyways, sorry for the metaphor that gets too hard to follow sometimes.
Emma Jane :)
Saturday, January 7, 2017
A Poem
(Kind of different stuff here today but please give me feedback!)
The toxic air returned
filling my fragile lungs
up with smoke
the battle for something clean
was too tough
so you consumed me
my fingertips are blue
deprived from oxygen and being filled
with the bitter taste of you
cloud of greed
as pretty you are as controlling
catching my breath, clean unfolding
spreading farther within
I had no choice but to obey
the demands you wrote again
bruised heart and bruised lungs
my body crying weak
searching for a battle that can be won
The toxic air returned
filling my fragile lungs
up with smoke
the battle for something clean
was too tough
so you consumed me
my fingertips are blue
deprived from oxygen and being filled
with the bitter taste of you
cloud of greed
as pretty you are as controlling
catching my breath, clean unfolding
spreading farther within
I had no choice but to obey
the demands you wrote again
bruised heart and bruised lungs
my body crying weak
searching for a battle that can be won
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Two Thousand and Sixteen
Year in Review
(12.31.15)
(12.15.16)
As you can see, these pictures were taken about a year apart from one another, give or take a few days. Personally, I'd love to be able to sit here and tell you about my astonishing progress in the gym, or how much more I can lift, or how much weight I've managed to lose. However, I would be lying. The only thing that's changed is the fact that my pose got much less awkward (in my humble opinion). Well, to give myself some credit at the gym, I've managed to increase my bench weight, find a love for pilates, and increase the amount of time there I spend on the daily. So, that's something. Also, this year, a ton of things have happened. For one thing, I've managed to post 22 blog posts in 2016!! (it's gonna be 23 including this one). LIKE WOW!!
I'd like to stop and say THANK YOU to every single person who takes time out of their day to read my blog. It means so much to me. I'd like to say thank you for the continuous support and twitter love I receive for each post. You guys rock !!!!
Anyways, after knowing how awesome anyone who reads this is, I'm gonna talk about 2016 for a bit. I can definitely say that a lot went down in 2016. Do you ever see those posts about people (or animals) starting the year with you aren't gonna be the ones ending it with you? I didn't believe those to be true until this year. I guess this year had some loss in it. ESPECIALLY DECEMBER. If we omitted this month, I would write a solid review about how awesome this year was for the most part. However, God had some other plans for December. But you guys know about that. Just check the last 3 or 4 posts on this blog if you're lost completely.
However, this year taught me a lot about myself. This year, I (painfully) learned that it's okay to let toxic relationships go. It took a lot of tears, sadness, and self-discovery, but I'm glad that the lesson got into my head eventually. Also, this year I learned that it's okay to love myself! Like wow, I'm a princess (no matter what my dress size is). I'm learning that at the gym I workout because I LOVE my body, not because I'm trying to change it constantly. I think the mindset held that I need to change became unhealthy, having me constantly consumed on what I look like.
Also, 2016 brought a lot of ending the stigma on mental health. I have a shirt now that says "Stronger than the Stigma" and I'm completely in love. I don't think that 2016 was an easy year, but I also have never been as mentally healthy as I am right now. I know I have a long way to go, however I'm very blessed to be able to say that there's been progress. I wanted to show you guys those gym pictures to also point out that many people improve physically within a year, but I'm a lot more proud of my mental health more than anything. I couldn't post a picture of my brain, but as Ben Rector said, "I've [been] trying to share my soul with you". So I hope you guys have been able to take a peek inside mine .However, I learned about emotional and physical boundaries this year. Which probably has helped on the emotional health side of things. So on here I try to follow those, and therefore you don't get to see my entire soul.
Anyways, I don't really know how to end this one, but guess what?
GOD IS SO GOOD!!
You guys I literally would have not made it through all of the heartbreak and the joys that this year had to offer without my Savior. There's nothing better than placing your hope in someone who's got the whole world in His hands.
Have a fantastic 2017 :) (I know I'm ready for it!)
Emma Jane
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Lixo Gato: Short Lifespan, Long Memories
Lixo Gato (lee-shoe ga-too)
(last picture taken of him, in his worst state)
He then got moved to my room and provided litter, water, milk, and some food. He was wrapped in a towel and laid on my floor for hours, occasionally crawling under the bed. We forced him to drink some water, and then he vomited it back up, along with any food in his system. He had no puncture wounds, but we're guessing it was internal or pure shock that did it. He was in my room until 1am, because that's when he stopped breathing.
This cat was with us from December 9th to 1am this morning (Christmas Day) and he was so amazing, and even more symbolic. Right at the time he came, I had just lost a few friends of mine (Hence the Wilted blog post) and he came at the perfect time to make me feel better. Usually, in the past, I had turned to guys for comfort, but this kitten had supplied all of the comfort I needed. He was something to be proud of. He also loved to cuddle. I swore he knew more math than I do because he would never let me study for finals. He accomplished this by walking directly across my laptop and then flopping down on my hand, purring. I can't express the love I had for this cat, but I guess it's time to focus my energy on showing even more love to my friends.
However, pet deaths are really hard because I don't have any proof as to where his soul went. Is there a heaven for pets? Do they go to the human heaven and go purr on cancer patients? That's what I hope. I hope Lixo Gato is up there loving on some cancer patients who've passed or some infants. I know God is in control of those things and might be laughing at my theory as I type, but today is another example that He is in control. Job 1:21 says And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”. I don't know if you're familiar with the story of Job, but God took away everything from him. Like EVERYTHING. And Job remained faithful. I wish to be like Job, knowing that the Lord has taken away my kitten, but there's something much better waiting ahead for me. It's like the "windows and doors" philosophy. Doors close so windows can open. Lixo was a huge door. My previous friends were big doors too. I guess this means that there's a really really small window waiting for me to crawl through.
Anyways,
I hope your Christmas is blessed
Emma Jane
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Squad Christmas
Emma's Blog: Christmas Edition
This Christmas with friends was one like no other.
Our Stats:
1 injury
1 nosebleed
2 spills
6 onesies
9 boxes of pizza
Now, there's a story for each one of those. The injury happened when a few boys were wrestling on concrete floor. Do I need to say anymore? The nosebleed came from pure accident I think. I didn't see that one happen. The two spills consisted of the cat's water bowl and a bag of doritos opening from both sides (that was interesting). Now, the onesies.
Oh, the onesies. Here we go: I walked out to the porch when I saw a few friends pull up in the driveway. They exited their car and appeared in front of me in onesies. My smile probably grew about 10 times in size at this sight, because I think we've all spent too much time being old this year, and those onesies reminded me especially that it's okay to be young. They both walked into the house and got an applause and lots of pictures taken of them. I loved it. However, there were four other boys (two of which had come looking dressed up) who all wanted in on this onesie epidemic. Therefore, the four boys loaded up one car, drove to walmart, and purchased onesies- which coming home led to a loud round of laughter and smiles.
Scholarship applications make us all forget to enjoy being young. Responsibilities make us all forget that it's okay to have fun. I learned that night that it's okay to have fun. Also, the 9 boxes of pizza are pretty self explanatory.
However, one of the most special parts of the entire night happened right before we ate. I stood in the middle of my living room and called everyone together to say grace. Being able to pray in front of a large crowd is truly amazing, especially when that giant crowd is a group of people that you love unconditionally. It's the one time in the whole night where everyone's together in the same place and joining hands. Now, I don't know the religious background of each person, but it warms my heart to see everyone together with their heads bowed down.
(you get to see this picture twice because it's my favorite)
Also, another really cool part in the night was Tea Party Christmas. For the last year, I've been apart of this group chat full of people that I love a whole lot. There's six of us and we probably talk almost every day. At this party, everyone brought christmas gifts (except me because mine are still shipping over here from the online store). It warmed my entire heart even more because each gift was so thoughtful. I got two journals, which made my heart incredibly happy. If you know me at all, you probably know my love for words. I also love blank pages because I'm able to fill them with words. Needless to say, it rocked.
I don't think I've ever been so grateful for a group of people. This Christmas with friends was one for the books, and I'm so blessed to call each and every single person who showed up, a friend of mine.
With lots of love,
Emma Jane
(Oh, and Merry Christmas!)
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