The hidden influence of social networks | Video on TED.com

A great talk about the importance of all the connections we make in life. The key, in my mind, is that these are physical connections outside of social media. Our life-long satisfaction relies greatly on the nurturing of our social connections.

How connected are you?

Nicholas Christakis: The hidden influence of social networks | Video on TED.com

One Life Can Make A Difference. Will You?

It as if Will Smith took everything I believe in my heart and soul about the possibilities of this life and spoke them. Knowing that other people out there strive to create good and foster progress in this life is comforting. Sometimes I wonder if the people around me even care about creating a better future. I am not here to settle with what others are creating, I want to create things for others. Check this video out, below I have posted the quotes that really speak to me from Will Smith.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLN2k0b3g70&feature=player_embedded

'I love living. I think that's infectious.'

'I know who I am, what I believe and that's all I need.'

'Where we are doesn't matter, we are becoming something greater.'

'RIDICULOUS WORK ETHIC'

'dedicate yourself to being better every single day.'

'Lay one brick at a time, one brick everyday'

'If you're going to be here, there is a necessity to make a difference.'

'Make every group you come in contact with better.'

'I want the world to be better because I was here.'

'You have to believe is before anyone else believes it.'

'You have to believe that something different can happen.'

'He who says he "can" and he who says he "cant" are both usually right.'- Confucius

'Being realistic is the most common followed path to mediocrity.'

'Out thoughts are physical.'

'Decide what its gonna be, who you're gonna be, and how you're gonna be it.'

'Be willing to die for the truth, the truth is the only thing that is ever going to be constant.'

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish

I have found myself in a midst of intrigue way past my bed time. Check out TED.com for great talks on a wide, wide range of topics. Guaranteed to find something to grab your attention.

There are so many people out there in the world hungry to make a difference and it makes me excited to know that I can head into a world where people will understand my desire to initiate good through my actions.

To start you off on this TED adventure, try this video:

http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_jobs_how_to_live_before_you_die.html

I could write so much more but my impending wake-up call tells me I need to catch some sleep. Let me know your thoughts on this website.

Thoughts On Life

Today is Christmas Eve and as I sit in my room waiting for my parents to wrap presents, my mind can't help but contemplate life.

Lately, I have really been struggling with figuring out where my life is headed in the future. As a college Junior, yet to finish my senior AND fifth year, the weight of the real world is beginning to bear it's load on my mind. The quote stirring my mind at this moment in time is "The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it."- William James. I am a big quote person, this stemming from what I like to call my 'cheesy' side, one that drools over any attempt at inspiration for life or simple moments in life that need to be cherished on a deeper level. The quote on my mind was found as I was thumbing through my old (barely read) copy of Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul III. IN the background Mariah Carey's Hero was playing (my secret indulgence) and sparked today's thoughts on where my life is headed.

You see, all I know that I want from life is to use it for the greater good. How exactly I am going to accomplish that is what drives my wild every day. At the end of this life I have been blessed with, I hope to look back and see a trail of great community contributions and of lives impacted by my efforts. I cannot escape the thoughts that follow me everyday reminding me that I am extremely blessed with all the things that have been provided to me. As I look into my life and see a closet full of clothes, a room full of things galore, and a bed to sleep on, I feel a sense of guilt that more awaits me behind the colorful paper just outside my door. The guilt I feel stems from knowing that MANY people that are walking this earth today do not have even a quarter of this kind of 'wealth.' By the standards of those around me, I do not have a lot, but of the world- I am rich beyond all means. Greed and excess are things I do not understand, things that I try hard to live without. American culture is driven by consumerism and the constant need of the newest things, and I do not follow. I cherish moments rather than objects and people rather than luxuries.

Making a Christmas List and posting in on the fridge is something I've never done my entire life. I've always left mine intentionally blank with the occasional 'socks' written across the top. And this year…. I made a list. Only including around 5 things but still, it's a list. And I feel weird about it. I know my parents would get me gifts anyways, but knowing they are paying for my college and have paid for my entire life thus far is an idea that is really catching up to me. I do not want them to buy me anything because they already do enough. "Gifts show how much we love and appreciate one another," claims my dad. But I'd much rather spend Christmas money doing things for others and feeling love and appreciation through words, actions, and a family that can sit together happily on a holiday.

This is only the start of the deep thoughts that stir my mind.

God, if you feel like shedding light on where my life is headed, anytime is the perfect time.

 

Grace and peace.