Quote of the Day

"I don't count my sit-ups. I only start counting when it starts hurting. That is when I start counting, because then it really counts. That's what makes you a champion."
- Muhammad Ali

You're truly accomplishing something when it takes a good amount of effort to do so. Nothing good in life comes easy. Continue to push yourself to get the best reward out of what you do, and don't forget those that led you to test your limits. Your only limit is the one you set for yourself.

New Blog Post Incoming!

Happy holidays everyone! I am posting to inform you that I will be uploading a new post soon and it will be the part two of "What College Means For Your Future" where I'll be looking at other aspects of college, why people decide to go and not to, why it's important, etc. I will be taking pieces from the "Just Let Me Be Great" post and along with my earlier post "What College Means For Your Future" and I hope to take a deeper look at what else plays into a college education that you should know.

So be on the lookout!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I know this is coming late but I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and are enjoying the holiday season! Always be thankful for being blessed to see another day and be with those you care about because not everyone is able to do that. Continue celebrating and enjoying as we prepare for the upcoming new year.

Advice of the Day

Tomorrow isn't promised. That may be hard to believe for many of us because it hasn't happened to us or the ones we hold dear. But trust me when I say life can happen in the blink of an eye. So make sure you're showing those you care about that you appreciate them everyday.

Verse of the Week - Finishing Finals

"You will eat the fruits of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours."
- Psalms 128:2

I know this is late, but as finals season comes to a close, don't forget to treat yourself after all the hard work you've done. You definitely earned the break and will see the fruits of your labor when those grades come back. You endured the struggles of the classes this semester and finished off strong with finals. Take time to reflect on how much work you've put in and don't feel bad taking those extra hours (or days) of sleep. You deserve it.

Quote of the Day

"I strongly believe if you work hard, whatever you want, it will come to you. I know that's easier said than done, but keep trying."
- Beyoncé

That being said, trust and believe that your studying will pay off. Even though it may seem like you studied a lot for nothing, or that your professors still were merciless with the grading, your hard work will work yield you results. You never know how a final grade for a class may turn out. Who knows? You may surprise yourself and do much better than you would've imagined. I know the curve has saved my life a few times, and sometimes, I've received grades I couldn't even explain how I got, after believing I'd been doing horribly in the class. You just never know.

Verse of the Week

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,"
- Ephesians 3:20

Remember that God is always watching over you and that he will see you through these finals with more than just a passing grade. Keep up the hard work and he will make sure it does not go in vain.

Advice of the Day

"Don't count the days, make the days count."
- Muhammad Ali

Make sure everyday that you prepare for your finals is used effectively. Review your material, try different learning methods, quiz yourself, study with other students, and any other study methods you know. Find the method that works best for you! I know personally writing information on a board and internalizing the material as I go has been beneficial for my studies. And of course, never be afraid to ask questions to your friends, fellow classmates, and even your professors, about material you may not fully understand.

Quote of the Week

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."
- Albert Einstein

Remember this when you review those chapters in your textbooks. One good practice is to try teaching the topics to a friend or another student who doesn't know the material. If they can understand the topic based on your teaching, you must have a really good understanding of what you are reading.

Finals Season

How's everyone doing?

So now that finals season is upon us, my posts won't be as frequent because it's grind time. I will post quotes and advice for everyone as much as I can to help push you through exams and those last projects. To those taking exams, stay strong and put in as much work as possible because your break is coming soon. And remember, "To fail to prepare, is to prepare to fail."

Quote of the Day

"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it."
- Maya Angelou

Verse of the Week

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word."
- Psalms 119:9

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving. It is well-deserved and hard earned. I hope you all are also giving thanks as we all have something to be thankful for.

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name."
- Psalms 100:4

Verse of the Week

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."
- Ecclesiastes 12:13

Advice of the Day

Be able to recognize your own problems and work on them before you point of the problems in others.

Verse of the Week

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

- Jeremiah 29:11

Advice of the Day

A unified front makes more of an impact that one person doing it alone. Remember, we can't accomplish everything by ourselves.

Advice of the Day

Don't be afraid to stand up for what's right.

Verse of the Week (Sort of)

This week, instead of a verse, I'm going to suggest a song for you all to listen to when you can. I find it to be pretty uplifting when things are tough or not going your way.

> What Can I Do, Tye Tribbett

Advice of the Day

You didn't get to where you are on your own, so don't pass up opportunities to help others who can benefit from you.

Advice of the Day

There will never be another you in life, so be the best "you" you can be. Everyday I see people try to be something they aren't to get the approval of others, and that is not how we should live our lives. We were made for a purpose that only we can fulfill, and we can only do that by being ourselves.

"Know yourself, Know your worth."
- Drake

Welcome to Heartbreak

We hear love songs about it all the time. We watch movies whose theme is centered around it. But do we really know what heartbreak is? Do we know what it's like to feel a piece of our hearts be taken away from us? Does the media really give us a clear understanding of the experiences of heartbreak and the process that comes with it? Breaking someone's heart or having your heart broken are two of the most painful things anyone can go through. As easy as it may sound to some, it's something extremely difficult that can leave your heart feeling as heavy as your eyelids after pulling multiple all-nighters.

Heartbreak Piece Update

Good Morning Everyone,

I just wanted to say I am still working on the piece to release to you all, and you can expect it by the end of this weekend.

Thanks!

Verse of the Week + Advice of the Day

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble on its own."
- Matthew 6:34

Advice of the Day

No one is perfect, so we all make mistakes. That doesn't mean they can't be fixed.

Verse of the Week

"Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."
- Proverbs 27:5-6

New Blog Post Annoucement

I want the next blog topic to discuss a serious topic - the heartbreaks of love and relationships. These are sensitive topics we will all have to deal with at some point in our lives (hopefully not more than once). I feel it's something that no matter how many times you try to explain to a person going through it, they may not understand or want to understand it. And that's fine. Time heals all. I just want to put my input on the topic with the hope that someone who may be going through it reads it and finds it to be comforting, even for a short while. Every little bit helps in this process, trust me. So be on watch for this post's release!

New Post - Be on the Lookout

Sometime this week or weekend I will be announcing the next blog post topic and it will be released at some point next week.

Thanks for your patience!

Verse of the Week

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
- Luke 12:34

Advice of tthe Day

For those in college: Even though you wonder a lot of times why you're putting yourself through so much stress, remember that it will all be worth it in the end.

Verse of the Week

"So if you have not been trustworthy in handling wordly wealth, who will tryst you with true riches?"
- Luke 16:11

Quote of the Day

"When finding a partner, or starting a relationship with someone, always remember that the person you are dedicating your time and life to is supposed to help elevate you, not hold you down. Stay on track towards your goals and the right person will come along the way."
- Leslie Ogu

Advice of the Day

Don't fully commit to something unless you are wholeheartedly prepared for anything that could happen down the line. Certain situations can make or break a commitment.

Verse of the Week

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Insight for the Day

Don't judge someone because they sin differently than you do.

Advice of the Day

Your faith should be a propeller, not a parachute - it should elevate you, not bail you out.

Advice of the Day

It's cliche, but holds very true (especially in college)!

Don't put off til tomorrow what you can do today. You will save yourself so much trouble if you do.

Advice of the Day

It's not always good to make a decision so hastily. Sometimes, you have to let the seasoning marinate in your dish before you serve it to others. In other words, some situations will call for you to take the time to think it over, especially if it's a serious matter.

Verse of the Week

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
- Colossians 3:13

"Just Let Me Be Great!"

"You need to have a plan!" "You have to plan ahead or things won't work out." "If things don't pan out exactly as you plan, you won't be successful." Do some of these phrases sound familiar, especially to recent graduates? Whether it be from a parent, professor, mentor, or even a friend, we find ourselves always being pressured by others to plan out our entire lives in order for things to turn out the best way possible. In society, it is ingrained in so many minds that you need to know everything right now if you want to succeed in life. But how do they know that? Can they tell the future? Does planning everything out have a 100% success rate (if you could even measure that)? No one knows but the Man upstairs, so it's not the best choice to try and convince someone to follow footsteps that may have worked for you because things don't work out the same for everybody. What may work for someone else may not work for others. It's good to have an idea at least of what you want to do, or something you are either really passionate about or enjoy, so that you can steer yourself in the right direction to be successful. So what are we to do to prepare for the future?

Advice of the Day

If you're stuck in a place in your life or things aren't going to plan, it doesn't matter. Anything is possible, and things can change in an instant.

Verse of the Week

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find it; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
- Luke 11:9

Coming Soon: Do I Have to Know My Future Now?

How's everyone doing? After some thinking and with school having started recently, I've decided to write my next post about a big question many people (especially college seniors) hate to hear and/or fear to be asked - What's next for me? We all get asked this question from time to time, and it can be discouraging not having big plans, or even having a clear answer to the question. But that's okay! Everything in life isn't predictable. We live and we learn, and figure things out along the way. So, my next post will be somewhat of an advice/motivational post for all those who have been asked this question and don't know what to do, or are trying to determine their futures now.

Be on the look out!

Verse of the Week

One of my favorite:
"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things."
- Ecclesiastes 11:5

Quote of the Day and Announcement

Never forget the people who helped you get to where you are, and always remember to help those still behind you.

Announcement: A new blog spot should be coming up next week! The topic is soon to come

Verse of the Week

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
- Romans 10:9

Advice of the Day

Don't let the voices of others weigh you down. In life, we will always have those individuals that don't think we can do certain things or accomplish our goals, but that doesn't mean they're right. Being able to ignore those voices, knowing that you will be great in life, is what builds strong character and morale. Continue to believe in yourself, and follow your heart. Those voices will begin to be less and less audible.

Quote of the Day

"It doesn't take much to know when there is wrong is being done."
- Leslie Ogu

Quote of the Day

Make the most of each day.

Advice of the Day

It's hard to believe but hard work pays off. A lot of times we get discouraged because we don't see the immediate progress we want in the things we do, such as exercise or going to school. You have to trust that your hard work will pay off because it always does. It takes the patience for the progress to happen, and the perseverance to see it through for it to happen.

Advice of the Day

The old saying goes, "Don't put off til tomorrow what you can do today" and this statement holds a lot more weight and knowledge than people know. The things you do today will ultimately impact what tomorrow will have in store. As a college student, I know that putting things off until the last minute is something I do often, but when I do put the energy into completing tasks sooner rather than later, I find myself to not only be more productive, but also thanking myself later for the free time I have created. It also helps teach yourself discipline by being proactive with work. If you can get down doing work sooner rather than later, you will see that you have more time on your hands than before to do as you please.

Quote of the Day

" If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."
- John Quincy Adams

Verse of the Week

“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
- Matthew 19:26

How to Get Mr. or Ms. Right

So you want to find the perfect guy or gal, huh? Well. You can’t. A perfect person doesn’t exist. Now, if you’re talking about finding Mr. or Ms. Right, then I can help you. A lot of times we go through life trying to find the perfect person in every respect, and all we are doing is wasting time, energy, and missing out on some amazing people. I think that’s the most important advice I could give because I hear a lot of people say how people aren’t good enough for them but they’re standards are either ridiculously high or impossible. Then they wonder why they’re single. Also, to all those who are looking for the perfect person, who’s to say you’re perfect enough for them? You’re going down an endless road trying to find this person, and you’ll continuously be disappointed when you see that no one you meet is. The real goal should be to find the perfect match for you. 

Quote of the Day

"When there is love, there is life."
- Mahatma Gandhi

Quote of the Day

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."
- Dr. Seuss

Article to Come: Tips to Getting a Good Man or Woman

Hey readers! The next issue I will be releasing will be discussing a problem countless people struggle with today - attracting that right man or woman. There are a lot of misconceptions people have about finding the right person, and the things they have to do to make it happen. I want to give some insight to people on the things they are doing right, and the things they are doing wrong. The struggle of discovering Mr. or Mrs. Right has gone on as far as anyone can remember, and is still an intricate puzzle to solve. But I hope the knowledge I share will help steer you in the right direction.

The article is set to be released sometime next week, so keep your eyes out for it. As always, if there are topics you would like to see more on that have or haven't already been discussed, just let me know! (sereneparadox@gmail.com)

Quote of the Day

"You've got to love yourself first. You've got to be okay on your own before you can be okay with somebody else."

- Jennifer Lopez

Look out soon for a new post related to advice for men and women.

Quote of the Day

"It is our choices ... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
- J.K. Rowling

Verse of the Day

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
- Jeremiah 29:11

Quote of the Day

"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right."

- Nelson Mandela

"I Believe the Children are Our Future"

We were all kids once. We know just how crazy a roller coaster ride it was, but all of the things that happened during our childhood are what shaped who we have become. That crucial stage in our lives determined our future, and it was a fragile time where the smallest things could have lasting impacts. That is why its important to make positive impacts on kids while they're still young, so it continues to grow inside of them and helps them become great people. 

Incoming: What About the Young People?

Hey readers! I've decided to make my next topic about the leaders of tomorrow - our children. This is a pretty interesting topic because not only is this a crucial group that numerous people have different viewpoints on, it is also a group that doesn't receive as much attention as it should. We talk all the time about how the "children are our future" but just how much do we do to ensure the future is in able hands? So, that's where I come in. I'll discuss about just how much of an impact we've made upon the young peoples' lives and just how difficult a task it is to ensure that children make the right decisions, and follow the right paths.

Again, if there are topics you'd like to see written about (that won't come off as biased or showing favoritism to one group), don't hesitate to let me know.

I'm All Ears

How's everyone doing today? I just wanted to make it known that in the midst of my post publications of different topics I have, I am also open to ideas that my audience may want to see a post about as well. I mentioned in a much earlier post that I wanted to start an advice corner, and I am still continuing that for whatever topics people would like input on. Email me directly for any suggestions, ideas, or feedback (sereneparadox@gmail.com)!

Gone Too Soon

We all have loved ones. We'd be lying if we said we didn't. They are the ones we hold closest to us, and that mean more to us than anything. Usually these are your direct family members, the people who have been in your life since you took your first breath. Then there are your blood relatives, close relatives, family friends, and so on. But loved ones aren't just family, they are our friends, best friends, bffs, bffls, boyfriends, girlfriends, and others we have encountered in our lives with whom we have formed a special, unbreakable bond. These connections that we share with those special individuals are not only what make us human, but also make the world an easier place to live in.

Coming Up Next: Loss of Loved Ones

My next topic will be about dealing with a loss of those close to us in our lives. We all have had someone in our lives that we may have left us sooner than we would have liked; some of us may be dealing with this right now. Nonetheless, I thought it was a good time to bring this topic to the surface and talk about what it's like to deal with a loss, and what we can do to get through it. To those fortunate enough not to deal with one, then this post could help you console or comfort someone you know who may have lost someone.

An Insecure Mindset Leads to an Unsecure Future: Stopping it From The Source (Part 3)

So, the question is, how do you overcome these insecurities that seem to run so deep in our lives. Well, to get rid of a weed, you take it from its root, and so for our problem, we go to the source.

An Insecure Mindset Leads to an Unsecure Future: The Real (Part 2)

     I've been thinking of the different ways to go about this, since insecurity is such a big topic. So I think I'll start with the physical sense, since its what a significant amount of people have insecurities about, or where most of them begin. Our bodies are our own. We all have unique bodies in the sense that it belongs to us, and there is no other body like ours.

Insecurities Part 2

First I want to apologize. On my last article, it was brought to my attention I did not deliver what I said I would discuss. I said I would dive deeper into insecurities, why they are what they are, causes, and things like that, the things people don't really go discuss. Instead. more of my focus was towards the individuals dealing with insecurities right now and why it's important to work through them (which is something important as well). So! I am going to write a part 2 this week where I go into detail about insecurities, and this time hitting the points that need to be hit, and not repeating what people probably hear on a daily basis. Stay tuned for the next issue and I hope that is a much better read than part 1.

An Insecure Mindset Leads to an Unsecure Future

It haunts us from our childhoods, and stays with most of us even when we are adults. It's the barrier that hinders us from fully opening up to those we care deeply about. It's the veil we always wish we had to hide ourselves from the outside world. It's the voice in our head convincing us we aren't good enough and that we won't reach our full potential. It's insecurity.

Next Topic: Insecurities

I know it's been a while, but I am back now with a new blog post coming out that I think people will really appreciate. I've been busy with my summer class and haven't had time to write but I hope my upcoming post will make up for it! I am titling it, An Insecure Mindset Leads to an Unsecure Future, and it will discuss the problems both females and males face in society today, and not just in regards to talking to someone a person may be interested in. I want to address the issue at different lengths and hopefully give insight to the source of these kinds of issues. A lot of times we see people with insecurities and are so quick to judge, but don't realize there is always a story or a reason behind it. So stay tuned for the next post coming up and as always, thanks for being great readers.

Blessings

"Friends, Ones We Can Depend On"

It's taken me a while to compile this post because I've been trying to think of what it truly means to be a friend. For a seemingly simple thing to define, there is more to it than meets the eye. Being a friend is more than just a full-time job or something people call those close to them, its someone with whom you share a special, unbreakable bond. I don't mean that you are in love with that person, have certain non-platonic feelings for them, or have ulterior motives and are using the friendship as a means of attaining it. I mean you have this person in your life because they help make a positive impact on it, and you do the same for them (Note: friendship is a two-way street!).

Apologize for the Wait

Hey viewers, I apologize for this long wait for the next release. I've been caught up with finals, projects, and other writing obligations. You can expect the article to be posted soon, or a post answering some questions people have asked to be answered.

Thanks for your patience!

Next Issue! "A True Friend"

Good Evening people! My next topic of discussion will be discussing friends and how they play such an integral part of our lives. Even though they may be very important to us, they can also be a hassle at times. But that's what comes with the friendship! Despite the issues they may have, you keep your friends close because they are special and overall make a positive impact on your daily life. So for the next issue I will discuss the pros and cons of friends, what constitutes a true friend, and some advice on how to deal with issues that always come up in the friendship.

Topics of Interest to You

How is everyone doing? For a couple of my next blog posts, I will take suggestions from my audience. If there is any topic you'd like to be discussed, I will include it in one of the following blog posts to come. Also, don't forget the advice column is still available to those who may want input on a certain topic or issue they might have.

If You Don't Follow Your Dreams, Who Will?

Dreams. We all have them. Usually in our sleep, but those aren't the dreams I'm talking about, in a sense. I'm talking about the dreams that are our aspirations. No matter how big or small they are, we all have things we'd like to see happen in our lives. Whether its reaching a certain status in a company, owning your own business, finding the love of your life to spend the rest of your time with, or even graduating from school, a dream is something very important to us. We try to find the means necessary to make these dreams come true but that's easier said than done. You see, nothing in life comes easy, especially dreams. Sure, there are countless movies out there that may say otherwise, but they're movies. Their purpose in those cases is to inspire us to go after our dreams and make them happen. And we should!

Valentine's Day is for Suckers? | A Make or Break Holiday

Will you be mine? Such few words carry so much weight. Those words usually come about on Valentine's Day, a day with a lot of mixed emotions. There are usually multiple groups on the matter, those whom having no valentine has been a yearly thing, those in relationships who of course have no problem finding one, those singles who usually have valentines and others. Valentine's Day has become pretty popular since its meaning changed from back in the 5th century to remember the death of a martyr. It's become pretty Americanized since then and now represents a special day we show extra special love to that extra special someone. Of course you shouldn't need one day specifically to show someone you care, but its become tradition that this be a special day that maybe you tell that person you like them, or you take the next step with someone you're committed to. Whatever the reason may be, Valentine's Day has become a big deal and a huge part of our lives.

Hold the Press on the Recent Post, Just Wait On It

I've decided in the spirit of Valentine's Day to change the post I will be releasing this week. I've heard a lot of discussion recently on how people treat Valentine's Day depending on their relationship situation, how they've always celebrated it in the past, their expectations, etc. I found it all pretty interesting, and some were pretty sad. So I decided maybe I should make a post that people can relate to whether they have a Valentine or not. Even though this doesn't seem like a major issue since its only once a year, the holiday reminds many of us of our relationship status, whether that be a good or bad thing, and some of us feel the need to have to have someone for it to have any importance. I will cover the subject of Valentine's Day and address the different aspects that come with it. I hope it will enlighten some people, and lift the spirits of others!

I apologize for the delay for the previous topic I stated I would write about but that will be released later in the month.

What's To Come: Following Your Passions

Hey! Sorry to my readers that I haven't posted in a while, but I'm announcing the next topic to be released will be following one's passions and dreams. This is something I feel a significant amount of people probably wonder about, especially when they're in college and have decisions to make such as choosing a major, concentration, etc. I want to give an overview on what it really means to follow ones dreams/aspirations, and what it could mean for their future, whether it be good or bad. I, of course welcome all input on the matter that others may have.

You can expect the post to be released before the end of next week.

Thanks again for reading!

Ahh, Young Love

By this time, most of us have had some experience with a relationship, good or bad.  A relationship is typically a bond two people share with one another who have mutual feelings for one another. Some people get in relationships because they can't stand the thought of that person being with someone else. Some people commit to a relationship because they figure "Why not?" or "What's the worse that could happen?". Some others take on a relationship with the hope it leads to something stable in the future that could be taken to the next level. We all have our own reasons to be in a relationship. But what standard do we hold relationships to these days? Is an actual relationship something people strive to have, or is their aim to gain something in that relationship instead? Back in the day, a relationship was something people held to the highest standard, and it came with things like getting the approval of one's parents, making clear what your intentions were from the start, etc. Nowadays, things are different. Different in good and bad ways. With the new generation came a new way of doing things. So how about we look at this new style that my generation has adapted.

Advice Corner!

So I decided that a good idea would be to start a kind of advice column for people!

All you need to do is email: sereneparadox@gmail.com and I'll post the question and answer as soon as I can. This will be a good way for people to get outside input on anything that's been on their mind, or any questions they've wondered about. At the same time, others may benefit from anything you are curious or wonder about.

I look forward to hearing from you all

Next Topic: Youth, Love, and Relationships

Happy New Years to all and Happy Holidays!

I hope you all enjoyed my recent post about college and my input on the things to consider when thinking of advancing your education.
My next topic I will be discussing will be youth and how they handle love and relationships. I think this is one area that many people do not fully understand or comprehend, especially in our current generation. I am currently working on compiling it and you can expect it to be posted within the next week.

Again thanks to all my subscribers and those who continue to read my work. It's much appreciated.