Final Blog

[Part one] I see myself falling in the category of each different mindset especially creative and ethical, but I am most closely tied to the ethical mind. I've always said I was born into the wrong decade and that my ethics closely resemble those of the early 50's- I'm old fashioned. I take a great interest in making society a better place so that my future generations can have a better life. I tend to become a part of groups or projects based on interests I have and the potential they have in making a difference. The best example I have of this is running the South Deanery Dance Marathon for Riley Hospital for Children. It captures all of the important things I live for: giving back, working hard, making a difference in lives.

[Part two] Ever sense I spoke my first words, I was seen as inquisitive. My mom told me I would ask questions all the time in the backseat of the car or in the grocery cart. I exhibit a lot of curiosity on a day to day basis as I constantly strive to know more about events, people, and the functions of the world.
I engage in intellectual discussions! In a morally-unstable world where faith and ethics are questioned by most, I love getting into deep discussions. In my relationships, I'm known as the deep thinker who poses questions, constantly seeking answers. This furthers the ethical mind of mine. Often times, my asking questions gets me in trouble as people don't always want to engage in topics that could possibly bring about controversy.
I respect the fact that people don't always think on the same wavelength as me. While I don't always agree with others opinions and have a hard time holding back my personal opinions, I listen to what other people have to say. In the same way, I want honest feedback from my friends no matter how different our viewpoints are.

[Part three] Surprisingly, I'm not as computer-stupid as I thought. I'm more computer savy than I gave myself credit for! I figured out my way around blogger.com and was able to SUCCESSFULLY load a playlist onto my blog, which is quite an anomaly since I usually have to call up a friend to walk me through websites' components.

Listen to crhscrebel0711s Playlist

I struggle with wrapping my head around the limitless songs and lyrics that have spoken to me and pulled me through the toughest of times. It's true when they say that music is the soul's way of expressing itself. Music gives an escape from the outside world; it's like a good book- you get so involved in the story being told that all your troubles seem to fade away for a time. When the song is over, of course you find yourself back in the realm of reality, but one can't argue with the idea that music, no matter how personal your interest, provides a path for us to express ourselves and how we feel at any given moment. During stressful times, I go for the lighter rock or more subtle music, music that calms rather than accelerates.

Comparing the Stats

Stress must be a dominant factor in society since tons of research is dedicated to the effects stress has on people's lives. Ponder this:

-65% of Americans are losing sleep due to stress
-16% of Americans experience stress-induced insomnia
-"Stress is taking a terrible toll on the nation’s health and economy. It is a heavy contributor to heart disease, cancer, respiratory distress, lupus and many other life threatening illnesses.”
Dr. Paul Rosch, Medical Scientist and Stress Expert
-According to the American Medical Association, stress is a factor in more than 75% of sickness today!
-19.1 million adults in the US suffer from anxiety and panic attack

How do we let ourselves get to this point? Why do Americans take on such stressful lives? How can one consider himself successful if all his life is made up of meeting deadlines and over coming difficult tasks on a daily basis? It's no wonder in today's society so many people resort to vacations or "sick days" or even alcohol to escape the chaos of their lives!

Check, Check, Check

Amidst chaos, I find refuge in some sort of order. I find it extremely helpful to keep a small notebook with me at all times in my purse or backpack. This way, I always have somewhere to jot down things I need to get done. Lists keep me sane when I feel overwhelmed with tasks. Even the most insignificant of things like "call mom after school" or "buy gum" find their way on the to-do lists. I believe that in a fast-pace world, one shouldn't have to remember every detail without the aid of a pad of paper and pen or a Blackberry. Thankfully, technology has grown to accommodate the busy lifestyle most Americans lead. Whether a working adult or busy student, rarely does life cease to slow down, and when we find ourselves wrapped up in all that needs to be accomplished, relief is welcomed when checking things off a list.