Dare to Live Strong

Hey hey hey!

First official post of 2016!! <3 Excited? I am!! To be completely honest, I have a hard time coming up with what to write sometimes. It's not just writers block, but more like I just have nothing interesting to say both about my life or in general. But I've had some time to think, which is awesome.  So here you all are; nothing beats reflecting while a new year is in place! Please enjoy. 

You know how they say a person's past haunts them? Well, honestly, they aren't completely wrong to believe that. I believe there are three types of people in a large scope of things. Of course, this is like a continuum, so these are extremes. First are the people who live in the past. They can't give up what has passed, and base every decision on what happened to them previously. This leads to the second group, and extreme from the first where all their choices in life are based on their future. Their goal is set, and they simply believe in getting there, and that's all they see; sometimes missing out on the present and disregard their past; often not learning from mistakes. Lastly, there's people who believe in the now, our present-thinkers. They believe that there's no use thinking about the past, or thinking the future, just live in the now right? #yolo. haha jokes. 

Anyhow -- I personally believe there's more to life than just this! Don't just live in one scope. Take a look at what's happening around you on a day to day basis, don't miss out on the little stuff. But also remember to dream big and have hopes! That will give you direction and purpose in life, but also remember to look back. Memories are a gift to us, blessings and grace. Sometimes memories hurt, sometimes they remind us of how dark, sick and twisted our lives use to be, but honestly I think our past serves our identity strongly. I've come to realize that individuals who are accepting of their pasts make out to be the strongest individuals I know. WHY? Well, think about it. People like to disregard a past that is painful, dark, sick, or twisted. It shows our frailty, our in-capabilities, our brokenness. There's nothing we can change about it, so why should we keep reminding ourselves of it? Our history, our past, it does't make us weaker. It makes us stronger. The brokenness, the darkness, the painfulness only shows our experience. You can recover in the present by acknowledging and accepting the past, and turning it into a strength. The more dark, sick and messed up you may think your life was, could be the saving grace of someone now, or in the future when you are helping those around you go through their current circumstances. You just have to change what hurt before; the brokenness, the inability to do anything, the helplessness, into something strong. (I won't tell you how to be strong though, that's for you to work out!) Dare to live strong, and you may find your identity, and a new-found strength. 

Last two things: a quick quote from Ernest Hemingway "We are all broken. That's how the light get's in." Light is strength, and I believe that is the only thing that can heal the broken, but only if you let it. 

Here's a song I really like about fighting the past and moving on. Don't let your past hold you down. Wear those battle scars with pride! I present to you Dare ~ Gentri

Well, hope you're all having a great start to the New Year! Don't be me; a couch potato ;)

Till Next Time!
Music is for Healing <3

JLogging it ~ JoLee

"The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Cor. 5:17

Happy New Years!

Hey Everyone!!
Wow.. feels kinda weird to be blogging again. First off, I know I haven't posted any entries in ages, my apologies. No main reason or excuse other than the fact that life is kinda busy! Freshman in college/university = hectic. Life is upside down, stressed out, I'm not a party-er--so not much parties. But none the less balancing family, school, friends, volunteering, religion and commitment itself is already a handfull.

Welcome my friends to a great start of 2016! We have much to look forward to, and even more to look back at if we choose to, but you know what; leave the baggage behind! What has happened in this past year is still a part of your book of life, but starting today, we write a new chapter. These blank opportunities are available for change, a difference, and significance. Don't write another filler chapter, make it exciting, thrilling, and meaningful.

Wishing you all the best with your New Years resolutions! It's hard to keep at them, but I believe you all can! Put your best into whatever you do, and you will see the reward in the end! My resolution to you all is a desire to make more posts and entries. With a better understanding of what my life holds, I will be able to time manage things better and hopefully that will make a difference.

Here's a little song for y'all. Gotta say, I love Pentatonix! haha. Here you go!! Straight from YouTube ;)

Sorry for the short, rant-like, and cheesy/cliche entry. Many more meaningful ones to come!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!

God Bless the year of 2016!
Music is for Healing ~~
Till Next time!
JLogging it ~ JoLee

We are all Human

Hey Blog buddies :)
How have you all been? Over here in Canada, the leaves are turning a crisp yellow as they fall majestically onto the sidewalk, being trampled on with a crunch. Don't you just love autumn? The canvas of colour in the forests, and the feeling of completeness. It's all so majestic.

Well, I've recently been taking a class at my University on theories of disabilities (in particular developmental disabilities). It has come to my attention that individuals with disabilities face prejudice,  segregation and insults in ways we interact with them that we are completely unaware about. Has it occurred to you that the way we address individuals with disabilities, the tone we speak to them with, and our body language sometimes results in offense and rudeness? Sometimes we consider; oh, if they have a developmental disability, they don't understand how to process such things. But let me tell you, they understand. There was this one boy that I was working closely with, and he told me this: "you know, I really hate it when people speak to me like I'm a little boy who doesn't understand what's going. Can't they just talk about hockey?" This came from a boy about my age. 19 or so, and has a developmental disability.

I thought I'd make a brief (or not so brief) point both advocating for individuals with disabilities, as well as those who are without disabilities.

First off, no one can say which is the better life to live. We can only say a life without disabilities is more convenient because of how society displays it. But to say one is a blessing over the other just shouldn't be said at all. That is a personal experience, and to be completely honest, no one will really be able to accurately tell you which is better. One may appear more convenient than the other because of how society accommodates them, but nonetheless; we are all humans living life. The one thing that does matter is that you have life. Life itself is a gift to all. Each and everyday that passes with you waking in the morning, living your daily activities, and an end of crawling into bed is a good day, a day of life, a day worth living.

Now as an advocate for those who are facing a life with disability, I can say this is a major thing. I know in the health field (which is what I'm in school studying) seems to be more of a problem which some of you might find interesting. Anyhow, enough rambling; to get to the point. People First language. Simply put, we are all individuals. We are all people. We are all human. This disability does not take away from that. We are equal. I am just as human as you are. There is no difference. To categorize individuals as a disability is frequently seen "on the streets" and in medical clinics. You often hear, "the Down's in Rm289" or "That autistic boy on the playground". Sometimes it is necessary to bring forth the awareness of the disability for the safety and concern of the individual. However, it should not be used in substitute of an address. People are not solely their conditions, even if their conditions are part of their identity.

In turn, as I have advocated for individuals who face this problem of being categorized and titled, I must also advocate for individuals who are speaking subconsciously on these matters. Sometimes, it's not brought to our intention on exactly how we ought to treat individuals with disabilities or what form of language is appropriate. It's not an act of rudeness but more of an act of ignorance and lack of understanding. Perhaps it's the fact that we need better education and exposure to the awareness of what is appropriate and appreciated by the families of those with disabilities as well as the individual affected. Individuals within society can't be the one and only blame for the rudeness that has developed. In fact, over time society as a whole has been changing and learning how to create adaptable environments for individuals with disabilities. Society will get there; we just need time, exposure and experience.

To be completely honest. This message is just for you to be aware. Have you chosen a poor set of words to title someone, or looked at someone the "wrong" way recently? Is there something that you must train yourself to do now because subconsciously you are already making rude body language based remarks? By no means do I mean to insult any of you, but I think it's a good reminder to look at ourselves in the mirror instead of constantly at others, and think "what needs to be done? Was what I did really necessary?".

Wishing you all the best! It's midterm season for me! Stress is the least of my worries! Remember to eat well, sleep well, and be well! Mental and physical health are what make an efficient individual. Sorry for the lack of music this time, but I will make up for it in the next post <3

Till Next Time!
Music is for Healing <3
JLogging It ~ JoLee

A new beginning.

First off, I'm terribly sorry to all the readers who have been posted on my updates. I know it's been too long, but lots of things have come up. I thank you for your patience, and I hope this post meets your expectations. 

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Congratulations my fellow friends! I'm sure for most people, we have recently embarked on yet another wonderful adventure full of challenges and testing of boundaries, obstacles and new friendships, trust and honesty. To put in short, off to school/work we go! Whether it be elementary school, junior high, high school,  post secondary or a new job; there will be challenges.

As I have always said to myself, "Great moments in life come to an end, only so even greater moments may begin. These moments are like the sun, even though they are temporarily hidden by the clouds, we know it's there." That's kind of like life don't you think? The different stages of life come closer and closer to an end, only so you can start a new beginning. Each new beginning comes with a new experience, and a chance to find out more about who you really are. 

For me, I've just started my University life. Fascinating changes are flying by me faster than you can say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. (Did I spell that right? haha) But what can we obtain when we face change? How do we obtain who we are and not become assimilated into what people desire us to be? I think these are two challenges that everyone will face at least once in their lifetime, either subconsciously or consciously. First off, change is a good thing. Think of change as a blessing in disguise. I know as a child, when forced to change environments, it was complicated, difficult, and undesirable. However, trust me. There is always good to one side of change. Change creates in us a flexibility to become accepting, and to understand the complexity behind the change we cannot avoid; the unchangeable change. That's kind of odd to say eh? But this flexibility will help us adapt better to more societies in the future. It will shrink our self-built walls of protection, and show us the wonders in participating in a society potentially different from the first.

I'm sure there's much more to say on why you should coincide with the change and let it be. But let me tell you just one thing. You can rebel, get angry, be confused of your emotions and wish to go back to what you had; that's all a part of change. However, when the time comes to accept where you, don't lost track of it. Be who you are, show the world who you are. If you didn't like who you were, become who you want to be. But don't ever change who you are just to fit in with the picture. If you believe that is the optimal identity of what you want to associate yourself to, then so be it! Just remember, people now in North America aren't known as individuals because they fit in, but because they stand out. They aren't afraid to be different, to be who they are, and to show the world what they have to offer. Change is a great thing, but change shouldn't compromise your identity. Stay strong, stay you, but most of all, be happy.

I understand my approach to change may be biased, or misleading or even at times contradictory. But that's life! Sometimes you can't just stand a neutral ground, or make a clear evaluation, or even make sense when speaking to someone. But what does that say about the issue at hand? It means; experience it for yourself. Go live the change!

So that you all know, I also updated the poem I wrote in memory of my friend. For those of you who have yet to read it, here is a link. It's called Hourglass. Thanks for all the positive feedback I received in regards to my poem writing , as well as the suggestions. If you ever think there's something I can change or improve on, don't hesitate in shooting me an email or a post. Thanks for reading!

Just a little song for you. Nothing to do much with the topic of change, but I enjoy this song. Hopefully you do too :3 It's a song of Taiwanese origin, with lyrics in Mandarin. But I found a prettty good English Subbed version for you all :) This is Aaron Yan's That's Not Me. (Zhe Bushi wo)

Till Next Time ~
Music is for Healing <3
JLogging it!~ JoLee

Been too long

Hello fellow online friends and readers!
I know, it's been too long, hasn't it!? Some of you must have forgotten about me XD but it's okay! I'm coming back! Things have been kinda hectic, and I've been on vacation! Yes my American readers, I have adventured through your West Coast! Must say though... Hollywood, and DisneyLand must be considered top attractions! Haha

Well, hoping you will all have a great remainder of your summer, (if you aren't back in class yet) and for those of you who started class already... best of luck! Study hard, play hard; and in that order!

Will hopefully post something sometime soon!

Till Later!
Music is for Healing <3
JLogging it ~Jo Lee

The Future... a plan?

Hey Everyone!!

So, this will be a bit shorter than I wished, but I'm having tendinitis problems and tumors in my wrist from excessive use of my wrist and fingers.... Too much music for me :O haha. Enjoy it though :) Sorry it's a bit late!

Can you believe it!! I am officially done school! From the first day of Gr10 to the last day of diplomas (which are Gr12 Provincial exams that weigh 50% of our university entrance marks here in Alberta). Grad (or the American Prom) was as amazing as everyone expects it to be, and all in all, these few years in High School flew by a bit too quickly. From making new friends, to maintaining social circles, keeping up marks, and going to rehearsal; it's been none the less more remarkable and unforgettable than I could imagine. These few years have definitely helped me to find who I really am, and simply shape my identity.

So when thinking about Graduation and finishing Gr12, many-a-times people ask you about your future. What are your plans? What are you going to do next year? Which university? The questions about planning your life and the many years to come are uncountable. As much as I'd like to answer them, I can't. I'm sure many of you no matter in what stage of life often come across such a problem too. At the same time, yes I've been planning, but on the other hand, it's so unpredictable. I know what I'm doing next year, and like many of my peers I'll be going to University. But even within that plan, there are still uncertainties. I don't know what will happen in the next minute, the next hour, the next few seconds. I guess this picture I took in Spain helps to picture what "the future" is like in my mind. It's a questionable thing, but I'm hoping its bright. It's kind of like walking through the fog, only able to see what is directly in front of you, but knowing there is more out there. That's the future. But I believe there is more to it than simply looking at what's in front of you. What you do in the present can also impact your future.

I have faith and hope my life will go somewhere with direction, and for that reason I desire to make an impact, which is why I have a plan for my life. One of my favorite quotes that I've been living through these past few years of High School is this by Mother Teresa: "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with little love." What a great reminder, that to leave an impact in this world doesn't mean we have to do great things. We just have to live each passing moment doing acts of kindness with heart and passion. That's my future. I can't tell you where I will be 10 years down the road with guarantee of course, as I have big ambitions. But one thing I can guarantee you is that no matter where I am, no matter how old I am, how rough my life gets, I will aim to deliver little acts of love to those around me. That is how I will make an impact in this world. That is my future. What is yours?

Just a few songs about the future. For you gamers out there.... here's Paul McCartney's Hope for the Future from the game soundtrack Destiny.

For those of you who aren't gamers, it's okay! That song is pretty cool. But let's go back in time, and listen to the Beatles. Here is John Lennon.  This is his 'future', and what he dreamed for it to be.

Two different futures, but that's expected, as; 

 "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one".  

Till Next time <3

Music is for Healing!

JLogging it ~JoLee

Happy Father's Day!

Hey Readers!

Happy Father's Day to all the readers Fathers! For those of you who can, give your father a nice big man hug, or fist punch (or whatever you men do these days) and express how much you appreciate him. Fathers have to deal with the pain of manning up for us, and usually spoiling us, and sometimes disciplining us.Without that type of sacrifice and suffering, we would not be here today. I am thankful for my father for everything he does. He is our money tree, my economic support, my friend, someone who is way more technological than I am, and he definitely fixes everything I screw up; both materialistically and through the every day life mishaps. He wanted to be a character of influence in our family, a role model. He did more than just that, he is my foundation, my rock. Through the many times I've made him frustrated or disappointed, I know it's all out of my wrong doings and mostly carelessness or neglect, and that he just expresses his anger because he cares. He loves me when I look make physical damage to the house, am too weak to help him move furniture, and all the careless little deeds that require him only to support me more economically. On top of that he is forgiving, just like my mother. His sacrifices for me are insurmountable, and he will always be in my heart. I'm not saying my father is perfect and without fault, after all, we are all human. But he grows from his faults, and can make stories from them (and sometimes jokes XD) and comes to terms with his imperfections,  only to tell me how I can make sure it's not mine. I love him for his fortes, and his flaws. My inspiration, my source of life, my foundation. Happy Fathers Day Dad! <3

I know some of you aren't able to be with your fathers, or have fathers were unfortunately were unable to be by your side as you journeyed through life. No matter the reason, my heart and thoughts are with you. I know you have challenged through life, but I'm sure you have found your pillar of strength, and your rock. Make sure to thank them for being a fatherly figure to you. You people are the strongest, and if you choose to, I'm sure you will make great parents one day.

Here's a song shout out to all you fathers, uncles, grandparents, and all that great stuff :)

This is "Through the Eyes of My Father" - Brianna Haynes

To the one who grasped my small hands and let me walk on his feet as I grew, Happy Fathers Day!

Till Later!
Music is for Healing <3
JLogging It~ JoLee ^_^

P.S The next post will be up in a day or two. Almost done :D
Thanks !