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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

A Bit of Original Poetry

Because it wouldn't let me sleep until I wrote it...

Left Behind
AG Stewart

Running up the staircase,
Fearful of the basement monsters.
Chasing cats around and 'round,
Through the rooms in a circle.
Shrieking, laughing, shouting late at night;
No neighbors to bother as they sleep.
Hiding alone without a chance to be found,
Because of the spaciousness of the house.

These are the things I've left behind,
Memories created, things of the past.
These are the things I've left behind,
Signs of a childhood, things I will miss.

Long ventures through the woods.
Going a week or more in seclusion,
Nobody met except members of the household.
Stepping outside in the night,
Seeing uncountable stars, and the moon;
Lord of the darkened sky.
Playing, chasing, climbing, exploring,
Pure silence, pure darkness, pure nature.

These are the things I've left behind,
Memories created, things of the past.
These are the things I've left behind,
Signs of a childhood, things I will miss.

Friendships firmly cemented by years,
Memories of past laughter shared.
Tears shed, games played, jokes told; 
Time simply spent together.
No words required, a look will suffice.
Finding your birthdays are a week apart.
Hugs that knock you both off your feet.
Closeness of friends who knew you well.

These are the things I've left behind,
Memories created, things of the past.
These are the things I've left behind,
Signs of a childhood, things I will miss.

Left behind, but never forgotten.
These are the things I will miss.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Happiness

Last night I stayed up until 2 AM reading a book titled The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin. (Check out http://www.happiness-project.com/ for more information). I guess you could say it inspired me.

In it, she plans a happiness project that will last for an entire year. I decided to do one as well, except on a much smaller level. I'm kind of sick of year long projects because of WriYe. Anyway, to start, she wrote her list of twelve personal "commandments" and some resolutions that she wanted to complete in the yearlong project, thinking that they would make her happier.

Last night, I wrote my commandments as well, though made fifteen of them. Here they are:


  • Do it now.
  • Do more than is asked.
  • It's okay to fail with some things.
  • Do your best.
  • Be positive.
  • Take the time to do it right.
  • Don't worry about things that don't matter.
  • Ask for help.
  • Serve without a grudge.
  • Take some time for yourself.
  • Wear your hair up.
  • Write a list.
  • Enjoy the simple things.
  • Keep a record.
  • Don't doubt your potential.
I've made a list of some good habits I'd like to develop in myself, and some bad habits that I'd like to get rid of. It's more of a project to better myself, including making myself generally happier. Not that I'm particularly unhappy or anything. It's just an experiment to see the good in the life I have. As she said, (though these aren't her exact words because I don't have the book next to me) "I want to change my life without changing my life, finding my happiness in my own kitchen."

In the coming weeks and months, I'll work on these resolutions and keep you updated, since one of my resolutions is more regular blog posting.