Pretty vs. The World

 Apparently, on Sunday nights on Kiis fm the host picks up-and-coming artists to interview and discuss what is coming up next for them. Tonight, an "artist" I had never heard of was the spotlight. I think her name was Eve. The host played her newest single called "Put Your Body on Mine" (I know, just by the name you are probably disgusted). Seriously? Put your body on mine? This is why there is a song called "Where is the Love." Where is the love? Show some Respect.  I was baffled not that this song was on the radio, but that a young woman was singing it. She was literally degrading her own kind. I get it that rappers constantly feel the need to rap about getting with sexy girls and whatever. But this definitely made me mad. The song wasn't even original or catchy, it literally just said "put your body on mine" like one hundred times, over and over! There are so many better female musicians that crush her talent yet go unnoticed. That song doubled my respect for Ingrid, Lenka, and especially Lady Gaga (okay she is out there, but this is below her. She speaks what she loves and believes in. none of this garbage.) Why have we come to this? Where women need to degrade themselves to get attention. This is dorky, but where are Joan of Arc and Moulin when you need them. Where is Ester and Amelia Earhardt and Princess Diana? They would not condone this "loss of pretty." Too many people now feel the need to act a certain way to get attention. Instead of the idea that beauty comes from an inner purity and an outward light about someone, today it comes from  gaudy pieces of fabric passed off as dresses and acting unlady-like. I'm calling for a return to the loveliness which only comes from good manners, modest dress, and above all, class. Class is my favorite. Much like grace, class is a quality that is only obtained if constantly strived for. Why must so many change who they are and what they stand for in order to get attention. I think now, one would receive more attention for acting classy rather than trashy. 

Why Is This So Difficult

 When I made this blog I made a pact with myself to not be a complainer. I hate those blogs where some emo girl writes about how much her life sucks and just whines about everything. But let me tell you something I am sick and tired of the meaness I see all around me everyday. It's not complicated, just think about how your own actions affect others. All you really need to know we learned in kindergarten. Where it was simple. Share. Think about others. Do your best. Eat fruits and veggies. Pay attention. Be on time. No put-downs. It's okay to color outside the lines, sometimes. I know that I can't ask for things to be simple again. If I did ask that, it would be asking to stunt the progression of the human race. I know, life has to be difficult and we must deal with people we don't want to at some times. That which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. (I'm pretty sure I use that in every post.) So here is the goal: Don't find fault, find remedy. --Henry Ford. Sometimes the remedy for a situation where one is being treated poorly is just leaving. Other times the problem stems from them, but it's up to you to fix the problem. Most often, I have found, it stems from within. You must be the change you wish to see in the world. --Ghandi. When people with power make a change, it seems to rub off onto others. People always say you become like your friends, which I believe after so many times thinking "Oh my gosh I sound like ____(insert friend's name here)." With all the actions I see people with power make, I can't help but wish they made better choices. There are some people that have so much influence on a school, town, church group, or other social organisation who make bad desions, which then rationalises said decsion. If only the leaders out there set good examples, every one would benefit. I truly believe some people just do not realize their influence on others. Perhaps we should look back to kindergarten, not to refuse to grow, but to look at the example children set.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me. (see below.)

Respect comes in many forms and often comes in unexpected places. Today, as I was finishing up my workout at the gym and heading over to the drinking fountain, something small and simple made the difference in my day. As I walked up to the fountain, I noticed a boy had beaten me too it. However, instead of insisting his right because he had reached the destination first, he backed up, motioning to me I had the right of way. Now, I don't know whether to call this respect, chivalry, or just manners, but whatever it was, it made me pause and think for a second. Perhaps i only thought about it because I'm a girl who is easily impressed by a boy with good manners. But what does that tell you? Obviously we are living in a world, or maybe just a time/city/school where the simple act of opening a door or telling someone something important in person rather than over text, is not a priority. By using proper manners, it shows others that you respect them and honor their company or friendship. Never fail to hold the door open, always look people in the eye, and give people common courtesy. It seems so simple, but I am constantly needing a reminder. I think if I constantly thought of others before myself, manners and respect would come naturally, right?  It's so simple to treat others with respect, there is no reason not to. I think that people, including myself, make judgements-whether good or bad-so quickly, that the simplest act, such as waiting a few seconds longer for the drinking fountain so another can go first, really makes the difference. Good Manners=Putting Others First=People Like You.  I've discovered that making other people happy is truly the key to finding our own happiness. I know it's a stretch, saying that manners can make you happy, but I think in some abstract way, that is a true statement. When you put other people first,  by showing them how important they are to you,  it makes them happy, right?  When you are around happy people, you then in turn become happy. Why? Because when you treat people how you would like to be treated, people do the same in return. The Golden rule is a terrific tool to help you decide what to do. Lets be honest, good manners are attractive. As the great Og Mandino put it "I seek constantly to improve my manners and graces, for they are the sugar to which all are attracted." To put it simply good manners make one more attractive, because they make people around them feel comfortable.