We all have something that we wish we could change, that we wish we could become. Many people wish for fame or fortune, others success. Some people wish for love, fellowship, a companion. Others wish that they could lose a few pounds or have the cheek bones of their famous idol. For the Doctor, he wishes that we could be ginger.
I'm not sure how many of you are fans of Doctor Who but, to keep it brief, the Doctor can regenerate (i.e. change how he looks) when he's about to die. It's what the Time Lords do however, most Time Lords learned to control what they turned into. The Doctor didn't. End of the day, he has had eleven (soon to be twelve) incarnations, and not one have been his beloved ginger.
Many people thing that, to get what they want, they must change something. This could be to themselves or to other people. Life doesn't work like that. We are who we are. We come as we come. Sure, they'll be people who won't like it, and there will be times when you feel bad about yourself, but changing is running away. Some people have done an awful lot of running, like the Doctor, but that will all catch up on them in the end.
For me, I know that there are people who don't like me. I know that people say bad things about me, people whom I trust and care about, and that hurts, but I'm not changing because a small group of people want me to act in a certain way. And in any case, if I was to change, I'd never end up with what I want to end up with...
...I still won't be ginger!!!
Stay Strong
Michael
Saturday 15 June 2013
Saturday 8 June 2013
Super Saturday (With A Sprinkling Of Stress)
Today has been an extremely busy day for me, and it has had its great ups but also some stress attached. The stress came from the amount of places I needed to be at at different times and making sure that I did have enough time to revise ahead of my exam on Monday morning, which I can't do much of tomorrow as I have lots on tomorrow as well (I know right!!! Such a Rock 'n' Roll lifestyle I lead!)
It started off with a bit of a meeting about a new project that I might be taking up. The idea is to turn the Greek myth of "Pandora's Box" into a musical, preferably for kids. The story really lends itself to a musical and, possibly even into a musical where it is fully musical with no spoken dialogue. It's only an idea at the moment and might not even go ahead, both with me writing the music or the actual story being put into a stage musical.
All this meant that I couldn't go to my band practice, which is an activity that I absolutely love, not only because it's a chance to play but because it's a chance to meet up with people my age and joke around with them. I really do enjoy it so much, even though it's only an hour, and I will deeply miss it when I have to give it up in the summer.
Next, after lunch, came the Durrington Festival, where I sat on my churches stool for three hours and sold books, puzzles and toys and the chance to win sweets on hook-a-duck. At this event, I was also honoured to be given the Peter Bloxham Charitable Award, which is an award given to a person who does things for others without asking for rewards, gives up their own time, is always available and volunteering, and keeps within the community spirit. It was a great surprise to be nominated for such an award, let alone win it. I'm extremely grateful for this yet, I feel slightly guilty as I don't feel I do that much. Therefore, I'm taking this award as a marker and promising myself that I will do more for others as there is always someone less fortunate than I am.
All in all, it's been a very busy day. Exciting, but busy. Tomorrow is going to be just as busy as I am the Organist for a "Songs of Praise" event at my church. I just need a little bit of a break so that I can work on this musical (well, both musicals that I am working on along with the Mass setting that I'm writing) but all of that needs to wait until these pesky exams are over. Only a week or so to go now!!!
I just want to say thank you to all my friends and people who stick by me and support me. I know that I'm not the easiest person to be friends with and can be extremely stubborn with me constantly saying that "I'm not important" and my continuous want to solve other people's problems rather than my own, but I'm alright really. You guys just wait as I know that something amazing is coming around the corner... and that's not just for me but you guys aswell.
Stay Strong
Michael
It started off with a bit of a meeting about a new project that I might be taking up. The idea is to turn the Greek myth of "Pandora's Box" into a musical, preferably for kids. The story really lends itself to a musical and, possibly even into a musical where it is fully musical with no spoken dialogue. It's only an idea at the moment and might not even go ahead, both with me writing the music or the actual story being put into a stage musical.
All this meant that I couldn't go to my band practice, which is an activity that I absolutely love, not only because it's a chance to play but because it's a chance to meet up with people my age and joke around with them. I really do enjoy it so much, even though it's only an hour, and I will deeply miss it when I have to give it up in the summer.
Next, after lunch, came the Durrington Festival, where I sat on my churches stool for three hours and sold books, puzzles and toys and the chance to win sweets on hook-a-duck. At this event, I was also honoured to be given the Peter Bloxham Charitable Award, which is an award given to a person who does things for others without asking for rewards, gives up their own time, is always available and volunteering, and keeps within the community spirit. It was a great surprise to be nominated for such an award, let alone win it. I'm extremely grateful for this yet, I feel slightly guilty as I don't feel I do that much. Therefore, I'm taking this award as a marker and promising myself that I will do more for others as there is always someone less fortunate than I am.
All in all, it's been a very busy day. Exciting, but busy. Tomorrow is going to be just as busy as I am the Organist for a "Songs of Praise" event at my church. I just need a little bit of a break so that I can work on this musical (well, both musicals that I am working on along with the Mass setting that I'm writing) but all of that needs to wait until these pesky exams are over. Only a week or so to go now!!!
I just want to say thank you to all my friends and people who stick by me and support me. I know that I'm not the easiest person to be friends with and can be extremely stubborn with me constantly saying that "I'm not important" and my continuous want to solve other people's problems rather than my own, but I'm alright really. You guys just wait as I know that something amazing is coming around the corner... and that's not just for me but you guys aswell.
Stay Strong
Michael
Wednesday 5 June 2013
Smiles, Songs and Sunshine
What's this??? A blog with a happy title??? Never!!!
The sun is out and that makes everyone feel better, right? Sometimes this great weather can make you feel really bad about yourself. If you're like me then you are indoors because you have to revise for your forthcoming exams. Then there is the thing when people want to have the "ideal body" or the "perfect outfit and/or swimsuit" in order to make them look good. All this stress can make you feel bad.
At no point am I going to turn this blog into some form of fashion review or lifestyle blog. Those aren't areas where I have any interest or knowledge. What I do know about is how to make people happy. Earlier today, whilst on Twitter, I saw a tweet from someone I know but rarely speak to saying that they thought they didn't look good for this weather. Being the sort of person I am, I told them that they were being silly, and then, when she thanked me, used one of my favourite phrases that always makes people smile and feel better:
So, when you feel bad because of exam stress or not being in the right shape for lying in the sun, just think that things will work out.
Michael
The sun is out and that makes everyone feel better, right? Sometimes this great weather can make you feel really bad about yourself. If you're like me then you are indoors because you have to revise for your forthcoming exams. Then there is the thing when people want to have the "ideal body" or the "perfect outfit and/or swimsuit" in order to make them look good. All this stress can make you feel bad.
At no point am I going to turn this blog into some form of fashion review or lifestyle blog. Those aren't areas where I have any interest or knowledge. What I do know about is how to make people happy. Earlier today, whilst on Twitter, I saw a tweet from someone I know but rarely speak to saying that they thought they didn't look good for this weather. Being the sort of person I am, I told them that they were being silly, and then, when she thanked me, used one of my favourite phrases that always makes people smile and feel better:
Hakuna MatataSuch a wonderful phrase it is, and people can't but sing along to the well known song from The Lion King. Many of friends have been subjected to this method of mine, and it seems to work.
So, when you feel bad because of exam stress or not being in the right shape for lying in the sun, just think that things will work out.
It's our problem-free, philosophy. Hakuna MatataStay Strong
Michael
Saturday 1 June 2013
Labels
Throughout life we acquire different 'labels'. Some of these are self-made, others are given to us. These labels can vary from being different names, jobs or a description of ourselves. What I don't think people realise is that, no matter how often you change the label, the person or item in question remains the same.
When I first got my glasses, one kid in my class at high school thought that he should make fun of me. He called me names such as "four eyes", and even went as far to say "he's trying to make himself look clever". He wanted that to effect me, but it didn't. I knew that I needed to wear glasses so that I could read things at a distance. I didn't choose to have glasses one day because I thought that glasses would make me look more clever.
My twitter description of myself is "I once abused a piano... now I'm kind of infamous for it". That's a self-given description of me. There have been times where I've wanted to change my label. In middle school I used to spike my hair up, because that would make me 'cool', and I wore jeans and a denim jacket. People who know me now will realise that I hardly ever wear jeans and I don't own a denim jacket any more.
Yes, it's hard to get rid of certain labels, but the labels don't mean anything. The important thing is the person and that, no matter what you are labelled as, you are still you.
Stay Strong
Michael
"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" - Romeo and Juliet, William ShakespeareNo matter what happens to us throughout our lives, we are still the same person. A person who changes from being a sales assistant to becoming a teacher is still the same person. A table will still function in the same way, even if we call it an oven. Mr. Smith who used to live at number 60 is still Mr. Smith, even though he has moved houses. Basically, the names of things do not matter, only what things "are". The person does not change, and you can't make a person change by giving them a new label.
When I first got my glasses, one kid in my class at high school thought that he should make fun of me. He called me names such as "four eyes", and even went as far to say "he's trying to make himself look clever". He wanted that to effect me, but it didn't. I knew that I needed to wear glasses so that I could read things at a distance. I didn't choose to have glasses one day because I thought that glasses would make me look more clever.
My twitter description of myself is "I once abused a piano... now I'm kind of infamous for it". That's a self-given description of me. There have been times where I've wanted to change my label. In middle school I used to spike my hair up, because that would make me 'cool', and I wore jeans and a denim jacket. People who know me now will realise that I hardly ever wear jeans and I don't own a denim jacket any more.
Yes, it's hard to get rid of certain labels, but the labels don't mean anything. The important thing is the person and that, no matter what you are labelled as, you are still you.
Stay Strong
Michael
Friday 24 May 2013
What I Don't Understand About... Drinking!
Yay!!! Welcome back to this series about things I don't understand. Today we're going to cover drinking as in drinking of alcoholic drinks, not as in the act of drinking because that is a necessity for life.
Now, I am an 18 year old teenager and I don't drink alcohol at all, ever. I don't like the taste. People question me on this but I don't like the taste of mushrooms or coconut and don't eat them yet people don't question me on that. So why is there this obsession with alcohol?
One argument posed is that you can't have fun without alcohol. I beg to differ. You can have plenty of fun with a Sprite and a pack of cards. The alcohol is not necessary. I think many people feel that they can drink their problems away with alcohol but you don't really drink them away, more delay them. You can do the same with a game of dominoes and that is much more healthy for you.
I'm not anti-alcohol. I just don't like the stuff and have seen what it can potentially do to people. I don't like it when people joke about this fact about me because, if you want to joke about this little dislike of mine, then you should also joke about my other dislikes. My dislike towards cake (but not all cake), towards clothes and towards most TV programs. The fact that I don't drink is my own choice and you can't force me to drink for your own entertainment, or else I'll put you in a room full of spiders, get you to eat moldy cheese or make you endure the whole Twilight movie saga.
Alcohol makes me feel ill, even just the smell of it. I don't understand how people at college can go out each night or every other night and drink. It doesn't look attractive. It doesn't smell attractive either and a lot of the stories that I have heard from people I know at college does not make the whole experience sound very appealing. Thank you, but no thanks.
This is a personal choice and I'm not ever going to tell someone to give up on alcohol. I just don't see the logic behind their reasons and I believe that it isn't the be all and end all of having fun and socialising. It's just as easy to socialise over a cup of tea.
As always, you can comment your view on this matter or a view on another topic that you don't understand about.
Stay Strong
Michael
Now, I am an 18 year old teenager and I don't drink alcohol at all, ever. I don't like the taste. People question me on this but I don't like the taste of mushrooms or coconut and don't eat them yet people don't question me on that. So why is there this obsession with alcohol?
One argument posed is that you can't have fun without alcohol. I beg to differ. You can have plenty of fun with a Sprite and a pack of cards. The alcohol is not necessary. I think many people feel that they can drink their problems away with alcohol but you don't really drink them away, more delay them. You can do the same with a game of dominoes and that is much more healthy for you.
I'm not anti-alcohol. I just don't like the stuff and have seen what it can potentially do to people. I don't like it when people joke about this fact about me because, if you want to joke about this little dislike of mine, then you should also joke about my other dislikes. My dislike towards cake (but not all cake), towards clothes and towards most TV programs. The fact that I don't drink is my own choice and you can't force me to drink for your own entertainment, or else I'll put you in a room full of spiders, get you to eat moldy cheese or make you endure the whole Twilight movie saga.
Alcohol makes me feel ill, even just the smell of it. I don't understand how people at college can go out each night or every other night and drink. It doesn't look attractive. It doesn't smell attractive either and a lot of the stories that I have heard from people I know at college does not make the whole experience sound very appealing. Thank you, but no thanks.
This is a personal choice and I'm not ever going to tell someone to give up on alcohol. I just don't see the logic behind their reasons and I believe that it isn't the be all and end all of having fun and socialising. It's just as easy to socialise over a cup of tea.
As always, you can comment your view on this matter or a view on another topic that you don't understand about.
Stay Strong
Michael
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Here's An Idea!!!
What makes an idea good? I'm sure we've all had ideas but rejected them for various reasons. As human beings, we are constantly thinking up new things. Some of us think about things that will effect the whole world, things that might improve the world economy. Others think about ways to beat the newest 'boss' on their video game or think up things that may make their friends happy.
My view is that all ideas have the potential to be good, if given the right encouragement. You can't reject an idea if you haven't tried it out and seen whether it works or whether it fails. If it works then brilliant! If it fails then you can work out why it has failed and improve upon it.
I came across a fantastic message today from and unlikely source: Cheryl Cole's twitter page. The face of this message may look like a stupid celebrity remark, but it actually is so true and... beautiful.
We learn from our mistakes so, let's embrace them and learn from them. You might just change for good. That idea, the one you are thinking about now, is amazing. Trust me. Now, go out and work to make that idea a reality. You'll never know where you'll end up because of it.
Stay Strong
Michael
My view is that all ideas have the potential to be good, if given the right encouragement. You can't reject an idea if you haven't tried it out and seen whether it works or whether it fails. If it works then brilliant! If it fails then you can work out why it has failed and improve upon it.
I came across a fantastic message today from and unlikely source: Cheryl Cole's twitter page. The face of this message may look like a stupid celebrity remark, but it actually is so true and... beautiful.
"I've learned so much from my mistakes. I'm thinking of making some more."
Stay Strong
Michael
Friday 17 May 2013
What Does The Future Hold?
The future is a scary yet exciting thing. I find myself at a point where I need to face the future rather than try to put it off. There are so many decisions that I need to make and it all scares me. I feel pushed and pulled in different directions and I'm not sure what I should be doing.
Thing is, the future will look after itself and the best way to prepare yourself for the future is to surround yourself with great people who love you and will support you no matter what you decide to eventually do with your life. These people should be people that you feel you can openly talk to yet they will be honest with you. I know that I am young so it's better to hear that your friends don't think you are suitable for a certain job now rather than when I'm 50-odd.
To make the future less scary, you should talk about it. Talk about your fears, dreams and ambitions. I am so thankful that I will be meeting up with my best friend in the near future so that I can talk about all these things. I know what I want to say, but I will go into this light hearted chat with an open mind and willing to listen to what they are going to say to me. I shan't go in thinking that I only have one option or my life is worthless because that's a lie and an unhealthy thing to think. I'm sure many people my age have no idea what they are going to end up doing, so I know that I am not alone in this.
Decisions are hard to make. I try and put them off because that delays the future, right? Wrong. The tip is to be honest with yourself and be open. Don't bottle up an idea because you think it's too ambitious or you aren't willing to put the work in to achieving that goal because, if that is the case, then maybe that idea isn't for you.
The future is scary but I'm in it for the long run. Tomorrow's the start of a new beginning.
Stay Strong
Michael
Thing is, the future will look after itself and the best way to prepare yourself for the future is to surround yourself with great people who love you and will support you no matter what you decide to eventually do with your life. These people should be people that you feel you can openly talk to yet they will be honest with you. I know that I am young so it's better to hear that your friends don't think you are suitable for a certain job now rather than when I'm 50-odd.
To make the future less scary, you should talk about it. Talk about your fears, dreams and ambitions. I am so thankful that I will be meeting up with my best friend in the near future so that I can talk about all these things. I know what I want to say, but I will go into this light hearted chat with an open mind and willing to listen to what they are going to say to me. I shan't go in thinking that I only have one option or my life is worthless because that's a lie and an unhealthy thing to think. I'm sure many people my age have no idea what they are going to end up doing, so I know that I am not alone in this.
Decisions are hard to make. I try and put them off because that delays the future, right? Wrong. The tip is to be honest with yourself and be open. Don't bottle up an idea because you think it's too ambitious or you aren't willing to put the work in to achieving that goal because, if that is the case, then maybe that idea isn't for you.
The future is scary but I'm in it for the long run. Tomorrow's the start of a new beginning.
Stay Strong
Michael
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)