Personalized

So many things have influence on our daily lives. We have decisions to make, and whether we like to believe it or not, the people around us have the greatest influence on those decisions. I suppose the basis of this blog is to inspire personalized decision-making. Something I strive to do is always make sure that when I look back, I don't have to persuade myself that 'everyone is doing it,' and ultimately rationalize my past actions  to myself. Go ahead and drink if that's what you want to do...But make sure that it's not because you want to fit in or because everyone else is engaging. Go ahead and have sex, but make sure you are ready. Make sure the situation fits up to your standards. If you always knew you would only be comfortable if it was in a committed relationship, don't let some groomer talk you in to it. If you want to smoke, go ahead. But make sure your reasoning is backed up. Make sure you are okay with hurting those around you and giving up a part of your health and possible susceptibility to other bad decisions. It is a SLIPPERY Slope. Once you engage in certain behaviors, know that it is easier to fall into other things. By continually rationalizing your actions [that you don't approve of  yourself doing in the first place] you are giving yourself an excuse to continue on a path you never thought you'd end up on. It is easy to trick yourself into believing that what you are doing is 'ok' even when you don't feel right about it. Always follow your heart & Intuition.

It's a proven fact that peers have the greatest influence on you. Choose who you hang with wisely. Friends have a way of becoming a lot alike. The way they dress, the way they look, the way they talk, the people they party with, the places they go, the way they treat people, the things that they do...I am not saying that friends have 100% influence and that you won't be able to help yourself in a situation. With age comes wisdom, and it becomes easier to do things your own way regardless of how your friends proceed. People always tell me that my roommates and I look alot alike. Although we have some major differences, I've noticed that we have a lot of likenesses. Without even realizing it, the girls I live with have influenced me: even by just observing how they go about their lives. Seeing what they think is okay, how they act, and how they perceive situations and people has impacted my thoughts.

There will always be decisions. There will always be peer pressure. There will always be people you trust. There will always be temptations. The hardest part is making sure that when you decide to do something, that you are doing it because you want to do it, because you are ready for it. If you are willing to accept consequences of your actions, if you can look at yourself and be happy with yourself, that's what's most important. 

Don't be afraid to stand alone. I can promise you, you will feel liberated in doing what you believe in.

It is okay to defy the odds. There are plenty of people out there who do it all the time.

It is important to always stay Conscious of the decisions you make. It you are not constantly questioning, you should be.

We've all fallen from our standards for ourselves at times, but what truly matters is where you go when you pick yourself up.