Grounded but Still Flying High

I need to be there.

End of story.

[Festival of the Winds at Bondi Beach]

Photo by: Creative Monsoon

Successful Family Relationships

          Last Spring I had to write an in-class essay for my English 201 class, and I just happened to stumble across it the other day. Needless to say, I'm quite proud of it. =) So I thought I'd share.

          Prompt: Write a 500 word essay identifying and explaining the values you feel are necessary for successful family relationships. Clearly explain each value in detail with specific examples and justification for your choice.

          Family. A word often meant to describe those you live and grew up with, but to me it means those I love and depend on. All throughout time, members of families bicker and fight with one another when they should be strengthening their relationships. This task is not, by any means, considered an easy one. one must obtain certain attributes in order to have a pleasant relationship with family members, the most important being: observation, a listening ear, ability to develop trust, and unconditional love.
          "Why are these important?" You might ask. In order to explain, we must start from the beginning.
           Observation. Being able to notice and see things around you for what they truly are. As family members you might share the same DNA, but you don't have the same mind. When people are hurt or angry they react in different ways; some shut down, some lash out, some are calm and rational. Family members should be observant in knowing when something is wrong. For example, through my teenage years, when I would get upset I would usually snap at or say a snide remark to one of my siblings then head off to be alone. My mother would notice this and realize I probably needed someone to talk to; she had the attribute of observation down to a science.
           After observing that something is bothering a family member we must do as my mom did and have a listening ear. We need to be there for our family. Sometimes all a person needs is to be heard. Along with this, we need to realize that they might not need us to talk at all. Therefore, we need to be careful on not giving too much advice; unless they ask for it, of course.
          After showing that we notice others feelings and are someone to confide in, they usually find that we are worthy of their trust. once given that trust we must do everything, in our power, to keep it. Trust is one of the toughest things do get back once it is lost. In order to keep trust we must avoid dishonesty and hypocrisy. When we say that we will do something, we should follow through. Show others that we care enough to keep our promises.
          And lastly there is unconditional love. Having unconditional love for someone is loving them no matter what they do to hurt themselves, you, or others. This value is essential in family relationships and goes along with all the other values mentioned thus far. If a child decides to go wayward and live a life we might not agree with, their trust in our love might be the only thing that brings them back. We must have that undying love, that selfless love.
          All of these attributes combined will ensure that we have successful relationships with our family members, which relationships are of the most important in our lives.

-McKae Bre'a

212 Degrees - The Extra Degree

My mom showed us this video last night for FHE (Family Home Evening). And, even though I had other plans, I'm glad she made me stay to at least watch this ;).

It makes me wonder what I'm missing out on in life when I don't go the extra mile.
"The one extra degree of effort in business and in life... separates the good from the great!"

Dream Without Limits

          Everyone says "Follow your dreams", "Reach for your dreams", "Dream big." And it makes me wonder... which ones are we supposed to "follow" and "reach for"? The dreams you dream when you're sleeping or the ones you dream when you're awake?  And what's the difference? Is it that your subconscious controls one and not the other? Is it because your subconscious wants to control your conscious dreams but your super-ego gets in the way? Your super-ego as in society.  
          Society telling you that you can't, telling you that there is no possibly way to make your dream a reality? Grinding it into your very soul, until you start to believe it yourself. You believe it so much that your conscious never even realizes that something was ever your dream in the first place? The dreams you dream while you are awake are only the product of things society, and essentially you, believe are possible. Imagine what following your dreams would mean if we truly had no conscious, no superego, no limits.

-McKae Bre'a

Lyrical Love

Just a few of my favorite lyrical quotes:

"I hope that you see right through my walls." -Arms Christina Perri

"I was standing at the edge of the runway, wishing I could fly." -As Long as it Takes The Spill Canvas

"But you held your pride like you should've held me" -The Story of Us Taylor Swift

"Maybe God can be on both sides." -Say When The Fray

"Don't hold your head so low that you can't see the sky" -Mr. Blue Catherine Feeny

"So how come when I reach out my fingers, it feels like more than distance between us?" -California King Bed Rihanna

"I've never heard silence quite this loud" -The Story of Us Taylor Swift

"You say go, it isn't workin; and I say no, it isn't perfect... so I'll stay instead" -Never Gonna Leave This Bed Maroon 5

Quote of the Day

Germaphobe Freakouts

 This weeks realizations:

- I have a great memory for song titles and artists... I win Nick's music challenges all the time ;)

- I cannot go into town without buying a movie.

- I can secondhand shop (with minimal germaphobe freakouts) only if it's at Plato's Closet... My mom is so proud.

- Forgetting about a past crush is easy when I convence myself he's a douche. 

- After a week of being on a sugar-free diet, I have yet to go a whole day without it.

- Everyday is a Taylor Swift day.

- I can swindle my way out of teaching swim lesson and not leave anyone hanging. Wooo Hooo!!!

- I live by the motto: "There has to be a easier way."

Quote of the Day

"It's not as bad as we sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out...Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us... If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers. "

- Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

          My friend, Devan, suggested I read the talk "Some Lessons on Faith and Fear" by Gregory Clark (where this quote was found), and it was exactly what I needed to hear. I would suggest anyone and every read this, it covers so many concepts we wouldn't normally think about when it comes to being faithful or fearful. 

Regular, not Goofy.

After half a week of trying new things I've found out a few things about myself...


- I'm regular, not goofy, on a skateboard. All this time I've been wake boarding wrong.
- I like going super duper fast (cars, boats, jet skis) ... when I'm the one in control. 
- I HATE teaching swim lessons, but man those kids sure make me smile.
- I can't keep my eyes off of buff, black men writing rap songs in the park; but then again, that's not anything new.
- Guys who are good with kids are at the top of my list.
- Yep, I still don't like mornings.
- A song that features a saxophone, in any way, makes me want to pull my hair out.
- I love winning at Around the World Solitaire, even if it takes me a gazillion tries.

Self Discovery

I feel sad today. 


So, I'm only 21. Way to young to be thinking about my future as an old maid, right? I thought so too. But all this pressure to go off and find my eternal companion, is subconsciously starting to get to me. I normally wouldn't admit to it. But, considering I feel like I've hit rock bottom, I think there's nothing left to lose. 


I feel lonely today.


And what do I do when I feel under the weather? I eat lots of ice cream and talk to my mom. Yep, I'm a Mama's girl, I'll admit to that too. She always seems to talk some sense into me. Her words of wisdom today went something like this. "You know McKae, maybe while all the people around you are getting married, Heavenly Father is giving you experiences that will teach you how to be alone, so that you won't lose yourself when you become part of someone else." ...ok so I might have paraphrased a little. But, that's the just of what I got. 


Which got me thinking.


Here I am in the prime of my life. I have no responsibilities holding me back from doing what ever my heart desires. And am I taking advantage of that? No. I'm sitting here, stuffing my face with peanut butter ice cream (which really isn't even that good, cuz I'm really craving almond praline), and wallowing in my own self pity. So, like always, I come up with some random idea. 


Objective: Self Discovery


I'm going to do a gazillion things this summer that I normally wouldn't do and see what I discover about myself and who I really am. 


Ideas: 
Wake up early enough to watch a sunrise
Go down the yellow slide
Swim in our new pool
Read a book on the roof
Play with the dogs (no matter how much they smell)
Ride Shaunessy's horse (even though I'm allergic... maybe I'll save this for last)
Write a song
Read a western novel
Give a random stranger my number
Water ski?




... and we'll see what happens.