The end of one chapter only begins another.

I have certainly had lots of experience for "getting into trouble" in grade school.  Attending a parochial school for a prankster like me was a bit difficult to do without getting into trouble from time to time.  However,  I wasn't the only one getting into trouble, I had a few co-conspirators along the way from time to time.  We never did anything that would get us suspended or  expelled, but we really did test the patience of our teachers and administrators.  They may throw their own party after graduation that they are finally rid of us.

Many of my co-conspirators are the best bunch of friends I could have ever asked for having in my life.  We may be the loudest and best at trouble making a class any teacher has ever had, but we always have a blast together.

We have been this group of sixteen kids, always causing trouble for about 10 years. In eighth grade I have noticed that we all have bonded a lot more than any other year in grade school. Going on a retreat, having special field trips, and attending 8th grade confirmation class have all helped us have a better understanding of each other and brought us closer the ever before. 

Having had the same group of friends for around 10 years is amazing. I'm pretty shy until I really get to know someone, so being together for this long has allowed me the opportunity to really get to know my friends. Being forced to choose friends out of 16 kids, some might say is hard, but we have only been brought closer by that factor. These are the people I will be friends with for the rest of my life, no matter where this life takes me. 

I am sad to leave our school and the people in it, but there is an upside to everything. Now we all get to make new friends and change more peoples lives whether it be through our humor,  practical jokes,  commitment to friendship no matter our differences,  and our love for life.  

Volleyball and my change of heart........

It was a 6am wake up call this past Sunday morning to travel to my USAV Tournament from my Dad's house.  It didn't bother me though,  I even stop watching one of my brother's favorite Harry Potter movies with my family the night before and went bed early in order to be well rested and ready to play.  It was a great tournament, we played really well and took 2nd place. However, it wasn't too long ago that I actually thought about giving up on volleyball.

In the past month, I had this idea in my head that I would quit volleyball. The thing is I didn't enjoy it, actually I  dreaded everything about it. I hated practicing and tournaments, but the summer before the season and the five years prior to that I loved it more than anything.  I'm not sure exactly why I didn't like it, but I decided that I wasn't going  play in high school. I was sad to think I'd be missing out on all the activities with my friends, but I just didn't have fun doing it anymore.

After a couple weeks of telling people I wasn't going to continue playing, I realized that I was starting have fun again,  it probably helped that my mom stayed positive and continued to encourage me to stick with it until I was really sure I didn't want to play anymore. Then it happened: I starting enjoying practices and even started looking forward to tournaments. I started to see that without volleyball, I wouldn't be doing much of anything. I realized that I would go through high school not doing a single sport. I'm still not sure what changed my mind exactly, but the more I played the more I liked it again.

The point here is, even when there is a rough patch, a time when you are unsure about things or stop loving the things that made you the happiest, you need to stop and think things through. Always think of your pros and your cons, don't just quit or give up, work through that rough patch, try to see the positive in things and maybe even wait a while before making a final decision.  Talk it through with someone you can trust, someone that won't judge you for the way you feel, but will listen and give you some things to think about.  If you feel like you don't have that person in your life, you have me, I will listen and I won't judge.

Wanting to make a difference.

A few months ago I had an assignment to write about what career I wanted in the future.  I chose psychology.  Some were surprised, but not my step-mom.  She was actually the one that made me consider this as a career.  She told me that I was a very good listener, empathetic and always tried to really learn what makes people different  or better yet, unique. This has sparked my interest to pursue all avenues to helping others.

Those that know me, know I'm obsessed with social media.  I think this all started with my dad and his blog, Pedal Brake Pedal, he started in 2006.  I was impressed with how many people followed him and were interested in the things he had to say.  He gave me permission to start my own blog, Hanna Rocks Your Socks in 2009.  It was just for fun, but it started my interest into the world of social media.  Next came Facebook, Twitter, Vine and Instagram, it's my favorite, now I'm considered "Instafamous".

Recently I have figured out the secret to increase followers and how to reach out to those in need.  (I see a webinar in my future.) When I found those in need I wanted to help boost their self esteem and tell them they are beautiful. I couldn't believe how many people would post about how ugly they felt, the self harm they inflicted, how alone they felt. Many were depressed and some admitting they hated themselves.  I decided that I would comment on these posts and let them know that they are not ugly, but also try to actually help them. I wanted them to see the reasons for living. Some responded thanking me for my comments and some even said I made their day.  I had a few people wanting to get in closer contact by using the app "kik". It is a texting app, not giving out your number, but just giving out a username.  I talked to them individually to help them with their problems

When I shared this with my step-mom, she told me that she was proud of me and that I may have even saved someone's life.  I was shocked that a positive comment could be so powerful, but I know that there have been days when just one comment can make the difference between a good day and a bad day, maybe even life or death.  This is why I have decided to start a new blog; one that I hope many will read and will make a difference in helping girls feel beautiful in mind, body and spirit. 

My goal is to share my journey through high school with all the ups and downs as I learn who I am and what I want to achieve.  I will be sharing pictures, videos, thoughts, ideas,  research, information and interviews of women role models and webinars.  I hope that by sharing my journey it will help other girls become the very best they can be, never feeling alone or ugly again. I want everyone to feel like they are worth it, and know that there is someone out there that does care and wants to help.

Share if you believe in my goal and help me spread the word.