Me again! I know, I know.. I’m not very entertaining or original. I’m working on it. Wanted to come on here with a post to say that I will be doing around 7 events for a class in university based on current events happening through zoom. Different speakers, topics, and all-round great information to listen and learn. I will be posting my thoughts on the events as well as what the event taught me. I will post the link down below the post; along with the video itself.
Hope you all enjoy the events that I have chosen to reflect on this semester in class. I hope to do more in the future outside of the class setting; to learn about different cultures, ethic groups, different races and people, and brighten my experiences and make my understand the world better. Along the way, break me out of my comfort box more and enjoy the life God has given me. (no pun-intended)
This one is the of the hardest ones to write and a struggle to go through. Everyone have a time where they struggle with anything; such as addiction, PTSD, eating disorders, homelessness, and many more.
Mine isdepression and anxiety.
We all have our trials and tribulations; it’s just life but some people struggle more than others do. Most people hide well, but some don’t. They try for years and years to just be the ‘normal’ like the world says to be. Mental health and illness is the hardest fight to a human mind and people don’t realize the struggles we face. Yes, we put on a brave face just to get through a moment or the day. The types of faces that people can put on during their hard times: a happy face, the fine face, don’t talk to me face, and the simple checked out face. We all need to learn the faces of your friends who are suffering.
The happiest people have the been through the toughest struggles. They put a smile on to show others that everything is ‘peachy’.
Mental health and mental health has a difference between them. Mental health definition is: a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being. However, mental illness definition is: an illness the affects that way people think, feel, behave, or interact with others.
Reach out and find comfort in others. Sometimes being around others that love and support you is what a person needs. You don’t need to be alone during your darkest times.
Cheyenne Bruce
I should know; I have had plenty. Find a group of close friends and be real with them. Be vulnerable; if you are a guy it is okay to show emotion. Don’t hold things inside to where you self-destruct. People won’t know that you need help, someone to talk to, or a human presence that just sits with you unless you reach out.
Whatever you are going through; I’ll be there for you. ( I know we may not know each other but I will be willing to be your person to vent to or just simply sit beside you.)
No one needs to go through times like this alone. You are strong. You are brave. You are priceless. You are smart. You are beautiful/handsome. You are meant to be here. Don’t sell yourself short of anything less than amazing!
author
All the love,
Cheyenne
Here are a few hotline numbers for you:
Mental Health America Hotline: Text MHA to 741741. Mental Health America is a nationwide organization that provides assistance through this text line. You will be linked to someone who can guide you through a crisis or just provide information. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. Crisis intervention and free emotional support are available, which is helpful when you need confidential assistance during a time of emotional distress for you or a loved one. The helpline is open 24/7, and a live online chat is available as well. Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741. Specialized crisis counselors are just a text message away on this free, confidential 24-hour support line. To further protect your privacy, these messages do not appear on a phone bill. The text line also provides services and support if you are upset, scared, hurt, frustrated, or distressed. The Samaritans: 1-212-673-3000. This is a New York–based organization operates a 24-hour crisis hotline for anyone in the area. Even if you’re not in crisis but feel like you need emotional support, this hotline can help. Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255. Text a message to 838255. Operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, these services aid veterans and their families who may be in crisis by connecting them with VA responders.
While there are many emergency mental health hotlines, if you or someone you care about is having thoughts of suicide, call 911 for immediate help.
Jay is a media artist whose work is center around the idea of borders. He has interviewed an American logist and spy that has spent time listening intently to the conversations, coded commands, and air-traffic of the Korean Army above the Korean peninsula.
He took a 63-week training course for this impeccable journey he was about to embark on. He primary job was to monitor the North Korean military communications; but with his training to learn a different language all day, 8 hrs. a day, 5 days a week was intense (as some my say).
What I wasn’t prepared too much for was the hardest part of my training: listening.
Jay needham
He mentioned that listening to the dialect of codes on how they are said, the syllable on which the natives improvise to make known of, and the difference between the North and South Korean natives. It really is a tiring activity because…
Hearing is such a passive activity. Listening requires so much more engagement on your part.
Jay needham
He never thought he would be a spy. He wondered if he could be like or have a glamorous life like James Bond. But that wasn’t the case. While listening in at the border of North Korea and picking up things from them every day; the South Koreans were watching them and his team closely. He said ” Secrets are a scarred thing and shall not be broken. Once you are in the circle of secrets and in the know (as he says); it’s a weird feeling. When you walk around knowing things that no else does; you hold your head a little higher. You feel like Bond in a way.
Leaving the type of culture of listening, there was some transitions that had to be made. He came out of his time in the military with a certain set of skills and experiences that in the civilian world meant nothing; so it was really hard for him to get a job.
Along the way, his present days experiences creates a full circle effect for him.
Military to civilian. Solider to artist. Listener to Do-er.
Transistion out of military time as spy- Jay needham
He has been invited to speak and present his work at many notable programs including the Amsterdam School for Cultural Analysis, California Institute of the Arts, and the School of the Art Institute, Chicago. He serves on the Board at Carbondale Community Arts.
He is currently a Professor in the Department of Radio, Television, and Digital Media at Southern Illinois University. He received his MFA from The School of Art at California Institute of the Arts.
Hope you enjoyed! Don’t forget to like, comment, and follow for more!
Mary Robinson discussed the climate change, human rights, other global challenges, and how our world is today. She has a memoir about “Everybody Matters”.
She mentioned on how something deep and dark as mental health/ depression is; it can bring out the best work from you during a mental breakdown. Don’t fight with others when they tell you to stop and rest or it’s okay you’ll meet the deadlines because then you will work yourself to the brink of exhaustion (to where you rely on energy pills or sleeping pills if you want to shut the world out.
Lesson learned: be open about your vulnerabilities. Don’t be afraid to talk about the weak moments.
Mary Robinson
When, Mary, was 17 she got start in writing and the path that she made for herself was a turning point in her life where she was a nun. When her parents sent her off to Paris for a year, it changed everything. Being a young girl in French culture where it was vibrant, strong, and different. The eye-opener to savor was since she was a girl/female; she was looked at less than and less important. However, she has not lost her faith of Jesus Christ throughout this time.
The world had become more violent around the time of Robert Kennedy assassination that when her and her father returned to Ireland, she realized later on the young people were making a difference. A change.
We used to put a lantern in the window in the Presidential house in Ireland to show a symbolic message for all those who had to leave Ireland over the years. But on Christmas the symbol makes that to say nobody should be alone on Christmas and they are welcome.
Symbolism- Mary Robinson
Learn the power of listening and it is the one of best tool that you can have. Listening is having a voice for human rights. The biggest lesson she learned was that a moral voice and willingness to listen can be powerful in conveying that human rights do matter.
You are a person that deserves and requires full respect for who you are. Become a critical voice for those rights to change.
Mary Robinson
The importance of the document that Eleanor Roosevelt had wrote that captivated Mary and is teaching young minds today to communicate. A sub quote from this document states:
Make it readable to ordinary people because if human rights don’t matter in small places close to home; they won’t matter at all. So, it has to matter to people.
Eleanor roosevelt
Book (s) she wrote & worth reading:
Climate Justice (2018)- Amazon for $18.19 (Hardcover),
Everybody Matters (2012)- Amazon for $9.99 (Kindle) or $0 (Audiobook)
A Voice for Human Rights (2006)- Target for $28.99 (Paperback, Shipped)
Mary Robinson
I’ll post the link below just incase the video doesn’t work.
I learned through this live streamed talk about higher education that is focusing a systematic racism and diversity. How we look at those students that are struggling with school and the diversity of people that they haven’t really encountered yet in life; what can you do to help educate them and make the transition to higher learning easier and less scary. Along the way, you may become friends or be associated with these people of color; how will you invite them in and make them feel welcomed.
Be accountable for people.
Vanessa Brown
Hate speeches are everywhere and are for anything. Steven Macias mentioned that a student in high school from California that had a hateful message on his shirt and how it goes along with the first amendment speech case. We need to as a society to learn and recognize before putting hate words out in the social universe. Do you defend and recognize or do you just turn away and keep say things or post?
Staying consistence and be vocal in events to reflect and preach to the choir on this barrier through the institution. Having personal relationships with one another to learn about each other. Ways to improve cultural awareness on campus is education through their course work. Everyone needs to be educated about different cultures and train your mindset to learn something new about the people around us. October 15th is Diversity day.
We don’t need to gloss over or sugarcoat history. The institution and community need to make knowing black history, Chinese history, Latino history, Mexican history, etc.. to be mandatory to taken as classes just like regular history and English. Speak Up and Stand Up with what you believe. IF you see something wrong.. for example within within the school walls, teachers using hate crime words.. report it. Don’t sit by the waste side; if it happened to you wouldn’t you want someone to stand up for you.
Don’t let the fear of retaliation stop you.. because then there will never be a change. Step out there and trust people that care about you.
Sometimes it comes in handy but other times its a pain in the behind. They say the creative people wait till the last minute to do something because that’s when their mind starts working the best. Under pressure creates the best diamonds. Really it’s never a good thing; especially when you have 6 days to move-in day for school and you don’t know if you want to live in the dorms this year because of COVID and the restrictions it is putting on your classes. Apartment living this year sounds a lot better when you are going from having 6 in- person classes to two and having the rest online. I wanna stay in the area of Carbondale or around Jackson County but with how much money is tight these days; monthly rent is scarce to my wallet. Loans not gonna cover and help but I’m between a rock and a hard place ( a rock is a hard place but you get what I mean).
The definition of procrastination from Dictionary.com is: the action of delaying or postponing something. (Which is me everyday because I have to many tabs open in my brain). My parents have always said: “To always let your creativity do the talking. You know what you want and how you want it to look; strive for that. If later you don’t like it, switch it and or change it. Nothing is final until you the last second.”
Things to NOT procrastinate on:
School work/projects
Job
Internships
Dreams
Future
Family/ Friends
Promises
Life
Paying bills or rent
Now these are just some of the few that came to mind; I know that there are so many more. Everyone procrastinates on different things. That’s why the world has creative weirdos. That is not a bad thing to be called though because then we wouldn’t have movies like.. Marvel and DC Comics, The Mask, the Scream series, American Pie series, any Adam Sandler movie, The Pursuit of Happiness, Avatar, Jumanji I & II, etc.
Procrastination… the art of putting things off; like what I keep doing with this post. It is an art form that take years to master and become a productive procrastinator.
Tip: don’t procrastinate just to procrastinate!
AUTHOR
Eventually, it will be to late to start or become to hard to dig your way out of. A productive procrastinator is to be a worker that does other projects that are not the intended project. For example, if you need to work on a really big project/homework or to fill a your FASFA (high school or college students) but you will clean the entire house or apartment, you will take a drive or mini road trip with friends before you start stressing over that THING you NEED to do.
Old habits die hard but are not impossible.
author
There is a book that I will insert that you can check it out; it is helps you and someone you know. The book is by Peter Ludwig and Adela Schicker called “The End of Procrastination: How To Stop Postponing & Live A Fulfilled Life”. (It is available on Amazon, NOOK, audio CD, and book stores like Barnes & Noble for $15.99 USD) Another book that I recommend would be Nils Salzgeber’s: “Stop Procrastinating: A Simple Guide to Hacking Laziness, Building Self Discipline, and Overcoming Procrastination“. (It is a on Amazon.com for either the Kindle for $0 or Paperback for $14.99)
How to fix procrastination- TIPS:
Forgive yourself for procrastinating in the past. …
Commit to the task. …
Promise yourself a reward. …
Ask someone to check up on you. …
Act as you go. …
Rephrase your internal dialog. …
Minimize distractions . …
Aim to “eat an elephant beetle” first thing, every day! (I have heard this multiple times. It means that:
There’s always that one thing that you have to do but you would much rather put off. Do it. Because after you do it, you will be free from the burden of it for the rest of the day, leaving your mind open to enjoy and explore.
Tiffany tang
My university professor asked me how my week is going and I told him that, ”I was doing peachy because school is different this semester and it has put my self-care on hold. My depression has been creeping in but other than that I’m great.’ His face was like in-between the confused face emoji and the interested face emoji. He asked me what I was working on my blog about ‘Procrastination’ and then I told him that yes I’m late on posting but at least I’m on topic. Lol.
College is supposed to be an exciting time; yes this year is going to be different and unconventional with the restrictions of the pandemic. For the incoming freshman or the transfer students coming into the university, these next two or four years will change your life. Only if you make the best of your time there. Join athletics, RSO’s ( Student Organizations), Greek Life, or open up and be comfortable and confident. Find a place that you feel like yourself and don’t worry there are other people that are just like you. Nervous, scared to make friends, and want to fit into a forever group of friends or family. A home away from home.
Move-In Days are an experience in itself. It’s when a young adult turns a chapter in their book of life. It’s where parents let their pride and joy/ little bird leave to nest and roam free. It’s where the scared and introvert cub turns into a social butterfly.
“Don’t let fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game.”
Babe Ruth
GET INVOLVED! MAKE FRIENDS & MEMORIES!
RSOs: (At SIUC at least)
Greek Life
InterVarsity
Clubs
Photogensis
Alt News
Intramurals
etc…
Different colleges and universities have different clubs and resident student organizations within the school. It’s a great way to meet new people, get out of your comfort zone/box (no pun intended), and it will also bring the introvert out of their shell a bit. I know that on Southern Illinois University- Carbondale campus doing move-in week and the first weeks of school there are called Saluki Start-Up and Weeks of Welcome. The RSOs are sitting around campus with information for you about what is to come and what the organization is about.
The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Move-In Days!!
Move In Day Tips:
Bring a few water bottles and some snacks. Moving in is surprisingly exhausting, and if you have a long drive to your campus, you’ll definitely need some food to get by. If you’re moving somewhere hot, even one trip from your car to your dorm will leave you thirsty!
Remember anything you were told to bring by your RA or school, as a school ID. It’s usually required for getting your key!
Be patient and stay calm. Nobody really knows what they’re doing, or where anything is, and everyone will be just as stressed as you. Go in knowing that, and your day will be much smoother!
Disinfect everything. Who knows how well the last person in your room cleaned up, if at all. Wipe down the sink, desk, chair, fridge, microwave, basically the whole room.
Wear something comfy! Nobody is going to look cute lugging five bags up the stairs, I promise. Sneakers are a must and just dress for the temperature from there.
Try not to bring more than three people with you. It’ll be hard to fit any more than that in your room, and more people just mean more space taken up in the car.
Take pictures! Despite how stressful things might get, this is still a pretty big moment in your life, so don’t get so overwhelmed that you forget to enjoy it. Take before and after pictures, selfies, and all the embarrassing pictures your family insists on getting.
Don’t try to make everything perfect on day one. Spend a few days adjusting things until it feels right.
Miscellaneous:
A first aid kit is a total necessity. Bring basics like allergy meds, cough medicine, stomachache reliever, pain reliever, and any other medications you tend to use at some time of the year. Throw in some bandages too.
Bring shower shoes or flip flops!! You don’t want to be walking around the community bathroom with no shoes on or in the shared bathroom with your suitemate. A shower caddy is a must too.
Laundry hamper. Some universities have their laundry machines in the basement of the dorms or across campus at the bottom of the dining hall.
Bring an extra blanket! You can’t change the way the room temperature is fixed.
For the interviews and career fairs, have a business-casual outfit in your closet.
Have fun and make memories to last a lifetime with stories to tell your kids and grand-kids, someday!
If you think something is missing from this list, feel free to let me know in the comments!
Be like a pineapple and stand tall wear your crown and listen to the music of the soul!
Everything from road-trips and self retreats to worship songs and workout head music. These are the songs that I listen too; and if you would like to take a listen as well then you are welcome to. I will put song title and artist in the description. Everyone has there different style and genres they like to listen to and vibe with. I am the same way; but we are all not the same person. So the playlists are all different depending on the person listening to it.
Music is an escape for the soul. The words take you places and unfolds a story behind the pain or happiness within the song. It will also may transport you back in time. The beats or rhythm of the song makes your head bop or makes your body move. Either way music makes you wanna be dancing and connect to the song; whether in a competition dance way or on your own dancing silly in your bedroom or car. Singing to the song over and over again to where then you are singing it in the shower, belting it out in the car, and humming it on your walk to school. Music is everywhere. We embrace it and we accept it. Remember this, everyone is different; just like the music we listen to. Check out some of my Spotify playlists…
–Top 10 songs for each–
Road Trip Playlist:
What If by Kane Brown, Lauren Alaina
My Girl by Dylan Scott
Dance Monkey by Tones and I
Hard To Forget by Sam Hunt
Mr. Brightside by The Killers
Feels Like Love by Noah Schnacky
Sing by Ed Sheeran
Miss Me More by Kelsea Ballerini
No Excuses by Meghan Trainor
Robbers by The 1975
Some of many
Christian Getaway Playlist:
You Can’t Stop Me by Andy Mineo
Zombie by Family Force 5
116 by Derek Minor, KB, Lecrae
Good Good Father by Passion, Kristian Stanfill
Fighting for Me by Riley Clemmons
Bleed the Same by Mandisa, TobyMac, Kirk Franklin
I’m a Child of God; Yes I Am by Eva Real
Legendary by Skillet
Armies by KB
Good Feeling by Austin French
All are Christian!
Work Out or Get Your Head in the Game Playlist:
Nice to Meet Ya by Meghan Trainor, Nicki Minaj
Ride It by Regard
All In The Moment by Zauntee
Good To Be Alive by Andy Grammer
Uproar by Lil Wayne, Swizz Beatz
Hey Look Ma, I Made It by Panic! At The Disco
Raised By Wolves by Family Force 5
Believer by Imagine Dragons
You Can’t Stop Me by Andy Mineo
The Champion by Carrie Underwood, Ludacris
Honorable Mention: Getting Started by Aloe Blacc
Honorable Mention: Last Breath by Future
Honorable Mention: The Fire by The Roots, John Legend
Dance Mixture Playlist:
Cupid Shuffle by Cupid
Wobble by Family Force 5
Shut Up and Dance With Me by Fun Guns
Chainsaw by Family Force 5 & Tedashii
Look What God Gave Her by Thomas Rhett
Juice by Lizzo
Nice to Meet Ya by Meghan Trainor, Nicki Minaj
Make a Move by Royal Tailor
HandClap by Fitz and The Tantrums
High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco
Makes You Want to Move
Country Roots Playlist:
Jolene by Dolly Parton
Hard to Forget by Sam Hunt
Boot Scootin’ Boogie by Brooks & Dunn
Sweet Homes Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Beautiful Crazy by Luke Combs
Beer Never Broke My Heart by Luke Combs
Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day by Luke Bryan
Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood
I Hope by Gabby Barrett
Song of the South by Alabama
Real Country with new country
Study Time Playlist:
What Am I by Why Don’t We
Club Nowhere by Blue Man Group
Too Good At Goodbyes by Sam Smith
Goodness of God by The Worship Initiative, Bethany Barnard
Nice to Meet Ya by Meghan Trainor, Nicki Minaj
Adore You by Harry Styles
All Hail King Jesus by Jeremy Riddle
Death Was Arrested by North Point Worship, Seth Condrey
Yes, I Will by Vertical Worship
Love Will Set Us Free by Novum Cordis
Like I said.. there is a playlist for everything. Here is a few songs that I listen to amoungst many more. Just a look into the music I have going through my head constantly. Hope you enjoy a piece of me through music and if it helps you in some way; your welcome!
I get asked this question a lot and it always changes. Everyone has different perspectives on what they want to happen in 5 years or even 10 years time but truth is… no one knows what will happen in the future.
As most of you know know I suffer from memory loss and have been since I was 13 years old. I am like Dory because you can tell me your name or something and in like two minutes I will forget it. It is especially bad when I’m in school with storing knowledge for tests and important dates.
I know that most people say that they start dreaming about their future when they are really little. I also did that but the harsh reality of life stopped that in its tracks. When I was young, I wanted to be many things but never stuck with one thing. However, I have always been a creative person naturally and had to teach myself again multiple times; and with the profession I want to pursue it makes it hard to ‘remember’ those settings.
From this point, when I think about the future… I see me continuing my photography dream whether it be with a company like NFL or MLB as a team photographer or fan photographer or doing freelance travel photographer for a company or owning a small business of my own. Also, when I think of the next 5 years or the next 10 years.. I see myself in a relationship with a Godly man that God puts in my path. Traveling the world with my camera living thoughtfully reckless. However, I see me having a couple of kids and a dog named Max and Tank.
Who really knows what the future holds, but I know one thing for sure. With God as my co-pilot anything is possible. Just hang on for the ride and enjoy it. Life is filled with twist, turns, bumps, and even basements in the road ‘called potholes’ but life is a journey. I know for sure that whatever happens in my future that I will love it and I will be okay. God has a plan for me and I will follow Him. He is the only one that knows the outcome of our lives; He is the designer to the masterclass called His KINGDOM!
Break The Comfort Box! 