Do Better.

Because you can.

I realized that I am not living up to my potential. I could be getting straight A’s, excelling in J-school, achieving all my goals…but I’m just not doing my best. To others, it may seem like we have it all together, but we know, that there is a ways to go.

I spoke with one of my professors today and she told me that I disappointed her…actually she told me that I disgusted her. Not because I’m doing horribly in the class, but because I could be doing THAT MUCH BETTER. When someone sees potential in you and YOU waste it, that’s like slapping yourself over and over again. It’s not hurting anyone but you.

I realized in that moment that from now on I have to be the best. Not to compete with anyone else, not to get recognition from others, but because I owe it to MYSELF to do what I know I am capable of. I am capable of being superwoman. It’s actually not that hard. Instead of waiting till 30 minutes before something is due online to do it, how about taking a couple hours to thoroughly complete the assignment. When you’re given a task, go above and beyond to make sure it’s as detailed and creative as possible. You owe it to yourself to be great.

Also, we have to stop comparing ourselves to the standards of others. If everyone is not paying attention in class, that’s no excuse for you to not be that one kid asking questions and paying attention. The little things along the way are what truly pay off in the end.

I’m tired of being a Buzzard; it’s time to be an Eagle.

Alexandria

Change CAN Be Made

Sometimes it seems like we can't make any positive change in our community. It may seem too hard or as if our change won't really dent the surface. But i've learned that you have to start somewhere. I recently founded an organization focusing on enlightening, empowering and unifying our community. There's so much we can do if we simply have faith in our strength.

I'll admit, it's hard to focus on your vision when there's so much going on around you. But that focus and drive is what makes a statement. If I can provoke thought in one person then my job is accomplished. I just want to be a vessel for others. A way for them to channel their power and also give them a way to see that power. God has blessed me so much recently. It hasn't even been anything monetary or visual. Just with this creativity, perseverance and faith that I have I am truly blessed. It would be horrible for me to not share that with others and that's why I'm on the journey I am now.

Change is possible. It's actual not THAT hard. If you shuffle through the mess and keep your vision you can accomplish anything. Sometimes, you may feel alone as well, but that's a part of the battle you have to fight. If your vision is good enough that you feel it needs to be implemented then it is. Simple as that.

Create change in yourself by creating change in others,
Alexandria Collins

Feeling Under appreciated?

I am. I feel like whatever I do, isn't quite enough sometimes. People just take you for granted when you always have your arms open and you're willing to help. Maybe I shouldn't care as much as I do. Maybe I shouldn't want change and greatness for those around me. Maybe I shouldn't try to do what I do for others out of purity and kindness.

But I can't help it. You may knock me down, but believe I'll get right back up and even stronger. Time heals all wounds and anything is possible. Its just sad when you're around all these people but still feel alone.

Alexandria

Don't even have a topic...

So, I have like 10 minutes of free time before I need to rush off and do something else. That's why I haven't been blogging lately. There are just so many thoughts and so much going on that i don't have time to stop and think about what I can write about. After November 13th, I'll be a little better though.

But for this post, lets talk about you. Answer these questions (either in the comment section or on your own paper) and evaluate at the end. I'm gonna ask you these questions HOPING it will help you set priorities, give it a shot.

1. What do you plan on doing after you graduate?
2. What steps are you taking now to get there (internships, networking, etc.)
3. How often do you talk to God?
4. Do you feel like you're wasting time often, or being productive?
5. What do YOU offer someone else?
6. Do you carry out your promises?
7. What do you believe your purpose in life is?
8. If you died today, what would your legacy be?

Write about it. Don't just answer these questions in your mind. Write it out. If you are dissapointed with your answers, its time for my favorite thing: SELF-EVALUATION. It's about that time folks. We can't go through the motions anymore. Life will pass you by. Don't let a great opprotunity to influence someone else's life and enhance your own drift away.

The time is now,
Alexandria Collins

Ushering In A New Generation

It's in this time more than ever, that I see how much of a role model I am. I never really thought I was before, but as I watch the freshmen get SO EXCITED to see me and other upperclassmen, I realize how much of an influence we have over them. Even at this age, we are super moldable. We tend to want to fit in and we find someone who we'd like to emulate and go after that.

That's why we need to tighten up. People are always watching. Especially those coming behind us. They see our minor successes and want to do exactly the same thing. Being in the Senate at my University, I see the Freshman Senators and how impreshionable they are. Just as I was. Soaking up every little thing, slightly wild-eyed and exploring a new world. It's hard to navigate that new world without a little guidance.

I want to be that guide for someone else. Even though I don't have it all together, for some reason I can't stop myself from giving advice and talking to people and hearing their stories. I just want to be an open mind and ear for others and help in the ways I can. It's not easy being a role model, but it's worth it when someone walks up to you and says, "Thank you for helping me become the person I am today." That would be the MOST rewarding phrase to hear.

Take someone under your wing and show them the way,
A. Collins

3 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back

Yeah, I know the saying is 1 step forward, 3 steps back, but it's really the opposite right now. It seems like in some aspects of life, I'm moving full speed ahead, but in other ways I'm stagnant. It's the worst feeling. It's almost like being in quicksand, seeing the hand that could pull you out, but you like the sensation of sinking so much that you don't reach for that hand.

Okay, that was a bad metaphor.

My point is, sometimes my focus is off. I have SO MUCH going on in my mind at any given moment and great ideas of what I want to do, but the other things I'm involved in can cloud the way of my true purpose in college and in life. It's hard to make the decision to let some things go, but it's necessary. My professor, Dr. White broke it down for me. She said that it's hard for an over-achiever to not be involved. Our gut instinct is to say yes to every opprotunity to be involved and help. But that leaves what time for myself? Absolutely zero.

We have to start evaluating what's going to help us in this journey called life in the long run. Not just the momentary excitement or what satisfies someone else's desires.

Decisions to make and actions to take,
Alexandria Collins

Perspective Determines Prosperity

Lately I’ve seen how attitude can determine success in day to day actions and over your lifetime. There’s been a lot of negativity around and it could get to a person after a while. The only thing keeping me from feeling overwhelmed is my personal decision to not let certain things affect me. What people think, say or do does not have to determine how you feel or act.

When you control you, then your success is not determined by outside factors. This increases your productivity and creates an atmosphere of peace. I’ve been speaking to a lot of my friends about balance, inner peace, love, prosperity etc. and everyone seems to have a problem with tying it all together. I think the main issue is that we don’t look at life right.

Not saying there is one specific way we should view the world, but if we see things from a higher point of view and look into the future instead of focusing on the pettiness of now, our latitude will match our longitude.

EX: You feel tired one night but you know you have a really important test to study for. Everything in your body is telling you to lie down but your mind is still trying to focus. What do you do?
You could look at the temporary benefits of sleep or you could look past your fleshly needs and realize that the greater purpose for you being in the moment you are in is to get an education. The choice that is taken from a good perspective? Study. What is done most often (by me as well lol)? Sleep.

It’s all about mind over matter, attitude, perspective and action. Tie it all together and set it in motion.

Alexandria

Enlightened Consciousness

I’ve been searching for the perfect identity for the place that I am in my life right now…or the stage that I am on slowly stepping on, rather. After a lot of research and answers giving me more questions, I decided to search within myself for the title.

Enlighten (v.) - to give intellectual or spiritual light to; instruct; impart knowledge to.

Consciousness (n.) - the state of being conscious; awareness of one's own existence, sensations, thoughts, surroundings, etc.

This journey has been tumultuous to say the least. I’ve distanced myself from some people and have brought others closer to my heart. I’ve realized my self-worth and wondered what else I could possibly learn. The kicker is; I’m not done. I’m exiting a stage in life where it’s all about “self-consciousness” and entering a stage of Enlightenment. This gives me the opportunity to see things outside of myself and take a holistic approach to the world we abide in.

If you’ve been following my entries and I hope you’ve begun your own journey, then you should be close to this state as well. It’s not easy and takes a lot of sacrifice. All this thinking, progression, fighting against my flesh, focusing on things that aren’t the most fun is tolling. It’s especially difficult if you are not surrounded by supportive individuals. My family and friends have seen my change and I’m happy to say that I’ve affected them as well. I see my friends speaking on deeper topics than boys and the next party. My family and I have a more loving relationship. The slight adjustments I’ve made to my character are influencing those around me and hopefully it travels even farther.

I wish the best for you and your evolution into your Christ-like life. I still have a ways to go, and my heart is still being pulled in many directions. I am just thankful that God gave me this desire to grow and discover more about this world that was created specifically for our exploration and continuation. We have to take heed to the calling to become larger than ourselves, clear the ego from view and give. Simply give.


Alexandria Collins