what's a mandalynn?

I have always felt a very strange connection with Dr. Seuss… maybe it’s because we have the same birthday… or maybe it’s because we both have a very childlike outlook on the world. Either way, I am feeling very inspired by his way of making things sound simple and lately that is what I need.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You”

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”

“How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

“If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good”

I wish I had more self confidence. I present myself as a very confident person, who has undying faith in myself. Truth is, I have days when I feel beautiful and proud of who I am and what I have accomplished, but then there are those days where I feel ugly, and dumb, and weak. I know that that is stupid, but it doesn’t stop the fact that it’s reality. Regardless of what I look like on the outside, I should know that I am a beautiful person. 

I am a good friend. I am optimistic (most of the time). I love with everything I have. I am strong. I am intelligent.

I should be able to remind myself of these things everyday, but some days I just can’t. When it comes down to it… I am who I am. I have found someone who loves me unconditionally. I have amazing friends and family. And I know if ever I need reminding of how awesome I am… that’s what they are there for. 

This past weekend I had to attend the memorial service of a healthy, vibrant, loving, funny, 23 year old boy. It was one of the saddest days I have had in a long time. I did not know him very well but many of my best friends, including my husband, grew up with him. To see all of them hurting so badly tore my heart into pieces. That could have been any one of us. You or me. That is a terrifying thought. This is not my first experience with someone dying far too soon but I have been thinking a lot since then… thinking about life, happiness, death, just thinking. Why do we make excuses for everything? Why do we allow others opinions to affect our own? There is not enough time on this earth to do that. Don’t be afraid of doing what makes you happy and fulfilled. Who cares what other people will say? If it is what YOU want, that is all that matters. Even if it winds up being a HUGE mistake, you will come out on the other side as a better person for having done it. I wish I were better at this. I get too discouraged by others criticisms sometimes, but I am working on it. As cliche as it is, no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Be thankful for every day you are given, and live each day in a way that leaves you feeling happy and fulfilled. Tell the ones you love, that you love them. Do something each day, that scares you. Make a new friend. Try a new thing. ANYTHING. Just be sure that at the end of your day, you can fall asleep with a smile on your face. 

I’ll be taking my own advice.