Helen Keller once wrote, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched... but are felt in the heart."
Amen, Helen Keller! - And thanks to Team True Beauty for sharing her brilliance tonight! I was searching high and low to try to find a quote that could give weight to the way I've been feeling lately, and as if from nowhere... TTB tweets, to the rescue!
I have been feeling very fortunate lately... and very overwhelmed. This week I started quite a few new endeavors, and it has been a very hectic 3 days! Currently, I am working 4 different jobs, and my head has been spinning! Thank you, to the wonderful woman who created the day planner! (only a woman would know what I'm going through!) =)
Anyway, I know it has only been 3 days, but I've already found myself getting emotional in small moments of stress. I didn't sleep the other night because I was so worried about cramming 3 jobs into that day! What I've needed to do in those moments is remind myself of how lucky I am to have A job, let alone the 4 that I'm keeping. Now I understand the lengths that some people go to to make end's meet. It's crazy!! Most of those people can't say that they are working a job they are passionate about... and I'm lucky there too. Gymnastics has been in my life for nearly 21 years, and I feel so blessed to be able to share my love for the sport with others.
I was tired today, and in a short conversation managed to get upset and second guess myself. Frustration is one of my biggest enemies... and sometimes it is hard for me to get past it. Then 3 little girls walked into the gym for their first gymnastics class ever, and I was completely rejuvenated! They were so full of excitement and wonder and I was instantly reminded of why I do what I do. These six year-olds were able to instantly change my perspective. I could feel their wonderment, and so much love for what I was doing.
Day 17: FEEL the beauty in life, don't just look for it. You may find it in a place that you never expect!
Love True-
Allison
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
"Where Were You?"
Today marked the tenth anniversary of the day terrorists changed the world for us Americans. Life as we knew it would never be the same. As a fourteen year old freshman in high school, I had an idealized opinion of the great nation I was a part of. Growing up, we were taught the history of the United States; How it was founded as the "New World" then later referred to as the "Promised Land" and the "Land of Opportunity." All of these names given to a place that people believed in and looked to be a safe haven for families to grow and to prosper. I remember learning about tragedies in our history like Pearl Harbor and feeling patriotic, knowing that our American people were able to come together to protect everything that our great country stood for. And I remember September 11, 2001, realizing in one incredibly painful and eye opening moment that I was going to carry this day around with me forever.
I didn't go to school that morning, because I had a dentist appointment. I was in the car, listening to the radio with my mom when the first plane hit. I was in the dentist chair, with the radio in the background when the second plane hit. I remember sitting up in the chair and saying, thinking "one plane could have been and accident... but two? No way." I arrived at school before the end of first period. I remember walking to my Spanish 2 class, down the large, empty hallway feeling confused and completely alone. Our principle came on the PA system and explained what I had already known, but no one else was aware of yet. The deserted hallway seemed like a ghost town as every single classroom went silent. He instructed the teachers to turn on the news, cancel classes for the day... and all we could do was watch.
Most days, I don't really think about that day. But on a day like today all I can do is remember; the images of the people and debris, crying, and feeling very afraid.
I think that is what we are supposed to do. Remember the day as it was, teach those who are young what it truly means to be an American... because like the teenagers who felt the Earth shake on December 7th, 1941... we now know what they felt. The pain and the fear and the patriotism that was overflowing with rage as we tried to make sense of the acts.
I am so proud to be an American. Words can't describe the feeling in my heart as write this. It aches for the people who lost their lives, and the families that were destroyed; But it hopes for the future of these families and our Nation as a whole.
I hope everyone was able to take at least one moment today to say a prayer and to give thanks for our lives. We are protected by an incredible group of men and women who sacrifice each day to keep our country safe. Thank you to all our service men and women... from the bottom of my heart.
"Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?
[Chorus:]
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell
you the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?
Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?
And the greatest is love.
And the greatest is love.
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?"
Love True-
Allison
"Where Were You (When the World Stop Turning)" - Allan Jackson
I didn't go to school that morning, because I had a dentist appointment. I was in the car, listening to the radio with my mom when the first plane hit. I was in the dentist chair, with the radio in the background when the second plane hit. I remember sitting up in the chair and saying, thinking "one plane could have been and accident... but two? No way." I arrived at school before the end of first period. I remember walking to my Spanish 2 class, down the large, empty hallway feeling confused and completely alone. Our principle came on the PA system and explained what I had already known, but no one else was aware of yet. The deserted hallway seemed like a ghost town as every single classroom went silent. He instructed the teachers to turn on the news, cancel classes for the day... and all we could do was watch.
Most days, I don't really think about that day. But on a day like today all I can do is remember; the images of the people and debris, crying, and feeling very afraid.
I think that is what we are supposed to do. Remember the day as it was, teach those who are young what it truly means to be an American... because like the teenagers who felt the Earth shake on December 7th, 1941... we now know what they felt. The pain and the fear and the patriotism that was overflowing with rage as we tried to make sense of the acts.
I am so proud to be an American. Words can't describe the feeling in my heart as write this. It aches for the people who lost their lives, and the families that were destroyed; But it hopes for the future of these families and our Nation as a whole.
I hope everyone was able to take at least one moment today to say a prayer and to give thanks for our lives. We are protected by an incredible group of men and women who sacrifice each day to keep our country safe. Thank you to all our service men and women... from the bottom of my heart.
"Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?
[Chorus:]
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell
you the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?
Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?
And the greatest is love.
And the greatest is love.
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?"
Love True-
Allison
"Where Were You (When the World Stop Turning)" - Allan Jackson
Friday, September 9, 2011
"Lift Me Up"
"Impossible means nothing to me."
My life is good. It's great in fact. I'm not saying that to brag; I'm saying it to remind myself that I have been blessed with so many unimaginably good things. Friends and family members who have made me feel so special at times when I have forgotten to see myself that way. Those people who reminded me at the darkest point of my life that they were always going to be there for me, lifting me up when I couldn't lift myself.
The thing about any struggle is, while you are feeling completely alone and like no one else could possibly imagine what you are going through, there is ALWAYS someone who understands; Someone who has been there before, or helped a friend in a similar situation. It doesn't matter what you are going through in life, don't ever believe you have to go through it alone.
There were many days when I couldn't talk to those wonderful people in my life, simply because I didn't think they would understand. I kept it to myself and let my pain take control... and that was wrong. My friends loved me, and I knew it, but I didn't know how to show them that inner part of me that was hurting. I put up walls that they tried desperately to break down. What I didn't know then, and what I eventually learned, was that I needed them to break those walls down, because I wasn't able to do it myself.
I know it probably seems like I've been writing about my struggles a lot lately, but that is only because I'm trying to help. Anyone, and everyone who has wandered down a winding road... thinking it was theirs to travel by themselves... it's not. There is always someone who is willing to take that journey with you. You just have to ask them to come along. Maybe you don't have someone that you can confide in that is close to you, but no matter what your challenge may be, there is a group or a person out there who understands you, and who supports you, and who loves you.
I've spent a lot of time being scared, and I'm done. I'm not hiding from my past, or pretending it didn't happen. I've overcome a lot in the past few years, and I know that I'm not done fighting... but there is no way in hell I'm going to finish this journey the way I started it. I've got way too much support for that... and so do you.
Love True-
Allison
"Lift Me Up" - Kate Voegele
"This road is anything but simple
Twisted like a riddle I've seen high and I've seen low
So loud, the voices of all my doubts
Telling me to give up, to pack up and leave town
Even so, I had to believe
Impossible means nothing to me, yeah
So can you lift me up,
Turn the ashes into flames
‘Cause I have overcome
More than words will ever say
And I've been given hope
That there's a light on up the hall
And that a day will come
When the fight is won
And I think that day has just begun
Somewhere, every body starts there
I'm counting on a small prayer,
Lost in a nightmare
But I'm here, and suddenly it's so clear
The struggle through the long years
It taught me to outrun my fears
Everything worth having, oh
Comes with trials worth withstanding
So can you lift me up,
Turn the ashes into flames
‘Cause I have overcome
More than words will ever say
And I've been given hope
That there's a light on up the hall
And that a day will come
When the fight is won
And I think that day has just begun
Oh, lift me up
Oh, lift me up
Oh, lift me up
Lift me up
Lift me up
Oh, Lift me up
Down and out is overrated
And I need to be elevated
Looking up is not enough
No, I would rather rise above
So can you lift me up,
Turn the ashes into flames
‘Cause I have overcome
More than words will ever say
And I've been given hope
That there's a light on up the hall
And that a day will come
When the fight is won
And I think that day has just begun
Oh, oh, oh, just begun
Lift me up, yeah, oh, oh, oh, yeah, now
Oh, oh, lift me up
Lift me up
Lift me up"
My life is good. It's great in fact. I'm not saying that to brag; I'm saying it to remind myself that I have been blessed with so many unimaginably good things. Friends and family members who have made me feel so special at times when I have forgotten to see myself that way. Those people who reminded me at the darkest point of my life that they were always going to be there for me, lifting me up when I couldn't lift myself.
The thing about any struggle is, while you are feeling completely alone and like no one else could possibly imagine what you are going through, there is ALWAYS someone who understands; Someone who has been there before, or helped a friend in a similar situation. It doesn't matter what you are going through in life, don't ever believe you have to go through it alone.
There were many days when I couldn't talk to those wonderful people in my life, simply because I didn't think they would understand. I kept it to myself and let my pain take control... and that was wrong. My friends loved me, and I knew it, but I didn't know how to show them that inner part of me that was hurting. I put up walls that they tried desperately to break down. What I didn't know then, and what I eventually learned, was that I needed them to break those walls down, because I wasn't able to do it myself.
I know it probably seems like I've been writing about my struggles a lot lately, but that is only because I'm trying to help. Anyone, and everyone who has wandered down a winding road... thinking it was theirs to travel by themselves... it's not. There is always someone who is willing to take that journey with you. You just have to ask them to come along. Maybe you don't have someone that you can confide in that is close to you, but no matter what your challenge may be, there is a group or a person out there who understands you, and who supports you, and who loves you.
I've spent a lot of time being scared, and I'm done. I'm not hiding from my past, or pretending it didn't happen. I've overcome a lot in the past few years, and I know that I'm not done fighting... but there is no way in hell I'm going to finish this journey the way I started it. I've got way too much support for that... and so do you.
Love True-
Allison
"Lift Me Up" - Kate Voegele
"This road is anything but simple
Twisted like a riddle I've seen high and I've seen low
So loud, the voices of all my doubts
Telling me to give up, to pack up and leave town
Even so, I had to believe
Impossible means nothing to me, yeah
So can you lift me up,
Turn the ashes into flames
‘Cause I have overcome
More than words will ever say
And I've been given hope
That there's a light on up the hall
And that a day will come
When the fight is won
And I think that day has just begun
Somewhere, every body starts there
I'm counting on a small prayer,
Lost in a nightmare
But I'm here, and suddenly it's so clear
The struggle through the long years
It taught me to outrun my fears
Everything worth having, oh
Comes with trials worth withstanding
So can you lift me up,
Turn the ashes into flames
‘Cause I have overcome
More than words will ever say
And I've been given hope
That there's a light on up the hall
And that a day will come
When the fight is won
And I think that day has just begun
Oh, lift me up
Oh, lift me up
Oh, lift me up
Lift me up
Lift me up
Oh, Lift me up
Down and out is overrated
And I need to be elevated
Looking up is not enough
No, I would rather rise above
So can you lift me up,
Turn the ashes into flames
‘Cause I have overcome
More than words will ever say
And I've been given hope
That there's a light on up the hall
And that a day will come
When the fight is won
And I think that day has just begun
Oh, oh, oh, just begun
Lift me up, yeah, oh, oh, oh, yeah, now
Oh, oh, lift me up
Lift me up
Lift me up"
Friday, September 2, 2011
Team True Beauty
Life is Beautiful... that's what I believe despite certain things that have happened in my life that could lead me to think otherwise. Don't get me wrong, because I have led an amazing life full of love and opportunities and I am so grateful. However, I have struggled with a pretty severe inner battle that threatened the person I could become. I have been extremely lucky to have some pretty incredible people in my life, that weren't about to watch me self destruct. To them, I am eternally grateful.
Recently, I wrote about a new organization I came across called, Team True Beauty. It is a team of individuals who have created a powerful new movement to help spread the word about eating disorders and help promote a healthy body image. Their mission is simple, to change the way we see beauty. Beauty comes from within... and is not a reflection of your waistline, or your bra size... or your reflection (ironic, huh?) Anyway, I was so moved by this group of people that I decided to share my story with them. Kind of a bold move, because it's not really a time in my life that I am proud of. However, one of my rather lofty ambitions in life is to make a difference in the world, and this is something I feel very strongly about.
So I wrote to them. First, I said thank you... for what they are doing to help girls everywhere, and for inspiring me to share my story. Then I poured my heart out, in the hopes that maybe one person could be helped by my story. Little did I know, they were going to share my story with the world!
I received an email back thanking me for sharing my story. Then, the vice-president of the organization told me that my story would be posted on their official website, as well as on one of their Celebrity supporter's websites (Daphne Zuniga, who I absolutely adore!). I was completely floored! Here I am, scared to share my story, but wanting to help maybe one person... and now it is there for everyone to see! I felt so empowered, and so proud of myself in that moment. It made me feel like all of my struggles and everything I went through were totally worth it, if my story could help someone else!
Please check out Team True Beauty on Facebook or Twitter, or just check out their website! I am such a believer in their mission, and I am going to do whatever it takes to keep spreading their message! Also, thanks for being such loyal followers! I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful friends who support me in this! I love you all!
Love True-
Allison
Team True Beauty
Recently, I wrote about a new organization I came across called, Team True Beauty. It is a team of individuals who have created a powerful new movement to help spread the word about eating disorders and help promote a healthy body image. Their mission is simple, to change the way we see beauty. Beauty comes from within... and is not a reflection of your waistline, or your bra size... or your reflection (ironic, huh?) Anyway, I was so moved by this group of people that I decided to share my story with them. Kind of a bold move, because it's not really a time in my life that I am proud of. However, one of my rather lofty ambitions in life is to make a difference in the world, and this is something I feel very strongly about.
So I wrote to them. First, I said thank you... for what they are doing to help girls everywhere, and for inspiring me to share my story. Then I poured my heart out, in the hopes that maybe one person could be helped by my story. Little did I know, they were going to share my story with the world!
I received an email back thanking me for sharing my story. Then, the vice-president of the organization told me that my story would be posted on their official website, as well as on one of their Celebrity supporter's websites (Daphne Zuniga, who I absolutely adore!). I was completely floored! Here I am, scared to share my story, but wanting to help maybe one person... and now it is there for everyone to see! I felt so empowered, and so proud of myself in that moment. It made me feel like all of my struggles and everything I went through were totally worth it, if my story could help someone else!
Please check out Team True Beauty on Facebook or Twitter, or just check out their website! I am such a believer in their mission, and I am going to do whatever it takes to keep spreading their message! Also, thanks for being such loyal followers! I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful friends who support me in this! I love you all!
Love True-
Allison
Team True Beauty
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
"Dream Big..."
I saw this quote on an athlete's bracelet... it spoke to me, so I thought I would share it with you.
"Dream big. Work hard."
Such plain and simple words that really hit me when I read them. If only we looked at life that simply. Dream your dreams, and work hard to achieve them, don't stop or surrender for anything. So often I have let outside obstacles get in the way or knock me off task on the way to achieving something I dreamed of. In gymnastics it was very black and white. I had a goal, and I worked each day to achieve it. Usually it was getting a new skill or combination or higher score, and my obstacles were most frequently my fear.
Now, my goals are a little more grey. I don't have answers for everything, and taking one more turn isn't going to help me the way it used to. But still, I wan't to live by those words, "dream big, work hard." Even though the lines are a little hazy, and I'm not certain what lies ahead... I'm not going to stop dreaming. I may not be sure what the hard work entails anymore, but I'll figure it out. If I keep dreaming, eventually I'll figure it out, right?
Day 16: What are your goals? Say them (or just one of them) out loud to yourself and write a plan of action. How do you plan to get there? Figure out your plan, and start working hard!
Love True-
Allison
"Dream big. Work hard."
Such plain and simple words that really hit me when I read them. If only we looked at life that simply. Dream your dreams, and work hard to achieve them, don't stop or surrender for anything. So often I have let outside obstacles get in the way or knock me off task on the way to achieving something I dreamed of. In gymnastics it was very black and white. I had a goal, and I worked each day to achieve it. Usually it was getting a new skill or combination or higher score, and my obstacles were most frequently my fear.
Now, my goals are a little more grey. I don't have answers for everything, and taking one more turn isn't going to help me the way it used to. But still, I wan't to live by those words, "dream big, work hard." Even though the lines are a little hazy, and I'm not certain what lies ahead... I'm not going to stop dreaming. I may not be sure what the hard work entails anymore, but I'll figure it out. If I keep dreaming, eventually I'll figure it out, right?
Day 16: What are your goals? Say them (or just one of them) out loud to yourself and write a plan of action. How do you plan to get there? Figure out your plan, and start working hard!
Love True-
Allison
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Moments
"Most of our life is a series of images; they pass us by like towns on the highway. But sometimes a moment stuns us as it happens, and we know that this instant is more than a fleeting image. We know that this moment, every part of it... will live on forever."- Lucas Scott, One Tree Hill
I spent this past weekend enjoying a friend's special day. Her wedding day. It was an expression of love so magnificent; I know she will remember each and every moment as a beautiful collage depicting the love that she shares with her new husband.
As a friend, I have two separate memories. The first is the joy that I feel for my friend, the beautiful bride, that gave her heart to her best friend. The second, is the happiness that I felt spending the night of celebration with some of the best friends that God has offered me. The whole day flashes past my eyes in images of smiles and love, moments that were captured either on camera or in my mind. I am so grateful for days like that day... days that will resonate in my mind forever.
I spent this past weekend enjoying a friend's special day. Her wedding day. It was an expression of love so magnificent; I know she will remember each and every moment as a beautiful collage depicting the love that she shares with her new husband.
As a friend, I have two separate memories. The first is the joy that I feel for my friend, the beautiful bride, that gave her heart to her best friend. The second, is the happiness that I felt spending the night of celebration with some of the best friends that God has offered me. The whole day flashes past my eyes in images of smiles and love, moments that were captured either on camera or in my mind. I am so grateful for days like that day... days that will resonate in my mind forever.
Love True,
Allison
One Tree Hill Quote- Skip to 3:05 mark =)
Saturday, August 13, 2011
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
In this crazy world of mixed up emotions and obstacle to tackle, sometimes it's just important to sit back and remember where your heart truly lies. I've had quite a few things on my mind lately, and the only thing that has allowed me to relax here and there is to focus on my goals. Dreams I have, that might seem completely unattainable... still bring a smile to my face when I think about achieving them. Dreams are an essential part to our lives. Though my dreams most often grace me at night, they are a major part of why I get out of bed in the morning, something great to live for, to work towards, to believe in. What do you dream about?
"Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high,
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?"
This song is such a simple statement of how important dreaming is. For any kid who has had a dream, a goal or a wish for something bigger in their life, the line "And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true," is something they could all hear a little more-- I know I could!
Day 15: Take one step closer to achieving your dream. No matter how far fetched or lofty it might be. Take that step, and be proud.
Love True-
Allison
Judy Garland- "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
"Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high,
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?"
This song is such a simple statement of how important dreaming is. For any kid who has had a dream, a goal or a wish for something bigger in their life, the line "And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true," is something they could all hear a little more-- I know I could!
Day 15: Take one step closer to achieving your dream. No matter how far fetched or lofty it might be. Take that step, and be proud.
Love True-
Allison
Judy Garland- "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
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