feelgoodwords-blog

[feelgoodwords-blog]

I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.

Michael Jordan

For this week’s post, I chose to pick an article that was very different than my purpose. I chose to look at an article that is written by two men from Newcastle University named Hugh Dauncey and Geoff Hare. These two men did an article on the relationship between the media and sports. They first talk about the influence of the press on the sports world. Over the years the press, has been one of the biggest and oldest influences in advertising sports. The sports and press have been interconnected as far back as the 1840′s. Radio has also made an impact in bringing sports to the public. In the 1920′s, newsreels made there way into society as color was introduced into film. The newsreels would present sports clips and brought women into realm of sports as more women than men attended newsreels. Radio also brought sports into the comfort of ones own home. Lastly it discussed how television has also been a major contributor with the help of sports channels and sports movies. With all of these, contributing factors athletes have been turned into superstars and heroes. Many people look up to these individuals as they are portrayed throughout comic books, magazines and more. Through media sport has not only become a countries characteristic but a global characteristic. 

I took the quote above from Michael Jordan to tie this article and my blog purpose together. When you first here of my blog called Feel Good Words, sports is probably not the first thing that comes to your mind. However, this article can most definitely relate to my purpose. As the article clearly interprets, media has a huge effect on the sports realm. Sports stars are on commercials, billboards and more. They get as much publicity in today’s time as movie stars and singers. With this huge amount of fame coming from television, radio and press, the sports legends are looked at as heroes. As kids we all had a favorite sports star that we looked up to. I can remember mine being Chipper Jones and Jennie Finch. Children and the public take away every little thing that sports stars do. They have the power to influence and make a difference. Therefore, it is very important that these legends present themselves in an honorable and respectable way. Many sports quotes inspire people to push themselves because of the reliability of the person who said it. Michael Jordan said this quote above and inspired many people to push harder, even when you fail. We can take the words of sports stars and relate them to our own lives because these sports stars were once just regular people like you and me. Without the relationship of media and sports, as explained in the article, we would not have the wise words and the inspirational motivations that athletes give us.

Dauncey, Hugh, and Geoff Hare. "Sport And Media: Representing And Conceptualising Identity And Community. / Sports Et Médias : Représentation Et Conceptualisation, Identité Et Commu-Nauté." Movement & Sport Sciences / Science & Motricité 86 (2014): 5-14. SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 19 Apr. 2015.

[feelgoodwords-blog]

Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's Maybelline

Maybelline 

The quote above was used as a supporting detail to the scholarly article presented by Melissa Burkley, Edward Burkley, S. Paul Stermer, Angela Andrade, Angela C. Bell, and Jessica Curtis from Oklahoma University. There article is called The Ugly Duckling Effect: Examining Fixed Versus Malleable Beliefs About Beauty. This article was based on the Ugly Duckling Effect. The Ugly Duckling Effect is based on the thought that appearance and beauty can change over time. In other words if you are born ugly, you may not always be ugly. The thought that appearance can be changed is called malleable beauty. There are also people in the world who have a fixed attitude on beauty in which they think they will never change. Many people would think that malleable beauty would be the path to choose. However, the article challenges this thought by saying that malleable beauty leads to many harmful effects such as self-worth and appearance anxiety issues. The authors also say that malleable beauty could bring a negative effect in the interest of cosmetic surgery. Fixed beauty does not possess these negative and harmful concerns as much as people with malleable beauty. They prove their theory with many different experiments that they conduct on young women. The article states that this effect does not have the same results on men. 

Beauty is a hard thing for me to define. I feel as if there are people who do believe in malleable beauty and there are people who believe in fixed beauty. Malleable beauty can be harmful and taken completely out of hand. It can lead to low self confidence or depending on outer beauty to feel confident. I say that fixed beauty is not great for a person either. Even though fixed beauty focuses more on inner beauty, people should not believe that they can never better their appearance. Many fixed beauty people will still want to improve, even if they believe that they are not capable of doing so. Low self confidence can come from both cases. The main problem is that many people try and improve themselves to impress society. Today’s society is so focused on what people think and what people say. If people were to care more about how they feel about themselves rather than what society thinks of them, more happiness would occur in our world. If you want to change the color of your hair or the shape of your body than go for it, but do for yourself rather than for others. Change yourself for you and be happy with who you are. Everyone deserves to like themselves on the inside and out. 

Burkley, MelissaBurkley, EdwardStermer, S. PaulAndrade, AngelaBell, Angela C.Curtis, Jessica. "The Ugly Duckling Effect: Examining Fixed Versus Malleable Beliefs About Beauty." Social Cognition 32.5 (2014): 466-483. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.

[feelgoodwords-blog]

But the bitter truth we critics face… the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so."

Ratatouille

The quote above is from a very popular Disney movie, Ratatouille. It was said by a character who plays a food critic in the film. Many people have the mind set of critics being bad and judgmental. Critics are always the “bad guys” who’s words do anything but make you feel good. In the movie, we see just that. The critic is seen as the sneaky, bad guy throughout the whole movie until we see that he gives Gusteau’s, a restaurant run by mice, a great and helpful review. The critic guides them and points them in the right direction with the addition of the some encouragement. It turns out that the critic wanted to help the restaurant after all and help it flourish into a great eating facility. Many critics in society today are looked at as mean and heartless. Food critics come to give pointers to restaurants that can be very strict and ruthless. The same thing goes for movie critics and song critics. Many artists are offended when their work is not appreciated or praised. From a critic’s point of view, they do not intend to be mean or harmful to the person being critiqued. They are simply doing their job by giving their honest opinion that the company or person may not usually get.  

This topic may seem like the exact opposite from what my blog post is all about but in a way the two topics make a connection. I say that critics are not always the bad guys and we are always going to face critics throughout our lives. Young people especially will have numerous critics in their everyday lives because of their age. Some of these critics could include parents, teachers, family members and friends. These critics are not always going to tell us what we want to hear but sometimes it is what we need to hear. Believe it or not most of these everyday critics are people who love us and want to help and guide us through life’s struggles. Critics sometimes seem like the bad guys because we do not agree with their judgement. However, critics only give you there advice to make you better. This is important to our lives because we are always going to have people who judge and give opinions. People have to learn that criticism is a good thing  Advice and a different insight can not always be comforting but it is only given to us because the advice givers care. So the next time, you get advice or judgement that you do not like remember that people are trying to help you prosper, not tear you down. Sometimes harsh words of criticism can turn into feel good words down the road.

[feelgoodwords-blog]

I can't wait to see our greatest creation yet.

Justin Timberlake

Maria Mercedes Lara writes, Justin Timberlake to Jessica Biel: ‘I Can’t Wait to See Our Greatest Creation Yet,’ in People magazine. At the iHeart Music Awards this year, Justin Timberlake states this quote above as a shout out to his wife, Jessica Biel. The couple are looking forward to becoming parents and should be expecting a baby boy or girl anytime soon. Justin Timberlake, who sings Mirror, has become very successful over the past several years. At thirty four years old, he has won many awards and has reached the top of society in the music business. His wife, Jessica Biel, is a well-known actress. Biel’s most recent production is when she debuted in the upcoming film The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea. The couple seems very happy together as Justin Timberlake calls Jessica his best friend while on stage. Even though they are going through so much excitement with the soon to be arrival of a new family member, the successful couple has kept the pregnancy extremely private. The two stars have not even let out the due date to the press. However, Justin tweeted on his thirty fourth birthday, which took place in January 2015, about the excitement of becoming a father. The couple seems super pumped on becoming parents and are slowly showing the public the enthusiasm for their future family.

When you first read this story and see this quote, you picture just a couple of happy parents. You also think about how cute the baby will turn out considering Justin Timberlake is the father. However if you look deeper, the soon to be parents’ story is quite inspirational. The two stars are extremely busy as they are caught up in their hectic work schedules. Jessica Biel is a very famous actress and Justin Timberlake is a popular music artist. With these two extremely glamourous life styles, comes the pressure of big amounts of money and popularity. The power couple are bombarded by media practically every day. Even though the Timberlakes live a lifestyle of fortune and fame, they still consider family a very important aspect in their lives. Justin loves his wife so much and we see this when he talks about Jessica on stage by calling her his “best friend and favorite collaborator.”  He is also looking forward to becoming a father. Justin states as he accepts the Innovation Award, “Daddy’s heading home right now to innovate and learn how to change a poopy diaper and get my swaddle on!” People can learn and relate through Justin and Jessica’s example. The couple shows through this quote and their life that money, success, and fame are great but at the end of the day family is the greatest win of all. The love you receive from your family and true friends will never leave even if the funds and popularity do.

[feelgoodwords-blog]

It truly does take a village to do great things.

Tim Nieman 

At Lincoln Middle School, in Wisconsin, a courageous, young basketball team makes a lasting movement that impacts society as a whole. This story was published on the Fox News website on March 13, 2015 and left an impression on everyone who watched as well. Desiree Andrews is a cheerleader for the Lincoln basketball team. Desiree has down syndrome and was inspired to become part of the squad by one of her favorite television shows, Glee.  During one of the team’s games, the basketball players noticed that someone was making fun of Desiree. The bullies stopped the players in their tracks. The boys stopped the game and confronted the bullies head on. The players commanded the bullies to stop messing with her because everyone is the same in their eyes. The audience was shocked at the young boys kindness and maturity. The athletic director was proud of the boys and expressed it in his quote above. The students also decided to expand their love for Desiree by another great gift to the middle school cheerleader. The cheerleaders and basketball players got together and convinced the teachers and staff to name the gym after Desiree. The gym is now called D’s House which was inspired after Desiree’s nickname. Although Desiree will eventually move on with her life, her legacy and inspiring story will stay with the gym for many years to come. 

We can all take Desiree and the team’s story and apply it into our own lives. Everybody has something different about them. None of us are the same. Therefore, why should we make fun of or judge someone for their differences? Desiree is different because she has Down syndrome. However, Desiree is still a normal teenage girl. She cheers for the basketball team of a school she loves. She is passionate with what she does and supports her fellow students. She is a young teenager just like everyone is at one point in their life. So although she has her differences, Desiree is just like you and me. Another aspect to look up to in this story, is the courage that Desiree’s fellow students displayed to stick up for her. If you see someone getting bullied do not just sit down and watch as a bystander. Take a stand. Now of course nobody wants to look lame by getting into someone else’s business. In this case, it would not be weird at all to politely ask someone to stop and then just change the subject. Nothing is ever lame about stopping bullying. Bullying can lead to detrimental life time changes and sometimes even suicide. Everyone deserves to be happy no matter how different they are. So embrace the differences and take this quote and apply it to your everyday lives. 

[feelgoodwords-blog]

I'm not giving them anything to write about, I'm never going to talk about her in my interview. It's not going to happen.

Taylor Swift

It is a well-known fact among fans that Katy Perry and Taylor Swift have had conflicts in the past, however it has been officially publicized in People magazine that there is friction between the two. Although there is bad blood between the two pop stars Taylor Swift has strongly denied to talk to the reporters about Katy Perry. Taylor has been known to express many occasions in her life with the media but this one is different. Taylor says that she does not want any rumors floating around the media and decides to stick to her morals on this topic. In the quote above we see where she says just that. Taylor continues to refuse to answer any questions about Katy Perry. She admits to the media that there is no way that she absolutely loves everyone she meets but continues to say that she will not talk about someone who does not deserve it. She explains that when she is with her girlfriends they act like normal young girls. Girls are going to talk about other girls but she still thinks there is no reason to discuss this with the media. Many reporters have jumped to conclusion that her new song, “Bad Blood,” from her album 1989, is about Katy and Taylor. However, this rumor has not been confirmed.

I feel as if Taylor Swift’s actions to the drama showed a very mature character. It is clearly seen through many occasions and reports that the two girls do not get along. However, Taylor clearly takes the initiative to keep her thoughts and feelings to herself. Like all girls, Taylor has dramatic issues with other girls. Taylor states, "It's not real if someone appears to never have any issues with anyone. I have my friends. I have enemies," she says. "I have bad days when I don't want to go to a photo shoot, but I'm not going to show up four hours late. I'm going to be there on time. I'm not nice all the time, but I try not to be carelessly rude to people who don't deserve it." I feel as if many girls and people in general can use Taylor’s thought process as an example in their own lives. As human beings we are not all going to like each other. We are going to disagree with each other multiple times and about numerous objects. However, we should all learn to be respectful and show dignity towards people that we do not necessarily care for. It is ok to be mad and to be angry at people at times but if we can learn to channel that anger in a non-hurtful way than we will have much happier people and a much more mature society.

[feelgoodwords-blog]

Take me to church I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies I'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife Offer me that deathless death Good God, let me give you my life

Hozier

The quote above is featured in the song, “Take Me to Church” by Hozier. It has become one of the top songs in media today and has already won many awards. It was even nominated for song of the year in the 57th Grammys.

Even though the songs popularity has skyrocketed, the controversy and gossip on the meaning of the song has escalated as well. The music video displays a quite horrific scene of a gay couple kissing before they are taken by neglectors of homosexuality to beat them. On YouTube, this created blasting opinions. Many commenters were accusing and bashing Christian people by saying that all Christians were judgmental and that God was not real. They exclaimed that homosexuality was not a choice but something that a person is born with and cannot control. In result to this crowd of people, many radical Christians combated by saying that God does not approve of being gay and that being gay was a choice of sin. There were also many other Christians that did not persecute gay people but tried to preach to them instead by stating that God hates sin, not sinners. Hozier himself tries to explain that the song is more about possessing tangible pleasures on Earth rather than spiritual figures. He uses the scene in the video to show how some religions can be so cruel to people who are embracing different earthly pleasures.

Before I give my opinion, I do want to say that I am a Christian and I go to church regularly. However, my views are not as stern as other Christian people. I say that if you want to be gay or homosexual, go for it. I feel as if some people were born gay and that if they wish to embrace this, I will not judge. I personally think that no person has the right to judge other people. Many Christians are trying to make an impact on people by condemning them to hell and trying to scare people. This is not how God wanted us to share his word at all. This tactic will only give Christians a bad reputation and will push non-Christians away. The bible clearly states in Mark 13:31, “Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” God has called us to love one another and to leave the judging to him.  On the flip side, non-Christians should not be quick to say that all Christians are bad. Many of us, such as myself, are not people who judge and condemn. We are not all the same and even though we all have the title “Christian”, we do not all believe the same thing. Just because you do not agree with the way some people live does not mean you should ridicule them. No matter your sexuality, gender, race, social status or age we should all love one another because odds are that many of us will not agree on everything. Everyone still should have the right to feel good about themselves no matter what they believe.

[feelgoodwords-blog]

Inspiration

As a child, I grew up knowing what depression and sadness looked like. My mother has been diagnosed with a very rare form of depression for over ten years now. When my dad's company crashed, I was around the age of five. This is when my mom's symptoms started to kick in. It was heartbreaking to see my mom so unhappy but it was something my family had to deal with. However, things did get better. My mom started going to counseling and began taking medication to lessen her symptoms. With the help of my dad, she pushed through and chose to be happy even with her condition. She started functioning as a normal mom again. To this day, she still has to fight her condition with the help of daily medication. Nevertheless, she chooses to be happy and to give her family a happy life. This is why my mom is my inspiration for this blog.

She inspires me to help people have happy lives, even if life is terrible. No matter what condition you are in you can chose to see the more positive side of any situation. You can change your perspective and be happy with what you have. Many people have family or friends that struggle with depression. This blog is to reach out to these people so hopefully they can help their loved ones with simple quotes. I also know that many college students get depressed while they are in school. I am also a college student striving to be nurse. I understand their struggles and strive to encourage them to keep moving forward with the small quotes of power. People should be happy and deserve to be happy. You can not get through life without it. 

[feelgoodwords-blog]

Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.

Oscar Wilde

Sometimes, life gets hard. The pressures, worries, and disappointments can all add up to a down right, (let's just face it) crappy day. Although life can be difficult, we are not alone. Many people have done this thing called life before. Sadly, none of them made it out alive. However, many people have similar struggles just like you and me. This blog is created to bring you quotes that might make life a little easier and hopefully more enjoyable. I plan on changing your perspective of life, by interpreting and analyzing the words of others. Words can move mountains and I am out on a quest to uphold the words of others that should be heard. So be sure to check in and get your simple dose of feel good words.