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Blog Entry #17

5/11/20

Insta-BYE

Last Sunday morning, I knew with certainty it was coming. Tired, irritable, moody; I got out of bed 2 hours later than I had originally planned and looked at my face in the mirror. My eyes heavy with bags, my skin, flat and pale. There had been an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach for the past 2 weeks, a nausea I was becoming familiar with. For the last couple weeks I’ve been in a sort of funk and keep thinking how I should be enjoying my last days as a senior.

There are plenty of tools I turn to before my funk affects my mood greatly : sleep, exercise, and vitamin D. This time, I knew I had to try something different. I had to make a lifestyle and behavioral change.

Lately, I’ve been wondering about the effect technology has on my mood and sense of well-being. I am a social butterfly by nature and love getting to know people. Today, there’s no shortage of content to consume, and there’s more people to share it with than ever. Technology is our new way of living. It has evolved the way everyone communicates and socializes. It has fundamentally changed everything, including the way the human brain is wired.

With every pro there is always a con and in my situation there are more cons with technology. Given the increased frequency of my strange moods the writing is on the wall. I needed to look closely at my media consumption and technology usage. It’s affecting my health and it’s affecting my life. I needed to figure out why the simple act of sharing a beautiful moment on Instagram had become damaging to my health. If I redesign my bedroom, or put together a lovely meal, or maybe I’m seeing the world in PERFECT LIGHT, is it the same experience without thousands of “likes” from people who don’t play a big role in my life? Why was I feeling compelled to share every clever thought I had on Twitter?

So last Monday , I deleted the apps Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Tik Tok the forms of social media I abuse most (even though I don’t actively post to all of them)— from my phone and started a mood journal. After a moment of quiet contemplation, like a nervous tick, I thought, “I should tweet about this.”

The three days that followed were terrible. My mood worsened and I became more lethargic. I missed communicating with the people I follow. I missed sharing my disconnected thoughts on Twitter. At my lowest point, I just wanted to sign on to Facebook to read status updates from people who think they are relationship experts due to the divorce of Jay Cutler and Kristen Callvari. I missed the feeling of tumbling down the internet’s rabbit hole at 3am, just like any good addict misses their abuse of choice. The motto I was left to challenge myself with was this: “The best moments of my life don’t make it to social media.”

The next day, the clouds parted and my mind started to clear. I didn’t reach for my phone. Instead, I made a batch of cookies for my mom for Mother’s Day. That afternoon, I began deep cleaning and organizing my room which was quiet the project. Then I went on a long walk with my family around the neighborhood. Instead of wasting hours watching Tik Toks and flipping through Twitter, I read the book on my night stand that I’ve forgotten about and flipped through old family photo albums before falling asleep at 10:30. When I woke up, I had more energy and clarity than I had in awhile. I began to remember what it was like pre-Instagram, when I’d spend all day doing the things that delighted me without posting an entry in my visual diary.

The little experiment did shed light on my reliance on social media, and in many ways, my mood is just as affected by other distractions on my phone and computer. I’m feeling much better and this cleanse ended up being surprisingly amazing. I was reminded of many important things that I will focus and remember everyday. Presence is important. It is a requirement for self-awareness. It requires paying attention, not being the center of attention.

Pleasure and privacy are to be taken seriously. Social media itself isn’t really the problem, it’s how you use it. I’m happiest living in the moment and not staring at a phone. #life2020 (M.McGuire)

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Blog Entry #16

5/7/20

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

During this time I have been doing many projects to keep busy. Today I decided to make a photo collage of pictures with all my friends. As I was crafting with these photos and reminiscing about the good times it made my mind start to wander. I start thinking about what each friend has taught me and help make me a better person. Then I started to ponder what friendship means to me.

Friendship is important in my life because it taught me a great deal about life. I learned so many lessons from friendship which I won’t find anywhere else. Friendship never leaves us in bad times. I learned how to understand people and trust others. My real friends will always motivate and cheer for me. They have taken me on the right path.

All the friendships in my life have taught me alot about loyalty. It helped me to become loyal and get loyalty in return. There is no greater feeling in the world than having a friend who is loyal to you. Friendship makes us stronger. It tests us and helps us grow. For instance, we see how we fight with our friends yet come back together after setting aside our differences. Especially being a girl I have definitely gotten into some unnecessary drama . This is what makes us strong and teaches us patience.

Therefore, there is no doubt that best friends help us in our difficulties and bad times of life. True friends are like the best assets of our life because they share our sorrow, sooth our pain and make us feel happy.

A friend is someone difficult to find. A friend is someone you can always count on when times are tough. A good friend is there when you are struggling. For example, my friend had her heart broken by a (gross) boy. During this difficult time I gave my full support to her and learned my shoulder to cry on. Believe me there were many tears that I had to offer both shoulders to cry on. What I look for in a friend is someone who is trustworthy, doesn't talk behind your back, listens to your problems, gives good advice and tries to lend humor along with his or her support. In my life I have had many bad friends, who pretended to care and then turn around gossiping and starting drama. Good and bad friends are all around you, involved in your everyday life. To find good friends you should look for such traits as being kind, trustworthy, loyal and dependable.

Finally, more than anything, friendship is an experience of the heart. Friendships help make life worth living. It helps bring the joys, laughter, happiness and good times into our lives. I am forever grateful to have the friends I have and had during my life. For the next chapter of my life I will be making many new friends who I’m very excited to meet. For all my readers I challenge you to reach out to an old friend and text them how much they mean to you. Until we meet again! (M. McGuire) #life2020

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Blog Entry #15

5/6/20

2020 to 2024

On Sunday Marist posted events planned for the senior class . I appreciate all the time, planning and thought that went into this but I’m left with an eerie feeling. The harsh reality is sadly setting in that I won’t have what I waited years to have. Dancing the night away with my friends all dressed in our best in our very best. Walking across the Marist stage in my cap, chords and gown to receive my diploma. The thought keeps playing over and over in my head like a bad record. I keep telling myself, “The things I would do differently.” Then it struck me this would be the topic of my blog today. The advice I have to the freshmen class of 2024.

Stretch your brain. Take a class that scares you at least once during high school. Don’t let preconceptions about the class or the teacher sway you from taking a class that you know you can do well in. Maybe you’ll decide to take an honors class instead of going the regular route. The experience will definitely make you a stronger student and prepare you for future academic challenges. If you can face those challenges, if you can bring them on yourself and enjoy them, you will succeed.

Don’t sweat your grades too much. Getting a B here and there is not the end of the world. In fact, it’s kind of a good thing. I learned by working hard in a class and staying focused is all I need to do in order to earn success. Don’t let the gossip of hearing how hard a teachers class may be scare you away.Now, I can fully accept that if I try my hardest in a class and get a B+, that is still something to be proud of.

Ask for help. Learn how to make relationships with teachers and guidance counselors. Marist is truly blessed with the absolute best there is. Talk to your teacher before or after class, they are here for you and want to help you. Getting comfortable with talking to teachers will help you so much in the next four years.

Don’t focus too much on popularity. Treat the star football player the way you would the shy nerd in class. Be kind to people for no reason at all. Everyone is always fighting a personal battle of their own so don’t misjudge someone before you know them. It’s better to be known as the nice kid rather than the notorious drama starter. Don’t stay in your cliques, branch out and meet new people you may even surprise yourself with a new friend.

Join a club/team/activity… Extracurriculars are what make your time in high school worthwhile. The experience of being on a team or president of a club or writing for the newspaper is what you will remember. You'll learn a whole lot about dealing with others, and about yourself and your own limits. If there's something you're interested in but Marist doesn’t have a team or club, start one. So what if you and your best friend are the only members for the first year. If you're passionate about it, do it; others will follow. And if you find something you really love, do not give it up. Basically, find something you like doing and pursue it - it doesn't have to be what you want to do with your life, just something you want to do right now. Be passionate about something.

Don’t do things just to put them on your applications and please, please don’t make it too serious! High school sports and clubs should be fun, not a competition to get the most awards to put on your applications. Don’t join the yearbook staff because you want to be the editor next year to make your resume look better; don’t join the four sports teams just to win Athlete of the Year. Take part in activities and sports and clubs because you like them, and because the experience will make you a better, stronger, more well-rounded person. You will get into college, so don’t spend your time trying too hard.

Finally, remember to have fun. Your life does not depend on high school – not on the academics and not on the popularity aspect. Do your best, but leave time for fun with friends. You will have plenty of time to work hard in school and beyond. Be prepared, but don’t stress out too much about it. If you can make your grammar school experience fun, you will have no problem doing the same for your life in highschool and beyond. Remember Brother and Sisters for life… Go RedHawks! (M.McGuire) #life2020

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Blog Entry #14

Cleanse For The Soul

4/28/20

My day begins with another wonderful day filled with E-learning. For my first class I have chorus class where I have to participate on zoom the entire time. Waking up and getting ready for this class was quite the challenge today to say the least. I went to bed at 3:30 am which I had to suffer this morning due to my lack of sleep. I was quite sleepy for the rest of my school day but I ended my day with getting a 100% on my math quiz. Once I submitted my quiz I went out on a drive to treat myself to Starbucks. My friend Abby recommended this new coffee drink to me to try out. Being sleep deprived and having this coffee was the perfect solution. The coffee was not only delicious but helped give me a boost of energy to wake me up. My big activity of the day would be heading out to Orland Park to my friend’s Carl surprise birthday parade.

I met at Veterans Park where Carl’s friends and my fellow Marist peers were waiting to meet up. Seeing all of these lovely people put a big smile on my face. I haven’t seen so many of these people in over a month and finally getting the chance to be with them (6ft apart in a car of course!) was awesome. As we got in a line following each other's car towards Carl’s house sounds of honking, cheering and laughing filled the streets. Seeing Carl come outside surprised and so happy put everyone in such good spirits. As we finished the parade everyone went their separate ways and headed home. I took this as an opportunity to explore Orland Park since I never really got the chance to. Having the chance to add some adventure into my day and change things up from my eventless everyday routine was amazing for the soul. My adventure came to an end and I went back on my route to home. As I arrived home I had a big realization to make and accept.

During this quarantine I have been spending an excessive amount of time on social media. Sure, it helps kill time and I often do enjoy it but it’s gotten too much. Lately I’ve been feeling pretty anxious not sure if it’s been stuck in my house for 44 days straight but I realized social media isn’t helping. I’m limiting myself to only go on Snapchat and Instagram twice a day. I’ll allow myself to still go on my phone but to go on it less and less. I know it will be hard at first but I can do it for myself and to keep a healthy routine. I even deleted Snapchat and Instagram off my IPad so I am not tempted. I will update you guys on my challenge in my next blog to see if I am able to stick to my promise. My challenge for you readers is for at least an hour a day try to not go on an electric device. Until we meet again, I am sending you good vibes and love during this quarantine!

#life2020 (M.McGuire)

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Blog Entry #13

The Return

4/27/20

Hello blog, it’s been a minute I have missed you all dearly. During our time apart you haven’t missed much. Same routine: getting up, e-learning, walking, homework, tv, workout, dinner and going to bed. Those are what my days mainly consist of due to this lockdown. I have been keeping my spirits up by texting and FaceTime with friends, watching good television and relaxing. I enjoy going on social media at this time and checking everything out. One of my favorite things to check out on Instagram are the senior spotlights Marist has been posting everyday. A teacher will write kind words about the qualities of one of the senior students and then Marist will share it on Instagram.

As I was sleeping my parents woke me up smiling with excitement. I was confused but got out of bed and prepared myself for the day. As I was ready to start my day my parents explained to me that my senior spotlight was posted. I was so surprised since I was not expecting my spotlight would be posted anytime soon. Feelings of giddiness and excitement dawned upon as I scrolled on my Instagram news feed to check out my post. Mrs. Blisk who I’ve worked for in the Marist Athletic Office for the past four years wrote my spotlight. She wrote such a kind and heartfelt message for me and it truly meant so much to me. Such a simple act impacted my mood and spirits so much. It shows how much Marist is such a special place and community to be a part of. Along with the beautiful message so many of my friends and peers wrote kind messages cheering me on upon my post. All of this love and support made my day so beyond amazing and taught me so much. It made me realize how blessed I am to have such incredible things in my life. It also helps me remind me that there're still such kind hearted people in this crazy world we live in. For the rest of the day I was in a cheerful mood and was feeling the love. I went on an hour long walk with my family and enjoyed the beautiful weather God blessed us with. As we returned from our walk my dad prepared dinner for my family. The McGuire household had ribs, salad, and mashed potatoes for dinner, it was quite delicious to say the least. After cleaning up the kitchen from our dinner my family got ready for ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “The Last Dance”

The Last Dance follows the 90’s bull team in their prime time with having the legend Michael Jordan be the center of it all. I enjoy watching this documentary because it’s so fascinating and interesting to learn the true story of what was really happening during that time. I love hearing all the different perspectives and wild tales that everyone involved has to say. I gotta say I am pretty jealous I will never get to see Michael Jordan get to destroy the basketball court and attend an iconic bull game. Well blog that is all I gotta say for today it has been wonderful catching up guys! I challenge you all to do a random act of kindness because you don’t know how much that could impact or lighten up someone’s day. I also challenge you all to start watching The Last Dance because if you are not you are missing out big time! #life2020 (M.McGuire)

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4/20/20

Gratitude is the best attitude!

Blog Entry #12

Hey blog back again for another one of my lovely posts. I have been doing my best everyday to maintain a clear mindset, positive attitude and sense of gratitude. Today I want the focus of my blog to be centered on “gratitude”. During this madness due to the Covid-19 outbreak I feel like everyone is losing sight of what they have and narrowing in on what they don’t.

So to begin with this example, most us say “thanks” and tip our pizza delivery apart driver (from a 6ft distance) and that is a common way how we think we offer gratitude.

Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness just consists of words. Gratitude is shown in acts. Gratitude is the best attitude!

I have learned through this time you can have gratitude for the simplest of things in life. Such as the sunrise, your favorite candy, warm blankets to even just going for walks On my daily walk with my family I learned to be thankful to find a dandelion growing in a crack on a sidewalk? You may be thinking, wow she’s really lost her mind during this quarantine! Sure I wouldn’t disagree but it helps me realize that little things are awesome, and a lot of little things can certainly add up to big things.

When you actively choose to show gratitude in appreciation of what you have and also for what you hope will happen, you’ll be setting up momentum that will lead to having a great minute, day, week, month, year… and life.

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude. During a time that seems to be lacking happiness I learned in order to have it I must spread it.

Happiness is earned and learned through gratitude. By being appreciative of everything we have, we become more likely to habitually carry ourselves with gratitude, which in turn increases our awareness of the fact that we have so much around us already that we should be thankful for. No doubt that gratitude is the best attitude.

Every little thing we do can be a lesson on how to be happy. Here are a few examples of how things that happen to us in our daily lives can be looked at through the lens of gratitude.

Happiness is earned and learned through gratitude. Well blog that is all I have today! I challenge you guys to find something that makes you express gratitude and to text someone you are grateful for. I am grateful I have been able to write to you guys about my daily life during this quarantine. Remember to always live your best life! (M.McGuire)

#life2020

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4/19/20

Blog Entry #11

It’s A Good Life

In my last blog post I write about the hardships about being a teenager during this time. I read over my blog post and I wasn’t happy with it. My blog post was negative and wasn’t my usually uplifting tone. When I wrote that blog I wasn’t in the best mindset due to the circumstances of being told I couldn’t finish the year at my favorite place ever. So with that being said, I challenged myself to write about why being a teenager is the best.

The teenage years so far have been the most memorable years of my life. Growing up, I’ve heard adults say, “High school was the best four years of my life!” Because of that, I expected to have a blast when I entered freshman year. However, I didn’t realize high school was the best four years of their lives because they made it the best years of their lives. From that moment on I made sure my highschool experience was the best it could ever be.

During the past four years I have met my best friends in high school who I know will be in my life forever. My best friends and I have made countless memories from parties, homecomings, football games, dances, sporting events and so much more. Along with living our best lives my friends have taught me the true meaning of friendship. True friends share and support each other even during the toughest of times. A true friend is one who feels happy for our success, who feels sad for our failures, fights with us for silly things and hugs us the next second, gets angry at us when we make any mistakes. Friendship is all about having true friends who can understand us without the need for us to speak.

By getting involved with Marist it has only positively affected my life for the better. From experience, I can tell you right now that joining a sport is an incredible experience. I played golf and became really close with my teammates and my coaches. Golfing wasn’t always fun, but the memories I have with my teammates, trips on bus rides, matches, and celebrating senior nights is something I will forever cherish. Also going to all sporting games, dances, student ambassadors, youth ministry and kairos has been another way I’ve gotten involved with Marist.

Getting involved in your school is so much fun! I challenge my readers to get involved whether you do it in a big way or you do it in a small way, you should make an effort to make your high school years more enjoyable.

These past years have been nothing but I blast. Words cannot even describe how thankful I am for getting the opportunity to go to Marist. From entering those doors at Redhawk High I have become a better person. Although my time at Marist has been cut short (Thanks Corona!) I have to look back at the amazing times I had at Marist and look back fondly. Brothers and sisters for life! (M.McGuire)

#life2020

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Blog Entry #10

It’s A Hard Knock Life

4/18/20

Starting off this day wasn’t the easiest. I received some pretty bad news the day before that I will not be able to go back to school for the rest of the year. This is crushing to me due to the fact that was my last bit of hope getting me through this quarantine. Feelings of frustration, anger and sadness dawned upon me. After getting all my emotions out there I felt better and calmed. I realized I have to focus on the years I had at Redhawk High and to cherish them all.

During highschool I realized being a teenager isn’t easy. You have a lot of things on your mind, a lot of things to worry about, a lot of things to carry and when I mean carry, I mean both physically and mentally. During the 18 years of my life that I have lived so far, I believe that I have never carried this much before. Part of it I think is because it’s senior year. Actually I think that 's the biggest reason why I feel so much pressure on my shoulders. I’m pretty sure that everyone can agree on this, especially if you’ve been through it before. I’m not talking to the adults of course because I know your lives are difficult and what not, but I’m mostly talking to the teens who are currently going through the same stage of life that I’m in right now. Now I’m not saying my life is difficult in any means because I know that I am actually very lucky, but I’m just talking about the things that I carry.

Honestly, the most difficult things to carry are mostly mental. Carrying mental things are tougher than carrying physical things; you can’t escape them unless you find a solution. Say you 're carrying a hundred pound dumbbell: getting tired, and then just drop it! It’s really that simple! But if you were carrying something mental such as losing the rest of your senior year because of the Corina virus, then that memory will probably haunt you for a while. What I’m trying to say is that there are a lot of things to carry being a teenager and it’s not easy.

Education has a lot to do with that pressure. I mean the pressure kicks in as soon as you reach the age of 13. You 're trying to get into college and not be in student debt all your life. The pressure of balancing all your school work and marinating good grades takes a toll. There are probably a bunch of other things that I haven 't mentioned that I have to carry everyday that make it stressful.

I’m not trying to make you feel bad for me or anything like that. I know my life isn’t that tough compared to millions of others around the world. All I’m just trying to do is just figure out how to balance all of this. It’s hard carrying all of this around you all day and night. I mean how do you balance pleasing everyone around you, but at the same time caring for yourself and your own health and well being. Maybe in the future when I’m all grown up I’ll look back and think that being a teenager wasn’t so stressful, but as of right now, I’m carrying a lot of things and just trying to balance it all out. (M.McGuire) #life2020

[moiramcguire]

Blog Entry #9

Potatoe Princess

4/17/20

During this lockdown I have been pondering and reflecting deeply.. To keep myself entertained I look up random questions to kill the time.I have asked myself every question known to man and then today I had one that stumbled me.If you had to choose one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?”

This question stumbled me due to the realization that such a question must be considered practically. The correct answer would keep me happily sustained for the rest of my life , whereas the wrong choice could leave me tormented with deep regret . If I chose macaroni and cheese, per se, I’d be trapped consuming glutinous pasta, tacky milk-fat, yellow and large amounts of sodium, forever. But if instead, I think clearly I may have a conclusion. And after much thought , I believe that I have come to such a response: potatoes.

These little angels are the perfect last meal due not only to their nutritional qualities but to their remarkable versatility. Potatoes may be prepared in a variety of dishes.

Creamy mashed-potatoes come first to mind, with along with the thought of golden tater-tots following. French fries, baked potatoes, hash-browns are another blessing from potatoes. I can’t forget potato-chips when searching for a light snack.

Oh potatoes, how I love you. And when asked what to eat exclusively for the rest of my life, I will enthusiastically respond “potatoes!”, for by picking one, I choose a pact for life. As crazy as I sound I thought long and hard for my choice. Next time I prepare a dish that has my beautiful potatoes in it I will feel like a proud mom. Through this I have gained a deeper appreciation and gratitude for the gift of potatoes. Potatoes over tomatoes any day of the week! My fans, I challenge you to have at least one potato meal this week for me and hopefully you enjoy it as much as I would. Take care my fans and remember to stay healthy during this crazy time. (M.McGuire)

#life2020

[moiramcguire]

Blog #8

4/16/20

Pappys Wrap

As my lockdown continues I stumble across an Instagram page for Marist seniors future college plans. The posts consist of a picture of the student, their name, future college and pursuing a major. I love seeing where my classmates are pursuing their dreams and where their journey takes them. Then I got a huge knot in my stomach due to the question I have been avoiding thinking about. Since the first day of senior year I have been asked the question, “What college are you going to?” For the last couple months I have been torn between the choices of ISU or St. Mary’s for my future education. I've come to the decision that I want my school to resemble my favorite dish: the pappys buffalo chicken wrap.

The secret to any savory wrap lies in how its flavor is contained. Regardless of what outside influences are imposed upon it, the pita bread expertly holds all of its ingredients without allowing them to spill. I want my future school to oppose outside pressures. I want to serve as an advocate as well as a source of comfort, like a homemade pita that is warm and soft, yet tenacious.

Next on our wrap is the core layer of buffalo chicken , lathered on the pita and heavy with expectation. Being the center comes with its pressures, but buffalo chicken handles it well, always stepping up to the plate, ready for any intimidating food critic. I want my school to help prepare me for any obstacle or challenge I may face in my life.

After the buffalo chicken follows the sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese all varied in taste, combining to form the wrap. The buffalo chicken is accepting of its ingredients, which when combined, bring to it a taste that is unparalleled by any other ingredient of wrap. I hope to spend my next years in my school's community learning alongside students from backgrounds starkly different from my own, who, like each component of the other ingredients bring their unquiness.

In this world of flavorful foods and people, I know my future school will consist of my beloved pappys wrap. Whenever it will be ISU or St. Mary’s I know my future path will await me. You may be thinking I’m crazy for comparing a wrap to a choice of a college. Well indeed, being stuck in your house for a month will definitely make you stir crazy. As I’m writing this blog my family decided to order take from Pappys for dinner. I can give thanks to my beloved wrap that gave me inspiration for this blog post. This concludes another blog post for now my fans.. stay safe and healthy! Until we meet again blog farewell! #life2020 (M.McGuire)

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Blog #7

4/15/20

Mind over Matter

As another day of quarantine awakens I wake up refreshed and energized. Since I am on Easter Break there is no E-learning that awaits me. This weekend I enjoyed an amazing video from the Marist student council that brought such a positive message for the whole Marist community. I released a video for the seniors that highlights different events throughout the year to reminisce and look back fondly on. Editing and putting together the video reminded me how much I love Marist and how it’s made me the person I am today. These videos help bring positivity and light to the Marist family during this challenge time. After watching these videos I stared thinking what does having a positivity attitude mean to me especially during this pandemic.

Everyone knows that the way you think affects the things that will happen in your life. A positive attitude can make the difference between an amazing life and a miserable one. Attitude is the way that we behave and the way we react to the daily activities, such as dealing with a worldwide pandemic. With a positive attitude I have experienced pleasant and happy feelings. This brings brightness more energy, and happiness into my daily life. My whole being broadcasts good will, happiness and success.

In my life I affect and have been affected by the people I meet, in one way or another. This happens through words, thoughts, feelings, and body language. I have learned through life that people want to be around positive people and prefer to avoid negative ones. The people you surround yourself will either make you better or make you worse. Negative thoughts, words and attitude, create negative and unhappy feelings, moods and behavior. No one wants to be by a stormy cloud of bad vibes. In order to maintain positivity in my life everyday I make sure my choices reflect my mindset.

By using positive words in my thoughts or when talking with others and smiling a little more, as this helps me to think positively. When a negative thought enters my mind, I address it, and replace it with a positive one. Persistenc has taught my mind to think positively, and to ignore negative thoughts. Sometimes I experience inner resistance and difficulties when replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, I don’t give up, but keep looking only at the beneficial, good and happy thoughts in my mind. It doesn't matter what my circumstances are at the present moment whenever it’s being bored or losing your senior year. I think positively, expect only favorable results and situations, and circumstances will change accordingly. By persevering, I have transformed the way my mind thinks. It might take some time for the changes to take place, but eventually they will.

Through the quarantine I learned my main power is my mindset. Mindset will change your whole perspective on everything in life. You can chose to look at life as the glass is half full or empty. I’m making the choice to look at the glass half full during this quarantine. By training my mindset im focusing on all the positives in this situation. The positives have been appreciating all the simple things life such going out to eat, sports and even a hug. I learned to be grateful for my family, health and getting a stable household I get to take comfort in everyday. My mindset has been my strength during this crisis and I’m going to continue doing so. Until we meet again blog take care and stay healthy! (M. McGuire)

#life2020

[moiramcguire]

Blog Entry #6

4/4/20

Faith and Trust

I start off my Saturday on a great note by getting to sleep in some extra hours. I get out of bed wash my face, brush my teeth and put my contacts in. I change into my karios sweatshirt and Marist girls golf sweatpants.. I know such a fashion statement! My sister and I both agree to get lunch from The Strange Brew Cafe located in Palos Hills. During this lockdown my family and I try to go out of our way to support our local businesses. As we arrive home and enjoy our smoothie bowls we watch the news which Trump is live speaking on. As I’m listening in he speaks about Easter in the following week. This begins to make me think about my faith and what it means to me.

I would say I have a very centered, deep, strong and active faith. My faith is a huge role in my life from not only going to Catholic school all my life, from participating in religious activities such as retreats, CRHP and karios, praying to God and using my faith in everyday situations. My faith has made me into the person I am today with giving my values and moral that I base my life on. Since entering Marist my faith has grown tremendously looking back. I would say my faith was strong before Marist but was not active in my everyday life.

So during this quarantine I challenge myself to grow deeper in my faith and have it guide me through this challenging time. I found this quote from Philippians 4:6-7 that reads, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This bible quote stuck out to me and it’s something I need to remind myself constantly to help stay positive and hopeful. As long as I have my faith in God I know there’s light at the end of this darkness. #life2020 (M.McGuire)

[moiramcguire]

Blog Entry #5

4/2/20

Reflection Through Relaxtion

As another day of this wild lockdown begins I start my day with my E- learning. I check into all my classes and complete my classwork. I go over my schedule and write down my assignments that are due the next day. With all this free time I begin to reflect my own goals and dreams and what they mean to me.

My goals and dreams are to go onto college being successful and have a career working with special needs kids with blind and deaf disabilities. Then to also have a family of my own with a happy marriage. I want to continue and deepen my faith, being a giving person and to be happy. Starting highschool I wasn’t sure what I wanted but I knew I would strive for success and have a family. Through Marist by learning and gaining an amazing education I have learned my stronger subjects and my weaker ones. By going and listening to Hawk Talks through being a part of the explore program I gained a new perspective of different career paths. By asking questions and gaining new insights on what I want to pursue in my life. By freshmen year to senior year, I have grown strongly in my morals and faith. By taking classes of morality and social justice I have gained an opinion and thoughts of the world. I learned I want to be a productive member of society and bring light love and happiness to the world. As a freshman I was very naive to the importance of having a good work ethic. Now as a senior I know in order to achieve your dreams and goals, you must work hard and never make excuses. Each year our teachers help prepare us in our classes in order to thrive and by going to Marist I feel well prepared for my future. My college counselor taught me anything and everything during this college process. Also by growing up a lot these last four years and going on kairos, you realize what is important in your life and what’s not. Drama, games, gossiping, being rude and not being thoughtful are things I don’t want my life to consist of. Family, faith, love, friends and kindness are the things that matter most to me in my life and all that other stuff is irrelevant. I know I am in charge of making my dreams happen and along with my family and Marist these dreams have become possible to achieve.

Through my self reflection it helps me put things in perspective for me. With all this free time during this lockdown it has given me the opportunity to deeply reflect. I am grateful to finally be given the chance to ponder on what’s important to me in my life and what’s not. We are so busy in our day to day lives that many things are pushed aside or forgotten about. Although I miss what my old days would consist of, I have to appreciate what I still have. I’m taking these quarantine days as an advantage and not a disadvantage. Making the best of what I have is how I chose to handle all of this and plan to continue so.#life2020 (M.McGuire)

[moiramcguire]

3/31/30

18th Birthday

Blog Entry #4

As another Monday approached me with a new week of E-learning I knew this day wasn’t just going to be another quarantine day. This day was special to me because it was my 18th birthday. Sure, having a birthday during this whole madness isn’t ideal but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This birthday was the best birthday I have ever had. Throughout my entire day I was sent such kind, thoughtful and sweet words. Hearing from friends from all different areas and parts of my life meant so much to me. Even if I couldn’t see them, receiving those kind words were so touching to me and made me feel so loved. As most of my day consisted of E- learning and completing my school work I received a text from my best friend Olivia. “Is it okay if I drop off my present at 3PM?” her text read. I responded with, “Yeah of course I’ll be ready.”

I was very excited since I haven’t seen Olivia in over 2 weeks and I missed her dearly. I know of course I have to do my part and keep a social distance so I planned on speaking to Olivia while she stayed in her car and I stood on my lawn. Olivia texted me and said “Here!” I put my phone on the charger and proceeded outside. When I stepped outside Olivia’s car wasn’t in sight, I was confused since Olivia told me she was here. Then suddenly on the corner of my block I spotted Olivia’s blue jeep with a bunch of cars behind her. Suddenly I realized those cars were my friends who decorated them with balloons. All of the cars came driving on my block cheering and honking. I was in complete shock and was so caught off guard. I had no idea my friends planned this for me and it truly meant the world to me that they did. Words couldn’t even describe how them throwing a parade impacted me. My friends are the best and it made me so lucky to have such amazing ones in my life. Friendship is being there for your friends in good times and bad. To live a happy life, you must surround yourself with who you feel best with. My friends always bring out the best of me and make me feel loved and appreciated. All of the girls who threw the parade for me are the best girls around town. I know no matter where life brings us in the following year that we all will remain friends. I will always cherish and remember how they made my 18th birthday the best one ever. (M. McGuire)

#life2020

[moiramcguire]

Blog Entry #3

3/27/20

Another Day Another Starbucks

As another day of lockdown approaches, I try my best to bring light and laughter into it. Starting off my day with e-learning and zoom I complete all my school work for the day and take a rest. As I miss my friends dearly I use the power of FaceTime and digital messaging to connect to them. I FaceTime my good friend Emma Shea and we discuss our assignments for school and the latest gossip. We share what we have been doing daily, Emma’s spring break to Florida and how much we miss our beloved Marist.

As Emma and I exchange our goodbyes I head over to get myself a Starbucks drink and treat my mom and sister to one. As I wait in a Starbucks line for minutes and minutes I call my dear friend Katie. Katie tells me all the shows she’s been binge watching during this lockdown and recommends some to me. Finally I get to obtain my Starbucks drinks, for my order I got a peach green lemonade sweetened, I highly recommend it to you all. I give my mom and my sister their drinks as a surprise to them to brighten their day up. I realize if I can’t find the brightness in my day then I must spread it. The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. After relaxing and enjoying my wonderful Starbucks drink I go on my daily walk. I walk for an hour to clear my mind and to exercise. With this situation I chose to look as “it is what it is”. I cannot dwell on what is happening and wallow in despair. We have to make the best of it and like Marist says, “be there for one another.” Whenever it’s ordering food from a small local business, getting groceries for elders and keeping a social distance. We all must appreciate that we are in good health and respect others by being on lockdown. Sure, lockdown is not the most adventurous or thrilling time but it’s a time to reflect and relax.

As I return from my walk I wonder what show I will watch for today. I have been enjoying watching 20/20’s and datelines during my quarantine. My dad and I binge watch Tiger King together and it’s quite interesting to say the least. It follows the life of people who own exotic cats such as tigers, lions, leopards and many more. During our binge watching my dad decides for dinner we will order jimmy johns. My family and I all place our orders and call them in. As always Jimmy Johns is freaky fast, so our dinner arrives before the start of another episode. For my dinner I have a Little John #6 with salt and vinegar chips on the side, very delicious! As the rest of the night continues, I tidy up the house and put away my lanuardy. I get ready for bed with my nightly routine of washing and moisturizing my face, brushing my teeth, taking my contacts out and changing into pj’s. From the beginning to end that is how I spent my day! (M.McGuire)

#life2020

[moiramcguire]

Blog Entry #2

3/25/20

Mom’s Birthday

As I woke up refreshed from my sleep ready to start the day. Today I didn’t have E- learning today so I got a couple extra hours to sleep in which was awesome. With getting the day off I use it to my own benefit to catch up on all my school work and make sure everything is in order. There’s no better way to start off my day than with sunshine. After my shower I headed outside for an hour-long walk. During this social distance I have been missing my friends dearly. I know our health comes first and we have all kept in contact With Snapchat, Instagram and texting but there’s nothing compared to spending quality time hanging out with them. While on my walk I called my best friend and caught up on everything. She shares to me that she’s been taking her chocolate lab, Rooney on daily walks and watching tik toks to pass the time. I enjoy talking to Olivia on my walks because she always maintains a positive spirit no matter what the case is.

When I returned from the walk I took a shower and prepared lunch for myself. I cut up some apple slices and put some peanut butter on the side, one of my favorite meals. Today is my mom's birthday so my siblings and I cleaned the dining room in preparation of her birthday dinner. My dad ordered my moms favorite dishes from Francesca’s for take out along with a birthday cake from jewel. As we enjoyed our dinner and sang happy birthday to my mom I felt an overwhelming sense of normalcy. I haven't had that feeling in so long due to the Covid-19 crisis. Getting to celebrate my mom's birthday helps put things in perspective for me. From it I learned we have to make the most of the cards we are dealt with. My mom made the best of her day and was surrounded with the ones she loves most. Sitting around, eating birthday cake telling funny family memories from years ago are the moments you live for. Overall I’m trying to find positivity and joy in each day even when it's hard to.

My parents get ready to travel to Indiana University tomorrow along with my sister to pick up her belongings from there. I go with my dad to fill up the gas for their long car ride that awaits them. Each day I’m getting in the habit of writing down one positive aspect of my day and today I write down celebrating my beautiful moms birthday. I am striving knowing the best is yet to come and all we can hope for is better days ahead. #life2020 (M.McGuire)

[moiramcguire]

Blog Entry #1

3.24.20

The Beginning

Lives across the world have been affected by the Covid-19.In a blink of an eye I went from enjoying my senior year to it being taken away from me out of my control. Instead of wearing a Marist uniform in a classroom filled with friends, joy and laughter I sit here alone in my empty room dressed in my pjs, viewing my classwork through my iPad. R.E.M’s “The End of The World As We Know It” seems to be a fitting theme song during this crisis the world is facing. My world came crashing down as things in my everyday life were removed instantly.

The spring break to Europe I worked all summer for canceled, enjoying my last semester of highschool and spending quality time with friends. Struck with anxiety and fear I began questioning everything I have looked forward to since my freshman year. Staying up all night during the senior lock-in, enjoying the last day of school with food trunks for lunch sporting a shirt of our future college, dancing all night during Senior prom and walking across the Marist stage for graduation. These moments I watched many others get to experience and now when it’s my time I don’t get to. I felt great emotions of sadness, anger and bitterness during this time. It was the end of the world as I knew it. As I was listening to music during my family’s self quarantine R.E.M’s

“The End of The World As We Know It” came on. I laughed to myself and thought how ironic. As I was listening to the song the line that follows the famous line is “and I feel fine”. That part of the was stuck in my head the rest of the day. I came to the realization I couldn’t mope around and throw myself a pity party. When life hands you lemons you have to make lemonade. Sure I may not have gotten the senior year I expected but I have to focus on the best parts I had. Enjoying Friday night football games, playing powder puff, gaining a new perspective from Karios and making new friendships along the way. I may not be able to leave the house but I get to spend quality time with my family all cozy and snugged. Although I don’t get to physically see my friends we all join in on FaceTime chats updating each other on our very eventful lives at this time and spending time together. A sense of gratitude came upon as I realized I get to spend time in a safe loving and caring environment which some kids don’t get that privilege. Today I woke up to a day of E- learning with a new perspective and gratitude. I put on a pair of my comfiest sweatshirts and sweatpants as I joined my classmates via Zoom. As I finish my school work for the day I join my family on a long walk around the neighborhood. During our walk I learn to appreciate the parish I come from and the people that build the community I come from. Returning home I get to spend quality time with my siblings as we watch another Netflix movie. As the day ends and before I go to bed I say my prayers to God. I thank God for blessing me with health, my family and keeping us safe during this outbreak. I also pray for God to keep all his children secure and protected. I plan on starting and ending my day with this routine because from following it I learned a positive mindset gives you a positive life. I know with the power of faith and love we can overcome this tragedy and the best is yet to come. Although it seems my world may be ending I feel quite fine. #life2020 (M.McGuire)