Youthful Life: X

Truth - Hindsight isn't always 20/20. Even when looking back we may not see what we're supposed to. Whenever we recall we are coming up with a new version of a story, experience, or happening. It's both a good thing and a bad thing because the way it actually happened may not be how we retell it, for better or worse. Reflection is oh so very important. In our past lies our futures. At the end of any experience, it's worthwhile to take some time and really dive deep into yourself to see how far you've come. This is hindsight.   " The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals." Melody Beattie   In a different life I would have pursued my journalistic passion and become a reporter or at least a TV personality on pop culture. I'd be hosting red carpet pre-shows, doing celebrity interviews, and counting down the biggest moments of the year right before the ball dropp...

Truth - Sometimes I seriously worry for my generation. Every generation certainly innovates in distinct ways but also not only inherits the problems of their predecessors but contributes/creates new ones as well. Mine seems to be known for our apparent willingness to recognize the humanity of others and push for progressive ideals (debatable but that's a challenge for another day). We're also known for having defiled all the sacred traditions of the courting process in favor of swipes, sliding, double taps, and emojis. Whatever happened to dinner and a movie? No, we Netflix and chill.    "The problem with binge-watching on Netflix is that you lose three days of your life" Harland Williams   You know you've made it in this world when your company name becomes a verb. Netflix - v. - to endlessly browse for a movie, show, or documentary to watch on a device, usually accompanied by some kind of junk food.  I.E. It was 3AM and he still decided it was a good...

Truth - Some of the most iconic scenes in television programs and films have been the ones that thrust you straight into the story. Without warning, preparation, or any context you're transported into the cosmos of the art piece you're viewing. It's truly amazing just how invested you can become in just one scene if it's done in an enticing way. Whether it be an intense action sequence complete with ass-kicking combat, intricately woven shots with feats of cinematography, or heartfelt moments that hit you right in the feels, cold openings are a powerful tool. If your life were a movie what would your cold opening be? " If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story" Orson Welles Cold openings are a technique used by directors to tease what is to come by showing a portion of what is to come before rolling the title sequence or opening credits. From dream sequences to flash forwards/rewinds, plot revolving points, and...

The 20s are all about indulgence. There is something to be said about doing what you want. So often we sacrifice our yearnings to do what others would us. When you're able to do what you most enjoy particularly when it has become a rarity, there's nothing better. It may be cliché but life really is too short to miss out on what you love most. Live your days as if you're they're picture perfect adaptions that are just about to hit the silver screen.   The experience of going to the movies is a powerful pastime. Purchasing tickets, grabbing a freshly buttered bag of popcorn with it's alluring aroma, and a gigantic overpriced 64 ounce drink. Enter the dimly lit theatre with geometric shaped patterns, stadium style seating, and nostalgic red velvet curtains. Choose chairs and settle in for the previews. Phones off, worries put away, and mind focused on nothing more than where you are. The feature film comes in, production studios set the cosmogonist atmosphere, a...

The 20s are all about seizing the day. That is taking full advantage of everything you're afforded. It's making the most of what you've been given. Doing the what you can with what you have. That's sucking the marrow out of life to paraphrase a one Robin Williams from Dead Poet's Society . The imagery of taking something, snatching, grabbing, or pilfering has always led me to believe "seizing" has meant getting something. It's an active word. It's accompanied by a physical motion. It implies movement. Make the most of your life, because it's fleeting. Carpe diem. In my most panicked days of trying to figure out what I would be doing post graduation I was able to contact my old advisor Drake and he told me that I should rewatch Dead Poet's Society . I had some time this week (read as "I decided to procrastinate instead of do work") and resigned to my room to be engulfed once again in the story of the movie. I always say it'...