Lip Sync Battle

Do you ever get asked to do something and you're immediate reaction is a resounding no? Then, you think about it and wonder why you did that? Well, it's taken me a few years to see it as a serious problem and now I'm working on saying yes. Honestly, it's one of the better decisions I've made in my life. The first time I said "yes" was to MC an open mic night and I had a blast.

People create comfort zones and shells as a method of protection. It's safe in there, it's a coping mechanism for anxiety, heart break, anything hurtful really. But, at a certain point this protective shield becomes a jail. You bar yourself from blossoming and enjoying the outside world. I realized it was time I broke out and I've had the most illuminating experiences and memories. 

My friend, Tierney, asked me to be a part of a lip sync battle going on the next day. Of course, I was really skeptical but I hate letting friends down so I said, "if you can't find anyone else, I'll do it". Once the decision was made, I realized I actually kind of wanted to perform. It'd be a crazy fun thing to do and it's right up my alley. I used to dance as a kid and I don't get nervous once on stage.

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So, it's Thursday and the show starts at 9pm. I had zero time to prep. I knew time would be slim which led me to think, "What artist can I sing rain or shine, drunk or sober? Hmm. Ah, yes. Britney!" I went on Spotify and checked out her albums. It's really hard to win a lip sync battle against guys when you're a girl. Guys can do a girly song and flop around and it's fantastic. If I was going to do this battle, I had to be on par so I used my brain to think up a funny twist to add. Lo and behold, after some minutes mulling over Brit Brit's music, I figured it out. I would perform Toxic and sing to my teddy bear who would wear a sign saying "Student Loans". Get it?

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I'm pretty sure I blinked and it was 8:15pm. I accidentally forgot my teddy bear and the sign at home so, I was pretty upset entering the venue. It's in these moments that you have to stay positive; there is always a solution. Tierney volunteered to stand in for Arty the Teddy and I made a new sign. I was third on the set list, which thank goodness. I hate being first or last. Here's the video to my dance:

Thank you to my roommate Shaina for taking this video!

I did not practice at all. I listened to the song once to pick it and I didn't hear it again until I was up on stage. I danced to my heart's content and belted those lyrics. Thank God the speakers were able to drown my voice. I'm not hating, just being really honest. Lol, but I forgot the audience and just jammed. There were about eight other contestants and everyone was amazing. I was not expecting anything BUT........ I WON!

I was so surprised. Me. I won. I, who didn't want to do this battle at first. I, who almost said no and wouldn't have thought twice. I, who was even scared to watch this video because I've gained weight. I, won. 

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People are their own worst critics. My weight gain did not discourage this win. My not having any {extra} makeup (I had eyeliner I put on at 9am; L'oreal liquid eyeliner is amazing) did not take away this wonderful moment. I was undoubtedly just me on stage. I let the music flow and literally danced like I do at home. That's what got me the trophy and $100 (in freaking singles, no less.) My ridiculously dancing for fun prompted the judges to give me the honor of Lambda Lip Sync Grand Champion 2016. It's on the trophy, I'm not making this up. I swear. 

Even if I hadn't won, those truths still apply. It is so important to enjoy life and have fun. I was on cloud 9 on stage. So much so that I, with my friends, did an impromptu rendition of Spice Girls "Wannabe". Those memories will last a life time. That moment of pure happiness and exhilaration will help me be positive. Don't wait to do things until you lose weight or get rid of acne. Be free, happy, and yourself. I can tell you if you go in with the right mindset, you won't be thinking about those "imperfections". A lot of what brings us down are unimportant. Your friends care for you because of your heart. Your significant lover should care for you because of your inner beauty and mind. 

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In the end, I am so thrilled that I said "yes" instead of "no" and extremely grateful that Tierney asked me to dance. Also, shout out to FSU's Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. chapter for creating the event. They hosted the battle to give people the opportunity to break out of their shells and perform for the hell of it. This is what we should see often on university campuses and it's refreshing to see people working towards a common positive good. Love yourself and don't hide the wonder you bring to the world. Every human is worth love and every human should give love.  

And now, wisdom from the Queen, Julie Andrews:

http://suryacherian.tumblr.com/post/105566675784/lejazzhot-some-wise-words-from-dame-julie

  

A Letter To My Future Daughter

Dear Little One,

     Love you heart. Love 'love' itself. It is the core of your being. Have an open heart and love on others. It is a value and virtue that is lacking in this world. It may be hard but you are strong. God will give you the strength, energy, and ability. Trust in him always. My biggest mistakes are wrought from my lack of faith and connection with God. Struggles will always be around but, God will shield you from the absolute worst.

     When it comes to love, love yourself first. Take care of your body, mind, and soul. You only have one and, until you are married or have children, your body is your own and God's Your husband won't own your body; in a loving and good marriage you will give it freely and he will give you his. Just as when you have children, they will have your heart-- forever and always. Be confident in everything you do. Failure is a part of life and aids you in your search for greatness. You are full of life. Even if you don't feel it. Nurture your inner light with positivity & faith and you will be amazing & perfect. Be confident when dating. Don't let someone who doesn't deserve you, bring you down. The person you decide to date should care for you, your mind, and your heart. They should push you towards greatness. Similarly, you should push them. Even if "you're a girl", you deserve all the wonders this world has to offer.

     Travel. Learn. Experience. See all the beautiful places there are. Learn different languages -- I hope I will be of service as I plan on teaching you French as soon as you can speak. Experience more than what society thinks is cool in drugs and sex. Experience true love and true beauty. Experience the simple and pure things in life. Be active, be healthy. Climb mountains and let the energy of nature and life flow through you. Paint, sing, write. Be artistic, intricate, talented, and imaginative. Writing may have a release for you as it has and will continue to be for me. Embrace your likes and dislikes. Be happy with who you are and your circumstances. Always be grateful. God has blessed you in so many ways.

     Don't be afraid to be upset or angry. You are human. Experiencing pain & frustration helps you appreciate the easy & happy. It also gives weight to your struggles so your success is all the more incredible. What is important is how you handle stress. Take one day to wallow. Then, be positive, pray, and conquer. You are born a princess and you can grow into a queen.

     Love your family. They have been my saving grace. I love your aunt and grandparents with all my heart and soul. I moved away to push myself but I always miss them and love them. You've been blessed with loving and forgiving family members. Each person in our family has broken out of their own individual box. We are a family of respect, love, kindness, and forgiveness. We are faithful and strong.

     Your most important attributes are your mind and heart. Make friends. Read lots of books. Don't stop believing in the magic of life. Not everything can be explained. That is the wonder of God and histories unknown to mankind. Learn from my mistakes and make your own. I will always love and care for you. God will always protect you.

Sincerely,
                  Your Future Mother

Where I'm supposed to be

   This week and today especially, I've been reminded of how much my writing has mattered to me. I am thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to feel fulfilled and happy. I've written a few articles for TeamTSD/ the new PureFandom.com and I've realized that although it is a lot of work, I enjoy it in the end. Even articles I just want to get done with, I've had fun and am very proud of my end product. I've never felt as fulfilled as the moments when my posts are published and people like them. I love writing and I love being myself. With the release of Pure Fandom, I was excited to expand on my abilities, make podcasts, and videos. I was so excited the first day that I couldn't even sleep. I haven't felt that way in years. Pure Fandom has helped me by giving me reason to be productive and to stay on track with school and be more diligent with how I spend my time. I'm learning to break through my fears and rely on my own confidence and be more happy with myself and my work. I am so grateful to God for bringing this wonderful opportunity to me and giving me the chance to see how much of a blessing it is in my life. I have amazing bosses who are continually positive and kind hearted. This past week I've gone to class, done my readings, and posted two long posts. I feel better about myself and I've been able to beat my anxiety back. My sleeping schedule is a bit more balanced and I've gone to my earlier classes. It's so interesting that out of all the things I've done, I would feel so fulfilled from a writing job that I don't even get paid for.

I'm a little nervous with how I'm going to pay off my loans and payments but I'm reminded to trust in God. I don't think I was ever meant to be a run of the mill person. I always deep down knew that I would be someone special because of God. I am grateful for that. My biggest fears are failing at life and having an average one. I'm learning to balance my origins and cultures while being true to who I am. I have been slowly learning to forget to level myself with the Indian ideas of where I should be and what I should have accomplished. I have luckily been given parents who are forgiving and loving in everything I do. I am so lucky to have parents who even in my failures have loved me and pushed me to be truthful and myself. It was so encouraging to hear my mother informing me that I could be a professor even if she haggles me about law school. That is her love over her Indian propriety and I am so blessed to have her in my life. My father, my daddy, has always loved me and even in his strict nature is so concerned with my future and heart that he can be rude but means well. God could have given me different parents but he loved me and knew my struggles so he gave me two individuals that would put aside their thoughts for me even if that's always not the case. I hope I don't disappoint them and I trust God will lead me and push me to become great and make them proud. I love my family oh so much. I was blessed with a younger sister who even though I raised her when she was younger, in my time of need she has shown such great growth and maturity. Our family though not very conventional, has been one that helps the other out. Regardless of our place or privacy. It's a blessing that I feel so comfortable going in my parents' room and talking to them. It's a blessing that I can drink with them and one that I am okay with the simpler things in life when it comes to partying. 

I will never forget how surprised I was when I saw the writing opening for TeamTSD and how funny it was to me considering how much I wanted to do this in high school. Maybe if I started then I wouldn't have been able to apply myself or I wouldn't know better. Either way, God's timing is perfect and this opportunity is amazing. I don't know what the future lies in store for me but I know that God is looking out for me and he loves me and forgives me. I shouldn't take advantage and skip church but be grateful for a merciful and loving God. Thank you so much, Lord. For everything I have. Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice so that I may know the Lord and have the ability to go to heaven. Thank you Madhave for always looking out for me. Thank you God for my daddy who I've always loved above all and who has inspired me and loved me. I love my daddy more than anything and I don't know what I would do without him. I love my mommy who though harsh at times is so loving and protective and strong and smart. Thank you so much for such amazing parents. Thank you for my sister. Thank you for my pets whom I adore and who teach us so much about love. We are truly blessed as a family. Amen.

An Ode to My Home

I've been a student at Florida State University for three years going on four but I've never really appreciated the town I'm in until recently. I'm currently in a cafe (All Saints) which is in the more artsy district. I was studying and then I looked up and realized how beautiful this city is. It's different and the people are sweet and intellectually wild. Have you ever just been somewhere, looked up, and felt yourself fall in love? I've had wisps of that emotion throughout the years but not as much as right now. I'm a senior and in a year, Tallahassee might no longer be my place of residence but I know it will still be home. I grew as person here, I met lifelong friends here, and I fell in love with a place for the first time here. It's a mix of students, families, and young working adults.

Every first Friday of every month local business open their shops after hours to the community. They showcase local art and just create this feeling of connection. A connection to the people, the place, and the air around you, if that makes sense. I've gone a few times and have enjoyed every moment. The artists are open and different-- wild in their own ways. The businesses are owned by hardworking lovable people. All Saints is full of multi-ethnic persons, vegans, artists, premed students. People who wouldn't normally hang out together, are here in this cafe studying and enjoying this city together.

I'm in love with this city for teaching me to embrace my inner self. For giving me the opportunity to break out of the shell I created to shield me from my fears. For unceasingly pushing me to identify my bad habits and change in an organic and positive way. I go outdoors a lot more, just like when I was a kid. I hang out with people who I usually wouldn't because they teach me to look at differences for their positive aspects. It was here that I realized how conservative I was but it was also here that I learned to be more open minded and to embrace who I was without discriminating against others who are "peculiar". Just looking around I see people with their friends, smiling, cracking jokes and I am in awe of how a simple cafe can create and exude such happiness. I am going to miss my time here in Tallahassee but I haven't left yet and I fully intend on making my last year worth it. I'm in love with my city. My weird but special and heart warming city that forever and always will be my home.

Take Flight by Lindsey Stirling

I'm currently on my spring break and I'm spending this lovely evening writing to you and watching Lindsey Stirling: Live From London on PBS. Watching her perform I felt the urge to write. She's so incredible because she took something she loved and made it into a career that she likes and is successful. The money she makes is probably great but I mean success is that she can sustain her own self with her passion. The power each person has within their self is so incredible and mind boggling. We can do so much if we apply ourselves. However, we also need to have confidence and the belief that we can do it. In an interview Lindsey Stirling stated that she was told her music wasn't marketable because it was so different. She made her own way and I along with many others can personally tell you we're very glad. The world is full of negativity but be yourself and know you were created perfectly. Stirling also keeps to the same style she's worn since I saw her first videos and it just made me realize that that is a statement of who she is and yes she's different but it's not bad but good. We are all different and if you're accepting of everyone's differences you learn so much and you open up a whole new world. I also think it was pretty amazing that Stirling chose to show her broadcasted concert on public television instead of some high paying network.

PSA

Everyone should take time to be purposefully single. I don't mean being single because you haven't found someone you like or choosing to be single to avoid commitment. I'm talking about being single for the sole purpose of self discovery. This goes for whether you're coming out of a relationship or before getting into one. Regardless of where you are in life, I don't think you can have a very healthy relationship without this. Especially women.

For Women Coming Out Of Relationships: I know you have a decent understanding of yourself but when you're with someone, a part of you changes. It may be a big change or a small one but it's change. Take time to figure out how you're different post relationship from pre Cupid-shooting-an-arrow-to-your-behind and ask yourself if these things are positive or negative. I cannot emphasize enough how important that is. If you don't do it and just jump on to the next relationship, you'll continue to change and not always for the better. Then, all of a sudden, you're a completely different person. Don't lose yourself. Focus on who you and who you want to be. If they aren't the same thing then you should probably spend time bettering yourself before you get into another relationship. It'll do you some good and save you from a mid-midlife crisis.

For Women Who Aren't In Relationships: use this time to get you where you want to be. Now I don't mean if you find Prince Charming you should tell him to come back later when you've reached your ideal self because life doesn't work that way. However, I think if you're just itching to get into a relationship, take a good, long, hard, look at yourself and question why. "I feel lonely" is not the answer, but that's a starting point. The tip of the iceberg. Most girls who are "desperate" have low self esteem and feel validation and confidence when in a relationship and after a while they can't stand being alone.  That's a problem and that kind of mentality won't lead you into having a good and HEALTHY relationship or life.

For All Women, here's a basic list of questions/ things (not in any specific order) you SHOULD have figured out before getting into a relationship and also halfway through one:

- What is your self worth to you and how do you measure it? (Is it positive or negative?)

- Are you afraid (down right terrified) of being lonely or forever alone? 

- What do you like to do? (Hobbies, interests, etc)

- What kind of significant other are you looking for? (Write down the basics he MUST need because Mr. Perfect most probably won't meet every little requirement) 

- What do you want from the future and how willing are you to change this vision? (Self explanatory)

- What kind of activities (not sexual) do you absolutely want to do with a significant other? 

-(In reference to what you answered for the question above, can you do this without a life partner? Why not do all you are capable of now and maybe redo them later or do other things with that person)

- Are you being honest with yourself and not avoiding issues that should be dealt with and figured out? 

Now your answers can change depending on the day or your mood but for the most part, you already know the answers to them. The rest of this piece is for people who have time to read, the biggies were above. 

Even though it's the 21st century, women fall into this trap: an old school ideology that they should seek validation from others. We'll get dolled up for a party with girls we don't know as we would for a date because we feel the need to shine and let people know we're fabulous. Now, that's all fine and dandy but until this need starts affecting your mood and you start prioritizing your acceptance from others over your desire to be happy and comfortable. This is when you need to step back and check yourself. 

You don't need any one person to tell you if you're beautiful or of value. You are inherently worth a lot and perfect. Don't just read this and agree with me for the next thirty minutes, truly get yourself to believe this. If you need to say it every morning and night like a mantra, by all means do it. Understanding your value is SO important in life. Women who undervalue themselves choose guys who undervalue them as well. They get treated with disrespect and they don't even see it. Some see it later and wonder why they let things last for as long as they did and feel even worse. Don't. You zeroed in on the problem, now make sure it never happens again. We all make mistakes and we all live and learn. If a guy isn't waiting on you hand and foot, good because men aren't supposed to be your slave either. Relationships are a mutual give and take situation. Find someone who cares and does about as much as you would. If someone isn't the right fit, don't try and change them. Understand that you can't make two puzzle pieces that don't fit, piece together. You can still be friends of course but don't pour all your energy into something that'll just cause unnecessary stress. Your person should bring out the best in you. 

Back to being purposefully single, take this time to really work on yourself. Get healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. Spend time with yourself. If you're afraid of being alone, pinpoint what about yourself makes you feel uncomfortable. You are your own best friend because only you love and hate the same things as much as you do and exactly as you do. Being on your own isn't a punishment because you should be the bomb.com to yourself. Get your insecurities in check. No healthy relationship has a woman that is constantly worried about if her partner still likes her. You are perfect just the way you are and he should like you for your character; your looks, are just an added plus. If he's looking for someone else, you'll see the red flags if you pay attention properly. You can do that if you've got a calm head. If not, you'll find red flags everywhere and they might not even exist. This is why if you aren't in the right place of mind, you shouldn't date even if you really really want someone. It won't end well/it'll cause a lot of pain, fear, and depression. Taking this time also helps you gain confidence and understand that a breakup isn't the worse thing to happen. You can survive and thrive. 

"Above all else, guard your heart, because everything you do flows from it" - Proverbs 4:23

*guard your heart by appreciating and loving yourself before you give it to someone else*

*value yourself as God values you and I can honestly tell you that he loves and adores you. Ask him to help you with this. He'll go on this journey with you.*

Youth isn't a race to the altar. It's a time of appreciating, exploring, and learning about all that surrounds you while you've got time, health, and fewer responsibilities.

Outreach

Did you know that on channels such as FOX or CBS the average audience is around 6-10 million for a good show? That is ten million individuals who take time out of their day just to sit and watch a new episode. That number doesn't include the people who watch episodes the next day or on Netflix/Hulu or the even larger number who illegally stream it. That's incredible. So, why am I bringing up stats on television? Well, I was watching one of my favorites shows Bones (FOX, Thursdays at 8) and they based their most recent episode on human trafficking. Aka they just educated ten million people on the horrors of human trafficking which is an international problem in a forty minute episode.

 I N C R E D I B L E.

Human trafficking exists even in the United States and other "first world countries". We're the customers and the other countries are our suppliers. As much as I love to think of humans in a positive light, I can't ignore reality. People can be cruel when money is involved. They skimp out on giving people they take basic human necessities such as proper shelter, food and water. They give them the bare minimum to keep them alive and healthy enough to do whatever job they're sold to do. It's disgusting and I appreciate the writers and the staff of Bones for including this important subject in their show. Sometimes people who aren't affected by a problem don't see a need to make a difference or help. However by seeing the evils, even if it's PG and done correctly and thematically, one recognizes their responsibility and moral obligation to help those who can't protect themselves. Is money really worth endangering millions of human lives each year? Historically speaking, slavery has always been an issue but we are in the 21st century. We (the human species) have evolved as a whole to know better. People shouldn't be tortured and manhandled like objects or worthless items for money. They have emotions, hopes, and dreams. They feel the pain inflicted on them from the beatings to the rapes and the various other forms of physical trauma. We KNOW better so WHY is human trafficking and slavery STILL such a big problem? 

I understand that there are always monsters in the universe but with how widespread and large this problem is, people are choosing to do bad over good for money even if they understand it is wrong and immoral. Some probably have trained themselves not to think what they're doing through so they can sleep at night. But, it's not just the poachers that should be stopped but the people who fund and buy these people too. If no one bought slaves, the sellers would move on to the next thing that will make them money. Simple supply and demand economic relations. 

We as a world need to stop looking for the cheapest option. We need to appreciate quality over quantity and not just the quality of our product but the reputation and actions of the companies who make the products. If everyone were willing to pay a bit more on various items, companies would not outsource to countries that have no form of workers rights or minimum wage. Customers need to be okay with higher prices, companies with less profit, and laborers with understanding their worth and protecting themselves. It is much easier said than done for all of those groups. For the last group, those outside of the situation can help so much. Spread the word about this issue, donate money to organizations that help stop human trafficking and/or help rebuild the victims. YOU can do something.

No matter who you are or what your story is, you can make a difference so why not do it?