Chapter 1: Don't sweat the small stuff
An example of “small stuff” that I let go was how I would always stress over nothing. Every homework assignment or test coming up, I would always feel so terrible until either the test is over or I submit the assignment. Daily chores and expectations also made me feel overwhelmed with all this responsibility I carried. I learned to just let go and not to worry about the little things too much. For school, I keep a planner around me so I can jot down all the homework assignments or tests we have which really helps me deal with my stress.
Chapter 2: Make Peace with Imperfection
My ego distracts me by getting upset when someone else offers help. I feel whenever someone helps me with anything or proves me wrong, I won’t listen to them. My mindset is always being precise and whenever someone tells or proves me wrong, my ego kicks in and I do not listen to them even though they are probably right. I do not like when people tell me I am wrong and list facts about it. I admit that my ego does distract me at times, and I learned to control it more.
Chapter 3: Let Go of the Idea that Gentle, Relaxed People Can't Be Superachievers
I really agree with the advice given. Whenever someone is at peace with themselves, you are less concerned about what you desire. Once you are at peace with yourself, you can accomplish and achieve goals and not worry about others. You would mainly focus on all the positive things going on in your life when you achieve inner peace rather than not achieving the needs you want when not having inner peace.
Chapter 4: Be Aware of the Snowball Effect of Your Thinking
Q: Do you notice how your body and mind feel when your thinking is out of control?
I notice how my body and mind feel like an out of body experience when my thinking is out of control. My heart rate typically rises and I overthink almost everything. This typically happens when I have upcoming homework, a test, or other something really stressful. I usually just try to calm myself down by listening to music or petting my dogs to help calm myself down.
I notice how my body and mind feel like an out of body experience when my thinking is out of control. My heart rate typically rises and I overthink almost everything. This typically happens when I have upcoming homework, a test, or other something really stressful. I usually just try to calm myself down by listening to music or petting my dogs to help calm myself down.
Chapter 5: Develop Your Compassion
Q: Can you recall a time when you made something “big” and dramatic when in reality it was “small” and not that big of a deal?
A time when I made something “big” and dramatic was with my Ap World Exam. I didn’t really know how to take the exam since it was all online and at home. I remember when I got the news that we would be taking a DBQ (Documented Based Question) in under 45 minutes. That seemed impossible and I really made it a big deal when in reality when I finished the exam it was something “small” and I didn’t do as bad as I thought it would.
A time when I made something “big” and dramatic was with my Ap World Exam. I didn’t really know how to take the exam since it was all online and at home. I remember when I got the news that we would be taking a DBQ (Documented Based Question) in under 45 minutes. That seemed impossible and I really made it a big deal when in reality when I finished the exam it was something “small” and I didn’t do as bad as I thought it would.
Chapter 6: Remind Yourself that When You Die, Your "In Basket" Won't Be Empty
Q: What does your ‘in basket’ look like? And will it be there tomorrow?
My “In Basket” includes many things consisting of: daily chores, homework, studying, Drivers-Ed, working out, socializing, etc. These daily plans often take up most of my time and besides working out, everything else is stressful. The homework and studying overall is sometimes too much to handle by itself and if you mix in washing the dishes or mowing the lawn, it makes my “in basket” even more full. I like working out as I feel as though I don’t stress and working out for an hour really helps my mental state be calm and forget what my “in basket” looks like. After I workout, I feel much better about myself and daily chores and homework are more balanced with other workloads.
My “In Basket” includes many things consisting of: daily chores, homework, studying, Drivers-Ed, working out, socializing, etc. These daily plans often take up most of my time and besides working out, everything else is stressful. The homework and studying overall is sometimes too much to handle by itself and if you mix in washing the dishes or mowing the lawn, it makes my “in basket” even more full. I like working out as I feel as though I don’t stress and working out for an hour really helps my mental state be calm and forget what my “in basket” looks like. After I workout, I feel much better about myself and daily chores and homework are more balanced with other workloads.
Chapter 7: Don’t Interrupt Others or Finish Their Sentences
Q: Do you believe you are a strong listener or could use some work?
I believe that I am a strong listener when it comes to solving problems or when something is important. Everyone could use some work with becoming a strong listener. I feel like everyone can improve and no one can truly be a perfect listener. However with me, I will try to improve by paying the most attention and having better eye contact with the person talking. I tend to veer off to the side and look away from people talking because I feel it is awkward at times.
I believe that I am a strong listener when it comes to solving problems or when something is important. Everyone could use some work with becoming a strong listener. I feel like everyone can improve and no one can truly be a perfect listener. However with me, I will try to improve by paying the most attention and having better eye contact with the person talking. I tend to veer off to the side and look away from people talking because I feel it is awkward at times.
Chapter 8: Do Something Nice for Someone Else and Don’t Tell Anyone About It
Q: Recall a time when you have given, did you expect acknowledgement?
A time I have given was helping tutor kids at the Ripon Library. It was a month of helping younger kids with reading and writing. During the summer of 2019 was when we tutored and it was typically twice a week. My buddy was named Aiden and he and I really enjoyed reading. At the end of the month, I didn’t expect to receive anything. However, the library was generous enough to give all of us helpers a $10 target gift card which was unexpected.
A time I have given was helping tutor kids at the Ripon Library. It was a month of helping younger kids with reading and writing. During the summer of 2019 was when we tutored and it was typically twice a week. My buddy was named Aiden and he and I really enjoyed reading. At the end of the month, I didn’t expect to receive anything. However, the library was generous enough to give all of us helpers a $10 target gift card which was unexpected.
Chapter 9: Let others have the glory
Q: Have you experienced someone else ‘stomping’ on your story (glory)? How did it make you feel?
I have definitely experienced people “stomping” on my glory. However, I can not remember a specific time and date when it happened but whenever this occurs, it makes me feel irritated. I then lose all the excitement that was built up. I normally don’t say anything afterwards when this happens since it was most likely a mistake. People clearly do not mean to “stomp” over anyone's story but there are always people who do. We just have to forgive them and move on and let others have the glory.
I have definitely experienced people “stomping” on my glory. However, I can not remember a specific time and date when it happened but whenever this occurs, it makes me feel irritated. I then lose all the excitement that was built up. I normally don’t say anything afterwards when this happens since it was most likely a mistake. People clearly do not mean to “stomp” over anyone's story but there are always people who do. We just have to forgive them and move on and let others have the glory.
Chapter 10: Learn to live in the present moment
Q: What are some ways you work to stay in the present moment?
In order to stay in the present moment, I typically keep saying a phrase in my head that I am still a teenager and to full send everything. I can’t waste time not being in the moment because as soon as I do, it would just be time wasted and I wouldn’t have memories of me doing it. That’s why I would always “full send” everything and live in the moment. I also want to cherish the memories I have with my friends and family. I focus on one thing at a time so that I can really appreciate all the small things and acts that I receive or give.
In order to stay in the present moment, I typically keep saying a phrase in my head that I am still a teenager and to full send everything. I can’t waste time not being in the moment because as soon as I do, it would just be time wasted and I wouldn’t have memories of me doing it. That’s why I would always “full send” everything and live in the moment. I also want to cherish the memories I have with my friends and family. I focus on one thing at a time so that I can really appreciate all the small things and acts that I receive or give.
Chapter 11: Imagine that everyone is enlightened except you
Q: Think of a time when you were frustrated, now look at it as a moment of being taught...what did you learn?
A moment where I was frustrated was when I was helping my friend with a school project and he didn’t have any idea how to even start. It seemed like I had to spoon feed him all the directions and show him everything. I am a short tempered person and whenever he would ask me questions, I would just get furious and tell him to read the directions. Although a lot of the time they were meaningful and good questions, I just blew it off. I was a terrible friend that day and I learned to be more calm and patient when working with others.
A moment where I was frustrated was when I was helping my friend with a school project and he didn’t have any idea how to even start. It seemed like I had to spoon feed him all the directions and show him everything. I am a short tempered person and whenever he would ask me questions, I would just get furious and tell him to read the directions. Although a lot of the time they were meaningful and good questions, I just blew it off. I was a terrible friend that day and I learned to be more calm and patient when working with others.
Chapter 12: Let Others Be "Right" Most of the Time
Q: The next time you are in a discussion/argument, let the other person be right and notice the initial feeling that transpires.
My dad was talking to me about how I had to do my chores. I was working on my homework as he just kept yelling and bugging me. I realized that there was no point in arguing so I said “You’re right” and soon after, he seemed all so surprised. I always complain when doing chores such as raking and doing the dishes. So when I agreed to doing them, he was quite happy and even helped me with some of the chores. I noticed that you should sometimes let people be right because it makes others happy.
My dad was talking to me about how I had to do my chores. I was working on my homework as he just kept yelling and bugging me. I realized that there was no point in arguing so I said “You’re right” and soon after, he seemed all so surprised. I always complain when doing chores such as raking and doing the dishes. So when I agreed to doing them, he was quite happy and even helped me with some of the chores. I noticed that you should sometimes let people be right because it makes others happy.
Chapter 13: Become More Patient
Q: Do you ever have a reflective moment when you realize that you are so very small in this vast world and really your drama isn’t that big a deal?
Most of the day I live my life like normal but as soon as I start going to bed, I realize that I am so very small in this vast world. If you think about it, there are billions of other galaxies with billions of parallel universes. There are probably billions of other species throughout the universe that we still haven’t discovered yet. I later on think about life and how drama isn’t even that big of a deal. A year from then, I’ll look back and realize how unimportant the drama was and realize that it was not worth the little time I have.
Most of the day I live my life like normal but as soon as I start going to bed, I realize that I am so very small in this vast world. If you think about it, there are billions of other galaxies with billions of parallel universes. There are probably billions of other species throughout the universe that we still haven’t discovered yet. I later on think about life and how drama isn’t even that big of a deal. A year from then, I’ll look back and realize how unimportant the drama was and realize that it was not worth the little time I have.
Chapter 14: Create "Patience Practice Periods"
Q: Do you have a ‘mantra’, a statement, that you make to yourself daily or weekly?
I personally have never thought about or have done a “mantra” but I sometimes do make daily and statements. Some of my “mantra” is the statement of it is what it is. I go by this daily as it shows that I should not be complaining about what is told and just do it. If my mom or dad tells me to take out the trash, I just do it because there is no point in trying to complain or anything like that. It is just more effort to complain than to actually do the task.
I personally have never thought about or have done a “mantra” but I sometimes do make daily and statements. Some of my “mantra” is the statement of it is what it is. I go by this daily as it shows that I should not be complaining about what is told and just do it. If my mom or dad tells me to take out the trash, I just do it because there is no point in trying to complain or anything like that. It is just more effort to complain than to actually do the task.
Chapter 15: Be the First One to Act Loving or Reach Out
Q: Have you lost a relationship because something “small,” created by a “big” divide?
I have not yet lost a relationship because of something “small.” I always try to fix the relationship if we get into an argument no matter the cause. My friends and family are the ones I hold dearly to me and I never try to start the argument or conflict on purpose as I learned to respect them. If I do start the argument and we get into a “big” divide, then I would probably not talk to them for a few days and will come to my senses to forgive as well as understand their point of view.
I have not yet lost a relationship because of something “small.” I always try to fix the relationship if we get into an argument no matter the cause. My friends and family are the ones I hold dearly to me and I never try to start the argument or conflict on purpose as I learned to respect them. If I do start the argument and we get into a “big” divide, then I would probably not talk to them for a few days and will come to my senses to forgive as well as understand their point of view.
Chapter 16: Ask Yourself the Question, “Will This Matter a Year from Now?”
Q: What do you hope to do a year from now?
Next year, I hope to go to Ripon High School in person and attend class in order to see my teachers and classmates. I miss creating bonds with teachers and meeting new students. I hope next year I will be a senior at school to enjoy all of the activities that they do. Prom, dances, Rally's, football games, etc. is what I hope to do a year from now. Following this, I hope to finish my junior year with getting a high SAT and ACT score. College applications and actually going to college is another thing I look forward to!
Next year, I hope to go to Ripon High School in person and attend class in order to see my teachers and classmates. I miss creating bonds with teachers and meeting new students. I hope next year I will be a senior at school to enjoy all of the activities that they do. Prom, dances, Rally's, football games, etc. is what I hope to do a year from now. Following this, I hope to finish my junior year with getting a high SAT and ACT score. College applications and actually going to college is another thing I look forward to!
Chapter 17: Surrender to the Fact that Life Isn’t Fair
Q: Is life meant to be fair? What does that even mean?
I do not think life will ever be fair. There will always be something going on in your life that just isn’t fair and that you can’t avoid. You might think others have a perfect life but you don’t always know what’s happening to them. I personally do not believe that life will be fair due to the fact that if everything was so perfect and handed to you, there would be no adventure or excitement ever. There will always be hardships throughout your life that will make you who you are.
I do not think life will ever be fair. There will always be something going on in your life that just isn’t fair and that you can’t avoid. You might think others have a perfect life but you don’t always know what’s happening to them. I personally do not believe that life will be fair due to the fact that if everything was so perfect and handed to you, there would be no adventure or excitement ever. There will always be hardships throughout your life that will make you who you are.
Chapter 18: Allow Yourself to be Bored
Q: Do you take time to be bored?
I do not really take time to be bored and if I do, it is to try to sleep. I am typically on my phone or either playing video games to keep myself occupied. I tried taking time to be bored on multiple occasions this week knowing that I can be calm to myself and relax. I start to think about my future and what college I would like to go to. Doing nothing can sometimes be more beneficial than doing something. Relaxation is key to a good mental state of mind.
I do not really take time to be bored and if I do, it is to try to sleep. I am typically on my phone or either playing video games to keep myself occupied. I tried taking time to be bored on multiple occasions this week knowing that I can be calm to myself and relax. I start to think about my future and what college I would like to go to. Doing nothing can sometimes be more beneficial than doing something. Relaxation is key to a good mental state of mind.
Chapter 19: Lower Your Tolerance to Stress
Q: Have you been taught to believe high stress is a positive thing?
I have been taught to believe high stress is a positive thing. Ever since I was young I would use the fact that an assignment was due to get the assignment done. I would use the stress inorder to accomplish the assignment and would feel better once I finish. I need to have lower stress and realize that life moves on and doesn’t always have to be stressful.
I have been taught to believe high stress is a positive thing. Ever since I was young I would use the fact that an assignment was due to get the assignment done. I would use the stress inorder to accomplish the assignment and would feel better once I finish. I need to have lower stress and realize that life moves on and doesn’t always have to be stressful.
Chapter 20: Once a Week Write a Heartfelt Letter.
Q: When is the last time you sat down and wrote a letter to someone with gratitude.
The last time I sat down and wrote a letter to someone was a few months ago. I wrote a letter to my mom showing how grateful I was because of her. She really makes me happy even though I don’t really show it. Writing to her made me feel good about myself after and brightened my spirit as well as hers.
The last time I sat down and wrote a letter to someone was a few months ago. I wrote a letter to my mom showing how grateful I was because of her. She really makes me happy even though I don’t really show it. Writing to her made me feel good about myself after and brightened my spirit as well as hers.