Being Strong

If I've learned anything in my near 18 years on planet earth, it's the fact that you cannot make any progress in life, whether it be spiritual or physical, without strength. Now as the title suggests, I not just talking about the strength that the professional bodybuilders muster up on a daily basis, or even the type of strength a New Age spiritual gentleman rants about. The point of this blog post is just to inform you that I came to the realization that all of life's actions require strength. 
"But, Rory! What could you possibly mean by 'strength'??" No need to fret, clearly concerned reader. In due time...Just to make sure you fully grasp this concept, I'll give a real life example and point out the execution and/or applications of strength. So the other day, I met a girl. And I liked this girl. So I felt really comfortable being myself around her. For the life of me, I can't imagine how or why I opened up to this particular stranger but, I did... so that's that. Anyway, we continued the ritual of vocal exchange that some scholars would refer to as "talking", and we never ran out of things to say. There was only one slight problem... I'm a little crazy. So in my mind, I was Mr. Ricco Suave, coming up with smooth things to say, but in reality, I was probably more like Charlie Sheen ranting after a weekend getaway to Columbia. Nevertheless, I showed my true colors that night. Never mind, I take that back. Not only did I show my true colors, I whipped out the 96 Crayola big box with the built in sharpener and read her each color with a very painful (but very accurate) Jackie Chan impression. 
Now that actually might be a little bit of an exaggeration but you get the point. Surprisingly enough, she welcomed the weird with open arms and we made the mutual agreement to further our conversation at a later date and communicate via cellular devices. This... this is when I lost a little control. I'm not sure exactly how I worded it but I think I... might have... confessed my love to her... and she... well let's just say we don't talk anymore. But all that humiliation wasn't wasted! I learned from this experience and collected more information on strength. Did you see it? Well just to be sure you got it, I'll point out the strength in my story. Upon meeting her for the first time, I didn't hold back and came on a little strong. Later in our 'relationship', I felt strongly about her and wasn't shy about letting her know. These applications of strength are what I believe guide our life. And as long as you act strongly on strong feelings (and stay strong after heartbreaking events) you'll live without thinking "what if?", you'll be able to better understand who you are as an individual and, most importantly, you begin to see who you really are. So my advice to you would be this: Be strong. Keeping strength stuck inside you leaves you lacking. True outward strength is the source of happiness. So go be happy, and don't let anything keep you from putting a smile on your face. 

Boy's State Swag

As I sit here and type, I'm in the computer lab at Rivier University participating in a week long, mock government program. Just five minutes ago, I completed an article for the newspaper and it essentially sums up my stay so far.

"Welcome to CLASS

By Rory Early

Here at Boy’s State, we have the tradition of creatively organizing towns and designating names to them. After strenuous debates and a few heated discussions, we arrived at the name CLASS for our town. CLASS, of course and acronym, stands for Community for the Liberation of Awesome Swaggy Swag. The name was quickly accepted and loved by all, especially our junior councilor, Sir Tyler the Vanquisher, who majors in Swag-ology.

At the beginning, we were told that Boy’s State would change us for the better and I can see it happening. Some people might find it hard to believe that our little rag-tag group of individuals could come together so quickly, but even before my eyes, we’re transforming from roommates to a family. Groups of friends are collectively expanding their personal insights and opening their arms to welcome more and more recruits. I personally find it amazing that even though we’ve only been residents of Boy’s State for a mere 24 hours, we have started forming bonds that cannot and will not be severed. CLASS is now a new little family and I consider these 16 strangers to be my brothers. Boy’s State is not only a mock government program; it is a way of life, an exciting adventure, or a fresh new chapter in our ever changing Book of Life. This encouraging frontier will set the pace for our future endeavors. So welcome to Boy’s State, or rather, welcome to CLASS."