Sources of inspiration: 2011

Well, some of them

• Born This Way by Lady Gaga


• Not Alone by Darren Criss


• Fuckin Perfect by P!nk


• Harry Potter!


• Demi Lovato


• Skyscraper by Demi Lovato


• Darren Criss


• Dianna Agron


• My fellow feminists


• The love of demoracy


• seeing people fight for what they believe in


• Self-love and body love campaigns


• Movements like SlutWalk and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes


• people who are dedicated to helping others recover and heal


• happy people


• people standing up for themselves


• Jordin Sparks


• Maya Angelou


• the poem Still I Rise


• Beautiful Flower by India Arie


• The Help (novel)


• Tales of the City (novel)


• Looking for Alaska by John Green


• Winnie the Pooh


• A Thousand Splendid Suns (novel)


• Neil Patrick Harris


• Pretty/Unpretty by Dianna Agron and Lea Michele


• Jesse Tyler Ferguson


• Quote Blogs


• Christmas


• Winter

This isn't a complete list but it's accurate to the things and people that I found inspiration in.

My year in 2011

I feel like this has been a really good year for me. This year, I've learned to love myself in a way I never have before. I've never been happier. I've never loved myself more. I've learned that acceptance is just what I needed to find love and happiness in my life.

I've definitely had some battles to get through and I think I've survived quite nicely. I think my heart is healing quite wonderfully.

My year started off a little rocky but it's made me stronger.

• My spring semester didn't go to well but I survived


• I started cutting again earlier this year


• I got into a few fights and had some hurdles in a few relationships


• I had a few family problems that were hard to get through

I survived and I'm stronger because I know that these situations don't hold me back from happiness now. Life goes on. This year, especially from summer up until now, I've really learned a lot about myself. I have begun the process of finding and loving myself. It's taken a long time to love me but I now know for sure that I love me some me. Happy points this year:

• I stopped cutting some time in mid-April. I don't see my self going down that road again anytime soon.


• I made some great new friendships


• My Fall 2011 semester went quite well


• I got to go home to NYC this holiday season.


• I got to see some people who I hadn't seen in years and it was wonderful!


• I met a lot of great people this year and I'm thankful for them


• I've stumbled on a lot of great inspiration this year and I think it's what really kept me strong at times when I needed it.


• I'm a junior now and that's really exciting
li>I accepted myself and my body

There have been more but it's hard to put everything into words and on to lists. I'm looking forward to what the new year has to bring. I'll learn and grow from what ever life throws my way. It's nice to reflect. I hope you've had a great year. Be safe. Here's to surviving 2012!!

Last Day of the Year

I missed a few days because of vacation. It's the last day of the year now. I hope you've had a wonderful year. If you're reading this right now, remember that you've made it and you're beautiful.

I have wishes for you.

• I wish you a happy new year


• I wish that you remember that you're beautiful


• I wish you strength to make it through any obstacles that may come your way


• I wish that you remember to love yourself and your body.


• I wish you good health


• I wish that your mind stay free from thoughts of suicide, self-injury, and anything else that will harm your body.


• I wish you happiness and positivity


• I wish that the world can see your beautiful smile.


• I wish your life be free of body shaming, body hate, self hate, and just hate in general


• I wish you remember that you're bigger than what you're going through

You will make it. Keep your head up and stay beautiful.

reasons to smile

• family


• I met my new baby cousin today. He's 6 weeks old and the cutest thing ever. He's so precious!


• I just enjoyed a good cup of tea


• vacation is great. I really needed a break from school work to spend time with my family. Relaxing is great


• I'm seeing family that I haven't seen in over a year and I missed them so much. It's wonderful.


• I love the weather up here in New York. 80 degrees in the winter can be great but I prefer a cold Christmas


• I can hear the kids playing games and I'm happy that they're enjoying time with their family too


• I'm watching the Blind Side and that movie makes me feel things. Feeling are good.

Why did you smile today?

Holiday Hangover?

I hope you're holidays are going well!
Stay strong!

Holiday Help

Help for the holidays:

• Don't listen to those family members who only go on about how you've "let yourself go" or tell you "how big you are now" or that "you need to eat because you're too thin" etc. It's your body and it's none of their business. All sizes are beautiful and fat is not an insult anyway. Remember that you're beautiful, always. Some people are beautiful and fat. Some people are beautiful and skinny. No big deal. The holidays are no place for body policing.
• Ignore the implications that your career choice/college major is not going to help you in the future. It's your life and because it's your life, it's wonderful. Unless they can see into the future, it's a moo point.
• When people bug you about settling down and dating, remember they have no business in your love life.
• Enjoy all the food you want to enjoy
• Be thankful
• Smile
• Hug
• Fill conversations with love and good things. There is no need for hate during the holidays
• Remember that you are strong and you are special. Don't let hurtful words get you down. You're important. You are enough
• Stay strong
• Stay beautiful
• Know that there are places to vent.

got any more tips? I would love to hear them.

Happy Holidays!

Twas the night before Christmas and Kiyanna was blogging
Everyone was awake and the house was quite noisy
I read books to the young ones
They lost interest quickly
Now I am sleepy
I'm also not a poet

-Kiyanna Shanay

I have something more important to tell you than that "poem."

Vacation!

LOVE

"There's something ironic about thinking someone is a terrible person, and then spending all your time talking shit about them."

-Tyler Oakley

Sometimes Tyler Oakley knows what he's talking about. I want to address cyber bullying. I think that people have this idea that it's okay to be mean and hurtful because you're on some social networking website. It's really not. Social networks allow your voice to be heard by many. Even though this is the internet, people are forming their impressions of you from what you say. There is no benefit from hurting or attacking someone online who has done nothing to you. Just because you say it over the internet doesn't mean it isn't still hurtful. When you talk like this to people, remember that you're talking to an actual person that you don't even really know. People have feelings and just because you aren't face to face, doesn't mean your words have no impact on them. Words can hurt.

To victims,
People just can't see what a precious and beautiful person they're hurting. They just can't see how special you are. You don't deserve the hate. You're much better than that. You are enough. You are strong. Fuck the haters.

Busy bee missed a post :(

I was so busy last night that I couldn't post so I hope this makes up for it. You are beautiful.

Tuesday

Happy Monday

I hope you have a beautiful week.
This is still relevant. http://eepurl.com/hBc_U

You're not alone

Where did the weekend go? I've been spending so much time looking at older posts and I saw and older one about hope. I want to do more like those. What gives you hope or what does hope look like to you?

Saturday Night.

Hello,
I'm in the middle of reading an amazing book1 I didn't want to get up because I couldn't tear myself away. Luckily Jimmy Fallon is on SNL and I couldn't miss that so I'm taking a little break from my book. I was just crying a little bit while reading which is pretty ironic since the question for my book challenge today was "Name a book that has made you cry." I named four.

I love reading! If you know any good titles, please send them my way!

I love you and you are beautiful.

Friday

It's Friday. We made it through the week. I hope you had a beautiful week.

I've had an interesting week. Interesting in a good way. I've been trying to send as much love to people as possible. I see some one who I used to be in a lot of the people I talk to. I know that it gets better and I hope that they see it too.

I want you to know that your life matters. Hold on to hope because hope is real. Better days are coming and you deserve the love that's out there for you.

Have a beautiful weekend.

love love love

Currently sending people all the love I can. Need some love?

You are worth so much. You're not worthless, you never were, and you never will be. Sometimes things are hard but they'll make you stronger and you'll get past it. You're going to make it. Remember that you're special and you always will be. Someone sees the light shine in you like no one else can. Someone believes in you always and loves you unconditionally.

smile.

I had a good day. I hope you did too.
I was looking back at older posts and I want to share some things.
Flashback of hope

hey

Sending you all the love I can.
I hope you had a great day.
:)

Eliminate ALL the Hate!!!

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I see people take two steps forward and then 4 steps back. It confuses me so much. I see so many people who begin to fight for equality and then in the middle of it all, they take time out to push people down. I really don't see how you can promote equality and hate at the same time.


If you've been the victim of hate because you were being yourself, I want you to know that there is nothing wrong with being you. I know I say it all the time but it's true. "There is nothing more badass than being who you are." Shame on them for trying to bring you down. Maybe they're still learning how to spread the love. Sometimes it can be hard to spread love before you begin to live life with an open mind so if you receive hate for your race, sexuality, gender, class, or anything else, just know that it's not your fault. It's never your fault so please don't let it get to you. Hopefully one day they will actually learn how to spread the love with open minds and full acceptance of other people in the world.






To the people who are spreading the hate, why do you do it? I've always wondered why anyone would want to put others down and I just can't seem to figure it out. I've been a victim to this before and obviously it's not a good feeling. I know I can't tell you how to live your life but I want you to know that words can hurt and it isn't fair to bully or send hate to someone for who they are. I hope you have a lot of love in your life and that you have a beautiful week. Spread love to all.

feelings.

I found this in a magical place and I thought that it would most definitely fit here. I know that we've all had our struggles and some of us are still struggling. Our struggles make us stronger. They make us stronger. They give us stories. What ever you are struggling through right now, I want you to know that you are strong. You'll make it through and you'll gain from it. You'll gain strength and knowledge. Know that you're bigger than what you're facing and you can tackle it.

Saturday night and everything's fine

You are okay and the world is a beautiful place....if you care to see it that way. Open your eyes and see the beauty of the world around you. Enjoy life. It's wonderful. I love you.

Happy Friday :)

I'm really getting into a wintery holidays state of mind. I watched 6 Christmas/Holiday movies today with my brother and sister. I loved it! My favorites from tonight were "Frosty the Snowman" and "Yes, Virginia" featuring Neil Patrick Harris. I think that they're real good heart happy movies and today, they were my reasons to smile.

great realizations

Spread love not hate. We already have enough hate in the world. Can you see that it's not helping us any?

Hump Day Quotes

“After winter comes the summer. After night comes the dawn. And after every storm, there comes clear, open skies.”

Hi.

“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”

-Maya Angelou

Happy Monday!

I hope you've had a beautiful start to the week. I sent out my first subscriber email. Did you get one? You can read the message here. It's not too late to subscribe to receive the emails too.

Don't forget to love yourself. Have a great week!

You're not alone.

My life is a whole lot brighter after watching the live stream of the red carpet at Trevor Live. The theme of the night is "You're not alone." I love it so much! There were so many sources of inspiration. Inspirational quotes, videos, people...it was so beautiful. I just loving seeing so many people who are getting together to end bullying. I'm going to post some of the inspirational stuff here.

Since the theme of the night is "You're not alone" and because this is something very near to my heart, I would like to let you know that You aren't alone. You are bigger and you are stronger than the rough times that you're going through. Your heart will heal beautiful. You deserve the love and happiness of this world. It is your birthright. Don't give up. Stay Strong. You're going to make it okay?

kiyannaloves@yahoo.com

Reasons to smile: December 2nd-3rd

I was so busy on Friday that I could not post a message. I decided to combine yesterday's and today's message. I hope that's okay. I hope you've had a couple of days. If you're reading this right now, smile because you're making it. We made it through the week!

For me, this week started off really hectic. I wasn't sure if I would be able to find time to breathe. I did, though, and I made it. I also made A's on all of my exams. I'm still waiting for a grade on my paper but I'm really proud of the work I did. I'm glad I was able to finish it. I spent some good time with some good friends this week. I went to my university's winter wonderland celebration and made the cutest penguin at the 'Stuff A Plush' station. Now I'm with my family and it's winter break and I needed the time off!

In case you forgot, here is something you need to know:

I hope it's okay that I have one picture for two days. At the very bottom of this, you can see link that says "sign up for our newsletter" I would love it if you would subscribe to emails from 'The Mind of a Student' I want to send out messages of hope, love, encouragement, and inspiration. If you're interested, I would love to send you some love!




Sign up for our free newsletter!

Happy December

Reasons to Smile today!:

• I stayed up all night and finally finished my paper!
• I got 100% on my stats exam!
• I took the best nap ever after I got back from all my classes.
• I am done with this semester! It's been a really good one

I hope you had a great start to your December. I had a small obstacle to overcome today but I know my battles and I know what I'm stronger than. I've missed sleep though so tonight I'm probably going to hug my zebra tight and go to sleep. Sweet Dreams. ♥

Goodnight November

For some reason I forgot to add the date on this one but today is November 30, 2011 and you are beautiful. I'm currently working on a paper and study for my exams tomorrow. Quick reasons to smile though: I just got my grade back for my feminist issues test and I got a 91% which I'm super excited about because I was really nervous about it. Studying definitely paid off! I hope November was good to you. Tomorrow is the start of a new month and in that new month you will still be beautiful and special. The holidays are coming up and they can be stressful and they can be happy. If you have finals coming up in the next few weeks, I wish you the best. Stay Strong and Good Luck. I love you. Goodnight November, you've taught me well. You've made me stronger.

Reasons to smile: November 29, 2011

These are reasons to smile today:

• I had two exams today and I think I did well on both of them
• I got some excellent feedback on a paper I wrote about the Zero Tolerance Bullying Policy in schools. I love writing about something I'm passionate about and I would really love to see an end to bullying. We all know how damaging its effects are.
  
• I've fallen in love with a new inspirational song. It's "Perfect" by the powerhouse of inspiration and empowerment that is Pink! Today Kurt and Blaine covered it on glee and it was amazing. I loved it. I find Darren Criss (Blaine) to be a great source of inspiration to me so I just loved hearing him sing it. I listened to that song about 10 times this morning when I should have been studying. It's great!
• I need to mention again that I'm halfway through with exams!
• I met some amazing people today
• I have amazing people in my life
• I had a great study break today and I got to catch up with some people I haven't spent time with in a while.
• It was a pretty good day.

Remember how beautiful and amazing you are.

Hello.

I hope this reaches you in good spirits. Today I want you to know that you are special. I want you to remember that you are more than any pain you've every felt and any situation that you've struggled through. You're here now and you're going to make it. Keep your head up and stay strong. You are worth all the beauty in the world and I hope you see it in you.

I'm here to talk if you need me. KiyannaLoves@yahoo.com

I'm a busy bee this week.

I hope you have a great week. This week is really going to test my strength but I'm confident that I will do well. It'll be okay. When this week is over...winter break! I can relax and be happy. Look forward to the good things!

Sorry I'm late.

You deserve to be here. You are wonderful. You are stronger than what you're going through. Stay strong.

Happy Black Friday!

Believe it. It's true.

Happy Thanksgiving!

If this is a holiday that you celebrate, I hope that you are safe and enjoying it! What are you thankful for? This year, and always, I'm thankful for healing, family, friends, heroes, and for all the beautiful smiles I've witnessed.
It was warm enough today to go out and play with sidewalk chalk so that's just what we did! It was fun!
Don't forget to say thank you to the people who are working hard in this life. If you're reading this, I would like to say thank you for hearing my voice.

Check out one of my previous thank you posts!

Hump Day Parties

Don't let them get you down.

And I know some people who are going to change the world.

I believe in people. I think that as humans who share this planet, we need to love and support each other. There are many different countries and languages but beyond all of that, we're one people. We're sharing the world and we can't fill it with hate. Actions speak louder than words. If it's within your reach, why not try to change your world? Why not spread love as much as possible? You never know how much your simple actions of love and support will be appreciated.

We all need support. We all need love. There are so many ways to spread love especially with the power of the internet. You may not understand what someone is going through and you may think you can do anything about a certain situation but it helps to know that someone out there cares. You can be that person that cares. "Be the change you want to see in the world." Don't just ignore a problem when you know it's important. There is always a way to help.

Happy Monday

I missed my opportunity to post yesterday because I was super busy but it's okay because I was having a good time. Happy Time is Time that's not wasted. Now I have two pictures to post. One from today and one from Sunday. I hope you're weeks is getting off to a great start!
I love you and you are Beautiful.

Pretty pretty picture

I worked on this today and nearly passed out from smelling the markers. It was fun though and I really love all the colors. I'll definitely be making more of these! Here's is something else that is beautiful.
Now I'm patiently waiting for SNL to come on so I can laugh. Laughter is wonderful!

Reasons to smile: November 18, 2011

• went grocery shopping today and stumbled upon some great deals!
• it's Friday, the day i relax and catch up on Modern Family and Grey's Anatomy
• I finally got to register into all of the classes I want to take next semester
• I slept in this morning.
• I met a few friendly people on my shopping adventure. I love friendly smiling faces.
• I wore my purple flower today, it's my favorite.
• I did three assignments/quizzes last night for my Intro to Sociology class last night so i don't have to work on them this weekend. I got 100% on two of the quizzes and a 90% on the last one So I did a good job.
• This Friday marks the end of one of the last full weeks of the semester
• Had lunch with a good friend today :)
• I'm happy.
  

Happy Thursday!

Tomorrow is Friday. We've almost made it through the week!
Here is a fun song. I love it, it's one of my favorites!

Live it up.

I have a question. If you’re enjoying yourself and doing what you love while someone sits there and spends the entire time making fun of you, who do you think is having more fun?

Probably the person living it up not trying to put people down. Just a theory.

Live life and be happy. Spread happiness.

You are not alone.

Recently in the news, the story broke of a 10 year old girl who committed suicide by hanging herself in her closet. She was only 10 years old and an honor student. Now she's gone. Like many others, she was bullied in school and it led her to take her own life. She felt alone, left out, and saw no other way out

Now listen to me, I want you to remember that you are not alone. Love is louder than the harsh things they say. Love is louder than hate, prejudice, ignorance, intolerance, and judgement. I'm so sorry for all the voices that are not heard but I will be standing up for you. This needs to stop. We need to stop losing lives like this. Stomp Out Bullying...it is not necessary and it's destroying us. Bullies: STOP IT.

We're stronger than bullying and we need to protect each other and ourselves. Remember please that you are a beautiful person. You are loved. You will make it. I believe in you.

Remember this quote, it's one of my favorites right now, "You are a child of the universe! No less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here."

You are not alone. Listen to the song below. It's one of my favorites. I can listen to it a million times. Remember that you're not alone. Love is louder.

November 14th!

Some years ago, one of the world's most beautiful women was born. I'm happy to be her daughter as she is beautiful and wonderful. Happy Birthday Mommy!

Long Days!

Volunteer! I had so much fun volunteering at the football stadium today. Now I'm tired and sore but it was worth it. I love seeing smiling faces and knowing that you've helped out is just a great feeling. If you don't volunteer, find some ways you can. You'll really love it!

Desktop Background

Think about how many times you look at your desktop background. I change them every once in a while and I always pick something encouraging and uplifting. This is my current background and I love it!

11/11/11

What did you wish for?