How to Be More Confident

As you may know, I am entering freshman year of high school next year. And, due to the school system, we have so many high schools that if you don't go to the one by your house, you won't know anybody, and I have made that decision.

So I have started looking at, you know, good ways to start off high school, that kind of thing, and I came across a TED Talk about confidence that I really enjoyed

If you don't have time to watch a lady talk about the science of being empowered for 18 minutes (look it up), here is a quick and concise version!

Basically, she said fake it till you make it! Definitely be yourself, but by acting confident, you will become more confident and even the stress hormones in your body will go down. If you literally act powerful, like spreading out, making yourself bigger. In the wild, leader or "alpha" animals stand taller as a way to intimidate people. That works for humans too!

It goes both ways. Sitting with your arms and legs crossed and your head down certainly doesn't help. Studies have shown when you sit like that the stress hormone levels rise.
 Start making it a habit. Stand taller. Uncross your your arms, it makes you seem more open. Smile. You'll seem more open and happy about what you are doing and people are more likely to talk to you.

Not Just January's To Do List

Happy Holidays everyone! 

I realize the season is pretty much over so I'm really late. But I kind of took December off, because I was  busy finishing up school and getting ready for Christmas. And I was really out of topics. 

Alas, since it is the second to last day of the year, this calls for a special post. 

Maybe some resolutions? Ok, here we go.

In the years past, I have started about 70 million journals and filled 0 of them. Zero. In 2015 I want to be the kind of person who gets things done. If I want to write in my book every day then I will write in it every day.

Especially with this new adventure of ending eighth grade and moving onto a new high school, where I won't know anyone. Again. I need something to help my old self remember that weird rule and that blue line. Ok not really but I want to organize my thoughts! And write poetry or something.

Which brings me to my next resolution. Blogging! I've started yet another one with some of my friends from home, which you can see here. That means my game has to be way up high and I need to be on top of it. 

I need to maintain both blogs. I kind of want new people to read what I write....I mean who doesn't? But I have to work hard! If I want to get things done, then I will! Yeah! Wow, I'm really good at pep rallying myself. Anyways, in 2015, I'm going to be more adventurous and try new things. If people don't like who I am, their loss. Right? I don't know. It's still 2014. I still have time to think this through.

How am I going to accomplish my goals, you may ask. Well let's see. Start with writing. Maybe make notes of things I need to finish through out the week. Like a check list sort of thing. And blog as often as I can. I'm thinking a minimum of 3 posts a month? We'll see. And to get more feedback, I want to start doing Question of the Day. So after each post I'd put QotD: and then my question, then write my answer. In the comments you can reply! You like?

Also, I've been thinking about putting up some of my work. Like poems, stories, reviews, DIYs and such. What do you think? Good ideas? That's what comments are for!
Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!

QotD:  What were your highlights and lowlights of 2014?

AotD: Moving away from all my old friends, but then making a few new ones, but still being very close to the old but dear ones.

KEEP CALM AND LEAD ON

Ok, I know, this is kind of strange for just a second post but this is what was on my mind, don't judge :P
Once upon a time, Brenna was eating lunch with some girls at school, who she wasn't really friends with, more of just acquaintances, and they asked her questions, like if she was scared to curse, or if she was a goody two shoes and so on. That inspired todays post about being a leader or supporter not a people pleaser! Everybody has different beliefs and world views so it isn't necessary that you agree with what I believe, but hopefully what my message is. I think it is important to stand up for what you believe in, and not give into peer pressure or anything like that. Blah blah blah, we've all been to that leadership conference. Now I'm not saying to shrug that off or anything  because it is a lesson we all have to learn. Like in the Lego Movie, nobody respected Emmet because he wasn't himself, he was whatever all the other townspeople were. He simply lived up to the expectation and stopped there. Practically anybody can do that, but it isn't a very good way to live (as seen on TV). And I know, a lot of people are born people-pleasers who just want to make everyone happy, but sadly that never works, because a lot of people's expectations are unrealistic and you get so tired of trying to please them that you get really depressed because you can't. I hope nobody has to live like that. Don't think I'm saying that you should never make anyone happy, that's totally different! Anyways, being a leader, or a supporter is being bold about what you believe in. People respect you for that. Just remember, being bold is not offending other people or forcing them to believe what you do.
"A leader is able to help followers to act for a certain goal that represent the values and the motivations--the wants and needs, the aspirations and expectations--of both leaders and followers."
- James MacGregor Burns


So next time you disagree with something, don't just give in, stand up for your opinions and hopefully do what's right.
Sorry that sounded like an episode of Veggie Tales (which I love anyway) but seriously, as you've most likely seen somewhere on social media, YOU WERE BORN ORIGINAL, DON'T DIE A COPY. Ah yes, I forgot to mention. Being a leader does not mean you will have servants working for you. Nooo way. It's hard, and sacrifice is vital to this job. I hope I didn't scare you :P But be prepared!!! Love you and thanks for your time <3