Ah, January. The holiday season is winding down and the spring semester has almost arrived. Soon you will move back into your dorm rooms and get settled in for the long haul of endless classes. But before you do, let me offer you some free advice. (Yes, for all of you out there with Hamilaria, I did just quote "Hamilton.") This advice comes from our favorite playwright, Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lin-Man tweets out "good morning" and "good night" messages daily — I love them. Nothing beats hearing a well-wishing from someone you love and follow the work of. Sometimes, a tweet from Miranda is just what I need to get moving. So, I've collected a few of my favorite motivational ones to share with you below.
"You will have to say no to things to say yes to your work. It will be worth it."
This one speaks for itself, and it doesn't simply apply to schoolwork. If you want to draw or write more, or you want to be healthier and exercise more, it's possible. The thing is, if you want to succeed you need to learn to say no to things. But listen to Lin-Man when he says that it WILL be worth it.
"Put some music in someone else's life today. Make the world a mixtape and see what it gives you in return."
I love this. Be the individual you were created to be, and be intentional with people. If we all go out and play the same song, the world will be boring. BUT if we all play our own songs, the world becomes a wonderful mixtape.
"Everything could change tomorrow. Or one tiny, vital thing. What it WON'T be is a re-run of today. Rest up."
Today is not a repeat yesterday, and tomorrow won't be a repeat of today. Every day offers new opportunities and a fresh start, a beautiful 24 hours open to whatever you want to do with it. So rest up. You could have a big day ahead of you.
"You're delightful!"
Awe, thanks, Lin-Man!
"Relax your shoulders. Gah, you didn't even realize they were all tensed up did you? Me neither! Okay let's go!"
Remember to relax! Life gets stressful. So stressful that sometimes we don't even realize how tensed up we are. So relax your shoulders. It's gonna be alright.
"Good morning. *peeks one eye open* Afternoon. Love you. Make good choices."
This one is here to remind you to sleep in when you can, to make the best choices for you and that YOU are loved.
"Do NOT get stuck in the comments section of life today. Make, do, create the things. Let others tussle it out. Vamos!"
Get out there and create! Don't worry about what others think about you or your ideas. Let yourself be known, and take some advice from Lin-Man and let others tussle it out! Now get going, Champ!
"Bring it in for a hug. Aight go get em!"
Sometimes, life gets tough. Occasionally that sometimes seems to last forever. So hug someone. Go rant to your best friend about everything that's going wrong. Do whatever you love to do when get stressed. Then, go out and do the things you were made to do because you are stronger than anything life throws at you.
"Your mind is your home and no one else's. Furnish it as you wish. Set the temp so you're comfortable."
Most every college student is worried about getting a job post graduation. Because of this, people don't go to school to study what they love, they study what will get them a job. I'm here to encourage you to study what you want to study. For your electives, take classes that interest you. Learn about what you love. Your mind is yours, so fill it with what you love.
"One step at a time. Your pace. Your unforgettable stride."
*mic drop*
