I love thee, I love thee

November 14, 2015 - Eternity

A year ago today, my brother made a vow that would last a lifetime. He was blessed to marry his childhood sweetheart. Only at 14 years of age, they knew it was love at first sight. But how could one be so certain, so young? I guess when you know, you know. Love is funny that way. Sometimes, people find themselves searching and searching until one day, it smacks you in the face (figuratively speaking).
Short distance and long distance, their love prevailed for ten years before tying the knot. It is often rare to see relationships survive for so long given the circumstances. Some say that everyone needs time to find themselves before finding the right person. Well, this theory has been debunked! James and Dillon found themselves within each other. They not only grew up together but they grew in love. I have never met a more fitting couple, complementing each other in ways you would only see in the movies.

In June of 2014, my brother proposed in a garden memorialized for William Shakespeare; a true romantic! One of his poems recites,

I love thee, I love thee 

With a love that shall not die 

Til the sun grows cold

And the stars grow old.   

This quote will forever cause me to think of the love that my brother and, now, sister-in-law share...til the sun grows cold and the stars grow old. 

Vocabulary:
figuratively (adjective) - not real, symbolic
prevailed (verb) - to win or succeed
tying the knot (verb phrase) - to get married
debunked (verb) - to prove wrong
complementing (verb) - to add to or make complete
romantic (noun) - an expression of love
recites (verb) - to state

Vocabulary Exercise: Using the vocabulary above, complete the word search.

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Grammar Point: Many poems often entail words that rhyme. Rhyming is usually indicated when word endings sound the same. For example, cold and old  sound the same. Therefore, they rhyme. Using this knowledge, think of 3 words that rhyme with love. 

Running: Creating a Positive Experience

Running was never something I was ever too fond of. In fact, I dreaded it! Hearing the word “mile run” in gym class or at a sports clinic made me cringe. There was just something about it. I guess it was the way running made me feel. Every time I would run, I felt like my heart was beating out of my chest! Other times, my legs would suddenly feel limp or I would get a cramp in my belly. “How could so many people love this?” I thought.

It was only recently that my experience of running converted. I wouldn’t say that I have a reinvigorated LOVE for it, but my negative viewpoint has changed to one that is more positive. I can now say that sometimes I enjoy a nice run on a brisk day. Beginning to live a healthier lifestyle caused me to educate myself in different aspects of well-being. I figured I should start by working on my running abilities.

After doing some research, I found that runners actually have to follow a proper posture (maybe that’s why I was always achy). A runner also has to be aware of the placement of their foot when it hits the floor. If one focuses on landing on the middle part of their foot, the chances of getting injured is decreased.

Having this knowledge allowed me to improve my ability to run. In the past, I wouldn’t even make it a mile before I began gasping for air. Now, I can run three! It is crazy to see what a little hard work, perseverance, and some education can do. Next time you find yourself in a predicament, think to yourself, “how can I make this a more positive experience?”

Vocabulary

Fond (adjective) – having a liking for

Dread (verb) – to anticipate with fear

Cringe (verb) – to bend one’s body in fear

Limp (adjective) – without strength or energy

Converted (verb) – changed

Reinvigorated (adjective) – renewed  

Perseverance (noun) – determination

Predicament (noun) – conflict

Vocabulary Exercise: Unscramble the given vocabulary word.

1. I was never too ________ (ndof) of running.

2. A sense of _________ (raedd) would fill me whenever I thought of running.

3. The idea of running a mile would make me _________ (egrinc).

4. Running often made my legs feel ________ (mill).

5. My views of running __________ (nervctoed) once I started living healthier.

6. Some might say that my love for running was ______________ (igedtorreinv).

7. I order to succeed, one must have ______________ (anceseveerp). 

8. When in a ____________ (caidmentpre), try to see the positive side!

Grammar Point: The Past Tense. Verbs in the past tense describe actions that have already been completed. These verbs typically have an -ed ending. Some examples seen above are dreaded, converted, reinvigorated. Using this knowledge, please compose 3 sentences describing actions that you have completed in the past.

Keeping the Balance; Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health

Usually when someone refers to being healthy, they think of being physically in good shape. Well this is not the only case of well-being. In order to have overall health, one must have physical, mental, and emotional wellness. But what does this all mean? How is this obtainable?

To acquire physical wellness, one must maintain physical health (such as not getting sick or injured) and participate in physical activity. Some activities include playing for a sports team or going to the gym. A person with good emotional wellness is able to constructively deal with their feelings and have a positive self-concept. Typically, those with good emotional well-being are very optimistic and determined. They often portray themselves in a confident manner.

Defining mental wellness may be confusing being that there are so many parts. Some include being intellectual, interpersonal relations, and a sense of spirituality. Intellect can be referred to as having common sense. So, if someone told you to go jump off of a cliff, would you do it? Answering a question like this would indicate if you have common sense or not. I hope you all answered “no”…

Having interpersonal relations means that one is able to make and keep friends. This requires being a good listener, supportive, and friendly! So, cheering up a friend when they are down or saying a friendly hello to someone would all be indicators of positive interpersonal relations. The spiritual may refer to one’s religion but not in all cases. It can also mean having a set of beliefs, morals, and values.

As seen, there are many components involved when achieving overall wellness. It is so important to try your best to balance each aspect in order to live a healthier, happier life. My motto is, “a positive attitude = a positive life.” There is nothing we can’t do if we set our minds to it. So, in times of struggle, give it your all, push through, and stay determined. Life is what you make it so let’s make it a good one and stay healthy!

Vocabulary:

acquire (verb) – obtain or achieve

constructively (adverb) – positively or helpfully

concept (noun) – an idea

optimistic (noun) – hopeful

intellectual (adjective) – smart

interpersonal (noun) – relating to relationships

common sense (noun) - ability to make good decisions 

indicate (verb) – to show

components (noun) – parts

Vocabulary Exercise: Complete the crossword puzzle using the above vocabulary.

Grammar Point: The above passage has many cases where it uses commas to separate multiple ideas. An example is "Being healthy means having physical, mental, and emotional well-being." As seen, the structure of the sentence entails separating the words physical, mental, and emotional by commas. Commas are used in this way when combining three or more things. Another example would be "I like to swim, dance, and skii."  Having this knowledge, please compose 3 sentences using commas to combine three or more ideas when referring to your health.