Proposal: Spending time on something I used to do

Proposal: Spending Time On Something I Used To Do

When I was younger I always used to take the time and draw and be creative. I would always make home-made cards and gifts for my family, but I have realized that over the years I have either gotten lazy with it, or I just don't have as much time as I used to. Since I am now a second semester senior, with a lot more free time, I have decided to take on drawing. I always enjoyed free drawing and now I am just picking it back up again. 

I started an art class second semester and I realized that I don't like rules when it comes to art. I like to be able to draw what I want without having restrictions. I also need to be in a place where I feel comfortable enough to express myself. While being in art class I feel as if I can't do what I want and I need to follow the rules just to please...or just to get a good grade. When I picked up drawing again, I started in my room, which is my safe haven. I have made my room me. Instead of just a place to sleep, it is now a place where I like to hang out or go to when I need some space. 

Once I started my drawing, I could not stop. I now bring my sketch book everywhere I go and whenever I have free time I just pick up my pen and continue what I started. It lets me get away from things when I feel stressed out, which was a normal feeling this year. Instead of moving on from on thing to the next, I have been working on one on-going doodle. 

Picking up drawing again also allows me to focus on something I like doing. I have to do homework and study in order to get good grades, but that doesn't mean I like doing it. It feels good to do something in my free time that I actually enjoy. The drawing that I am working on is something that I can do whenever or wherever. There are no limits to it and I can always add onto it which is what I love. Drawing is something I want to continue while in college. Even though I may be really busy since it is a big change, I can still keep it up during some free time...or even in class if I get really bored. I don't want to let something go that I care about. I also want to start putting in more effort and time on cards for my family as I have noticed that have down-graded throughout the years. This self-challenge is not something that I finish soon. I will keep my sketchbook with my as much as I can so that if the time comes, I am prepared. I will also grow as a drawer, wanting to expand my "doodling." At first I looked off of what someone else had drawn and now I am starting to free-draw on my own. Picking drawing back up feels good and allows my creativity to flow.

Proposal: Spending more quality family time

I have always been close with my parents, and my older brother, Cian, but since I have started high school, especially senior year, I have not spent as much quality family time as I used to. When I was younger we would always do little family trips like go camping or skiing, but over the past couple years I have bailed on them. I always have a fear of missing out on something that may be going on back at home when I am away for the weekend, which is why I started to stay home when my parents would go on their weekend get-a-ways. I am more focused on spending time with friends rather then enjoying some family time, which doesn't seem right to me. I believe there should be an equal balance between the two. ** It's not like I don't like spending time with my family, it's just that at this age, I like being around my friends making senior year memories. In fact, I love my dad, step-mom and brother. They are so fun to be around and I can always be myself. We always have an awesome time together because we know one of us is bound to crack some jokes. Recently, we went on a family vacation to Costa Rica. This trip allowed me to bond and spend a lot of time with my parents and Cian. Since the family was all together, we were able to hang out, have fun and just enjoy each others company. Instead of just taking this trip to Costa Rica just to relax, we actually did a lot more family activities! We went on a jungle tour that included zip-lining and we took 3 days of surf lessons. All this time spent together really brought the family close again since we have all been a little more distant because of work and school. After going on this trip, being around family is something I truly cherish, and is something that will have a bigger part in my life. I don't want friends to take away time that could also be spent with my family. When the four of us are all together, we are always bound to have fun because we all like to do the same activities. Even though we may bicker and get into some arguments, it's only because we love each other. Even though I only had to do 5 hours of this personal challenge, it had turned into something much bigger. For now on, every time spent with family, is time that I want to enjoy and keep those memories forever. Throughout the next year, I am going to work really hard to spend even more quality family time because it is something that is very important to me. I know that not everyone has such close-knit family like I do, so I will take those moments for granted. This family trip has taught me how to balance out spending time with family and then separate time with friends. Since senior year is pretty hectic, this personal challenge has turned into a year challenge that I really want to pursue. 

Proposal: Hang out with people from different friend groups and bond outside of school.


After completing the 5 hours of my personal challenge, I feel a lot better about myself. I have been stuck with the same group of kids since 4th grade, but I have never really fully opened up to everyone. I get nervous talking to new people and socializing with people I have never had a conversation with before. Just this year, I feel as if my behavior has changed because I have realized that I only have a year of high school left with these people, so I might as well get to know them and create memories with them! Also, I am feeling more comfortable in my own skin which makes me more confident and willing to branch out. Recently I have just been letting negative news go right over my head. Why worry about stupid, petty, high school drama? I am trying to keep myself positive and enjoy the little things.

Branching out to different friend groups was one of my main goals coming into senior year, and now doing so, I have had a lot more fun! I am open to many more people and I try not to judge from afar. I have realized that a person may act totally different outside of school. Whether it may be more friendly...or more exclusive. Even I have noticed, I act different outside of school than I do in school. I  act more myself and I am carefree and I like to goof around more. Since people are always surrounding me, I can act weird and strange around my friends without people judging me. I have realized though, at a party scene I am more calm rather than acting all goofy and weird like I would if it was just me and a few of my friends hanging out.

After hanging out with people from different friend groups than the one I'm used to, I believe that Parties are the best way to do so. People are in a more relaxed atmosphere and have the time to actually have a conversation with you and get to know you better. Also since everyone is usually in a crowded space, you are right next to people so why not start a conversation! Parties is not the only way to get to know different people, for example I hung out with people that I have not hung out with before at Pumpkin Fest. Not only did I talk to them, but I also went out to lunch with them. I realized that just one small part of bonding can make you feel so comfortable around that person.

Even though I completed 5 hours of bonding and getting to know people that I have not talked to before, I still want to pursue this challenge even more. I am working hard to open myself up and feel comfortable around most people and not be afraid of what they think of me. I just have to be myself and have a good time during my last year of high school. I would rather create many fun memories than regret not opening up to people even if I didn't like them.