No one's looking!

I feel like a blinked a while back, and when my eyes opened everything had changed. When did we become so irresponsible? I have a really hard time struggling with the all too frequently accepted notion that if I don't get caught, then I didn't do anything wrong. I see it in my students, I see it at the store, on the road, and even in some friends and family. When will we realize that rules are there for a reason and that by not following them, someone is inevitably going to get hurt?

As Kindergarten as it sounds, rules are there to protect us. Laws, if followed, protect us. Yet while everyone knows this basic fact, people still take things that don't belong to them, speed, blow through red lights, and so much more. I guess if no one catches me doing these things, then I am off the hook. Or am I?

Eventually our deeds catch up to us. Eventually we do get caught. Some of us are lucky enough to be caught and given the consequence of a ticket, or a stern reprimand, or another consequence as the case permits, but others aren't so lucky. Other times people do get hurt, physically or emotionally, or worse. If everyone was ott looking out for Number 1 and started looking out for 2, 3, 4, and 5, we would not have to look out for Number 1 anymore. There would be a larger team doing that for us.

Doing the right thing, whether someone is looking or not is our responsibility. It's called integrity. And unfortunately, it's extremely lacking in our society. When will people start caring about others beyond themselves again? What is it going to take for all of us to be more caring and kind to one another? When will we realize the bigger picture and that we are not individually at the center of it? We're all in this together, as the saying goes. We need to look out for each other even if no one is looking at us.

Take care of each other this holiday season and try for beyond that.

So Thankful!

This Thanksgiving, I have A LOT to be thankful for. Here's my list in no particular order:

1. The most supportive, unfailingly loving parents anyone could ever wish to have

2. The most caring, giving, kind-hearted, loyal sister

3. The most understanding, loving, considerate, handsomest boyfriend who lets me be me and loves me unconditionally

4. A wonderful extended family.

5. The cutest dog ever

6. Not only having a job, but having a job I LOVE.

7. I am still here!

8. Holidays spent with family

9. The best set of colleagues whom I can call friends

10. I still have 3 out of 4 grandparents.

11. Second chances and new beginnings

12. A roof over my head

13. The internet

14. Reconnecting with long lost best friends

15. Money in the bank

16. Glee and Grey's

17. Eager and willing students

18. Newfound faith and God's grace

19. The Twilight Series

20. iPod and iPhone

21. Music and musical theatre

22. A happy childhood and a bright future

What are you thankful for? Whatever it is, I hope you reflect on and recognize all of the blessings in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving!