People are like stained - glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." -Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

I got a haircut last weekend and it was the first time that I've really changed my hairstyle since dressing up like Harry Potter for Halloween when the first few books were introduced to the states (I used to have a buzz-cut if you can picture it). I know the last thing you want to read is a whole post on my new haircut, and I wouldn't do that to you, but sometimes it is good to mix it up and try something new. When looking at some old yearbooks the other day, it made me smile to see how many people wrote, "Never change, H.A.G.S.!" Although I did usually 'have a good summer', it's funny to think that so many people think that it is good to never change!
Today's topic is "Shine", and I am a firm believer that you can't actually shine unless you change your life from time to time and experience something new. Although this may be something as simple as getting a new haircut or a new wardrobe, it could also be as drastic as moving to a new town and even switching professions. Through my personal experience, I have found that you can't find what actually makes you shine until you have tried all of your possibilities and find what sticks. Some things will remain, some will not, but never be afraid to be involved with something you wouldn't normally want to be involved with. It is so easy to become stuck in our everyday lives and sometimes it is hard to believe we are such a fluid concept, but never shy away from change. If it is change for the better, give it a shot!
It's important to understand some changes don't just fall into your lap. When my yearbook was signed, I had my heart set on becoming a biology high school teacher. As you are reading this post, I hope you have realized that I made the decisions to not go down that path and be an educator in another form. That's kind of the funny thing about life, you never really know what to expect. For whatever you do, whatever changes you might come across, whatever style of haircut you may have, I hope you always change and don't forget to shine! H.A.A.T! (Have An Awesome Thanksgiving!)
Question time: What changes in your life are you thankful for?