I tend to get into movies. Like really, really get into them. So it's no surprise, to myself at least, that when I finally watched Titanic this Christmas, it made an impact (yes, I know I'm late 'getting on the boat', 'that ship has sailed', etc. ;) ). Although Rose Dewitt Bukater and Jack Dawson are fictional characters, the Titanic was real, and besides that, who wasn't at least a little bit touched by Jack and Rose's romance, fictional they may be? I could go on and on about how much I loved it, or how great the soundtrack is, or even add my two cents to the whole 'could Rose and Jack both have fit on the door?' debate, but I won't. What I will do is say some things that Titanic has taught me, personally.

"You learn to take life as it comes to you...to make each day count."

Besides the emotional foreshadowing, this line is excellent in its meaning. Jack is explaining to all the rich, emotionless people around them who waste days on small talk and parties that life can be so much more. And you don't know how much life you have left at any one time. I know most of you reading this are young. You probably haven't thought about this much. But life is short, really short when you think about it. That's not to scare you. That's to spur you on to not procrastinate, not waste time leaving your dreams unfulfilled. It's almost new years- what if your resolution this year was to do whatever it is you've been waiting for your whole life? I'm not suggesting you be rash, or run away with the first cute boy named Jack (lol), but I am encouraging you not to wait on things that you shouldn't, that you're only waiting on because you're afraid of failure. So go, try out for that play, or talk to the new girl at school. It doesn't have to be life-changing for anyone but you. Go make your own luck. ;)

"Promise me...that you won't give up, no matter what happens, no matter how hopeless...and never let go of that promise."

This is an extension of the above, and one of the most heart-rending and iconic scenes of the film. It might seem that it doesn't apply to most people or most circumstances- wasn't Jack dying, and Rose in danger of dying, when he said this? But it doesn't just apply to that. It applies to your dreams as well. I recently have had a friend who is into films, who has thought of giving up. I myself have often felt like giving up, especially if I don't know what comes next in my novel or I can't see my acting dream coming true anytime soon. But if you just give up, the chance of your dreams ever coming true at all is very slim. So you can't give up. And when you want to, you have to tell yourself 'I'll never let go'.

"Rose, you're no picnic, alright? You're a spoiled little brat, even, but under that, you're the most amazingly, astounding, wonderful girl, woman that I've ever known..."

Have you ever thought about who you are, really thought about it? I personally sometimes have a hard time telling who I am. I'm twenty, and a lot of you are younger, and this is the time in our lives when we often do some serious thinking about who we are, what we're about, and how we fit into the world. I believe that, like Rose, everyone has things about themselves that need 'fixing', and other things that need to be let shine through their whole being. Nobody's perfect. Sometimes we might realize we're shunning friends, or being grumpy with our family, or maybe we're spoiled brats, too. I know I've fit that phrase more than once. But then there's that part of you that's the wonderful, amazing woman (or man) and that should never, ever change. That should be what shines out about you. Let other people see who you are, really are, and if there's something not good about you that you know needs changed, then do it so that others can see who you really are, and not get stuck on that. Not everyone is as good at 'seeing people' as Jack Dawson, but thank goodness for those who are (I have a friend or two like that myself). And try to be that way to others; see past human imperfections and into who the person really is. You might like the new view.

It's almost the new year. This time, instead of making the clichéd new year's resolution that you won't keep, why not make one and stick to it? Something that'll make a real difference and help you to make your life more what you want it to be? Because it's not up to me to save you. "...only you can do that." Not that I'm saying you need saving, but you know what I mean.


-Barista Nicole-

Image: still from Titanic (1997) Read more »

 

No one wants to end their year unsatisfactorily. Everyone wants to do something worthwhile before the year ends. I mean, what’s the fun in doing absolutely nothing productive before end of the year? Don’t you want to look back at 2013 and say, “Wow. That was one awesome year.” Now begs the question, what things can you do to make for an AWESOME last day of the year?

Get your 2013 New Years resolutions out and keep them for a day

Yeah. The year’s over and you’ve completely forgotten your New Years resolutions. However, think how cool it would be to keep your New Years resolutions for a day! Obviously, some things won’t be possible in a day like losing 10 pounds or running a marathon. But who cares? Just try to keep your resolutions for a day as much as you can (For losing weight, you can diet for a day. And for running a marathon, you can have a mini marathon with your friends!) and you’ll feel like you actually accomplished something by the time 2014 rolls around.

Spend some quality time with your friends and family

Nothing’s ever boring when you’re around people. Invite your friends and their families over to your house and have a little party as you wait for 00:00 1/1/14. Talk to people as you reminisce about all the fun times you had altogether throughout the year. Looking back at the past is always an amazing time to share with everybody you know. Don’t get too surprised if things get a little emotional.

Write

Even if you’re not a writer, it is a good idea to write about the year. You don’t want to forget everything that has happened. Remembering every single detail is going to be impossible unless you have super photographic memory, but just write down all twelve months of the year and jot down one or two major things that had happened that month. This is a great way to look back and remember everything that has happened in the span of only 365 days.

Happy New Year in, like, three days! Eek!


-Barista Mia-

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At the start of each year, there will always be more than just a few individuals obsessed with the idea of recreating themselves. There will always be thousands of people tweeting the words "New year, new me" or posting them on Facebook as midnight strikes on the first of January. But- honestly, how many of them really stick to it? A tiny weeny fraction, usually. Probably because it takes more than a minute or a couple of weeks to recreate your entire self. Really, you don't even need to start all over again. You just need to at least try and be the best you possibly can be. Here are a couple of ways you can do just that...

1) Be Healthier!
Ah, the obvious one. After the festive season, a substantial amount of us are left with feelings of guilt along with a couple of extra, unwanted pounds. I mean, who can blame you for gorging? Chocolate is abundant, along with fluffy cakes and cute decorated biscuits and whatnot. However, as glorious as they may taste, they are not so glorious to the skin, the arteries and various other parts of you. If you are wincing a little while reading this, maybe you should make it your mission to become a slightly healthier version of yourself. Whether it means joining a gym, changing up your diet a little bit or simply leaving the house more in order to get some fresh air, it's all beneficial!

2) Let Your Creative Side Out
Life can get monotonous, and sometimes we need an escape from our boring routines. Sometimes just a simple new hobby can provide exactly that. Repetition can sometimes suppress imagination and creativity, so maybe an interesting way to begin the new year would be to unleash whatever ideas you have already lying somewhere in the depths of your mind. For example, if you don't feel up to writing an entire novel or even a short story, why not attempt to write poetry? Or if you can't seem to manipulate words, you could attempt to create art or learn to play a new instrument. Even doodling idly is a starting point...

3) Step Outside Of Your Comfort Zone
Today, many young people tend to live their lives indoors or on the internet, just sticking with what's familiar. Probably because it's easy. However, it doesn't really allow you to bloom as an individual. Things are not the same online and although it is much easier to be open, it isn't exactly reality. As a socially-awkward internet addict, I can safely say the internet has not exactly helped me put myself out there in real life, and i'm sure many people feel the same way. So maybe it's time for some of us to do things we wouldn't normally do, because who knows- new hobbies, interests and relationships could arise form doing so. Why not try and work up the courage to talk to that person you kind of have a crush on (and I don't mean messaging them on Facebook). Or even apply for a new job, possibly one which allows you to interact with new people and do things which you aren't used to doing. Or simply join some kind of society, or perform. All you need to do is give yourself a push and it will definitely be worth it!

I am aware that new years resolutions are almost impossible to keep up, so here are a couple of tips which might help you make it through 2014 and maybe even through more years to come... Firstly, set yourself a goal, for example- you might have a target weight for the summer or you might just want to be able to play a specific song on the piano in a couple of months time. You could also motivate yourself by creating a mood board. Finally, of course, be positive about whatever you are trying to do and don't fill your mind with doubt. Also, remember, although it is a good starting point, you don't have to wait for the beginning of a new year to make a change. Good luck!


-Barista Ria-

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