The Sunrise of Wonderland

     In English class on Friday, we were asked to bring in a quote that represents our life: a mantra, so to speak. The one that immediately came to mind was "It's always darkest before the dawn", a line of the Florence + the Machine song "Shake it Out". I first heard this song when I was about 12, during my tumultuous middle school years and I've since outgrown the Indie rock genre of music. However, the quote has always stayed in my mind.
     Believe it or not, those words are what motivate me through the seemingly never-ending nightmare of difficult classes combined with hours upon hours of sports and homework as the school year slowly drags on. I don't consider myself to be an optimist (more of a pragmatist), but the quote reminds me that no matter how hellish my life may seem, it will certainly get better. And it will get better far more quickly if I give whatever I'm doing at the moment my best effort. The sun will rise eventually.

It's always darkest before the dawn

     I was once again reminded of my mantra as I was reading an excerpt from David Foster Wallace's This is Water earlier today. In the piece, he discusses the importance of changing our own perspectives in life and how we as human beings have a penchant for falling into our default setting of selfishness. He goes on to say how enduring everyday nuisances are where "the work of choosing comes in" (Foster Wallace). This ties in to my own perspective on life; Life is what you make it, and you have the power to push through to the dawn. - MC