Wear Sunscreen              

               Have you ever experienced something that led you to view life on a whole different spectrum? An experience that compelled and enlightened you so greatly that it was as if you’re past beliefs and mentality were completely swiped away from the depths of your soul?  Well, I can say for myself that after watching a Youtube video by the name of Wear Sunscreen, my whole mindset switched gears in a much more positive direction. The video and lyrics of the song are so simple, but complex at the same time for they complement each other which accumulates a complete understanding of the theme. The speaker in the music speaks in an informative tone which is followed with a rhythmic beat, while the video clips help convey the message of the lyrics. The objective of the video is not to tell people how to live their lives, it simply expresses the importance of enjoying life and living everyday like it’s your last.                

               The narrator of the introduction voices that “if I could offer you only one tip for the future sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proven by scientists, where the rest of my advice has no basis then my own meandering experience.” I found that the first statement was said for literal and symbolic use. The literal meaning is obvious; sunscreen is beneficial because it protects and cherishes the skin from the suns harm. However, looking at its symbolic meaning, I see that the narrator said it in order to show that just like sunscreen; his advice may help protect one’s life in many ways.  This includes protection from hurt, betrayal, jealousy, low-self esteem and other common issues that one may face in life.  The second statement supports the idea that his advice is not proven to help one’s life, however, it is given from a person with pure experience, which is commonly the best type of person to learn from.  The video gives several types of advice; however there a three specific one’s that help me in everyday life. I have complete faith that they will help you too!

               “Do one thing every day that scares you.” In my own words, do one thing a day that helps you conquer a fear that controls your life. When a person harvests fear within themselves, they let that fear take away from what they might want. For my twelfth birthday I had a birthday party at Six Flags, and as I saw the huge roller coasters I had a huge fear of them. However, I still wanted to go on the rides, seeing how my friends adored them. That day I didn’t go on one ride until the last one came about, when I realized that I could not let a fear take away from my fun and control my life. I went on the ride, and it was the last time I ever had a fear of roller coasters. Ever since that day, I question every single fear I have, and try to overcome it. It is said that fear is the absence of faith, therefore, by doing one thing that scares you a day, you challenge yourself, and gain faith. As in faith, I don’t necessarily mean religion or spirituality; to each is own. However, remember that one can have faith in themselves in the smallest ways, having it in low dosages is better than having none at all. After I study hard for a test I try to have complete faith that I will succeed on it, for having faith is believing, and believing is envisioning that there is a possibility that there will be a positive outcome. Remember that this statement is meant to enrich a person’s life, not downgrade it. So if you have a fear of dying, I don’t suggest suffocating yourself until going unconscious in hopes that you will defeat your fear, for you might die, and end up living your fear. Just a joke, however, one has to realize that there is a difference between being reckless and overcoming a fear. Find a balance, and you’ll do great!

               “Get to know your parents; you’ll never know when they’ll be gone for good.” It is self apparent why it is important to get to know your parents, due to the fact that they most likely raised and cared for you the most. However, this quote signifies so much more. Some people might not have both of their parents or let alone one of them, but the people who they do hold close to their heart can definitely be classified as their parents. For me, my parents have always been there to support me in all of my endeavors. I would tell them I loved them, and that they are the best parents in the world. However, something was missing; my objective with them was never to learn about them. I would go to them for support, money, and love. This was until I saw the video Wear Sunscreen. It made me realize that our relationship should revolve around more than that, because the reality is that one day they will be gone, so I better get to know them as much as I can now.

               One of my other favorite statements of the song is “remember compliments you receive, and forget the insults.” As long the Earth moves, people will always ridicule or berate one another. It is something that at least everyone has to come to terms with. Therefore, channeling negative comments into a positive thing can be such a powerful change. If it is constructive criticism then learn from it! Let it make you a better person, instead of taking it personal. If it is something that is truly hurtful and degrading, then forget about it, and make sure to remember the good things that people say about you, not the bad. Every day when I wake up I look in the mirror and tell myself “you’re a pretty good-looking guy.” This is not coming from a conceited or arrogant place; all I am trying to do is reinforce love within myself. I believe that if we love and accept ourselves then that positive energy will flow to others, which will create less hate, and more love.

                Concluding, I hope you learned a few tips on how to enrich your life! The Wear Sunscreen video is posted below.  Feel free to leave as many comments as you like, I will be sure to reply :)

                                             Wear Sunscreen Video

Picture Link- http://hritcu.files.wordpress.com/2006/12/sunscreen.jpg

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7 Responses to “Wear Sunscreen”

  1.   bingitsbarrister Says:

    Kirsten, thank you! I agree on what your comment had to say. The “do one thing that scares you a day” is my favorite statement as well, because it gets you motivated to get out there and conquer the fears that you have.

  2.   Davidge Says:

    Fantastic post!!!! i could not agree more that faith in all ways is a great thing to posess and conquering your fears is something that i have tried to do and with some things i am still battling but overall it has been successful. I loved the way how you took a song/video and reflected on it so well!!! Great job once again!!!

  3.   PLahaise Says:

    Very excellent first weekly reader post. You did a super job of taking the topic and expanding on it. Very nice!

    To the commentators….kudos to you for your great comments!

  4.   Jessica Says:

    Wow, after reading this it made me realize some things I didn’t from last year when I heard this in class. I liked how you evaluated each quote. It made me think about what to do in life, and what to avoid doing.
    I also agree with Alizen, the quote about parents stuck with me the most. I always see my parents as always being there for me, so I just take them for granted. One day they won’t be here and I’ll be left with the regret of not being with them more often.

  5.   Tashnia Says:

    “So if you have a fear of dying, I don’t suggest suffocating yourself until going unconscious in hopes that you will defeat your fear, for you might die, and end up living your fear. ”

    i thought that was really funny within your piece of how you tried to make a joke but you also tried to make a prove a point, it was really interesting! i love your writing style!

    and i know this is off topic of your article, but i like your picture at the top for your banner/header thing. totally cool like alizenchains! :D

  6.   bingitsbarrister Says:

    I totally agree! And yeah, I just had to add that part in, lawl, thanks for the comment :]

  7.   Alizen Says:

    Barrister,
    I’ve seen this video before! Actually, I once heard the speech during an English class. My favorite quote out of the ones mentioned is definitely the ones about our parents. I feel that we take them for granted, and it’s something we only learn to love too late. I also love how you manage to say one good thing about yourself! :)

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