I Need My Mommy

What? 

I'm at home, on the farm, in Oregon right now! I love the beautiful wide-open spaces, silence, and clean air. Yesterday, however, I was feeling extremely discouraged abut something, and felt that I needed to write in my journal. I slipped away to my room, hoping no one would notice. A little while later, my mom knocked on my door and came in. She had noticed that something was bothering me, and she proceeded to give me a much needed pep-talk.

That sweet experience with my mom reminded me just how wise my parents really are, and that I will always need their love and guidance.

So What?

I feel extremely blessed to have my parents. I know that so many people are not close to their parents, or may not even know who their parents are. I'm very grateful and humbled that my parents really are always there for me.

Now What?

I'm going to remember to look to my parents when I need support, and welcome their advice when they offer it. I'm going to tell them more often how much I appreciate them. Their examples are going to help me to be a better parent :)

Love More Quickly

What?

For one of my therapeutic recreation classes, I have to design my own project to become a better professional in the TR field. I chose to working on loving more quickly, and without caution. I really love people I am close to, but I don't typically choose to talk to strangers. My goal for this project is to smile at people more, and to engage in genuine conversations with new people. I chose to do this so that it will be natural for me as a rec therapist to welcome people and help them to feel more comfortable. I want friendliness to be automatic for me as I meet new clients and get to know their families.

This week, as I have begun implementing this project into my life, I have been happier! I feel more fulfilled because I care more about other people. I feel less inhibited and more willing to open my heart up to those around me.

So What?

This project is not easy for me, but it's good for me. My self-confidence is growing, and I feel that I am pleasing my Heavenly Father more because He wants us to care about each other.

What?

For my project, I am journaling the experiences I have with people. Talking with and listening more genuinely really is making me a happier person. I love it! I am excited to be improving this aspect of myself.

5-minute Presentations

What?
I gave my 5-minute presentation this week on dressing for success! It was nice to get my presentation done and over with.

So What?
I learned that it is more impressive to wear simple outfits when trying to make a good impression.The way we dress reflects what we expect of ourselves and what we expect form others. I noticed that the way I dress changes my attitude. Also, learned that I am better at giving presentations than I realize, and that moving my feet and shifting my weight is a nervous habit of mine.

Now What?
I'm now going to take more consideration into what I wear instead of just wearing whatever I feel like wearing. I am also going to stress less when I have a presentation coming up, because now I feel more confident!

Forgive Yourself

What?

Lately, the negative voices in my head have been louder than the positive ones. It started with feeling guilt for bigger mistakes, then gradually grew to feeling guilt for small mistakes like staying up too late, or drinking an extra cup of hot chocolate. This morning as I was praying, I felt overwhelming guilt for not doing homework the night before (on a Friday night), and for asking for Heavenly Father's help with some things. I realized that I had nothing to feel guilty about. Friday nights are meant for fun, and Heavenly Father is there to help us! I realized that these guilty feelings were getting out of hand, and that I need to give myself a break.

So What?

I learned that there will always be negative voices in our heads, and they can become stronger and stronger if we let them. Heavenly Father does not want us to feel guilty unless we have something specific we need to repent for. Then the guilt leaves us as we make improvements. The guilt I have been letting get me doesn't go away. Recognizing that can help me identify when my guilt is coming from Heavenly Father or the adversary.

Now What?

This week, when I feel down on myself, I am going to take a moment to pause and ask myself where the guilt is coming from. I am going to allow myself to relax and have fun without feeling bad about it. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy!

Online Interview

This week, one of my class assignments was to practice online interviewing. During the interview, I found it more difficult to listen to my interviewer and understand what he was asking. I thought that was interesting because when we switched, and I interviewed him, I was able to listen more easily. Maybe it was because I was nervous to be interviewed. It showed me that I am better at communicating face to face. I would like to improve my focus on the conversation when I am not physically in the same room as the other person. I also should use more specific examples (PAR stories) when answering questions. It was a good experience :)

Be Nice

What?
This week, I have been very humbled. I recognized some behaviors and attitudes that I really need to improve. There are a couple of guys in my ward who spend A LOT of time at my apartment, and are pretty obnoxious. This week I got impatient with one of them because he knowingly, almost ruined a surprise my roommate's boyfriend put together for her. I yelled at him and he was really hurt. I felt terrible! I have since apologized and he got over it quickly.

So What?
In a very meaningful conversation with my roommate, I learned that the only thing that anyone can control is one's self. I need to learn to communicate more directly and politely, instead of letting my frustration get the better of me.

Now What?
This week, I am going to make a focused effort to be very kind to the guys, but also make sure that I have space away from them.