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.

ANBERLIN

What?

My roommate introduced me to the band ANBERLIN this week!

So What?

I went to their concert, and IT WAS AMAZING!

Now What?

I'm going to listen to ANBERLIN all of the time now! AND I'm going to spend more time going to concerts. I LOVE LIVE MUSIC! My life has always been filled with music; i.e., musical theater, choir, voice lessons). I haven't had as much music in my life the past few years because I transferred schools and changed my major. I'm realizing that I've missed that part of myself. SO here's to listening to, and making music more often :) Cheers

P.S.

We went on a sweet hike today to Lake Blanche, up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Fall is my FAVORITE time of year, and I like my roommate :)

Writing..........it can be fun

What?

For one of my therapeutic recreation classes, we are assigned to write article critiques through out the semester. Yesterday, while writing an article critique, I realized that I was really enjoying it! I was interested in what I was writing and liked sharing my opinions about the article.

So What?

This was exciting for me because writing assignments have always stressed me out! I usually avoid them at all costs. I was using knowledge that I gained 2 years ago in my statistics class. In the past, I thought that class was pointless, but now I'm so grateful to have taken that class!

Now What?

In all of my future writing assignments, I'm going to focus on how I can use the assignments for progression and real-world application. Who'd 'a thunk? Writing can be fun :) I'm growing up!

Parents Really Do Know Best

What?

I had a huge breakdown this week :( I have completely overloaded myself this semester, and my health is suffering from it! On Thursday, I called my dad because I didn't know what else to do. I was embarrassed to cry to him, but he was so understanding! He helped me to stay calm and to think about solutions. SO, I learned that my parents really are a good source to go to when I need help.

So What?

I felt so much better after our conversation, and I have some big decisions to make in order to have more balance in my life right now!

Now What?

I am so grateful for my parents. This week's experiences showed me just how much they still do for me even though I'm out of the house. I am going to express gratitude to my parents more often, and seek their guidance more regularly.