My first three weeks of College...
Here it goes...
1. I (and you) can do hard things!
Yes, I know this may sound a bit cliche but it is most certainly true. You can be as strong as you make your mind up to be. Some mornings I wake up and I think to myself either "today is going to be a great day!" or "I really don't want to get up this morning." And you know what? Whatever I think is how my day goes.
2. People are truly good. Always assume the best. Particularly since I've been sick again I feel so loved by the goodness and kindness of others. Whether it be a kind text, a prayer, a ride to the grocery store, a priesthood blessing, a kind thought, word of encouragement, compliment, whatever it may be. Thank you to all.
3. Act on faith. If you have a prompting, good thought, or feeling... ACT ON IT!!! I have taken a leap of faith with my sudden confidence about the BYU nursing program. I have used faith to help me deal with pain, sadness, etc.
4. Learn to take breaks. Seriously guys, this really helps TREMENDOUSLY. I have been doing (a little) less homework, and I've seen an improvement in my pain levels and health. Whether it be going to a game, watching a show, taking a nap, going for a run, anything for fun. Just do it. Take a break.
5. Life is more fun if you take risks. Whether it be a little risk or big, if it's a good risk, take it. Often times in college I wish that I would say hi to more people, be more social, have more fun, etc. And I think that as I feel better I will be able to do more of this. After all, when I imagined BYU I imagined it to be happy, healthy, and social. I will get there again! :)
6. Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you need a favor many people are always there for you.
7. Appreciate your family. Yes this includes extended family as well! I am so very grateful for my family members. My cousins have become my siblings and my siblings have become my best friends and my fondest memories. Some of my favorite parts of my day are when I call home to talk to my family. Just because I've moved away doesn't mean that we can't remain close.
8.Write in a journal. When I take time to blog or write in my journal I am always able to find the blessing in the curse. Even when I'm sick.
9. Oh how very very grateful I am for the experience of trials. Last time I was sick, I went through the process for about a year. This time, I've experienced nearly all of it again in just three weeks. This sped up process helps me to see where I've come from and renews my determination to get healthy. Last week, I had the privilege of watching my sister's cross country race. That was very overwhelming for me. It was overwhelming because I was harshly reminded of what it felt like to be the sick girl at the back of the race. My junior year, I raced in the very back of the race. Of ALL races No matter how much I trained I got slower. Then, after much hard work, prayers, and blessings, I ran on varsity my senior year. Ultimately improving by 15 minutes! Being sick this time has brought back all my tender feelings of sadness and gratitude. It has been very sobering. And I am so grateful.
10. Most of all, remember to find the blessing(s) in the curse!
Oh and P.S. I am really trying to meet my hero of all time.
Stephanie Nielson
Several of my friends have seen her on BYU campus and I would absolutely love to meet her and tell her thank you for her positive attitude and good example. She has inspired me oh so much. In fact, I saw her mormon message video on one of my sickest and saddest days. This was nearly two years ago and it still continues to inspire me. My favorite line of her video is "I am not my body". This is so powerful. We all will one day be resurrected with a perfectly healthy body. Our trials cannot hold us back. Stephanie Nielson, I hope that I get the privilege of meeting you!
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