28 March 2010

Dancing

I'm confident that dancing (especially if it's to 80's music) clears the mind of all troubles.

27 March 2010

Everyone

needs a little love in their life, a little sunshine in their day, and a little Starbucks to start their morning

25 March 2010

Blessing in disguise

I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and it is all a part of God's plan. So everytime something doesn't go the way I want it to, I force my self to remember: It is all a part of God's plan for me.  And things wouldn't be going the way they are if it wasn't part of his great plan.  I do not know if this is the way that other followers of God interprut life and God's plan, but it is certainly how I interprut it.  Without this faith in knowing that everything happens for a reason, I don't know if I would make it through life without having a major meltdown.  I tend to stress about the little things, but when I get out of control, I simply tell myself, it is all a part of the plan and everything will be okay.  What if I didn't have the ability to tell myself this? I would be a wreck! It amazes me how people make it through life with little or no faith.

Anyway, back to blessings in disguise.  Sometimes when things don't go your way-look at it in a different light. Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise.  True, it is hard to use this philosophy on traumatic events, but it can apply to most minor life mishaps.  For instance, I was REALLY hoping that I got a good vibe at one of my informational interviews, because it was the one that I really wanted. I wanted to be in the LC Valley for the summer, spending time with Casey, playing on the river, attending our church, etc.  However, I was less than impressed.  Professionalism and organization at the agency was not good and what my duties and responsibilities would be are just not what I'm looking for.  So, I was bummed. Then I turned it around-perhaps it is a blessing in disguise? Because, God has a plan for all of us, and everything happens for a reason. 

So I got to thinking about the benefits and advantages of moving back home for the summer and doing my internship there.  I recognized many benefits that I hadn't realized before- I would get to spend time with my family during my last summer home (probably), I would be able to take my old job up again, I would get paid for some of my internship, I would have duties and responsibilities that I am more passionate about, I would get to spend time with my long time friends in Joseph, and maybe moving to Missoula would be a smoother transition (going from home to Missoula will probably be easier than going from Casey's house to Missoula). 

I'm just reminded by this little incident that everything happens for a reason-and maybe somethings are blessings in disguise. (Reminds me of that country song where he runs into his high school crush and remembers how much he wanted to be with her, but then realizes that "some of God's greatest gifts, are unanswered prayers" because if he had been with that girl, he maybe would have never met his wife!)

24 March 2010

Pros & Cons

As I weigh the pros and cons for each of my possible internship sites, I realize that this normally effective decision making tool tends to work in a circular motion.  Meaning that as soon as I find a "pro" for one site, I find a "pro" for the other site. Or vice versa. Or, when I find a "pro" for one site, it leads me to a "con" for that site.  So I find myself and my mind running in circles. I think it's time to write them all down and see which how things line up and hope that that gets me somewhere...or anywhere!

I've decided that the weighing the pros and cons method should only be used for minor decisions. When large decisions are involved-it just gets quite repetitive. Oh the joys of life.

23 March 2010

Motivation

it comes and goes. But it always seems to be gone when it's needed the most! Time to kick it into gear and finish off the rest of this semester!

15 March 2010

Massages

are good for the mind, body and spirit. Ahhhh.

11 March 2010

Community

A sense of community is a feeling I've been lacking since I moved from Joseph almost four years ago.  Pullman is a lovely town, but just too big to feel a close sense of community like that felt in Joseph.  Perhaps if I would have been more involved in a student group I would have got this feeling-but I didn't, and I wouldn't trade my experiences there for anything-I can only move forward. 

Now, after attending Celebration! church with Casey on a regular basis, I finally feel that sense of community again- and I love it! The people are so kind and caring, and I've never felt more welcomed by a group of people before (besides my family).  I have become more in touch with myself, God, Casey, and other church members in the past few months.  It's amazing what community can do. 

This is really connected to the Mind-Body-Spirit model of wellness that I am so interested in.  I believe that a person cannot really be well and happy until all three components are satisfied.  This sense of community and connection to a higher being (God, in my case) helps complete the Spirit component.  I was always happy before-but there was always something missing.  Since I've been attending church and becoming closer to those around me, I have filled up this hole.  I feel more well now than I have in a long time! I can confidently move forward in life knowing that I just need to do my best to be a good Christian.  But also remember that Christians make mistakes, and it will all be alright because God blesses us and watches over us and our futures. 

[This post was a connection of personal experience, las Sunday's church sermon, and the little reading I've done on the Mind-Body-Spirit model of wellness-amazing how it all comes together]

Content

Life is a funny and wild process sometimes.  In just two short months, an individual can go from being completely scatter brained with no set-in-stone plans to having everything lined up in order.  But-with a blink of an eye that can all change again.  Funny how life rolls...

Fortunately I've been blessed in life.  For me, things may be disorganized and out of order for a bit, but they usually tend to fall back into place.  Realizing this huge blessing makes me think about those who are not quite as fortunate.  There are millions out there who are living in poverty, are unhappy, or are unloved.  This makes my heart hurt.  I am so content and happy right now, that I hope that I can make a difference for those less fortunate than myself during my summer internship, my future career, and in everyday life.  In the mean time, I will continue to pray.

04 March 2010

Accepted

into University of Montana's Master in Health Promotion/Community Health class of 2012!  I just got the unofficial acceptance e-mail today from the program director, and it just needs to be approved by the university then I'm an official Grizzly. 

I have never been so excited about something school or work related.  I was previously accepted into Oregon State's Master in Public Health program, and that was a great honor. But this acceptance means so much more to me.  It means that I will already go there having a job/assistantship, it means that half of my tuition will be covered, it means that I will be only 4 hours away (instead of 8 or 9) from my amazing boyfriend, it means I will only be 6 hours away from my home and family, and it means that I will receive a more individualized education in the comfort of a small program in lovely Missoula, Montana.

While there were benefits to attending Oregon State such as it being a well-known program, the alma mater of my parents, closer to my sister, and where several of my friends go, it just wasn't a good match for me. Financially, emotionally, and physically.  I am so happy with my acceptance and excited to further my education in a field where I can utilize my strengths and interests and really make a difference.  Stay tuned in the months to come as I embark on this journey into graduate school :)

01 March 2010

Excitement

I sent out resumes and cover letters last week, and will be making phone calls to set up informational interviews this week. Unexpectedly, I received a phone call from one of the prospective sites this morning and she definitely wanted to set up an interview.  It's so exciting to be recognized and pursued. It's a new feeling to have my life moving foward so rapidly.  For 4 years it has basically been the same old routine-while it might be intimidating, change is good. :)

Connection

I really appreciate all the comments-whether they are anonymous or not.  Some have been comforting and reassuring and others have really made me thing.  I'm pretty strong headed, so it's nice to have some friendly suggestions of alternatives to my postings [because while I'm strong headed, I'm think I'm prettty open-minded as well--is it possible to be both? I think so!!] Anyway, through these comments and suggestions not only have I learned and discovered more about myself-but also more with others in the world around me.  I feel a stronger connection [to both].