New Year

 

As we are about to enter into a new year this week, I am hopeful things will start to look up a little bit more and we can officially start over on a high note. I have long awaited for this new year to make it's arrival and remind us that we have so many more experiences to learn as well as grow from. I am truly grateful for the support of friends who have given me advice that I know is going to help me become a much more confident person. 

I really hope that once everything settles down in our lives and we can remember the lessons we took away from this past year. Are we going to continue remembering all of the times, we could have just simply handled things better?? I wished things in 2020 could not have been what it became and yet it leaves me with a desire to what to never take what I have for granted. 

Post 294

I wasn't originally going to continue to write more after reaching my goal of 279 posts. I felt like unless I could make an effort to write up through the holiday season, that I would need to do whatever it would take to make it happen. I have written up so much about this difficult year and the good experiences that have come along with it, but I can honestly admit it has not been easy for me to keep a brave face. It has given me a lot of reasons to feel grateful for what I have in my life everyday, but I also have struggled-- with my anxiety more than I can admit. Nothing about 2020 has turned out like I would have wanted it to, but I can only hope for a much different outcome in the new year that is around the corner. 

Last Week Of 2020:

I'm so grateful this is the final week of what has been such an emotional roller coaster ride and I am so anxious for it to come to an end!! It has definitely reminded me of so many things that I know will just continue to help me become who I need to be down the road and can truly hope for the best in anything that happens next. I am grateful for the serenity that I have gotten from being out in nature, talking with my friends online, spending virtual time with them on my computer, etc. I may never know of any other year in my life that has put my faith to the test than 2020 (actually other than an experience I had a little over two years ago). It has strengthened me in ways that I never would have imagined it to and yet I am grateful for the hand of my Savior, Jesus Christ throughout this entire year and where he continues to do for me on a regular basis. 

Early Present

LAST NIGHT-- My family and I drove up to Salt Lake City, Utah to attend David Archuleta's Christmas concert at the Maverick center. It was so inspiring to hear him talk about the true meaning of this holiday season and being focused on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This was my fourth time seeing David perform here in Utah and doing Christmas songs, which if you ask me is nothing short of a treat. I loved being able to feel so much peace come over me as I sat there in my seat and listened to music that could easily light up a person's mood or just simply give them a reason to smile. I truly loved being able to feel and understand a little bit more about this time of year, when we all celebrate what is more important than any wrapped gift could ever do justice. 

All of the songs he performed last night were my favorites and not one I didn't recognize or had not ever heard before. I am so grateful for the way he shared his powerful testimony of what the Savior means to him and it really touched my heart knowing that he does not forget who he stands for. It was so amazing getting a chance to feel inspired by each song that was arranged so beautifully and giving me a complete new perspective on how I need to look at my own life. 

David Archuleta,

Thank you so much for making a stop in Utah this year and putting on a wonderful concert to ring off the holiday season!! It was definitely something I needed after the unpredictable year of events all of us have had to put up with and I am so grateful you were able to bring some peace into our world. You are truly one of the best singers ever and can only hope you have more success in the future!!!

Favorite Songs:

- Melodies Of Christmas

- The First Noel

- He is Born

- My Little Prayer

- Silent Night

- Christmas Every Day

Rewind

 

February 2020:

Night To Shine was yet another unforgettable prom night experience and it was filled with endless laughs, smiles and friendships that I am certain will not end any time soon. We had such an amazing time getting to dance the night away and be reassured of God's love for us as we got to be in the spotlight, walk down a red carpet with paparazzi cheering for us, being crowned queens of the prom, riding up and back in a limo, etc. It was truly a night that I know is never gonna be forgotten!!! 

July 2020:

Virtual NINJA Conference took place online this year due to the ongoing pandemic and I definitely got so much more out of it than I ever have before. It was truly incredible to see something that everyone would've loved to see happen in person, be taken the next level and still be an experience that we would not ever soon forget. I loved being one of the youth mentors again this year and getting to help all of the youth participants who were either brand new or have been a lifelong participant come on and join with us. I really appreciated the chance to make some new friendships with the best youth ever and our staff did not cease to amaze me with their willingness to go beyond our expectations for every part of the event itself. 

October 2020:

Celebrated one of my best friend's birthdays at their house and spent all day laughing, telling endless stories, watching a movie, making friendship necklaces, etc. We enjoyed getting to be with each other and making more memories that I know will be cherished forever. We never have a dull moment when it comes to having a good time and trying to help each other smile as much as we can possible. I am so grateful for my friends who continue to make me feel good about life everyday and not ever take it too seriously because it is never bad idea to have fun (even during an unexpected/difficult year!!)

NINJA Alumni Calls:

These were definitely one of the most heartwarming and difficult moments for me. It was definitely an incredible experience for me to see the faces of people I know and love so much--but also spending lots of virtual time together made me feel not quite so sad--but it was tough not getting to give them one of my big hugs. It has been such a comfort for me to know that I am not alone and whenever there's a time for me to talk to a friend, they will always be there to help me out. I am grateful for their kindness to me and always making an effort to check in on each other, because I know my life would not be as fun if I didn't have them to cheer me on. We have participated in various activities and mostly just wanted time to catch up with each other, because after this year is over-- I will be so grateful to see them in person & not have to keep my distance at six feet anymore!!

Great Friends

   "When the world is so complicated, the simple gift of friendship is within all of our hands." 

- Maria Shriver 

As this year in 2020 comes to an end in a short while, I am so grateful for the many friends who have just always been there to help me through the hard times. It has been really hard for me not being able to spend in person time with them this year because of the health epidemic and look forward to catching up with all of them when I get the chance. I am grateful for their examples to me of what it means to be a good friend and always putting others before yourself in any situation. 

I am so grateful for the many memories and laughs we've shared together... (even in the circumstances that we have all had to adapt to this year.) I have enjoyed getting to see their smiling faces on our many Zoom calls throughout this year and learning from them whenever I can is always a treat. I am grateful for their inspiration to me of how to conquer through the hard times in life and not ever letting those barriers get in the way of what they can accomplish. 

Unconditional Love

All of my friends have shown me this whether I deserved it or not--but I am grateful that they continue to share their positive energy with those around them. I am grateful for the endless times they have given me advice to know how I can do better in life everyday and remembering who I am on the inside. 

USILC Shout Out:

This non profit organization has given me so many endless opportunities to serve and give back to my friends!! I am so grateful for the many times I have been able to lend a hand whenever it is possible & knowing that it can impact the lives of others always warms my heart. I am grateful for the amazingly new friendships that I have gotten to make with so many incredible people who never cease to amaze me with their talents and making others feel extra loved more than they deserve. 

I would also like to send a brief shout out of appreciation to the USILC Staff who do so much for us on a regular basis. They are such phenomenal, self-less, kind, wonderful, genuine, amazing people whose leadership roles never cease to give me a reason to understand that I am grateful they work tirelessly to give us the best experiences we could ever have in this world. I feel so immensely blessed to be a part of such an incredible organization who allows individuals like me with disabilities to see what their true potential in life is to follow their dreams!!! I am so grateful for their dedication, passion into what they do everyday and knowing that it is not unnoticed by any means whatsoever if you ask me. 

Curtis (Favorite Bunny Ever)

Curtis,

I love you so much more than you could ever know in this world!! I am grateful for your unconditional love and happiness that you bring into my life whenever I get a chance to see you on a Zoom call. I am grateful for the smile you put on my face and knowing that when we do get to meet in person, it will be the absolute greatest day of my life!!! Thank you so much for being the greatest lovable bunny on this earth and I am excited to get better acquainted with you at some point in time. You are truly one of the best and legitimately the most adorable bunny ever!!! #FriendsForever

Weekly Updates

DD Council Meeting:

This experience for me has been such a whirlwind with not knowing what could happen next and just simply knowing I have so much to learn along the way. I have really enjoyed getting a little bit more acquainted with everybody who is on the council itself and hearing what they have to share, is always heartwarming. I am so grateful for their patience with me as I try to navigate through this craziness our world is faced up with right now and making the best of it whenever we have a meeting-- is definitely a treat for me!! It has given me a chance to really slowly open up my eyes on what I can do as an advocate with a disability to empower so many other adults like myself, who want to see things change either in a community place or let alone themselves to make living independently easier and less difficult. I am truly grateful for the many more experiences that being a part of this council will allow me to do and continue doing in the future. 

New Presentations: (January 2021)

I am thrilled for new opportunities to continue educating as many people as I can, with getting my clear point across about what individuals with disabilities are capable of. It always makes me feel good with being able to let people know there are endless options out there for them to take hold of-- if they ever wanted to find something to help them move further along in life. I am excited to see what else could happen between now and this next year about how more individuals with disabilities change. 

'

Christmas Party (Next Monday)

I am stoked to once again spend time with my best friends and ring in the holiday season a little more than usual. I cannot wait for all of us to laugh, smile and keep sharing endless hilarious moments with each other all day long!!! It has been such a difficult year for us to even hang out and do things, but it's been really nice when we have been able to make it work out. There is never a dull moment when all of us girlies hang out together and want to just relax from the craziness of this world... but you kind of get the idea right??

Serenity

#LightTheWorld 

I have enjoyed so much getting to do this campaign and be simply reminded about the purpose of my life, on a regular basis. There are so many ways I can improve on to get closer to my Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ. I know this year has not been what any of us expected it to be like and yet I know we'll only become stronger as we help each other out, no matter what the circumstances may be. I am grateful for the peace and calmness that I feel when I am out in nature, looking around at how beautiful our world is that surrounds us. I am grateful for my Heavenly Father who created this earth for all of us to enjoy and not ever lose sight of what is really important in life. 

Good Music:

I always love being able to listen to an uplifting song either by a favorite artist of mine or just taking the time to remember who I really am inside & out. I am grateful for the message that music can have in our lives everyday and giving us a chance to know that everything is alright with the world. I am so grateful for the simple reminders that I have come into my heart when I am listening to music, that can put all of my anxiety at ease. 

Volunteer Service:

Over the many years I've always felt peace being able to serve those around me. I have really liked being able to make a difference in the lives of other people and going outside of myself, to do more than I ever imagined possible. I have really missed not being able to do that as much this year as I would like, due to the many obvious reasons that we have had to put up with in 2020- but I feel so thankful for the ways I can put others first instead of myself. I know it has brought me so much joy getting to reach out and not ask for anything else in return, because I know there is no cost when it comes making another person's day a little bit brighter. 

Good Friends:

I am thankful for all of my NINJA friends and others who have given me strength when I really needed it the most. I have always liked being able to trust them and talk about anything that is on my mind---- but also realizing that when we look after each other, it helps me want to be a better friend. I am really grateful for their patience, kindness, and always there to give me a listening ear when I need it the most or just simply giving them someone to talk to about things. They have encouraged and inspired me with looking at the brighter side of life everyday, because it has been at times difficult for me to understand-- what it means (especially with how this year has turned out to become.) I know my life wouldn't nearly be quite the same without them to cheer me on whenever I need a pick me up or just someone to put an extra smile on my face, I know they will always be there for me and each other. 

Book Synopsis

The story book wonder is about this young boy named Auggie Pullman, who despite his challenges in life has never been able to attend a mainstream school. He is starting the fifth grade and with being the brand new kid, I cannot even imagine what it must be like for him to not fit in with everyone else. As his own family members, new classmates and the community around him all struggle to discover their own ways of compassion and acceptance. Auggie's extraordinary journey in this inspiring book is that you cannot blend in when you are born to stand out from the crowd. I am so very grateful for the opportunities that have been given me to me in ways of letting someone know how important they are in this world. I may never clearly quite if you must know understand their experiences of what it feels like to go through what they have to face everyday, but it is not hard to be kind towards other people!!!

If you have not had a chance to read through this story, I would highly recommend that you take a chance to learn about this young boy and his experiences in life. I know it is just simply something you may not relate to in some way or another, but if you really think about what a difference it makes to be kind and not try too hard to be someone that you are clearly not---Your life will be changed. I am hopeful as this unpredictable year in 2020 comes to an end in a few weeks, that we can look back and recognize all of those countless ways we all were able to touch so many people's hearts. I may not clearly have had any kind of experiences like our friend Auggie in this book went through, but I am grateful for his determination to not care about what others think and even though it was really difficult--He definitely made it clear to all of us that we can always do better. 

Free Write

I am so grateful for the thousands of healthcare workers who have put their lives on the line, so they can continuously keep us all safe and healthy this year. I cannot even imagine what it must be like to not see their families nearly as often and having to keep a brave face on everyday, I am sure has not been such an easy job. I wish them all the best as they continue to help save lives of so many people, who are struggling with this virus that does not seem to have an end in sight any time soon. I am grateful for their willingness to push through what has become one of the most difficult years ever and can only hope they can know all the appreciation we have for them on a daily basis. #LightTheWorld

I have really enjoyed getting to be a part of this campaign with my friend and having a chance to refocus on the important things in life. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to bring a little sense of light into this world and remembering my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am truly blessed for his example in my life-- more than I can even put into words and without him, I would not know where else to turn for comfort as well as guidance in my life. He has always been there with me through the thick and thin-- cheering me on from the sidelines to help me understand the bigger picture, in anything that life hands over. I'd usually not ever get into something like this as much as other people and yet I feel like it is an escape for me, to really ponder on what I can do better in my life everyday. I may not have a perfect life whatsoever and none of us do by any means whatsoever, but I am grateful to know that I can always keep trying to do my part & continue putting my trust in him. 

Kindness Act

#LightTheWorld - Pay It Backwards

One of my amazing NINJA friends and I decided that we would do this kindness campaign together. It has most definitely given me a sense of peace in my heart and a realization that when you focus on helping other people, it makes you feel a little better. 

Several weeks ago-- One of the staff who works for this disability organization sent off a thank you note in an email acknowledging me and my colleague's efforts in presenting on the Self Advocacy Movement for their ALPS program. I simply decided that I would return the favor and write back letting them know how thoughtful it was of them to take the time to do that. At the time, it did seem very simplistic and kind--but the impact it has left me with me is one I know will last forever. 

I have usually done one or two posts on social media about this and called it a day... but this year I felt like it was something I needed to stick with. I have really enjoyed getting to bring some kindness and love into this world again after all we have experienced in 2020, but I am grateful for the opportunity to really think about what I can do in order to put a smile on someone's face. 

Untitled Post

 Best YLC Meeting Ever

YESTERDAY---I had another youth leadership committee meeting over Zoom and what an unforgettable experience it turned out to be!! It was mostly all girls on the call (minus two of the guys who were on the call with us) but we all enjoyed each other's company so much. I also really liked getting to ask everyone two questions so we could all get better acquainted & I am so excited to continue on with it into the next meeting we have scheduled. We discussed a lot of really great topics with each other and got a lot of new ideas that I can only hope will be implemented down the road. It is certainly one of the most rewarding & heartfelt things ever with getting to communicate with my friends about what we can do, in order to better serve youth with disabilities in our state. 

I have so many highlights from this experience yesterday and I would like to share a few of them: 

- Throughout the entire six years that I've attended the Utah Statewide Independent Living Council's NINJA Youth Leadership Conference, has become like my Curtis!!! (Let me explain this a little bit in detail and than you can sort of understand what it is I am trying to get across here!! One of the USILC staff has this really adorable and cute bunny named Curtis who I am dying to meet in person once this craziness is all behind us!!!) He has become my little crush over the last awhile and I cannot even help myself but think of how much unconditional love he has brought into my life!! Anyways, This NINJA Youth Leadership Conference is truly one of the most amazing things ever and has allowed me endless opportunities to grow/stretch myself in ways that I never thought were possible. I never want to all the sudden have this disability conference die itself out of here and not exist anymore, which if you do ask me I would love to see continue to grow and flourish. I have so much complete and utter faith in all of the many people who have made it into what I know it can be down the road-- A program that is gonna change the lives of so many individuals with disabilities!!! #iLoveNINJAThatMuch

- All of us laughed our hearts out until they were tired!! It was truly such a delight to smile and make each other feel good even if it was from a computer screen. I loved being able to hear the giggles of everybody who was participating alongside with us and believe me-- there was never a dull moment during that entire Zoom Call. I am so grateful for the laughter we all shared together and I especially liked being able to get know everyone a little bit better, when I first asked them two questions about what is something that has happened this year and have you learned something new this year? (Like, maybe a talent or skill?) 

(To Be Continued)

Holiday Cheer

 

Final Month of 2020:

I have long awaited for this month to arrive and get 2020 out of here as far away as possible. It has been an absolute struggle for me to keep a smile on my face at times, whenever life has felt more than I could ever possibly handle-- I am very much determined to keep my focus on what lies ahead for me. It has been such an emotional roller coaster of a year for me and not to admit that it has left me being in tears, a lot more if you must know!!! I can only hope none of us have another 2020 again and years to come with activities, events to look forward without the worry about spreading a tiny germ. 

YLC Updates: (Secretary Edition)

I have absolutely loved being able to do this new leadership role!! It has really stretched me in ways that I never least expected it to and quite frankly-- I am hopeful things continue to be successful with not any chances of worrying too often. I absolutely have the best team of ladies that anyone like me-- could ever ask for in this world and they have strengthened me in ways I never thought were possible, but I am grateful for their patience, willingness to step up to the plate whenever it is needed, cheering me on when I feel like I am not doing nearly enough, etc. I am grateful for their friendships in my life more than I could never describe into words and knowing they are always there to lift me up or gently remind me who I really am inside, is such an absolute blessing. 

#LightTheWorldCampaign 

I am so grateful for this time of year and being able to share with others-- so many of the things that I know to be true in my life!! I have only completed one of these miniature tasks today and I am excited for the many more that follow behind. It has definitely been something I only did every once in awhile and didn't really think too much about it at the time, but I am humbled to try a little harder this year. It has so much more meaning to me than I think it ever has before and realizing I can make a difference, regardless of whatever it may be. I am very grateful for the peace of mind this will give me on a daily basis and feeling the much reassurance I have desperately needed throughout a year that has not been much of anything but a pleasant experience.