Pretty Legit

Last Day Of Institute:

Earlier today---I attended my final institute class for the term and can't even believe how much I have tried my hardest to come to know my Savior, Jesus Christ. It has been such an incredible experience for me getting to have something to help me feel reassured about what I can do in this life, just a little better. I am truly grateful for the blessings that have come into my life, because of making institute one of my highest priorities and attending it two days a week over five years. It has given me a lot of good reasons to understand as a disciple of Him and jut simply knowing that he is there with me every single step of the journey is comforting. I have loved spending in person time with our many friends who have attended the class with me and my twin sister, they have inspired me to see the bigger picture no matter what obstacles are in my way.

Next Week Craziness: (Synopsis) 

It's going to be another one of those hectic weeks for me as I look forward to participating on a virtual self advocacy conference and getting as much out of it as I can. I am hoping to learn as many skills about this subject that I am genuinely passionate about more than words could ever do justice. I know my experiences in trying to speak up for what I want in life has not come as simple as it has for others, but I'm grateful for the people who continuously stick with me and help me to stretch myself in ways-- I didn't imagine were possible. 

I am excited to spend virtual time yet again with my friends and learning what they can do to become true self advocates in their community. I know it has been something I can only hope will turn out as smoothly as possible and take lots of accurate notes on each session that I'll participate on. I am truly grateful to have been a part of the planning committee for this event and giving my insights on all of those many different things we wanted to have take place. 

Unofficial News: (Mini Leadership Conferences)

I'm getting slightly anxious to see how this process will turn out and learning more information when it becomes available is gonna blow me away!!! I am so excited for this new leadership opportunity to not only have so much fun alongside the two ladies I'll be working with on this mini conference and seeing what best fits the needs of the youth in our area. Stay tuned for more details to come!!! :) 

Free Write

(Repetitive Story)

After an entire month of guilty feelings in my heart--- I made the effort to reach out and let one of my most favorite colleagues know how genuinely apologetic I was about mishandling the new format w/ emailing them from here on out. I ended up taking this pretty hard when things were normally going smoothly and then to get this harsh sense of reality didn't sit well. It was extremely difficult not ever realizing that trying to communicate in a way that I already had before and making the situation into whatever I made it look like was not professional. 

It has been a tough road for me to reach this point and not realize the marks I left behind were nothing more than imprints of unfathomable hurt. I know my life has been turned upside down with all of the endless circumstances that we are still stuck in and not sure if we will ever be out of the crisis woods which if you ask me is exactly where I don't want to see myself in anymore. 

Short & Sweet

Within a few moments--I received an email that could not have been more eloquently written and since I am not going into any details right now about this, it was definitely what I needed to be reminded of. It's been quite a long period of time from when I ever had someone tell me such realistic and heartfelt stuff from their heart. It was truly inspiring and a powerful message that I know needed to motivate me with looking towards the future. I'm not ever gonna not look back on this experience and not take away the lessons that I needed to learn from it will help me become the kind of advocate, leader, mentor that I want to be. 

Are we in the clear yet?!! 

No---We are not quite there yet in this worldwide health crisis and can only hope for the one day when things are over with. I have legitimately blogged a little too much about my battles with emotionally all the time butting heads in a way that never should have been done. It has given me a chance to share my perspective on something I didn't want to particularly share with other people, especially those who are reading through all of my endless blog posts. #StayTunedForTheConclusion

(End Of Part Three)

New Path

  Lesson I'm Grateful For: (Repetitive Story)

This last month I learned one of the absolute hardest lessons ever and didn't realize how much of an impact it would have on me to this day. I have definitely shed a lot of tears leading up to writing this lengthy blog post and not knowing if it was even a subject I wanted to refocus on. It has been a very emotional struggle for me to come to terms with knowing what is appropriate in handling problems, opposed to feeling like I'll never meet an individual's high pedestal of expectations. 

I've certainly not quite understood what personal growth I need to get from this experience and knowing my life has so much more to keep stretching itself into. I know it has felt at times for me especially not ever knowing if I am even the person qualified to serve on not one, but two governor appointed councils that have been around for quite a long period of time. I was only focusing on the one council that I just simply needed to take a leap of faith with and yet I am not certain if there is not other missing pieces of the puzzle that I need to find a spot for. 

Tough Boundaries?! (Part One)

These have been unfathomably difficult for me to understand what this really means and trying to not take offense to whenever someone tries to teach me a valuable lesson. I have stormed out of the room many times before not wanting to listen to what people have to tell me and not wanting to know much of anything else that they need to inform me about. 

Life has gotten more treacherous as I continue to pretend like what I've just mentioned is not bothering me or giving me a chance to persevere through the hard times. Believe me when I say that none of the lessons I have tried to take close to heart are not making me feel severely hurt inside. I deeply felt like no matter how many endless lists of mistakes I was gonna keep making in this world-- I was not even close to being sure if my places on those two councils would be taken away and given to another more qualified person??? I may not have expected all of the professionalism that I would need to have along with trying to make a good impression on so many remarkable people who I know have been in the IL world much longer than I ever have been in my lifetime. I am grateful for their patience with me as I've listened/observed/taken note on what other ways I can help to improve the lives of people like me, with trying to make their voices heard. 

Perfect Birthday

One of my favorite people is celebrating their birthday today and could not hesitate to think about a way that I could share my appreciation to them. I am so grateful to them for putting up with me like they have had to throughout their new leadership position and teaching me endless ways to keep improving. I know we have shared our difficulties with one another in the past--(which if you ask me we have had our fair share of moments with anxiety being out of hand as well as me not handling problems or misunderstandings as properly as I should be-due to the circumstances we have been in for the past thirteen months now. I know we will make it through anything that life throws at us on a regular basis with smiles on our faces and even if there are tears involved-- I know it is perfectly fine to express how I feel even if it does mean making a complete fool of myself.) Whatever that has to do with something in giving them their space and time to do what they need in order to keep their mental health in check or let alone just giving me a reason to laugh till it hurts!!! I also feel immensely grateful for their unconditional love and clearly reminding me of who I really am as a disability self advocate, mentor, leader and person in this crazy world. I am truly grateful for their patience with me in the new roles that I have signed up for and didn't realize what a struggle at times it would become for me. I am not sure where I'd be as a self advocate if it wasn't for them among so many other people. I am grateful for their passion into making what they're doing in the world of independent living such a meaningful and purposeful thing. They have never once stopped to amaze me with their remarkable talents of speaking on a webinar while back that had close to over two hundred self advocates with disabilities to inform them about ways we can get our message clearly across to people and being able to act on those times when we feel like something needs to be fixed or repaired to make our lives better. They did it so amazingly well with so much confidence, poise, articulate with their words of speech, visually showing us ways we need to speak up without just easily assuming things will take care of themselves. I was very moved with their message of hope and giving individuals with disabilities a voice to be heard--I'm grateful to them for all that they do in more ways than any words in a blog post could do justice!!! They did such a phenomenal job getting their message across to everybody who participated on the event with us and I was very impressed by how well they carried who they are as a self advocate in the disability community. It touches my heart to know that I have such an amazing role model to look up to and admire, regardless of how many endless mistakes I keep making along this journey. 

It's been such an absolute dream come true, getting to work closely alongside this person and even though I have a lot more to still learn in the world of independent living-- I am grateful to be able to do it with an individual who loves what they do. I have continued to sit in amazement over how much they know about striving to be the best version of not anyone else but themselves and educating others with disabilities to do the same. I never genuinely realized how much their #MentalHealthMondays every week would motivate me to want to do the same for not only their peers--but for themselves too. I have really liked getting to share uplifting and heartfelt thoughts on how I'd like to handle my mental health a little bit better than I used to before. It has given me a sense of hope to see the brighter side of everything life throws at me and knowing that we all make mistakes as well need to learn from them. If I don't admit this nearly enough--I am grateful for their professionalism in spite of how much they have on their plate and I know they can do hard things as long as they can trust the process. It is going to be difficult at times sure, but not anything they cannot handle without a smile on their face. I am so amazingly proud of them for enduring through these unprecedented times with a perspective on life, that I sometimes wish I could have for myself. I am grateful for their perseverance and willingness to do whatever it takes to make sure me, along with my NINJA friends are being advocated for in a very professional manner even if it is not always the easiest thing to do. 

Wishing you all the best today Ty and in the years to come!!! Thank you so much for being an example of staying positive through any situation life hands you and leaving an imprint on the hearts of people you're working with in this new leadership role. Thanks so much for inspiring me and my friends to live their best life as much as possible!!! 

Thirty Words That Best Describe Tylee:

30. Passionate

29. Dynamic

28. Cheerful

27. Articulate

26. Generous

25. Friendly

24. Hard Working

23. Selfless

22. Kind-Hearted

21. Optimistic

20. Legitimate

19. Marvelous

18. Extraordinary

17. Talented

16. Energetic

15. Unique

14.  Joyful

13. Brave

12. Incredible

11. Well Respected

10. Reliable

9. Creative

8. Determined

7. Sporty Chic

6. Athletic 

5. Motivated

4. Helpful

3. Spunky

2. Youthful

1. Bunny Loving

Pure Craziness

In the next several weeks, I'll tag team with my brand new youth coordinator at my independent living center to teach about the importance of Zoom Meeting etiquette and boundaries. It's been such a great experience for me to share insight and thoughts into how we can engage the youth in our group about knowing what is appropriate to do throughout virtual activities/classes. I am grateful for this incredible opportunity of being able to educate my own peers on the basics of using virtual platforms these days in this day and age. I am in the early stages of making a miniature PowerPoint presentation to cover each of the areas that we will be teaching on this various subject and hoping to make a good impression on every person who will be participating with us. 

Care Package (Virtual Self Advocacy Conference)

This package arrived on my porch earlier today and could not be more than excited to see how everything is going to come together. I am grateful for the incredible opportunity that I've had of being a part of such an amazing conference planning committee with terrific people who are passionate about what they do. I am grateful for the endless hours of extra time and hard work it has taken to put this virtual conference in place as well as trying to see the ways self advocates can leave an impact on the world. Inside of the care package included:

Mini Helicopter

Stress Ball

Composition Notebook/Pen

Tote Bag with the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council Logo

Pop Socket/Schedule Of Events/Agenda/Conference Speaker Bios

Utah Developmental Disabilities Council Note Pad 

Unofficial Stories: (Lesson Learned Yet?)

LAST MONTH--- I went through an experience of perceiving information not given to me by someone that I genuinely look up to so much as an advocate, leader, mentor in the disability community. To make this long story short-- I ended up making the worst mistake of my life into blowing the entire situation-- all out of proportion. I know it was not the best solution to my problems in the moment and having very clear understanding of how I need to handle things from here on out-- I have probably made the persons new job in the world of Independent Living slightly harder than it should be. 

I legitimately need to be extra careful in how my emotions intervene with anxious feelings that I have experienced in the last year due to the ongoing health epidemic. Life has never been more isolated as well as excluded than what I had anticipated it to do-- which if I must admit has not made anything in this world much easier for me. I know there is only so much more left in me to keep learning alongside the best people who clearly know more about the Independent Living world than I do right now. I could not be more than lucky to know there are amazing people who want me to do the best I can possible and not worry about if I have nothing much to share during our every two month online meetings. 

Crunch Time

 Virtual Self Advocacy Conference (Two Weeks)

I'm probably a little anxious for this conference to take place in two weeks and cannot wait to hopefully keep learning about how to become a good self advocate in the disability community. I also have some other responsibilities that I have mentioned on here before and look forward to sharing more of what I know will help people want to make a difference in their neighborhood. We also have some amazingly legitimate guest speakers who will be joining us as well and educating self advocates on the conference, about ways they can speak up for what they need in this world. 

I really do hope things with this conference are going to run smoothly and people can get as much out of it as they can possible. I know it has helped me so much getting to really pay attention to what is being said-- not just because I think it would benefit me down the road, but something to look back on so I can learn what other solutions are out there. Being a part of the many committees that I am giving my time to help out on with this has been a dream come true!!! I may not know as much as I'd like to, but there is only so much left in me to keep learning from throughout this new journey. Only time will tell between now and this next week of how things are going to unfold... Please stay tuned!!

Shout Out

Tylee,

Happy Birthday!! Thank you so much for being who you are in this world and continue to do for the IL World. I am grateful for your example of persevering through the hard times in life and never caring of what others may think about you. You have never ceased to amaze me with the ability to see the good in every situation life hands in your lap and even though we've had our difficulties--it brings me comfort to know there is someone who believes in me to recognize what potential I have. Thank you so much for all the times you have continuously put up with me and given me advice in how I need to move forward with whatever happens next in my life. Hope you have the most amazingly legitimate and wonderful birthday celebrating you!!! #April25th #PerfectBirthday 

Self Advocacy Journey (Mini Version)

My unforgettable and treacherous journey of making it onto two governor appointed councils was quite a process for me that I didn't necessarily anticipate whatsoever. It took me awhile to even reach the spot of where I am right now and not knowing if I wanted to be a part of two separate councils with some of the absolute best of the best people ever... kind of made me feel slightly intimidated. I didn't even know if someone like myself qualified to participate on something where I would have to meet fairly if not ya know a high pedestal of expectations. I'm certainly not gonna make a complete fool of myself here at all and yet I cannot imagine the process it took me to reach this point--which if you ask me was at times an absolute rollercoaster of mixed emotions with anxiety not making stuff any much easier. I truly hope so much that I can leave a very deep imprint of the hearts of people I will come in association with over the course of my terms of service. It has been a very good experience for me to learn some of the many lessons that come along with being on these councils and getting an inside scoop of how much passion, dedicated time, energy, long hours of sitting through endless online meetings, among lots of other stuff- so many of those remarkable people do on a consistent basis. I am grateful for not only what they do on an annual basis with their jobs in these governor appointed councils--but for who they are in my life not to mention in the lives of so many self advocates with disabilities. I am grateful for their patience and if not more importantly one of them for genuinely putting up with me, despite all of the struggles I've had in the last year due to the health epidemic and not knowing where I want to be at in my life yet. 

Untitled Post

 Scooter,

I am truly grateful for your legacy of unconditional love and the kindness you showed me throughout your fourteen and a half years of life is something I hold close to my heart. You never failed to put a smile onto my face whenever I needed it at any given moment and reminding me of what it means to accept people for who they are. It's difficult for me to wrap my head around the idea of knowing you left this world six years ago yesterday and never knowing when I will see you again crushed me in a million pieces. I'm so grateful for the knowledge that I have of this restored gospel of Jesus Christ and knowing when we hug each other in heaven-- I know everything on earth happened for a specific reason. I am grateful for your snuggles that you and I shared with each other on the couch every once in awhile, but also knowing that you were always there to greet me after I would walk into the door from being somewhere. You are truly one of the best little dogs ever and I cannot wait for the day to see you again!!! 

Virtual Preview

This disability conference takes place in three weeks and can't even believe how quickly time has flown by. I am grateful for the opportunity of learning more about the heartfelt topic of self advocacy on various levels in the disability community-- which if you ask me is something I am very passionate about. It is an absolute wonderful experience to wait and see how this conference turns out-- I really hope everyone who is participating on the conference itself will learn so much about how to better advocate for themselves in the community. I am thrilled to be doing a mini activity session with a friend of mine about the purposes with volunteering and giving of your time to make a difference (as well as being a part of something that can be so much bigger than yourself.) 

There will be at least from what I've heard is a solid number of people who will be on with us and since I am going to be out of town for the event itself-- I am still going to make an effort and listen in on how all of the things we planned will unfold. I am excited to learn from the many speakers we have reached out to in sharing their messages about easier ways to improve on our self advocacy skills and learning some new ways to make an impact in the disability world. 

I am grateful for the many people who have supported me through so much and continue making an impact in the lives of young adults with disabilities everyday. I know my life would not be clearly as much as it is without such amazing individuals that are so remarkable at what they do and I am truly blessed to work alongside the best of the best!!! This self advocacy conference itself will most if not definitely be one for the record books and cannot wait to see it all unfold in front of my eyes through my computer screen. Please stay tuned for more updates and stories to come down the road!!! :) 

Ninja Surprise

I was elected as the new secretary of my Youth Leadership Committee, I create the meeting agendas for our meetings every other month. I have picked out adorable images to use in making the stuff we discuss look a little bit more fun and less boring if you know what I mean?! I'd kept this legitimate secret from a friend of mine for some time and indicated I would not send them off the agenda until ten minutes before our meeting started. I was nervous about whether or not it would come off a little strange or awkward in some way...but I knew in my heart it was going to bring the warmest smile to their face!!! Leading up to the meeting earlier today, I didn't know if it was right of me to keep this a secret for as long as I did--but somehow it was the only chance for me to get the opportunity of surprising them.


I immediately sent off the agenda for our YLC Meeting and mentioned to this individual--they were not allowed to open up the email until I had shown up on the Zoom Call itself. Within about five minutes-- I was on the Zoom Call and instantly heard them say this: "I love it!!!" I had not even seen their face quite yet until seconds the both of us were able to share that moment together--which if you ask me was more than a dream come true!! It was such a heartwarming moment for me to spend a little extra virtual time with them and once more people joined the meeting itself-(I'll get back to that in a second.) My colleague mentioned to me a very specific kind of bunny that they have in their home and I believe it was called a Holland Lop.

They mentioned how they are pretty chill bunnies and will I guess occasionally chew on things, if I can even recall their exact words--but I will make certain to double check with them soon. (Back to what I'd tried getting across before earlier in this blog post--- It was such a heartfelt moment for me and my colleague, whose name I will not mention right now out of respect for them--but I just genuinely loved the expression that I saw come across their face with almost tearing up!! I didn't necessarily expect to see that from them with an absolute unexpected surprise like this one, but I felt like it was the perfect moment for me to give them some extra unconditional love. More about this later... (Stay tuned for the final part of this post coming your way tomorrow at some point!!!) 

Weekend Vibes

 LAST FRIDAY--- My twin sister and I watched a livestream Easter special with our favorite singer David Archuleta on a website called Stage It. I definitely loved being able to take a break from the craziness and noise in the world, to just feel uplifted about what the message of Easter really is. I loved every minute of being able to watch him sing from the heart and share his experiences about how he wants to be closer to God in his life everyday. I am grateful for the power that music can have in our lives and especially when the focus is on being closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know he has guided and directed my life in those directions it needs to be headed towards, whether it is what I need at the time or not. I am truly blessed for having the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life everyday and reminding me of what I can do to improve with areas of my life that I can strive in focusing more on Him. 

General Conference (Short Version)

This was very much needed escape for me to feel the spirit of my Heavenly Father and learning about how to increase my faith in ways I never considered before. I always love being able to learn from our church leaders every six months about putting the Savior in my life before anything else and knowing that I can always put in an extra effort to do better. It is definitely heartwarming to be reminded about what's truly important once in awhile and recognizing where we can make improvements...because we all have our own shortcomings in life, but through the help of our Savior we can persevere through anything. 

Other Highlights:

- I was very much inspired by the messages we heard this weekend and knowing there is always a better way to solving personal life struggles than just easily assuming we can handle it by ourselves. I was just blown away with the announcement of twenty new temples to be built throughout the world and seeing the lord hastening his work is remarkable!!!