Free Write (Continued)

Tribute - Six Years

When I originally posted about this multiple times before, I didn't necessarily think it would be shared in more than one post and yet here I am doing my best to not sound repetitive. I am grateful for my friend's life and the imprint he left on my heart during his short time on this earth, which if you ask me was more than I could have ever imagined. His unconditional love for people and remembering what is important in life has stuck with me long after he returned back to his heavenly home. 

Mini Concert - UVU Institute

I am grateful for the comfort and inspiration that music has brought into my life this last year. I know it has softened my heart during times when I needed it most and reminding me of who I am no matter how many mistakes I continuously learn from. I am especially grateful for the opportunity that I had to attend this mini concert inside of the gym at the UVU institute and feeling the spirit of my Savior, Jesus Christ-- come to me so strongly. It was such a beautiful concert that gave me peace of mind when I needed it most and helping me to remember who my Savior is on a regular basis. 

Answered Prayer

I genuinely have not been more thrilled for my favorite BYUWBB player to have the opportunity of a lifetime to work as one of the assistant coaches for the UVU women's basketball team. I had no clue or idea where they would end up a few years down the road, but I sincerely prayed they would be involved with basketball in some way or another if not at a high school-- it would most definitely be at the college level. I cannot even tell you how much excitement came through me as I immediately came across their newest story on IG and believe me, it certainly felt like an answered prayer in more ways than one. I am grateful for the example this individual has set for me and even though we have not had another chance-- with meeting each other again, I can only hope it will happen sooner rather than not at all. It has been such a delight for me to watch them grow into their element and knowing they have so much more to give other basketball players who are striving to be where they are one day!!! #SoExcited #Grateful #Blessed #Hugs

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Untitled Post

ONE WEEK AGO---I participated along with my twin sister and best friends in our seventh annual "Night To Shine" sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. It was truly an incredible experience for all of us to be treated like royalty and have a prom night we'll cherish forever. I am grateful to have been a part of it once again this year and getting to celebrate who I am with so many other individuals with disabilities--was incredible. 

I was able to connect with some other friends whose faces I'd not seen in nearly forever and it was special to be able to catch up for a little bit. I really loved being able to have an event to keep my mind off things that have been going on in my life recently and just getting reminded of how important I am in this world, touched my heart. All of us got checked into the event after 5pm and immediately were assigned buddies who would give us our corsages before heading off to make our entrance on the red carpet. 

Shortly after that, we entered into the event with a scrumptious dinner and a beautifully decorated space with all the sparkle you could ever imagine!!! We quietly sat down to have our meal and then quickly did as many of the activities we wanted to participate in which included: (Cartoon Drawings of us in less than four minutes, limo ride, dancing the night away, laughing till our hearts were tired, drank sparkling cider on the way home, stay hydrated with water, enjoyed some treats as well.) 

Everyone was crowned a king or queen of the prom which if you ask me, is truly the greatest part of the event prior to getting a heartfelt message from Tim Tebow and his lovely wife Demi. It was definitely an amazing experience to feel the love of my Savior, Jesus Christ and know that everyday of my life, that he does see me as a queen. I am grateful for his unconditional love to me during the past couple of days and throughout my life on a regular basis. He is the one who has given me so much peace when I have needed it the most and has never left me alone when I needed to communicate with them. I am so grateful for his example of what it means to follow him and be one of his disciples that wants to strive as hard as they can to love others like he does. 

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Free Write

May 2022 (Hilary Weeks Music)

I have obviously written up quite a bit on this artists music and it has kept me sane throughout times in my life when I didn't know what to do. It has given me opportunities to reflect and deeply think about what I'll need to do better as I look forward into this next year. I am grateful for the inspiration and peace music gives me whenever I need it to lift my spirits on a regular basis. It has definitely given me a lot of extra time to remember what I can do and not pretend like things in daily life are too hard which sometimes anxiety does for me. Here are some of my favorite songs from this artist: Be Where You Are, Brave, Soul On Fire, There Is One, That's Who I Am, Discovering Me, Past The Point, The Waiting Place, etc.

July 2022 (NACDD Conference - DC Trip)

Minus how crazy it was to get home from this trip, I was incredibly grateful to have participated with my colleagues in an event that I'd never heard of before. I am grateful for the opportunity that I had to see just a few of the sites that our nation's capital has to offer. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about specific topics such as: Disability Inclusion in Literature, What lessons we took away from the past two years. I'm grateful for the experiences and lessons I took from this more than anything. I am not sure what other new travel adventures I will get to have in the distant future, but I sure cannot wait to adapt and grow so much more as a person. 

September 2022 (USILC Meeting)

Regardless of the fact this meeting went by a lot faster than it would've gone if I had done it over a laptop computer at home. I really liked being with my colleagues in person and getting to learn from then which at times feels more intimidating than it should. I was really grateful for the opportunity to express my opinion and share what needs to happen within the disability community. It was probably more of a reminder to me about why I love what I do with good people, who genuinely care and want the disability community to be a safe place.

November 2022 (Council Training)

I genuinely tried my hardest to learn as much as I could & participate with everyone else in attendance, which if you ask me is another story. I am trying with all my heart to make sure as a council member--- they are maintaining boundaries on a consistent basis and trying to be a good example for those around them. It's been a little stressful for me at times to not wish things did not feel so overwhelming with all that I have to adapt myself into these roles. 

New Goals For 2023:

- Continue to take care of myself on a regular basis and maintain boundaries with people. 

- Learn as much as I can about disability related issues & avoid the ones that will set off triggers.

- Impact the lives of everyone around me and remembering to focus on what is at hand. 

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Mid Week Update

Nashville Trip (One Week)

I'm excited for the chance to be in a new state that I have wanted to visit and check out--which if you ask me is nothing short of an understatement. I am ready to get away for a couple of days and refocus on what can be done as I persevere through some hard stuff. I know it is gonna be an incredible experience for me and my family to spend time with each other, but also explore what the state of Tennessee has to offer. It's certainly gonna be awhile until I can get myself back into blogging once this trip is done. I am ready for a chance to take care of myself a little more and get some decent photos while my family is there visiting. I know it will end up going by too fast--but there is only so much more I am anxious to see in person while we are there!!!

Council Member Status (Unofficial Story)

LONG STORY SHORT---I have so much more to still learn and get used to... but I am grateful for new opportunities to grow and develop more of my talents. I am obviously trying to have a smooth transition as this continues to be an emotional chapter in my life, but I cannot simply give up to make myself feel better about things. When I am solely committed to anything, I'd never want to pretend like this isn't necessarily if not the biggest leap of faith I have ever taken in my lifetime, but is there not anything I am not capable with being able to do???

I am truly grateful for the chances I have to serve with so many people who love what they do and just want the best for me in my time on the council. I know this was not gonna be an easy transition for me to become used to as things in my life change and try to fall into their places, which I am not sure if it's what I really want or simply need. I cannot necessarily return back to those unforgettable youthful days of mine but I am determined to keep being a good example for others as much as I can be possible. I am obviously not sure what other adventures lie in my path between now and then--but if I do end up with a decision to be made I will let you know. 

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Conclusion

USILC,

I genuinely owe it all to you for helping me along on my self advocacy journey throughout these past ten years. I am so grateful to be a part of a council that pushes to make the lives of people with disabilities a reality and reminding us that it's just a different way of living. You will forever have a very special place in my heart and I hope to stick with you guys another ten more years!!! I am grateful for all the many memories that I have been able to make with you and being a youth participant, mentor for the NINJA Conference was nothing short of a dream come true!!! It is where my self advocacy journey ALL started was getting a piece of paper handed to me about a youth leadership retreat that was going to take place on the Utah State University campus and not knowing how much fun it would be, until after I got there. It was the start of a journey that would keep me going in the direction that I need to be in and no matter how much I never wanted to see my time with this retreat end, I knew my life was changed for good. 

It opened up so many doors for me to walk through and make some of the most amazing friendships with people who can relate to what it is like being different. I was able to learn so many things about being in the world of independent living and learning to get myself out there, when I clearly didn't know if I could even make it happen. I absolutely loved spending time away from home for a short period and having that student experience--which if you ask me was more than an incredible opportunity to do things on my own, without my family near. 

I am grateful for the endless support, unconditional love, motivation, encouragement that not only you have given me while serving in this organization-- but allowing me to do my best in anything I'm ever asked to tackle. I have truly given you everything in my heart to this organization throughout my time being a youth member and hope to see another ten more years down the road. I'm grateful for all of the lessons that I have had to learn throughout my time and even though it continues to be a struggle, I am genuinely blessed to have such an amazing group of people behind me to cheer me on and make sure I am never doubting myself. 

Thank you so much USILC for coming into my life a decade ago and pushing me through the hardest of times to reach my leadership goals. I love you so much and cannot wait to see what else the future holds in store for you over the next ten years that lie ahead!!! Thank you so much for being a part of my life-- in a way that I know is going to stick with me forever. 

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Free Write

TOMORROW NIGHT---My twin sister and I along with our best friends will meet up at our friend's house for an unforgettable evening filled with happiness!!! We are going to head off from there to have dinner at ZUPAS which if you ask me never disappoints for a scrumptious meal and then attending our favorite singer/performer David Archuleta's outdoor concert. Instead of me going into details about this, you might as well wait patiently for another blog post to show up!! :) 

Virtual Webinar (Mini Story)

One of the many things I liked about this event yesterday was getting to feel inspired by the stories that people I did know and did not share with the group. It was such an eye opening moment for me to hear about the experiences people are having due to the waiting list and needing to get qualifications for the services they need to be independent in our society. I am truly hoping stuff in our state will change over time and more stories can be shared-(things can begin to turn themselves around immediately.) This is going to take at least five years in the making to see this waiting list disappear and yet even if I do not know as much about it as I'd like to... it will come to an end. 

Letter To Myself (Unofficial Story)

By the time I've read through this, my time with the most amazing youth leadership committee will have to come to a bittersweet end. You are not necessarily going to stop those tears of happiness and gratitude from rolling down your cheeks as you prepare for the next stage in life. Three and a half years ago--- I'm sure you didn't realize just how much of an imprint this group of people would leave you on your heart. I know it is going to be an emotional time for you to look in to the faces of your friends and colleagues who have motivated, inspired, encouraged, believed in you to do hard things. You will make certain words of gratitude come from your mouth as the committee meeting comes to a end on whatever day that falls itself onto... You will have made a difference in the lives of everyone who had the chance of knowing what an amazingly genuine, unconditionally loving person you are!!! (Please stay tuned for an actual heartfelt post coming to you all at some point next summer.)

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. 

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!!! :) 

Exclusive Peek

Virtual Self Advocacy Conference (New Update)

THIS MORNING---I participated in my first ever meeting to help plan out a virtual disability conference and cannot wait to see everything unfold. I am grateful for this new opportunity of being able to learn and present messages of hope as well as realizing what their full potential in life is--(but knowing who I am as a self advocate, leader, mentor and friend there is only a lot more to learn.) Stay tuned for more updates & stories to come!!! 

New Leadership Role?! (NINJA Planning Committee) 

This is definitely one of the newest opportunities that has somehow come into my lap and talking stuff out with a friend was extremely helpful for me. I am definitely grateful for the many people who are going to assist and help make things for this virtual conference one to remember!!! I know there are so many other things for me to keep learning along this journey and not knowing if I am even the person to take the lead on stuff is obviously in the works. It is not necessarily an absolute significant commitment whatsoever---- but if you ask me, I can only hope for the best in the many adventures that are gonna take place. I am truly grateful for an opportunity to keep developing my skills as a leader and someone who is willing to take on whatever task is in front of them!!! 

Anxiety Status (Final Part)

Back when this health epidemic started-- I had little to no idea about the outcome it was gonna leave me in and quite frankly I am getting tired of all the endless restrictions/boundaries!!! I'm ready for a chance to keep moving forward in hopes to one day wrap my arms around friends who I have genuinely missed spending quality time with so much. I know there is such a long road for me to walk down and until the moment comes when I can finally take a sigh of relief-- I am not sure how things are gonna look. I can't wait for that announcement to be made when this craziness is behind us and we can all look towards the future!!! I genuinely continued to let this unpredictable time in my life take over the fact that I know my own control with anything is just gonna keep being worse unless I pause to focus on me for a little bit if not more than usual. This past year was not necessarily anything that I had pictured it to become (which knowing the person that I am right now is where I need to be.) It is certainly not what I had imagined to see myself going through and feeling like no matter the challenges in front of me, I can easily turn all of it around to see everything in a different perspective. 

Free Write

When I first applied to be on the (Youth Advisory Committee) three years ago--- I had little to no idea if there was anything for me to contribute let alone share with people. LONG STORY SHORT- I went thru an experience that never should have taken place and yet here I am still years later with the responsibility of being the newly elected secretary. It has been such an absolute delight for me to take notes and make sure everything is prepped beforehand as well as looks very professional--- (Which if you ask me is just one of those things that I can only hope to continue making a good impression with my fellow members) but you get the idea here?!?! I am grateful for the patience of my executive team who are the best people ever and continue to amaze me with their talents of seeing the best in me (no matter how much I feel as though my responsibilities are being underappreciated.) 

Bunny Sweater (Surprise!!)

It has been only four months into this new leadership role and still have so much more to learn from those who did this stuff long before I made the effort to step up my game. I am certainly grateful for the endless laughs and smiles we have shared with each other (which if you ask me is just nothing short of a dream-- come true!!! Not to mention our fabulous chair person is currently working on knitting our favorite bunny in the whole world a sweater!!! I could not be more than excited about it and seeing it on him is gonna be the most unforgettable moment ever, but who am I kidding here?!! I am certain it will look adorable once everything is finished up and ready to get sent off to him in a few days!!! (FYI: It was clearly my idea but my friend Lizzie gets all of the rest of it done, our main staff person is gonna hopefully send us off a photo of him with the sweater on!!! Crossing my fingers!!)

Next Surprise (Shhh)

I have mentioned this already in a previous blog post-- but I am hopeful it ends up being the most legit surprise ever!!! I am not gonna mention too much about how excited or thrilled I am about seeing that look on my friends face and knowing it was all gonna be completely worth waiting for. It is definitely not something I knew was gonna be hard to keep secret and yet I am determined to make this happen- no matter what happens along the way. It combines both of my favorite things in the whole world and don't mind me telling you it is gonna be the most legitimate surprise ever!! I have all planned out with sending off the next YLC Meeting agenda to my fellow members and then sending it to myself only to forward it onto our main staff person in charge to see their most genuine reaction!!! Stay tuned for the updates and stories to come!!! :)