NYE Plans

LAST MONTH-----I was anxiously waiting for the adult session of our stake conference to begin and just mentioned to my mom that I wanted tickets to a BYU women's basketball game. It was so much fun to see them compete three times last year and obviously didn't want to miss another chance to watch them play a sport they are so passionate about. If you have known me my entire life, I am very much a true BYU sports fan all the way and always love getting an opportunity to cheer them on whenever I watch them on TV or just even LIVE in person. 

LONG STORY SHORT----I was surprised with tickets to a BYU women's basketball game that will be held on New Year's Eve and obviously I ended up squealing inside my head with excitement. I am very estatic to cheer on our team who will be playing against a really good opponent and keeping my fingers crossed that we can pull it off in the end. 

I am especially looking forward to another reunion with my good friend Kylie Webster who I have greatly missed seeing for the last little while. I cannot wait to see her smiling face and maybe we can do our best with getting a selfie together I can share on social media with her permission. I definitely want us to bond a little bit more with each other and have some good laughs together which is always a must for me when running into someone I know. 

I am not positively certain that I will have an opportunity to run into Paisley Harding who is one of the new assistant coaches for the team and maybe if we are lucky enough to see one another, the both of us can have a selfie together. I am definitely not sure what will the night has in store for me and I know it would make me smile extra BIG just getting to be in her presence again. I also want to let her know that her example of being a leader has meant everything to me and will do everything I can in aspiring to one day walk in her footsteps. I am grateful for the confidence boost that she gives me when I need it at any given moment and letting me know that no matter the circumstances life throws at you, you can make it through with faith in your heart to not ever give up on chasing your dreams until you get them. I am probably going to be the most excited person in the room and dancing in my seat the entire time but if you know me well enough than it will not be much of a surprise whatsoever!!! #ICYMI

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Special Time

 Do you have room? 

This beautiful time of the year leaves me in awe and gratitude for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. His role in my life has blessed me more times than I could ever put into words and feel so much love for him as we get into the holiday season. I have listened to this song on repeat several times throughout these last couple of weeks and I am so grateful for the message contained in the title... which if you ask me is truly something I need to think about more on a regular basis. 

Throughout the last couple of years, I have certainly needed to rely on the Savior so much more than I ever had to before and his love for me continues to bless me more than I probably deserve. He has given me comfort when I needed it most during the best and worst of times in my life, which I will admit is not something I am ever going to take for granted. I have definitely wanted to make room for him as I move toward a brand new leadership role that I know is going to impact my life for the better. I am grateful for the opportunity to lean more on him throughout this experience and recognizing his hand in all that I am setting myself out to do. 

As I look forward into the new year ahead, I sincerely hope with all of my heart to make room for the Savior in my life everyday and putting trust in him to assist me in everything that life hands me. I feel incredibly blessed to have the gospel in my life and no matter the circumstances I find myself in, there will always be someone with me to help me through it. 

"Do you have room for the Savior? And do you seek him anew?" Have you a place for the one who lived and died for you? Are you as humble as a shepherd boy or as wise as men of old? Would you have come that night? Would you have sought the light? Do you have room?"

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BYUWBB Game - Unforgettable Win!!!

I have been following the BYUWBB team on social media for awhile and always love seeing how their games turn out as their season moves forward. I am grateful for their dedication to the game that all of them love so much which if you ask me is nothing short of an understatement. I have loved getting to cheer them on from afar in the hopes of one day seeing them play in person before the season is over... which to me would be a dream come true!!! I loved watching their game today which at times was just slightly scary when I didn't know if it would head into overtime or come up short--but luckily with two seconds to spare one of the players made a basket and came out on top. I may know next to nothing in regards to the game of basketball---but I am excited to hopefully some time next year make it to at least one of their home games in person and cheer them on inside the Marriott Center!!! 

Christmas Story Express Night (SNAP Activity)

I am definitely looking forward to this unforgettable activity tomorrow night and ringing in the holiday season with my friends. We are certainly going to have the best time ever listening to Christmas stories and watching a little bit of the well known Christmas movie: "The Polar Express." I cannot wait to show up at SNAP tomorrow night wearing comfortable and cozy clothes while drinking delicious hot cocoa as we spend quality time with everyone who will be in attendance!!! I cannot wait to see what other surprises are in store for us throughout the night and maybe an unexpected guest will happen to show up as well---- I am not necessarily getting my hopes up about this at all but you get the idea here??? 

Adaptive Needs Institute Class (Two More Weeks)

LONG STORY SHORT----My institute teacher asked everyone about what we wanted to prior to heading into Christmas break and we all made the unanimous decision to continue on for another two weeks. I am grateful for this time of year to reflect more on our Savior, Jesus Christ and his life that he lived with a lot of love in his heart for everyone and his teachings about how we should live everyday has left a very deep impression on me. I am grateful for the example that he set for all of us to follow while on this earth and I look forward to the day when I can be reunited with him alongside my loved ones who have passed onto their next chapter in life. 

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Latest News

Fabulous Five (Christmas Party)

I am so excited to get quality time with my best friends this weekend & share a lot of laughs together, which if you know us pretty well--- there is never a quiet moment when we get ourselves crowded into one room!!! I cannot wait to keep celebrating the holiday season with them and have some unforgettable moments that will talked about for the rest of eternity. We are going to have scrumptious food and I am hoping we do not have too many sweet treats through the evening-- which if you ask me could either be positive or until one of us gets a tummy ache. #MoreAboutThisLater.

Last Week of School (Mini Update)

I returned back into the classroom in early September of this year and have enjoyed getting to help out the teacher in anyway that I can possible. I have definitely liked being around third graders and learning a lot from them once a week--which if you ask me is sometimes a mix of excitement along with not sure what there is I can bring to the table for them. However, I am grateful for this opportunity to do what I love so much and look forward to seeing what the new year has in store for me as I continue to learn new things every week. 

Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Christmas Concert (Friday Night)

It's definitely going to be an experience to remember and I cannot wait for the weekend to finally get itself here!! I know the spirit of this holiday season will be present in the conference center once again this year, which is going to remind me the importance of why we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and his perfect example that he set for us to follow. I do look forward to seeing at least some of the beautiful lights on Temple Square as well as the statues of the nativity that remind us what this time of year is very much focused on. #StayTunedForMore.

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Mini Stories

It's hard to believe that another uplifting and wonderful semester of Institute has come to an end so quickly. I have genuinely loved feeling the spirit every week in our classroom and learning about how simplistic the gospel of Jesus Christ is, which if you ask me is nothing short of an understatement. I am grateful for the many ways that I have been able to think a little deeper about my so called life and just simply remembering of what our purpose on this earth is. I am truly blessed to be a part of the one and only church on the earth today, which is lead by our prophets/apostles who help us in striving to be like our Savior, Jesus Christ on a consistent basis. I know after what my life has been through in the last few years--- I have never felt more closer to him than during this year alone, which if you must know is just comforting in more ways than I can even say. I am grateful for the many heroes in my life who continue inspiring me to see the light and good in this world, no matter what circumstances I may be up against in life that they will always be there for me. 

Holiday Break Plans

I am looking forward to quality time with friends and family as the holiday season approaches, but if you must know I will most definitely get as much out of this Christmas break as possible. I am grateful for all the many opportunities that I will have to give back to others and remembering the greatest gift that we've ever been given is of course that of our Savior. I cannot wait to take extra time to reflect on the blessings-- that I have had or experienced because of the One who paid the ultimate price for all of us to be here right now. 

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Mini Update

 LAST NIGHT---My family and I drove up to Salt Lake to Eccles theatre to attend a "Mat and Savanna Shaw" Christmas concert. It was the perfect way to lead into the holiday season with a message of hope about our Savior, Jesus Christ and remembering what he has done for us. I especially loved taking a little time away from being home and just getting into the spirit of what this holiday is about. I am grateful for the happiness and peace that comes from striving to be like our Savior, not only during Christmas time---but all year through. He is the greatest gift that any of us could ever want in this world & I know he's stuck with me through everything that life's had to offer. He has reminded me that I can do hard things and trust in him--no matter the circumstances I find myself in sometimes. He never fails to bring peace to my heart when I need it the most among so many other things along this mortal journey. It was heartwarming while at the Christmas concert to listen to songs about our Savior and not being centered on what gifts we'll have under our tree. He went about doing so much good for others & this holiday season I really hope to implement that in to my own life. I am grateful for his guidance and comfort in my life more than I can express. He continuously reminds me that I am not alone & even if I have made mistakes or done something I never should have-- He already took care of it. 

Some of my favorite songs I heard last night:

The First Noel

Breath Of Heaven

Piano Smash-Up (Believe from the Polar Express & Let It Go, from Frozen)

Where Are You Christmas? (From How The Grinch Stole Christmas)

Jingle Bells

Angels We Have Heard On High

I am incredibly grateful to celebrate the birth, life and example of my Savior Jesus Christ throughout this holiday season. He is the gift and nothing could ever replace what he did for me so many thousands of years ago--so that I could be here today. He showed compassion towards everyone whether they deserved it or not which to me, is something I want to share with people. I am so grateful to have the gospel in my life every day and being reminded of what I can do better in striving to follow the one who gave his life, so we could be here. I am grateful for his patience with me as I learn to navigate through difficulties that life may throw or want to help me understand. I am grateful for my testimony of him and want to do all I can to strengthen it so others will do the same. 

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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 January 2022 (Self Advocacy Session)

Two of my colleagues presented on a topic that I am very passionate about and hope to continue sharing with individuals in the disability community. I was very fortunate to have participated in their session--- not once but twice on the same day. It was incredible to learn from them about what it means to be a good self advocate and speaking up for ourselves--no matter what situation we are faced up against. I am truly grateful to not only work with them on a regular basis, but to call them my friends and people who I know will never stop trying to make a difference. 

February 2022 (Night To Shine)

It was truly one of the most unforgettable nights ever and loved getting to spend time with my friends. I am grateful to participate in an event where I can be reassured of God's love for people with disabilities-- all over the world. It was such an amazing night filled with smiles, laughter and memories that I know will be cherished forever. We danced the night away, received our prom queen tiaras and walked down stairs as we listened to our favorite songs, etc. 

March 2022 (Who is a woman in my life that I admire?)

LONG STORY SHORT---I mentioned one of my colleagues as someone who I admire and look up to so much more than I can put into words. They have welcomed me with open arms and given me reasons with never giving up on what is I can do. I am incredibly grateful for their example to me of what it truly means to be a self advocate, disability leader, mentor and friend towards others. I am grateful for their dedication to making the independent living community here in Utah--such a wonderful place and helping me realize what my true potential is to follow my dreams. 

April 2022 (Lessons Learned)

Minus all of the details I could share, this last year gave me opportunities to refocus on what I can do better and not worry so much about things. It does make me realize the potential I have to overcome anything that life throws at me and remembering to take care of myself when it is necessary. Sharing my time and talents with two governor appointed councils is truly an experience that I am so grateful for. It does feel a little overwhelming when there is so much to learn and take away from every virtual or in person meeting that I make an effort to attend. I legitimately know this is an important assignment for me to continue learning and understanding what it is I applied for. 

June 2022 (NINJA Conference)

This was my first time in over ten years that I could not participate like I used to. It was heartwarming to return back to what I dearly loved so much and not being as involved like I was before-- certainly if not more pulled at my heart strings. It was incredible to be reunited with great advocates who are going to change the world and make it an even better place. I am grateful for the memories this conference in particular gave me as I kept going back year after year. I will never forget the gratitude that I had in my heart as I look towards what my future holds and hoping for the best. 

August 2022 (Major Change)

LONG STORY SHORT--It was definitely one of the most bittersweet moments I ever experienced & one that I will keep close to my heart. I truly loved serving with my friends who wanted to share their input or advice in regards with making the lives of people with disabilities, a lot better. There were lots of tears rolling down my cheeks as I listened to the heartfelt words my friends were asked to share with me. I definitely was not prepared for this in any way and had to know there will be more opportunities- for me to keep growing as a self advocate. 

This year in 2022 has been at times an emotional rollercoaster of mixed feelings and changes I was not clearly prepared for. I have needed to come to terms with realizing that boundaries will keep my mental health in a good place and not leaving me off the deep end. It's also given me unforgettable experiences that I will cherish forever and can only hope more show up this next year in 2023. I continue to process almost everything with more tenderness than ever before and still have lot more to keep learning along this journey. 

(To Be Continued)

Memories

This year in 2021 has given me a fair share of unknown challenges and obstacles that nobody should ever have to go through in their lifetime. It has been an emotional rollercoaster with not knowing if I am doing the right things or just trying to make a complete fool of myself almost everyday if you can even believe it. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities to keep doing better and making sure that I can do only the best efforts I have to make a good impression on those I work with and will for the next couple of years of my life. #ToBeContinued 

Here are some of my favorite highlights and memories from this past year:

Being nominated/elected as the new chair person for my youth leadership committee has been nothing short of an incredible experience for me!!!! I have continued to learn so much in regards to what I can keep doing better to make sure I take care of myself and refocusing on myself a little more. I am truly lucky to have an amazing group of people that are cheering me on everyday and making sure that I'm getting judged for my performances. 

Participating in various disability conferences and committees throughout my time as I serve in the many leadership capacities that I have been able to either plan or give input on has been a delightful experience for me. I am grateful for the abilities that I do have to make these events successful and not something for people to forget in the years to come. I am grateful for the support system of people who are always there when I need someone to talk to about anything and not being afraid to take care of myself whenever it is possible for me to do that. 

Learning from the best of the best in our state on a regular basis has been a dream come true!!! I cannot express my gratitude nearly enough times for how much they have shown me what being a true leader is and not worrying about what mistakes I've made in the past or anything of that nature. It has been an incredible journey for me to learn and feel inspired by their words of motivation to know that I will not get anywhere in life unless I legitimately do something about it. 

Trying my hardest to maintain boundaries with people that I dearly look up to so much and hope I can be like when I grow up. They have strengthened me through their goodness of what is going to help me fulfill my dreams in life and making certain I have my voice heard when it is necessary. I am grateful to know that I can communicate with others in a very mature manner and not feel afraid to ask for help if I ever need it at any given moment. It has been one of the hardest things for me to learn this year as I just continuously struggle with the endless list of restrictions that life has never stopped giving me and I am definitely a better person than ever before. 

(End Of Part One) 

Mini Campaign

NINJA Fam,

1) I genuinely love how kind all of you are to not only me, but everyone else you have ever come into contact with in this world. You guys are so passionate about you do to making a difference within the disability community and seeing it as a place where we can feel included and not let anything tear all of us down. I also especially love the friendships we have with each other and have continued to maintain throughout these past ten years!!! #ItsTheNinjaLife 

What wise man or woman has blessed your life? Share with them your love and appreciation. (Today)

Too many names of people I could list on here, but I am grateful for everyone who has continued to stick me through my entire life and keep putting a smile on my face. I love you all so much and the bonds we've made with each other, I can only hope will last into the eternities. You all have embraced with me literally open arms even if there were times when I didn't necessarily deserve it and I cannot be more grateful for the impact you continue to all have on my life. 

Miniature Update: (Unforgettable Moment) 

I had one of the most heartfelt conversations over social media with my all time favorite human in the entire world!! It was such a heartwarming experience for me to share with them, simply how amazing they are to not only me, but to everyone within the disability community. I left them pretty much close to being speechless while I was telling this person how capable, diligent, self-less they are qualified to be doing what they are right now. I cannot tell you what an immense peaceful feeling that legitimately came over me in those moments as we kept chatting with each other. I genuinely love this angelic and self less person so much more than anything else in this universe!!! They have continued to amaze me in ways that I am certain will keep touching the lives of everyone around them. (To Be Continued)

Thankfulness

I'm thankful for the unconditional love and support that every person who has put up with me, over these past two years. I may not have deserved any of it after what we have experienced through the unknowns and not having any idea when life is going to return back to normal. I know I have struggled with so many things and I am thankful that I can always turn to you guys for whatever I need to help feeling better. I am thankful for their heartfelt advice they have given me and sometimes if I do not feel like it's not appreciated--I can tell you right now that there is not one single moment in my life when I am not contemplating on what it has done to strengthen me. I am thankful for the many laughs and unforgettable moments that we have shared together, which if you ask me is probably a lot more than one!!! I cannot thank them nearly enough for how they have made sure that I am doing okay and not feeling down all the time, whenever life has felt more unbearable than I would like it to be. 

I am thankful for all of the endless virtual meetings that we get to share and participate on together. It is obviously difficult to not spend time with one another in the same room and yet I know it is going to be something I will greatly miss so much. I am thankful for the discussions that we have to make this world an even better place than it has been over the course of time and recognizing our potential to achieve just about anything we set our minds to. We may have our struggles in life everyday and sometimes wish that things were a little bit easier for us, but I am thankful to know that I am not the only person who feels this way. 

I am thankful for your goodness and the lives you all continue to push through everyday. I know it has not been the happiest for any of us during these past two years and yet I am thankful to have an incredible set of friends who look after each other. I am thankful for your smiles and laughs that we have always shared over the past ten years, which if you ask me is nothing short of an understatement. I am thankful for those unforgettable memories that we have created either online or in person--which I can honestly admit have lifted my spirits whenever I need something to cheer me up. 

I have admitted this one too many times on here, but I am thankful for who you guys are in this world and continue to be for me everyday of my life. I am thankful for the passions you all have to show just about anybody in this world what you are capable of doing and not letting those obstacles stop you with achieving your dreams. I am thankful to call each one of you my friends and being able to feel accepted in a world that I know has made me a stronger person. Thank you so much for all that you have done to make me a better self advocate and disability leader in this world!! Love you all so much more than you could ever possibly know!!! 

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. 

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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. 

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)