Free Write

What is one challenge that you are most grateful for?

Despite how unfathomable and hard this past year alone has been for me, I know it is going to continue to help me learn and grow into the person I need to become. I may not appreciate the struggles that have just come along with 2020 by any means whatsoever and it has given me a lot of extra time to know who I am just a little bit more than usual. I am hopeful that everything can settle down with not only my emotions-- but realizing that it is just simply a part of my life and something I know will be handled over time. It has not been the most ideal of experiences for any of us this year, but we have made it this far into it and I am not planning on giving up any time soon!!! 

What are some things that make you happy in life??

My NINJA friends who make me not only laugh until it hurts---but are such amazing people who I know are going to accomplish so many incredible things in their future. I am so grateful for the legit happiness that we share with each other 

Music has definitely been such an escape for me this year and listening to the messages behind it-- has really helped me to see the clarity that I need in my life. I am grateful for the peace it brings to my heart and knowing that I am not alone, especially during a health epidemic in 2020.

Being a part of two disability councils this year is something I am truly grateful to participate on and it will be a learning experience nonetheless, but I know it will help me to become the person I need to be down the road. I am grateful for the wonderful people who support and guide me along this journey & hoping that I can leave an impact on the world in some way. 

I am truly grateful for my position as the YLC Secretary and getting to keep track of things that need to be taken care of. I know there are only so many more lessons to learn and experiences to teach me what I can do not only just better but also more efficiently. It has only lasted for a short period of time, but it is great that I can volunteer my time to make things run smoothly and be an example to those all of my friends who are involved. 

Untitled Post

 "Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved."

This year alone has been quite a journey to experience for all of us and in ways that we didn't ever think possible. I know it is not clearly up to me when things settle down for good by any means--but I am truly grateful to have so many people that want me to be happy. It has not turned out to be the kind of year any one wanted to see in 2020, but I do have to believe there could be something to learn from this. I am not particularly certain about what kind of lesson I need to apply in my life at the moment, but I do know it's gonna strengthen me in the long run. 

What is one story or book that you are most thankful for?

I am thankful for the story of Cinderella and her perseverance through struggles that I may never have to experience myself, but knowing that she was able to remain strong never ceases to amaze me. I would've most likely crumbled down to the ground with tears in my eyes and not knowing if I'd ever be able to just escape from the situation I would have been faced up against. I know it takes a lot of courage to stand up for what you know is important to you, regardless of anyone else thinks and remembering what a little bit of advocacy can do to make your life better.

True Words

 

I legitimately wish that we had some pixie dust to magically take this pandemic away and we could return back to normalcy. I have really struggled endless times with my anxiety of feeling upset and quite easily irritated by the littlest comments that were given to me from other people. To make this entire blog post fairly short-- I know there is so much more for me to take time being focused on myself and what I need to do in order to feel like my normal self again. It hasn't necessarily been a simple process for me to learn and at times come to understand as to why I feel like my anxiety is never gonna return back to how it used to be long after this year is behind us!!! I have definitely gotten some tough love from a friend who I knew meant well when they mentioned to me something that I didn't need to hear-- but also had to realize that it was only said to me so I could be a little extra patient with this individual. It has given me some extra faith to exercise a little bit more throughout the remainder of this year and knowing that I'm not the one & only person whose been struggling with so much. I am confident there is a light at the end of this tunnel, but if you ask me-- I am not even close to being sure of when that moment is ever gonna come up. 

Next Step:

I have been video chatting with a friend of mine and it has given me so much peace in my heart. It was such an amazing experience for me to know that someone loves and wants me to feel like a very legit-- important person in this world. They talked with me about things that make me happy and let me tell ya that list quite a lengthy one, but it did make me feel as though I was being valued instead of somehow misunderstood. I am grateful for their patience with me and listening whenever I need someone to talk to about anything that is on my mind--but also giving me a chance to express who I am inside and out without being critical or judge mental in anyway. 

New Horizons

Waiting in the Stars - David Archuleta 

My best friend Randi Mecham introduced this song to me earlier today and I am completely obsessed with it more than I can even admit. It has given me a chance to rejuvenate myself with a more positive energy-- let alone a message of hope to be reminded about everyday. I am grateful for the music this Utah artist has shared with the world and especially since all of our lives have been turned upside down-- I know there is a new chapter waiting to be opened up. 

She is truly one of the most genuine and self less people I know in this world. She never fails to amaze me with her unconditional love and caring support, during this year in 2020--especially has been such a difficult experience for me. But she has reminded me about the simplicity of life and not ever trying to lose sight of what is most important in this world--(Keeping a positive attitude and smiling through any of the trials that life throws at you.) I am grateful for her willingness to share quotes of inspiration and letting me know that I will get through this experience with a smile on my face. I am truly blessed with an amazing group of friends who even when times get hard--We are there for each other no matter what the situation may be. I am grateful for the incredible support my NINJA friends have given me through out this year alone and reminding me of what I can do!!! 

Member Orientation (Tomorrow Afternoon)

TOMORROW--- I will be participating on a call with some of the newest members who made it onto the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. I am excited to be asking many important questions about my leadership role in this new capacity and realizing what my duties are gonna be leading up to events- or let alone to disability conferences that will hopefully take place in the distant future!!! It is definitely gonna be a new experience for me to learn some new skills about becoming a good self advocate along with being a citizen member on this council. 

Celebrations

 

Active Re-Entry (Halloween Treat Bag)

This IL Center reached out to me several back about participating on their Zoom activities and for me at the time, to even think it was something I wanted to do made me feel a little nervous. I was not necessarily sure about whether or not I felt like I was intruding on their activities and getting in the way of what they were putting in a lot of effort into planning. I'm gonna be participating this next week for their Halloween Movie Day and I am curious to know what movie we will be watching to get all of us into the Halloween spirit before we actually celebrate the holiday--but also hope that everybody will have a great time too!! 

Ability First Utah (Halloween Party)

Until I have a costume picked out for this in person activity-- I will most definitely have pictures taken to share on my Instagram account. I do know that there will be various activities going on as well like- a photo booth, costume contest, trunk or treat among other things, but at the same time-- I am not sure about whether or not we will be able to make it. I can only hope our plans will work out smoothly and have the most unforgettable time ever...(especially since this will be the first in person activity that has taken place since life was turned upside down.) 

Weekly Update

 

One of the many things that have sustained me through this pandemic, has been the consistent support and unconditional love from my friends as well as many others. I have legitimately taken all of this ridiculous COVID business pretty hard ever since late April and quite frankly it is not getting any much easier if ya ask me-- I have quite a long ways to go before I return as my old self again. I have cried nearly not quite enough tears for anyone to not visibly see without knowing the obvious reason behind my upset face and not having any questions in mind. 

Extra Support

One of my many NINJA friends needs a little extra help during this uncertain time in life and I'll most definitely do whatever I can possible to help them feel better. I could definitely use someone to talk to about things that are slightly more difficult than most people would think and otherwise-- it is obvious that my life is never gonna be the same. I do know that with reaching out to friends and asking for the advice you need to make it through any kind of situation--is certainly better than keeping it all to your self. I have definitely found myself reaching out to my NINJA friends through this period of life and wanting to just simply let them know I am doing alright--regardless of the circumstances that each of one of us are currently faced up against. 

Official Member

#CouncilNewbie20

Earlier today I received my official appointed letter and certificate with being appointed as one of the newest members of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. It is definitely quite surreal for me to even think about those upcoming adventures with such incredible people who I know are going to assist me along this new journey. This is certainly something that I had really wanted to see happen as the next chapter of my life and now it has come true!!! 

My official duties have not been anything too much as of late---but I do know there will be lots of growth in myself to take away from this experience and cannot wait to share them with my new friends. I'm truly honored with the opportunity of being able to expand my platform on self advocacy and giving insight on what I personally think needs to be done for the state of Utah. 

Youth Member (USILC Membership)

This is not necessarily been made official yet and cannot wait for it to be a new part of my life!! I know it will be a completely new experience for me as one of the many members--but I am grateful for a chance to let people know what it is I am capable of doing. I know my life has gone through endless coasters of highs and lows along the way--but it will not stop me from getting a point across to people about every obstacle that has gotten me to where I am today. I am excited for the opportunity of being surrounded with some of the best people ever and learning from them about what I can do better is just gonna be nothing short of an absolute wonderful experience for me!! I cannot wait to get acquainted w/ all of the amazing people who have been working tirelessly to make young adults with disabilities lives a reality.