Criticism

I admit, that though I may take it gracefully on the outside, inside my head I am less than thrilled to be criticized. Yet, I know that there is a reason for it, and it will push me to work harder and be better. It will force me to explore and to go to places and limits I had not yet attempted.

I am grateful for all the advice and criticism you can throw my way.

Safe Space

Unrestricted conversation in an open and safe environment is a blessing that so few get to experience. Even on this campus (perhaps, especially on this campus) it is rare. I am blessed to be able to be in an environment that is so accepting of all variations of love and all people.

You are beautiful, incredible, perfectly made, passionate people and I am blessed to know you.

All Those Birthday Wishes

Nothing can make you feel loved and appreciated like having a facebook account on your birthday. I am genuinely grateful for each and every wall post, text message, e-mail, phone call, and greeting I received today. All of you are cherished parts of my life.

Thank you for being on this crazy journey with me.

Working Ahead

I almost never get a chance to work ahead on things. It's nice to know I can relax a little during this special and eventful week.

Thanks, ice storm, for giving me a needed day off.

Smooth Meetings

Short, sweet, to the point. That's how all meeting should be.

Thanks.

Spring Cleaning

It feels nice to have a clean living space.

Thanks.

NME

New Member Education is a difficult, but essential part of sorority life. Each year during NME my love of the sorority is reignited. As we get to know our new girls and teach them all the important things that Dorian stands for, it's impossible not to think about all of the joy it has brought to my life over the last 4 years. It has forced me to grow into the person I am today and I would not be nearly as strong without it. When I think back to what I was like during my freshman year, I can see significant growth in myself. So much of that growth is because of my sorority and I can't wait for our 22 new girls to have these same experiences over their next few years at Hope.

Thanks.

When George Comes Home

He may be dumb and run away, but that crazy cat always comes home and I'm always grateful when he does.

Thanks, George.

Girls Inc.

This internship has opened my eyes and heart to passions I didn't know I had. Their motto of "Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold" has become ingrained in who I am and what I want to do with my future. I have learned so much and am continuing to learn new things each day.

Thank you.

Detours

Things don't always go as planned, but you will always reach the necessary destination, and for that I am extremely thankful.

Full Body Massage

Thanks for the wonderful gift, mom.

=)

Reassurance

It's hard to know for sure as a student if you're making the right choices for your future. But this weekend I was reassured that everything I am reaching for is exactly what I'm meant to be reaching for. I am skilled, I am ready, I am blessed with a gift.

Thanks.

Silliness

It's nice to just let loose and have some fun, especially after a stressful week.

Smooth Drives Home

No flat tires, no alternators going out, no minor wrecks, no snow drifted roads, no gas leaks on the highway.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

Anticipating a Break

I love the countdown to a break. Heavy loads feel lighter when you know you'll be resting the next day.

Thanks.

Fans

It's encouraging to look up in the crowd and see faces of people you know are there just for you and to hear them yelling your name.

Thanks, fans.

Things Working Out

Things have to work out. There is no other option. They may fall apart first, but they will work out in the end. Always.

Thanks.

Falling Behind

Falling behind on certain work is just a reminder that maybe there are other things that are more important at that time. Do the things that matter first, the things that help others and reach beyond yourself, everything else will get done when it can.

Thanks for the reminder.

The Superbowl

Though I've never really been a football fan, I do enjoy how the Superbowl brings our entire country together on that one Sunday night each year. I'm fascinated by all of the lights and glamour that goes into this sporting event and the way it makes every apathetic fan into a die hard one. And the commercials are pretty fun too.

Thanks.

Rest

For both your physical and mental health, rest is important. It is a rare and treasured thing these days.

Thanks.

Work Ethic

I am always glad to do work. Even if the work is tedious or boring, I enjoy staying busy and getting things done. I am grateful for this work ethic as I am about to graduate college and will be faced with finding a real job soon.

Thanks.

House Bonding

Nothing like hours of shoveling snow to bring you closer together.

Thanks.

Multi-tasking

I've been in such a state of go go go for the past few weeks, that I've forgotten how to do less than 2 things at a time. Even on my "down time," if I dare call it that, I've learned to balance several things at once. I like to think it makes me more efficient. But even if it doesn't, I'm grateful for all the things on my plate right now that keep me constantly juggling.

Thanks.

Today's March

Today a large group of students of all races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations gathered together on campus to show our support for each other. Chanting "we are one," we made it known that we will not stand for discrimination against our peers, friends, and classmates. We are all one people in God's eyes, and we demand to be treated as such in the eyes of our administration, with policies in place that support this ideal.

Thank you.

We are one and we are ready.

Being Thanked

I try to spend as much time as possible in thanksgiving for the people and things around me that fill my life with blessings. It is nice to be thanked in return, especially for this.

Thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me to finally hear those words.

Saying What You've Needed to Say

It's a relief to finally ask the questions I've had for these couple of years and to get things off my chest. This is the end of a very long healing process. The wounds are closing for good now.

Thank you so much.

80's Workouts

Was there a time in fashion and fitness more ridiculous than the 80's?

Thanks for all the good laughs.

Meaningful Discussions

I am so grateful to have friends in my life with whom I can discuss real, deep, and important topics, even if we don't always agree.

Thanks.