Oh the woe of first day introductions. How I despise them. I always wonder what to say that's different from the next person. "Hi, I am Brianna and I like warm hugs!" No, no, no (no offense Olaf). How about, "I have a freckle in my left eye"? No, then everyone asks to see it and that just gets awkward with people’s faces inches from my nose. Hmmm... I can speak Arabic, if it counts to be able to say a paragraph or two. But then people ask me to say something, and it’s hard to keep a language up when you don't use it on a regular basis. Maybe I can stick with how I know Spanish, just like half of the students at BYU. How very original. Or from now on, maybe I will just skip the first day and avoid it altogether! 😉
So if you couldn't tell, this post is a humorous view on the woes of the first week of school. We gotta keep things lighthearted sometimes, because the truth is, the first week of school is really hard for some people. Just going to school and keeping up your grades is hard enough, but throw in the first week with new wards, roommates, classes, and finding a new groove with life and your friends can prove challenging and exhausting to even the most experienced student. Here are some thoughts I have had this week for all of you who are heading back and needing some encouragement.
Life is tough, it has ups and downs, and it's hard when you try to go it alone. Read that again... Did you catch my drift? "Go it alone." It's not meant to be lived alone. We are meant to have loving relationships and connect with people on deeper levels than just the brief "how's it going?" that we so often offer, without stopping to actually listen. Do we ever stop to talk to others? Really talk to them? Or are we just rushing from one to-do list item to another, never stopping to breathe or look at the sky or take in the fresh air?
Can I challenge you to offer more to others this week? Really see people and talk to them. Try to spend a few minutes in nature, just appreciating the beauty of this world we have been given to live in. You might be surprised by what you learn about yourself and others. Even if it's just sitting down with a friend you haven't seen in a while--it can make a big difference! I named my blog "By Small and Simple Things" for a reason. I can promise you that by small and simple things, great things are brought to pass (Alma 37:6).
I would also challenge you to do something to be closer to the Savior these next few weeks, because our relationship with Him is what is most important. In my Compassionate Living class, we talked about what it means to balance love for yourself, others, and for God. It's hard to find that balance sometimes, and if you're struggling, take heart, because you're in the boat with the best of us.
Here's the conclusion I've drawn (and you can disagree if you want, I won't tell). 😉 I believe that as we take the time to care for ourselves first, we are better able to love and serve others. For me, that means getting adequate rest, taking alone time to ponder and think about life and the gospel, and eating a balanced diet coupled with exercise. For you, it might be waking up early to read your scriptures first thing in the morning, or going for a brisk walk in the fresh air. It might be spending the day shopping, or devouring a good book, or just being with family or friends. Whatever it is, make time for it! We need time with others, time with God, and time for just ourselves to find that happy medium in life. That's what this week has taught me.
So I hope your week thus far has been good, whoever you are out there reading this. :) If it's been hard, take heart. Know you are loved beyond measure and that things have a way of working out. President Hinckley said that, and I can testify it is true. You are loved, you matter, and it will all be worth it. Hang in there.
So if you couldn't tell, this post is a humorous view on the woes of the first week of school. We gotta keep things lighthearted sometimes, because the truth is, the first week of school is really hard for some people. Just going to school and keeping up your grades is hard enough, but throw in the first week with new wards, roommates, classes, and finding a new groove with life and your friends can prove challenging and exhausting to even the most experienced student. Here are some thoughts I have had this week for all of you who are heading back and needing some encouragement.
Life is tough, it has ups and downs, and it's hard when you try to go it alone. Read that again... Did you catch my drift? "Go it alone." It's not meant to be lived alone. We are meant to have loving relationships and connect with people on deeper levels than just the brief "how's it going?" that we so often offer, without stopping to actually listen. Do we ever stop to talk to others? Really talk to them? Or are we just rushing from one to-do list item to another, never stopping to breathe or look at the sky or take in the fresh air?
Can I challenge you to offer more to others this week? Really see people and talk to them. Try to spend a few minutes in nature, just appreciating the beauty of this world we have been given to live in. You might be surprised by what you learn about yourself and others. Even if it's just sitting down with a friend you haven't seen in a while--it can make a big difference! I named my blog "By Small and Simple Things" for a reason. I can promise you that by small and simple things, great things are brought to pass (Alma 37:6).
I would also challenge you to do something to be closer to the Savior these next few weeks, because our relationship with Him is what is most important. In my Compassionate Living class, we talked about what it means to balance love for yourself, others, and for God. It's hard to find that balance sometimes, and if you're struggling, take heart, because you're in the boat with the best of us.
Here's the conclusion I've drawn (and you can disagree if you want, I won't tell). 😉 I believe that as we take the time to care for ourselves first, we are better able to love and serve others. For me, that means getting adequate rest, taking alone time to ponder and think about life and the gospel, and eating a balanced diet coupled with exercise. For you, it might be waking up early to read your scriptures first thing in the morning, or going for a brisk walk in the fresh air. It might be spending the day shopping, or devouring a good book, or just being with family or friends. Whatever it is, make time for it! We need time with others, time with God, and time for just ourselves to find that happy medium in life. That's what this week has taught me.
So I hope your week thus far has been good, whoever you are out there reading this. :) If it's been hard, take heart. Know you are loved beyond measure and that things have a way of working out. President Hinckley said that, and I can testify it is true. You are loved, you matter, and it will all be worth it. Hang in there.
Lots of love,
Brianna
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