really, it's quite the struggle, But I know I can get through it, & So can YOU.
Yes you can. :)
Everything in my life is changing so rapidly, It's throwing me off the loop. Seriously...Giving up is what I've done best...and procrastinating. To be honest, I didn't believe that I could get through some of the trials I've been through the past while. Negative self talk is just like a poison. It really does get the best of you. Dont sit and think of all the bad things that are happening to you, because EVERYTHING GETS BETTER! You
Just gotta be patient.
And BOY, Have I realized that not everything works out the way you want it to. Even if you were SO SURE something was going to happen. I found some things out today, and I was CRUSHED. But Im not going to let it break me down. I need to let some things go and move on. God must have another plan for me, &
I am ready for change.
Im ready to get back up & I'll be okay. I know itll be hard some days, But I can fight through it.
I must be patient.
Right now Im still living the college life. OH yes, It's been a blast these past few years. I have THE best Roommates EVER! Seriously, I have been blessed. I've lived with a few of the girls for about a year, and I pretty much call them my sisters. They are hilarious! Morgan, Rachael, and Halee, You girls are amazing.
I still work at kohls... Oh joy:)I love everyone That I work with there. They are like my second family! No wonder I've stayed there for so long.
I am also planning on moving up to St George one day to work at
DIAMOND RANCH ACADEMY.
My parents sent me there and it changed my life. Now I want to be the one to help change kids lives. I wanted to go this fall, but I'm thinking I might not till next year. It'll be okay though. I'm SO excited for the experience.
I've also been thinking about going into Elementary Education to become a school teacher for first graders or something like that. I
ADORE
kids.
I'm excited for what life has in store for me:]
I love you all! Sorry that I havent kept up with my blog, I will try to do better! <3
How does a person come into this life full of love and joy, yet grow up to not feel good enough? What makes them feel less than anything? It's time people return to the truth of who they are.
The way a person's mind works always makes me wonder.
These past few months I have had a difficult time with this kind of thinking.
Maybe You've felt the exact same feelings before in your life. Where someone comes into you life and you just don't quite feel good enough for them. Not pretty enough, or handsome enough. Where sometimes you feel like you arent even worthy enough. But in reality YOU ARE. This type of thinking makes it hard for people to live life to its fullest. They lose sight of what's really important. When one door closes another door opens. Why is it that sometimes we Don't want a door to close? That we have trouble with change? That we do not like to go out of our comfort zone to grow? To love, to learn, to accomplish.
Feeling this way prevents someone from speaking their truth and being able to follow dreams.
---"For some people it's a door with a sign hanging above that reads, 'Do Not Enter.' For others it’s a sky-high wall that doesn't even have a door."---
Why is that some of us look in the mirror, and instead of seeing a wonderful daughter or son of God, We see our flaws and wish we could change things about us? Being caught up in the world and when we worry about what other people think about us only detracts us from what is really important in life.
Serving others, Education, Family, Close friends, Finding true happiness and finding out who we truly are, Keeping the commandments and letting God into our lives.
Love is what makes us. Love is what burns deep inside of us and we cannot do without. We all want it more than anything.
Sometimes we feel lonely and need the company of others.
When we find someone we love being around, we notice they become on our minds more often after each passing day. Butterflies fill up in our stomach, and they become a part of our lives. For some it takes time, for others it happens quickly. But the emotions we feel are mutual.
Sometimes we worry that someone will look at our future and only see our past. We all want to be accepted, and not judged for our wrongdoings and by our flaws.
"God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections he will give you comfort and suggestions on where to improve. God knows better than you, what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us, and everything will fall into its place."
-Elder Bushce
Do not dwell on the past and do not worry so much about the future. Only worry about today and how your choices today will make you who you are tomorrow.
No one is perfect. Accept who you are and when you do, others will want the light that flows through you. Don't worry about what others think of you. Who cares if not everyone likes you and accepts you. Be who YOU are, not who you think others want you to be. You are amazing.. and there is not one other person EXACTLY like you. You are unique.
"The Lord seeth not as a man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
Sheila Kindred, "Looking on the Heart", Friend, Feb. 2009, 46–47
---“Where are your new glasses, Adam?” Mother asked as Adam pulled on his backpack. “I … uh … forgot where I put them,” Adam muttered. “Here they are,” his older sister called out. “I found them under the sofa cushion.” “I wonder how they got there?” Mother said. “Please be more careful where you put them next time. You don’t want them to get lost or broken.” Actually, Adam would have been happy if his glasses got lost or broken. He knew how they got under the sofa cushion. He put them there.
Adam didn’t like wearing his new glasses. They fell off when he played soccer and were always smudged with his fingerprints. Worst of all, Adam was sure everyone at school thought he looked ridiculous in his glasses, like some four-eyed monster.
But Adam’s glasses did make it easier for him to see the blackboard. So when Adam got to school that day, he could clearly read what his teacher had written on the board: Valentine’s Day Party Tomorrow!
Adam frowned. Usually he looked forward to the Valentine’s Day party. He liked eating the cookies and playing the fun games. But this year he had mixed feelings about exchanging valentines.
After school Adam sat at the kitchen table with valentines spread in front of him. He looked at the list of his classmates and sighed.
“Need help addressing the envelopes?” Adam’s mother asked. Adam shook his head. “I don’t think I’ll give any valentines this year.” His mother sat down next to him. “Why not?” “The other kids think I look dumb in my glasses, Mom.” “Did they say that?” Mother asked.
“No. But they look at me funny. And Danielle stares at me. I thought she was my friend. I’m not giving a valentine to her or anyone else. Why should I? I probably won’t be getting any.”
“Well, Adam,” Mother said softly, “even with brand-new glasses, you can’t see clearly into the hearts of others. I think you might be misjudging your friends. But it’s your choice.”
In the end, Adam decided to give out the valentines since they had already been made. He made sure to write his name on a few envelopes so he would get at least some valentines.
The Valentine’s Day party was so much fun that Adam completely forgot about his worries until it was time to go home. On his way out the door, Adam grabbed his valentines bag and stuffed it into his backpack before anyone else could see how empty it was.
At home Adam dumped the bag out on his bed, and his jaw dropped. There was a valentine from every student in class, and two from Danielle.
“That’s quite a haul,” his mother said from the bedroom doorway. “Did you give all those to yourself?”
Adam laughed. “Only four are from me,” he said. “I guess the other kids still like me after all. Danielle even wrote that she thinks I have cool glasses.”
Adam was more careful with his glasses after that. He took good care of them and even got a special elastic band to hold them on when he played soccer. He was sure to wear his glasses every day because they not only helped him see better, they also helped him remember to look into the hearts of his friends.'---
Like my friend tells me each week when we talk, "Remember who you are and be who you want to become."
I know Some days I Don't 'feel good enough' or 'pretty enough.' I know what I need to do and I know what I believe in. Serve others and Never lose hope.
And there will always be someone out there telling me I can't.
Good or bad. Big or small. Everything that happens to you...
happens for a reason.
Alot of the time we ask ourselves why certain things have to happen to us, or maybe why things have to happen to other people. Sometimes we sit around wishing things would happen, but we don't put in enough effort. Sometimes we do everything in our power to make things happen, but they still don't And it frusterates us. Everything will fall into place, if you let it.
This doesn't mean we will sit around waiting for every good thing to happen to us. We need to put in at least some effort and stay positive for good outcomes. We need to keep hope and faith alive. We need to believe in ourselves and believe in others. We need to learn how to love ourselves before we can love others. We need to serve others. We need to be true to ourselves and learn how to trust others. We need to have faith in God, that he is there for us every step of the way and know that he is leading us on a path that will help us grow.
If there is anything that causes fear or doubt, pray. When you don't feel like praying is when you need it the most... even if you think you are perfectly happy. I bet you have felt like God gave up on you or that you are not worth his time. Guess what? He loves you. I've had these same feelings numerous times before. Want to know what caused these feelings and thoughts? Selfishness. Carelessness. Sadness. Fear. Doubt. Anger. Frusteration. God never gave up on me. He was always there and is always there.
I was just too blind in the heart to see/feel it.
This is where effort needs to take place. You are in control of your thoughts. You choose how you feel and you choose how you react to things. If you have one bad thought, even for just a second, more bad thoughts are welcome to appear. One bad thought will turn into a chain of bad thoughts if you let it. If you feed on these thoughts, you will become so used to it that you will always find yourself feeling this way. Stop these thoughts no matter how impossible it seems. With faith, anything is possible. I promise you.
These past few months have definitely been a learning experience. Ive felt plenty of stress, anxiety, fear, anger, frusteration, doubt, and helplessness. I caused alot of bad things to happen, because I didnt care enough and I lost hope. I let one bad thought take over, then I let more bad thoughts appear. I reacted to each of them the same way. I couldnt stop one thought, because I told myself I couldnt. So I believed I couldnt. It was a neverending pit of bad thoughts I dug myself into. But the ladder was right next to me the entire time. The ladder is prayer.
Another thing I learned these past few months is that you cannot let another person define who you are. This was probably the hardest thing I had to learn and I am still learning from it. You cannot make another person happy if you cannot even make yourself happy. You can care about someone and try to help them, but if you cannot take care of yourself, it will not work out in the long run. No matter how much you want it to. Your special someone will come into your life when YOU are ready for them to. If you do not feel ready, then you probably arent! Work on yourself everyday, but serve others as well. Find happiness in helping others. Find happiness in things you enjoy. Find true friends that will care for and support you. Ones that wont pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. The people that matter the most dont mind, and the people that mind dont matter. Stay close with family and go to them when you need help.
I learned that we need cannot hold onto everything. Let me put it this way...If we force things to happen and if we are making ourselves unhappy by trying to make something happen, then its probably not supposed to happen...at least for the moment or time.
Sometimes those that are dear to us are taken away from us. When this happens, its because its a lesson that needs to be learned, and God has a plan for you. If that person comes back into your life when you least expect it, its because they are suppossed to. If that person never comes back into your life, they arent suppossed to. I know that is difficult to hear, but its true. Either way, we need to live our lives and keep faith, hope...and pray.
I learned that we need to love who we love, and say that we do.:)
I learned that we cannot give up when things don't go the way we want it to. We cannot wake up one day and say we are going to start going to church and want to change our lives... when things are going good, but then turn those thoughts around when something bad happens. We need to have hope every. single. day., even on bad days. When we fall we need to pick ourselves back up and try harder next time.
I learned we can only hold on to things for so long. But then we need to move on when we are ready or when the moment is right. Sometimes we never want to let go because we want to prove something. When you can fully let go of something, no matter how much it hurts at first, you have already learned a lesson and you become stronger emotionally.
Ive learned that time heals everything.
Ive learned that you can pray for something to happen, but it probably wont happen when you want it to.
Ive learned that distance does make the heart grow fonder.
Ive learned that acting on impulse is stupid...and the consequences can last ALOT longer than the act itself... :(
Ive learned that priesthood blessings are amazing and powerful.
Ive learned that longboarding is the best thing ever invented.
Ive learned that family is VERY important. Ive learned that if mom isnt happy, then no one in the house is happy.:)
Ive learned that having a family member come home from a mission and hugging them for the first time in 2 years is the best.
Ive learned that there are gaurdian angels for us here on earth...ordinary people that help change our lives.
I Believe
'I believe that the sun shines after the rain I believe if you don't get hurt you'll never gain I believe in not doing things the easy way I believe that being selfish doesn’t pay
I believe in a second chance I believe in a life long romance I believe there is life after death And standing up to a life of mess
I believe in love at first sight I believe that revenge isn’t right I believe that first impressions last And there is nothing better then a good laugh
I believe that dreams do come true I believe there's destiny for me and you I believe that good things come to those who wait I believe love never arrives too late
I believe something good comes from something bad I believe that for tears of happiness there are tears of sad I believe everyone has a guardian angel And the good you do will be rewarded well
I believe sometimes there is no explanation I believe money can't buy people's affection I believe you don't know what you've got until it's gone I believe a new day arrives with every dawn
I believe a smile can be contagious I believe in being very outrageous I believe in living with no regrets I believe that life is as good as it gets
I believe that the God and goddess watch over us I believe the little things are worth the fuss I believe you have each friend for a reason I believe you will get punished for treason
I believe that what comes first is family I believe we should all live in harmony I believe in making the most of a beautiful day And it's not the end until everything's okay
I believe absence makes the heart grow fonder I believe you will lose if you sit and wonder I believe every experience teaches you a lesson And nothing cures better then an ice cream session
I believe everyone has one true love I believe sometimes we need a little shove I believe the whole world is a stage I believe we only get better with age
I believe that to learn you have to live I believe that to love someone you have to give I believe one moment can change your life And there's still help when you’re in strife
I believe everyone has one true friend I believe love helps a broken heart mend I believe in the power of a song And things will change before too long
I believe living is the best experience I believe in not laughing at other people’s expense I believe it’s hard to watch a lover leave And when they’re gone all you can do is breath
I believe to always look on the bright side I believe that life is just one big ride I believe when I die people will grieve But it’s ok because I believe."
-anonymous
Watch this video...it helps me whenever im feeling down...
Let things fall into place. Live your life, try your hardest, and do the best you can. Everything will make sense and God will answer questions when you are ready for them.
Fear is something most of us struggle with. Whether its A fear of heights, family, school, a certain person, or relationships. We absolutely cannot hold back and let fear stop us from being who we are. We need to push forward and have faith that we can overcome our fears. Dont let ANYTHING stop you from getting what you want in life. No matter what the world tells you, you can do almost anything you put your mind and heart to. If you believe you can or cant do something, then you are probably right. Have faith and believe in yourself.
Ready To love Again-Lady Antebellum
Seems I was walking in the wrong direction I barely recognized my own reflection, no Scared of love, but scared of life alone Seems I've been playin' on the safe side baby Building walls around my heart to save me, oh But it's time for me to let it go.
Yeah, I'm ready to feel now No longer am I afraid of the fall down It must be time to move on now Without the fear of how it might end I guess I'm ready to love again.
Just when you think that love will never find you You run away but still it's right behind you, oh It's just something that we can't control
Yeah, I'm ready to feel now No longer am I afraid of the fall down It must be time to move on now Without the fear of how it might end I guess I'm ready to love again.
So come and find me I'll be waiting up for you I'll be holding out for you tonight
Yeah, I'm ready to feel now No longer am I afraid of the fall down It must be time to move on now Without the fear of how it might end I guess I'm ready, ready to love again
At first, What you are most afraid of can take control of your life. Its overwhelming. Dont let it control your thoughts. If you let it control you, You will never be happy. We hold back because we are afraid of rejection or failure. We believe, if we dont succeed in everything we do, we will never get what we want. We listen to what everyone else tells us, that we dont know how to overcome fear on our own. We depend so much on other people to hold our hands and help us defeat it. Its always nice to have support from friends and family, but if we count on them for everything, how will we ever get through the trails and tribulations of life if we arent strong enough to get through it ourselves?
When we are little, we had our mothers and fathers to help defeat our fears. We didn't know better, of course. We cried to get their attention. We Hugged them when we were scared. I have learned that How you treat your child in their younger years, affects them when they grow up. Love and support is what every child needs to help them survive the real world when they grow. When we are old enough to take care of ourselves, we learn from our parents examples. We observe our parents when we are little. We watch them take care of themselves, eachother and us. this is how we gain knowledge of strengths and weaknesses. Parenting can affect how a child faces their fears in the future.
Many other things can cause fear. Fear is the root of any obstacle. If we are afraid of something, then the obstacle "appears" tougher than it actually is to someone. If we have no fear for the obstacle, Then it is alot easier to overcome, because we believe we can overcome it. We pull the obstacle by the root. We cant pull it from the stem, because if we do, (meaning we have little faith that we can overcome the fear) then the obstacle can come right back in our future when we are least expecting it. Fear is like a weed in the ground. If we keep watering the weed with hopelessness and weakness, then the weed of fear grows and grows over time. Sometimes we will "pull the weed by the stem" Which is kind of like attempting to overcome the fear, but we dont have enough faith to get rid of it completely. We need to "pull the weed by the root," so it stops taking control of our lives and so it doesnt bother us in the future. An example of this would be: Lets say you are afraid of confronting people. You have very little faith in yourself and believe that you will say something wrong and make things worse. If you believe this, then you probably will. But, You dont fully avoid confrontment, so you "pull the obstacle by its stem." Believe in yourself!! Have faith with all your heart and "pull the obstacle by the root." Don't leave anything left for the fear to grow in the future.
"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
-Matt. 17: 20
I wrote a blog on faith awhile back...read that if you want to know more about faith. Faith can move mountains, I am sure of that.
I am afraid of many things, I am still trying to overcome them. One of the fears that has taken over my thoughts over the years, is the fear of Abandonment. I am not positive (still have to go get tests done and get real diagnosed if i do have it), but i believe that I have BPD (Borderline personality disorder) For many years I thought I just had severe depression. But I believe that is not the only case. I have trouble trusting people. I push people away. I have a hard time controlling my moods becuase of anxiety, and It is devestating. People with BMP is having fear of being left alone (abandoned), even if the threat of being abandoned is not real. This fear may lead to frantic attempts to hold on to those around you. Sometimes you may react to the fear of being abandoned by rejecting others first before they can reject you. I am strong enough now, (still, some days are harder than others and sometimes I feel like giving up.) But deep down I know I am getting better and better slowly everyday. It may take me years, But I know one day, If I keep faith and believe in myself, I can have that happiness I have always pursued. I want to help others and show them that If I can do it, they can do it too. One day I will be healed, and when that day comes, I will be ready for anything life throws at me.
-----Thank you mom and dad for never giving up and believing in me. Thank you Breyton Belazo for Helping me spiritually and letting me know that Heavenly father loves me and is still there for me. Thank you KJ Duwel For Helping me believe that there are people out there with a big heart. Loving, and so full of care. You are amazing. Thank you Amanda Nielsen for being a good friend. Supporting me and also helping me keep up with prayer and reading my scriptures. Thank you Katie Skinner for being there when I need a friend the most. Listening to my problems can get very boring and tiring, but you always have a listening ear and amazing advice. thank you Ivanna Sanchez for being there at one of the lowest points of my life. You watched when I was taken away years ago and you watched me grow. I will always be here for you girl. You are my twin for life. Thank you Praags for being the best Role models I could ever possibly have. You guys are so positive and you always know how to make me laugh. I love how close you guys are with eachother. And I love you all. Thank you Heavenly Father, for letting me go through what I have been through, so I will be able help the weak and strenthen and reach out to those in need. Thank you for giving me a great love for children. that one day I may be able to have one of my own. To love them with all my heart, and be there for them when life gets hard. Thank you for letting me meet all of these wonderful people I have thanked. because each and every one of them, made me the girl I am today.
“Do not let fear overcome your efforts. … Fear comes not from God but from the evil one. The adversary of all truth would put into your heart a reluctance to make an effort. Cast that fear aside and be valiant in the cause of truth and righteousness and faith. If you now decide that this will become the pattern of your life, you will not have to make that decision again.”
—President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Jan. 1998, 72.
True Beauty....This world has distorted the definition of beauty. Every day girls, even guys are affected by the media, hollywood, magazines, movies, and even peers. Everyday the world tries to convince us that designer clothes, make up, accesories, and even diets are NEEDED to be beautiful. Beauty is more than skin deep. Sometimes we are so caught up in looks, that we forget the true meaning of beauty. Girls can become affected at such young ages. They watch their sisters and mothers getting ready and begin to understand what it means to "put on your face in the morning." Girls at such very young ages are begining to wear makeup and spending hours in front of the mirror getting ready, and this makes me so sad...Girls shouldnt feel that way, especially the little ones..
"When a girl can wear no make up and sweats and still look good, and be happy, she is beautiful..."
If you or if you know someone who worries about their looks. Be there for them. Help them try to see themselves through the eyes of people who love them. I have been told that if you feel good, you look good, So confidence and happiness is key.
“seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7)
Nowadays, people are blowing their paychecks on things that will make them "look better" Plastic surgery, tanning, hair salons, nail salons, expensive clothing, the list goes on. I wish that people would realize that true beauty comes from within. I have met some people in my lifetime with the most caring and loving personalities, no matter what they looked like, I automatically loved being around them. Their hearts made them beautiful. Remember, you are Beautiful no matter what the world tells you. Keep your chin up and work on serving others, instead of serving yourself all the time. God made you and he loves you with all his heart. He does not want you to spend hours in front of the mirror worrying about how you look, or eating less and less everyday, because you feel fat. He wants you to look in a mirror and smile. Do not let anyone get you down. Be strong and remember that the people who mind dont matter and the people who matter don't mind.
Its important to take care of yourself as well. Make sure you get enough exercise and try eating a well balanced meal. I have found that exercise helps with feeling good about yourself, as well as eating healthier.
"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have knowndefeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."
-- Elizabeth Kubler Ross
Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes.
Our world of 'becoming beautiful' on the outside, has created many different disorders and illnesses. Body dysmorphic disorder, Bulimia, and Anorexia nervosa. We need to stop judging people, and love them for who they are as a person. When we judge harshly, we hurt people. We break hearts. We cannot judge a person. Why? Because we do not fully understand and know the person's thoughts, feelings, and know why they do the things they do. We must first get to know a persons heart. Do not judge a book by its cover. Dating people is becoming more and more difficult because we look for people we know as "beautiful" or "handsome" We don't like that guy 'because he is too short' or 'he doesnt have a great body.' We don't like that girl because 'she isnt skinny enough' or 'because her hair isn't the way we want it.' We should give everyone a chance, because you never know who will take you by suprise.
Aritcle about Woman with Body Dysmorphic Disorder on OPRAH...
Broken Reflections
'When we first met 28-year-old Jenny , she'd undergone 26 plastic surgeries. During the show, Jenny realized what everyone watching saw so clearly: She needed to get help for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a psychiatric problem that causes people to be preoccupied with imagined or very slight physical defects. What she didn't realize was that her story inspired others to come forward to talk about BDD.
Like Jenny, 24-year-old Taryn suffers from BDD. "When I look in the mirror," she says, "I see somebody who is non-human. I've had times when I've actually felt physically ill because I can't understand how a person could look like this, how God could create somebody that looks like this."
Fearful of peoples' stares, Taryn says her BDD makes it hard for her to leave her house. Being on The Oprah Winfrey Show today is a huge step for her. Taryn says BDD has cost her many things—a productive life, relationships and, at moments, her sense of sanity. "To hate yourself, to hate who you are—it's difficult beyond anything I can explain," she says. "Many days I would cry myself to sleep because all I wanted was to not wake up in the morning."
Dr. Katharine Phillips is the world's leading expert on body dysmorphic disorder. She's written what many call the bible of BDD, The Broken Mirror. "BDD is a serious psychiatric illness," Dr. Phillips says. "It's not vanity. And it can be absolutely tormenting."
"People with BDD see themselves differently from the way everyone else sees them," Dr. Phillips adds. And, as Jenny's ongoing struggle shows, surgery cannot cure BDD.
If you would like to read the rest of the article...http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://static.oprah.com/images/tows/200509/20050914/20050914_101_350x263.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Broken-Reflections&usg=__cSBocKwMwXMd5oUVlFWhW71aN74=&h=263&w=350&sz=34&hl=en&start=15&sig2=dsyUgvTE6uUDkkQMgiM6sw&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=zKnZd0avyT-bTM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=120&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbody%2Bdysmorphic%2Bdisorder%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=evzTS6npE5f8swPz5NTECQ
According to international study commissioned by Dove, by the age 12 most girls have seen around 77,500 ads. Researchers questioned 2,000 girls from the UK and the US aged between 10 and 14 and found out that as much as 77 percent of them described themselves in negative terms. Many said they consider themselves ugly, fat and upset when comparing themselves with attractive images shown in advertisements.
The study found the link between the prevalence of beautiful images in media and increasing number of teenagers having low self-esteem. One 14-year-old girl wrote that images in magazines make her feel upset because she knows she could never be that beautiful. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I went to Diamond Ranch Academy, (youth treatment center) the girls werent allowed to wear make up and we werent allowed to straighten or even curl our hair. Everybody dressed the same, so we had to learn how to love ourselves from within. We didn't compare ourselves because there was no need to. The nine month experience has helped me learn how to love myself and care for myself. To be honset, after the treatment center, there have been days where I felt not good enough or not pretty enough, but thats because I let other poeple get to me. I began believing other people, and I remember a few times, I would be almost in tears when getting ready. I wanted to give up trying, because i didnt feel beautiful enough to be seen in public. Every girl is beautiful in her own unique way. People who can look past your flaws, are the people who truely love you, and thats all that matters.
True beauty is the heart, not the physical part....Remember that.
Faith. We all hear the word but do we really know what it means?
Life
Life Is Full of Suprises, Many turns and many slopes, It's filled with lots of grief, Sadness, happiness, and hope.
Just Remember to stay postive, In problems big and small, the result will be marvelous And will catch you when you fall.
I bet you are thinking, What is my purpose here on Earth? Remember God has a plan, and in his eyes, he sees worth.
Whenever you feel lonely, and tears of sadness fill your eyes, Remember to say a prayer, For, he will hear your cries.
Life is full of suprises, Many turns and many slopes, In the end it will get better, just be positive, pray, and hope.
-Ashley Rawson
Faith is believing in something that we cannot see, but are true. Knowing for certain in your heart and mind that it exists even though you can not see it. Faith is what helps us believe in ourselves. Faith helps us pray to Heavenly Father everynight, and knowing that he is watching over each and every one of us, loving us with all his heart. Faith is Life.
We all struggle with faith sometime in our life. For some of us it can affect our lives for weeks, months, years, and sometimes a lifetime. The key to true happiness is having faith. You are about to take a very difficult exam, do you sit and bring yourself down, telling yourself you'll fail no matter what? Or do you believe in yourself and fill your mind with positive thoughts. Thoughts like, "I will do the best I can do on this test, and I will do good." Affirmations can help. Trust me. Without faith, how can we be the best we can be? We need it to strenthen ourselves when times get hard. We need it for comfort. We need it for a testimony.
"faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him and trusting him. It includes believing His teachings. It means believing that even though we do not understand all things, He does. Because He has experienced all our pains, afflictions, and infirmities, He knows how to help us rise above our daily difficulties. He has "overcome the world" (John 16:33) and prepared the way for us to receive eternal life. He is always ready to help us as we remember His plea: "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." (D&C 6:36)
Faith is more than just thoughts. It is expressed through action as well. We show faith by how we live our life. With faith and perserverance, we are able to expierence many blessings and miracles in our lifetime. Faith is like a child. We must take care of it and nurture it in order for it to grow throughout our lifetime. It is very fragile, and if we are careless and selfish, it will die, or become weak. Kind of like a testimony...
Praying is something we should do to help us with faith. Many of us search for answers right away. And we wait. When we feel like our prayers are not answered, we give up. We let satan control our thoughts. A good friend of mine told me this "God will not give us answers we are not ready for yet." I can tell you, all of you. Please dont give up. God is there for you and He loves you with all his heart. He doesnt give you answers when you want them, because hes testing your faith. If Heavenly Father gave us answers each time we prayed, what would be the point? How would we grow spiritually and learn? Answers come to those who wait patiently. You may not get an answer today, tomorrow, or next week. Pray with all your mind, might and heart, and have hope. He listens. He is there. And His arms are around you everyday. Even if you can't feel his nearness. He is right there by your side. He knows your heart. Your weaknesses. Your Strenths.
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord, "You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand, is when I carried you." Mary Stevenson
"To access information from heaven, one must first have a firm faith and a deep desire. One needs to 'ask with a sincere heart and real intent, having faith in Jesus Christ' (Moroni 10:4). 'Real intent' means that one really intends to follow the divine direction given."
Russell M. Nelson
My Friends and family, I love you all so much and I can tell you that I've experienced some of the most difficult times in my life. I gave up on god because I felt like he gave up on me. I cried myself to sleep. I didnt know who I was. I was lost. My dad told me "Sin is easy, easier than obedience, but it will never make you happy." I have been tempted and brought down by satan over the years. Do not let him get to you. Whenever you feel lonely, Say a prayer "For he will hear your cries." Satan can ruin your life, tear apart families, and make you miserable like himself. Spend a little more time with your family. It has taken me long to get where I am, But I couldnt be where I am today without my family. Thank you mom and dad for not giving up on me. I love you guys with all my heart and You guys are the best parents I could ever have.
If you are not close with your family, then work on it. Set good examples for everyone. Be strong, Smile, Love like there is no tomorrow, and most importantly, Have faith.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Holding On to the Most Important Things In Life.
Hold On-Donna Hughes
Miles of highway, between me and my home I think about you, when it rains and I'm alone Another day, another memory The sun disappears Another morning without you and I... cry another tear
What I want might not make me happy What I do might bury me What I'm chasing might not ever happen And it might not set me free Anything you decide to take for granted Is just the same as letting go The hardest thing you'll ever do is find you something That makes you happy, and knowing how and when to hold on
It's taken so long to get where I am I've got a long way to get where I wanna stand Sometimes I'm crazy, for the things that I believe Have I done the best I can, is this, the best that I can be?
What I want might not make me happy What I do might bury me What I'm chasing might not ever happen And it might not set me free Anything you decide to take for granted Is just the same as letting go The hardest thing you'll ever do is find you something That makes you happy, and knowing how to never let it go
These past few months have made me realize alot about Life. Finally I am able to begin to write again. For those of you who have read the book called The Secret, It really works. If you believe in yourself and believe that you can be happy, then you will automatically become a happier person. The mind works in ways we will never fully understand. These past few years I would let my mind think about things that weren't important. I would want things I couldn't have. I would make myself depressed by my own thoughts. I remember one day I was having such a hard time, and I began smiling more. No matter how sad I was, When I began thinking about the positive things in my life, and what matters the most, I found that I went to bed smiling that night. To be honest, my problem that I've always had, was searching for someone to be with. I tried to find happiness from boys because I grew up feeling unloved by the most important people in my life. But truthfully, I was always loved. Because I had so many negative thoughts built up, I began to believe everything I thought about. Everyday I would tell myself My family didn't love me.
"Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny." ~Anon.
Count all your blessing, not your trials. You Do not become a stronger person by what you've been through, but by how you reacted to the trials and how you dealt with it in a postive way.
When you Depend on other things to make you happy, you will never truly be happy. You will find that the happiness comes and goes.
Seven months ago, I met someone who I will never forget. Sometimes, the people who are in your life for a short amont of time, are the ones who make the biggest difference and impact you're life the most. He taught me alot about finding happiness. Russell Nielson is his name, but he goes by Rush Kane. When I first met Rush, I fell for him just like that.. I didn't even know his name at the time, but for some reason he stood out from the crowd. When I got to know him, He cared for me, he helped me become closer to my family and to God. The things that I needed in my life. To this day, I miss him. He is no longer in my life. I lost people I love and care about, because all of my negative thoughts turned into actions. Those actions transformed into habits. those habits became ME. I had lost a friend. Before He came into my life, I was going through one of the hardest times of my life. I was so depressed that I began physically hurting myself again. I did what I knew best. I pushed people away. I took everything for granted and I believed everyone was out to get me. I distanced myself from family, close friends, everyone who I know, loved me. But I didn't care. So many people gave up on me, so I decided to give up on myself. I would completey destroy every relationship, so that they would want to give up. Intentionally? no. I would always think the worst was going to happen no matter what. I never gave anyone a chance. It was all in my head. The happiest time in my was when I was close to my family. When they became my best friends. I was close to God. I believed that he was there for me. I don't care if you have a religion or not. But, I have proof in my life that I cannot deny, that God is there for each and everyone of us. Then when all the trials came, I believed God gave up on me again. I stopped praying completely and stopped going to church. I wouldn't let anyone help me. I had a pride wall and I kept building layers every single day.
I realize everything that I did wrong. I made many mistakes and I learned from every single one of them. They say, live life with no regrets, and I agree with it. But there is one thing that I do regret. If I could, I would take back every mean word I said to someone. To family, friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, even Enemies. Everyone. Think before you say something, because those words can permanently ruin a relationship. Love everyone. Stop gossiping about people, teasing people, and bringing others down when you are down. Be that person that people look up to. The one that someone says, "I am blessed to have them in my life, because everything they did, helped me."
Be 100 percent responsible for all your thoughts and actions.
There are things that we hold on to. Some good and some bad. We hold on to things we love. We hold on to things we hate, but cannot forget.
Isn't in Ironic? We ignore who loves us, Adore who ignores us, Love who hurts us and Hurt who loves us.
Hold on to things that make you happy. Leave behind the things that causes you worry, stress, anger, and sadness. Hold on to your family, your career, education, kind people, people who are positive, good friends. There may be people you lost as well. People you love. It hurts, trust me I know because I've been there many times. I've lost people I love. Remember to Forgive, Forget, and Move on. If that person is making you depressed, then it is not worth your time. Did you know that Most people come back at least sometime in your lifetime? Sometimes it takes days, weeks, months, and sometimes years. So there is no reason to keep on worrying and stressing about them. Remember to be happy. More things are likely to happen when you have a positive outlook on life. Maybe they will never come back into your life. If thats the case, then they werent suppossed to. Everything happnes for a reason. God has a plan for you and certain people come and go in your life for a reason. Hang in there, I know its hard. Get your mind on more important things and let things fall into place. Everything Will make sense, if you let it.
Lil Me:)
I dedicate this blog post to my Family, because I love you guys so much. And For Russell Nielson, My Guardian Angel.
An Addiction can be anything. The most common addictions we hear about are drugs, alocohol, sex, pornography, etc. Did you know you can become addicted to anything? An addiction is defined as an obsession, compulsion, and excessive psychological dependence. in other words, something you mentally/emotionally cannot live without on a daily basis. physical dependence can be a part of this, but usually, it's because of a substance/alcohol addiction, in which withdrawals occur. Did you know, people who start taking any addictive drug/alcohol, take it primarily to induce joy, pleasure, and fun. After a continued use of the goal, it becomes something you need to take in order to relieve anxiety after a long absence of use, causing someone to use it compulsively. Some other addictions are: Computer addictions, television addictions, relationship addictions, attention addictions, food, money, work, school, physical appearance, video game, etc. It can be anything. People who are addicted, often don't see that they have a problem. They think everyone else is the problem, not them. Addiction is different from abuse. You can abuse drugs and alcohol, but not be addicted.
Now that the definition of an addiction is clarified, let's break down all of the different kinds of addictions and explain them a little bit more...
Narcotics/Drug and Alcohol Addiction-
This kind of addiction is very well known. Many people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol find that they are trapped in a deep pit because not only do they become mentally dependent on it,(You THINK you need it to live your life normally, when in reality, it's not normal at all to depend to the point you feel helpless without it.) but, they also become physically dependent.(withdrawals, anxiety, etc.) Statistics show that the younger you are when you experiment with an addictive drug or alcohol, the more likely you are to become addicted later in life. You do not choose an addiction, an addiction chooses YOU. Before you know it, you begin to only care about one thing in life. Your drugs/alcohol and when you take it. Families fall apart because of the drugs and alcohol. Your personality changes and you become unhealthy in all areas of your life. An Addiction grabs you very fast, but slowly takes over your life one by one, use by use.
Material Addictions
This Addiction can be very many things. Computers, money, your phone, your ipod, your videogames, etc. Yes, These are all addicting and can take over your life, if you let them. If you absolutley CANNOT go a day without staring at the computer screen or the TV screen, and spend HOURS a day on them, it's probably an addiction. You can become addicted to money and not care about anything else. You'll obsess over how much money you have or don't have. It will become your number one thought on your mind. Material Items are okay, as long as they don't take over your life.
Love Addictions and Relationship Addictions
Genuine love is knowing and being known by another person. It is all about building intimacy by trust and sharing about oneself. An addiction, is the opposite. An addiction necessarily involves behaviors and mental sets which push genuine love and intimacy away. An addiction dulls both positive and painful feelings and prevents us from knowing ourself. We cannot share what we do no know, and genuine intimacy cannot thrive where an addiction is present. Love addiction is about unhealthy dependency and about poor self esteem. It is about a fear of abandonment and about an impaired sense of identify. It is about holding on to a relationship at all costs. It is not about loving too much. We are able to depend on another too much, we are able to cling to another too much, we are able to give another person too much responsibility for our life and happiness. We cannot love too much; genuine love is never bad and can never harm us. There are two types of love addicts. The first type of addict is a person who addicted to the ideal of simply being in any relationship any relationship at all. This addict is hooked on the idea of being part of a couple regardless of who her partner actually is. The second type of love addict is the person who is addicted to a particular relationship or a particular partner. This person is able to function well when she is not romantically involved, but gets hooked on a certain person and becomes less functional when involved with that person.
Physical Appearance Addictions
Appearance Addictions can become very serious. You become so obsessed with your looks that it becomes all you think, worry, and stress about. You find so much fault and flaws about your appearance (Even ones that no one else sees, but yourself.) to the point it takes over your life. These addictions can lead to disorders like bulimia, Anorexia, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. You'll obsessive about standing out or fitting in. Some will become obsessed about looking in a mirror and others will stay far way from them. You will spend thousands of money, just to buy clothes, make up, accessories, plastic surgery, hair cuts and colors, etc. Peeople with these addictions are never completely satisfied with themselves so they feel like they have to keep spending more and more money. They desire so much to look good, that anything else in their lives becomes second priority. Family. Work. School. Careers. Children. Religion. Physical appearance is on top of everything else for these people. The Media plays a big role on these addictions. People with Physical Appearance addictions tend to get lost in media. The Superficial things. They will look at magazines of celebrities and wish they could look 'more like then.' They will always compare themselves to others. But in reality, The people in the magaines were altered or edited in some way. This video clip from the Dove Real Beauty campaign proves it.
(More Addictions to be added)-Ash.
Real Stories From Real People.
"I had just moved from my city-based town in California to a weird suburban area in Maryland, that one day I would miss with all my heart. I was seven years old, a little girl, on the bigger side, with strawberry blonde hair and not a care in the world, until September 17th, 2000. I was walking down the hallway of my new church building, just trying to find my mom. I remember seeing him for the first time. It always starts with a boy, doesn’t it? Well, it did for me. He had brown hair, blue eyes, and a little taller than me wearing a blue dress shirt and tan khakis. That’s when I fell, hard. I was only seven, but somehow I knew that he was perfect; all I wanted. His name was Nelson. He was my age and just totally and completely amazing. During the years we had become… just a little more than acquaintances and a little less than full on friends. When I was about ten or so, still full on loving this boy, I made the mistake of telling my friend, Claralyn that I liked him. I was in my house with my other friend, Ashley, who had told me that Claralyn had spilled the news to Nelson. I knew that was the end of everything. He was only ten, definitely not interested in girls yet. From then on it had always been awkward. He knew I liked him, and it felt like he was purposely using that against me a trying to hurt me. At that moment in time all I wanted was for him to like me too. The time he got his first girlfriend was when the cutting started. Her name was Laura and I absolutely and utterly despised her. I mean, come on, who wouldn’t? Keep in mind that I was probably eleven at this time. I don’t know how I found out about cutting, but I did, and it was bad. Every time a thought of him came in my head, I cut. Every time I heard something about him and her, or saw a picture I cut. I used scissors because that’s what I could get a hold of. Cutting soon became an excuse for anything bad that happened. I got my friend, Nicollette to cut with me too. It made me feel more secure about this thing that was ruling my life. I told myself I could never stop until I bled. So every time I cut I at least bled a little. I was addicted, but I had no clue, and by this time I was a twelve year old girl in seventh grade, ruining her life cut by cut. I was convincing myself that at thirteen years old I was in love with a boy and that I deserved to hurt myself, because he didn’t like me back. It was always so awkward between us. I dramatized it and made it more than it ever should’ve been. I made myself cry and cut over him practically every night. I was so unhealthy. For the next two years I would live in misery. Cutting and crying every night, constantly thinking about him, hating him and loving him, and yet barely even talking to him. I tried to tell him sometimes, how much he was hurting me. I told my friend about it, she told her mom, her mom told my mom, and I denied it (the cutting). My mom was gullible enough to believe me. She couldn’t see past my fake facade. I hid it oh so well. Until, one night I’d had enough…of life. My dad and I had just gotten in a huge fight. The other night my friend Sarah (who also cut) had overdosed on Advil. She took eight. I decided to do the same, except more. I was fed up with my family, my love for Nelson, my cutting, and basically life. I tried to kill myself. I overdosed on Advil, too. I took fifteen pills, and two seconds later texted my best friend, Leticia, scared to death. I was crying and crying. She was still at school and had the teacher call poison control and my mom. I got rushed to the hospital, and ended up having to drink two whole bottles of charcoal. It was horrid; but not enough for me to stop myself the second time, although this time, at least I was able to go back home. After this experience I just kind of went on with life, although not nearly the same as before. I cautiously got back into cutting, and gradually declined my attendance in school. I was getting more and more depressed every day that I lived. The beginning of my sophomore year I overdosed again. This time, though, on the Zoloft that I was supposed to be taking. I just wanted to be gone. So I took about twenty pills. I didn’t text my friend right away this time. I just laid there trying to go to sleep and never wake up, although it was hard since I was bawling my eyes out. It was a classic, a depressed teenage girl killing herself over a boy. Sitting in the silence, contemplating what to do, a half hour later my friend called me worried and then called my mom, who then angrily rushed me, again, to the hospital. Same old same, more charcoal, however, this time I was put into the Psychiatric Unit at Johns Hopkins Hospital; but even one of the best hospitals in the nation could not help my screwed up thinking patterns. I made them think it did though. I faked being happy for a good month or so. After Johns Hopkins I was put in an out-patient program called MSA which I went to everyday after school, but most days I didn’t attend school, so I went twice a day. It was helping, sort of, not really though. I wanted it to help, but it never did. It basically made it worse, because the other people who had cutting issues there told their stories, which just triggered me, and also taught me that instead of scissors, razor blades were sharper and easier. Everywhere I went, I cut. I had to. I was addicted. In the school bathrooms, at camp, in MSA bathrooms’, cutting was what I craved and needed to survive and keep me sane. One night it was bad, so bad then ever before. It was worse than when I overdosed both times. I was feeling horrible. I needed to cut, and I was going to try razor blades. I had to break my razor to get the blades out, but at the time it was worth it. I didn’t know how severe my cutting or depression was, but what I was about to do basically explained it in one act. I took razor and carved as hard as I could NELSON into my left arm. I didn’t know that you didn’t have to push as hard as you did with scissors, but you don’t. I started bleeding immensely, I just kept going though, I didn’t care, and I loved it. I did it deep, to always remember. I thought I was going to bleed to death because it wouldn’t stop. I went downstairs and bandaged myself up. I couldn’t believe I’d bled that much, I’d probably lost a pint that night. To this day it’s still working on fading. Surprisingly, two days later I got sent back to Johns Hopkins. I was there from January 11th to January 21st (longer than the first time). They didn’t know what to do with me. They were exploring many options, and all I wanted to do was go home. I told them everything was fine, but this time they were smart enough not to believe me. My parents discharged me on January 21st, 2009 and then told me that the next day we were going to Utah to visit a place that I might stay at to help me. On January 23rd, 2009 I was an intake at Diamond Ranch Academy, in Hurricane, Utah. I was put into bright orange clothes so I couldn’t run away, although considering the fact that I was in the middle of the desert; I wasn’t stupid enough to do that. If you did the program perfectly, you could be out in 8 months. I was out in ten months and two weeks, so I definitely had some setbacks. At DRA I learned that I shouldn’t throw away my whole life for one boy. I’m worth so much more than that. I learned how to live with and overcome my depression. I learned to take responsibility for my actions, how to control my thoughts, and accept myself for who I am. I gained self confidence and happiness, which are two things I’ve always wanted. DRA gave me another shot at life. It gave me a chance to live happily and more healthy than ever before. I was on an emotional rollercoaster the whole time, because it was hard to be away from my family, friends, and home for that long period of time. I coped with the heartache, and instead of pushing my problems away, or running from them, I faced then head on with a smile! Diamond Ranch Academy was the best and hardest experience I’ve had in my whole life; and it was so worth it. I graduated December 7th, 2009, and I’ve been doing great ever since. While I was away Nelson got sent away to a program as well. I have not seen him since I got sent away, but I know with all that I’ve been through, and all that I’ve learned, I can handle that experience great, and any trial that ever comes in my way, I can overcome it. I’ve been through a lot in the past eight years of my life, but I wouldn’t change it for the world."
-Katie Daly.
"My addictions have affected and changed my life forever. It not only destroyed me, but it destroyed my family as well. My relationship with my entire family became nonexistent, and as my addictions grew, I grew more and more distant from them. It affected my parents greatly as there were the ones who were constantly worrying about me. I'll never forget the night my dad drove all over town looking for me, scared that he would lose his daughter...this time for good. I had lost myself completely to all my addictions. My parents sent me to Diamond Ranch Academy in Utah on January 21, 2007. I got through the program, and graduated January 12, 2008, but i faked it. I had every intention of going home and going back to my old life again. I was home for two months and then got sent back to DRA in March of 2008 and I was there till February 2009. The second time around was a real eye opener to me, as I saw how much my addictions were desetroying my life. I did my program better the second time around and really took the advantage of "recovering." I know I will always be a recovering addict and I will struggle. I have learned that addictions DON'T bring true "happiness." I don't need something artificial to complete me. I have developed a higher power which has helped me drastically. I have slipped since being back from Utah, but I have taken the time to learn from my mistakes. I have been sober for 155 days and feel amazing. I know it's only the beginning, but I have the support and love of those around me. I have finally gotten my life on track and I have no intention of going back to my old ways which so dramatically changed my life!"
A hard topic for most of us, but a topic that should be talked about. Why? Because sex can either make or break a relationship. Sometimes, we can save the relationship, but after we've experienced something so physical with a partner, its impossible to go back. Nothing will ever be the same with that person.
We all wonder what it's like, and we all think about it sometimes. Sex can wait. It should be with someone you truely are in love with and care about deeply. Better yet, wait until you are married, because it is that much more special when you have it with someone you know you love. You will be much more happier and comfortable when you are married. Sex is a blessing from God, and he gave it to us so we can share something special with our partner. It shouldnt be used for anything less. Sex for fun, rape, or just out of curiousity won't do us any good. It can just make things worse, and most of us end up regretting the first time we have sex with someone we werent in love with.
Sex before a emotional connection...
So you really like someone, but you haven't really built anything to fall back on. The physical part of the relationship is good, but it should be taken slow. Actually WORK on building up a relationship. Communication is key. Share with eachother your thoughts and feelings. Talk about your past (if you're comfortable with it.) Do anything to get to know that person, like the back of your hand. When you have sex before you really get to know someone, it only causes both of you to become more distant and it will scare both of you. You will regret it and wish you could just rewind. Like I said, nothing will ever be the same with that person. If the relationship doesn't end right then and there, it will sooner or later. Or, the relationship will not be as healthy as it could be. It will take alot of time and patience to get the relationship back into the safe zone. THAT IS WHY YOU SHOULD WAIT IN THE FIRST PLACE!!! It should only happen when both of you truely feel ready for it. You should not pressure your girlfriend/boyfriend/partner into having sex. If they do, there's the read flag and if they cannot respect your decision, they won't respect you either.
Sex for fun...out of curiousity...
Maybe you enjoy it and don't really care who it's with, as long as you get laid. Maybe you should rethink what you are doing. Sure, It may be fun at the time, but think of all the risks you are taking when you are doing it with someone you barely even know or many different people. There are STD's, and if you are the person thinking it will never happen to you, guess again. Another risk is getting pregnant or getting someone pregnant. What are you going to do after that? Marry someone you barely know because you got pregnant? Abortion, killing an innocent baby just because of one simple action? Putting your baby up for adoption? Never talking to the person ever again just because of the pregnancy? All of these are questions we all think about and wonder.
-- ASHA. Sexually Transmitted Diseases in America: How Many Cases and at What Cost?
•More than half of all people will have an STD/STI at some point in their lifetime.
•More than $8 billion is spent each year to diagnose and treat STDs/STIs and their complications. This figure does not include HIV.
•Each year, one in four teens contracts an STD/STI.
•One in two sexually active persons will contact an STD/STI by age 25.
•One out of 20 people in the United States will get infected with hepatitis B (HBV) some time during their lives. Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV.
•It is estimated that as many as one in five Americans have genital herpes, a lifelong (but manageable) infection, yet up to 90 percent of those with herpes are unaware they have it.
•With more than 50 million adults in the US with genital herpes and up to 1.6 million new infections each year, some estimates suggest that by 2025 up to 40% of all men and half of all women could be infected.
•Over 6 million people acquire HPV each year, and by age 50, at least 80 percent of women will have acquired genital HPV infection. Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms. Some researchers believe that HPV infections may self-resolve and may not be lifelong like herpes.
•Each year, there are almost 3 million new cases of chlamydia, many ofwhich are in adolescents and young adults. The CDC recommends that sexually active females 25 and under should be screened at least once a year for chlamydia, even if no symptoms are present.
•At least 15 percent of all American women who are infertile can attribute it to tubal damage caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) , the result of an untreated STD. Consistent condom use reduces the risk of recurrent PID and related complications: significantly, women who reported regular use of condoms in one study were 60 percent less likely to become infertile.
•Consistent condom use provides substantial protection against the acquisition of many STDs, including statistically significant reduction of risk against HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and syphilis.
Rape..
Are you a victim of rape? Don't worry everything will be okay, even if it seems like you're world is crashing down and you think you will never get close to another person ever again. Don't let it affect your life to the point you don't care anymore or you can barely funtion on a day to day basis. So many people love you so talk to someone about it. There are many people out there that will help you through this hard time. Revenge is never the answer. You may hate the person who did this to you, but like I talked about in an earlier post, Grudges will not help you physically and emotionally. Do yourself a favor and forgive. Even if it takes time. Maybe you're a girl and got pregnant from the rape. Well, don't do anything rash and kill your baby (THINK ABOUT IT) or EVEN YOURSELF. Yes, Girls do get depressed because of unwanted pregnancies. Once again, talk to someone about your thoughts and feelings. You will get through everything if you just keep your head up, i promise.
Ugh...we either hate our job, or we love it. After all, we get paid right? Some our our jobs are really simple, and others are complex and stressful. Though, it is possible to reduce the stress of everyday work. Maybe you have a job where you have to wake up at 5 in the morning, or even earlier. Well, make sure you get enough rest. No, four hours of sleep will not do you any good. AT LEAST eight hours will give you enough energy the next day. You will also find that the better rested you are, the less stressed out you will be. Stress isn't always bad. Small amounts of stress can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do things.
Not everybody resonds the same way to stress. There are three different ways people respond to stress:
Anger- Angry and agitated. You're easily heated, and overly emotional. You're unable to sit still.
Withdrawal- Withdrawn or depressed response. You show very little emotion or energy.
Both-Tense and frozen under pressure. You look like you are not able to function correctly, but deep down you are very agitated.
You may feel like the stress in your life is out of your control and impossible to handle, but you can always control the way you respond. Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. Stress management involves changing the stressful situation when you can, changing your reaction when you can’t, taking care of yourself, and making time for rest and relaxation.
Maybe you have a boss or co-worker putting to much pressure on you? Well, the best way to handle this, is knowing WHY you feel stressed. If your boss is giving you too many hours or making you do too many things at once, simply, talk to them about it. Let them know you feel like you are doing too much and ask if there is any way you could change that. Dont whine and complain to them about it. Of course they won't feel bad when you are being negative or rude. Compromise with them or let them know you feel too pressured. Maybe you arent able to get what you want. If this is the case, make sure you have enough YOU time put into your schedule. If you do things you LOVE doing after a stressful day, its true that it reduces the amount of stress. So get out or stay in doing something you love doing. Even if you can't do it everyday, at least do it every once in a while. If a Co-worker is bothering you, once again, talk to your boss about it, NOT THE CO-WORKER. Your boss will more than likely handle the situation better than you would yourself.
If you have a spiritual side to you, pray! IT WILL HELP. You will feel so much more calm when you pray. Don't ever for a second think it is a waste of time or you won't get anything from it. That is not true!
All in all, jobs can be stressful, but it's just part of life. If everything was SO EASY, how would you learn from trials that make you into a stronger and more smarter person? If you deal with the stress and problems of life in a positive way, You'll start to see for yourself, why you were given the stress/trial.:] NOBODY's LIFE IS A VACATION THEIR ENTIRE LIFE.
JOBLESS
Another Stressor can be JOBLESS. Maybe you've been searching for a job for MONTHS, and still no luck. Don't blame yourself. The economy is bad, so it's even more difficult to find a job. The only thing you can do is search for a job daily and follow up. If you fill out an application, and don't hear anything back for a week or so, follow up and call. This gives you an even greater chance of getting the job, because it shows the person hiring you, that you actually care and WANT the job. Don't give up, all of your hard work of searching for a job will pay off sooner or later.:] You see those bums on the side of the road? well, YOU WILL NOT END UP LIKE THEM IF YOU KEEP UP THE HARD WORK. You'll end up like them if you screw up your life with drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. Besides, Alot of them still look decent enough to go out and find a job, but they already feel like no one would hire them..which is true if you have that attitude.
So lesson learned...KEEP a positive attitude and NEVER give up.
