Let's Celebrate!

Just recently learned that my youtube video Light a Fire by Rachel Taylor cover has hit more than 1,000 views and it is still counting! I'm not sure why this video is so popular but I am excited! Thanks to all my music supporters!

How I Became a Better Student

On the first week of school, My English teacher gave us a challenge that a group would all get an A for the semester if we could take a amazing photograph and create our own quote to put on the photograph. We all of course rushed out with our cameras and sat together as a group desperately trying to figure out a quote. As we came into class my teacher in summary said that none of the posters were good enough. He was picky about the way the quote went with the picture, whether the picture was good enough, etc. As harsh or picky he might have been, he wanted to teach us a lesson. We as human beings are capable of so much. As our groups looked back we realized we could've spent more time and love into the project. We took the attitude that most students take with projects or school work, do just to get it done. We may have put a lot of effort and love into it but we could've pushed ourselves more out of our comfort zones and recognize the potential in ourselves and our group members. I didn't know until that project how much I enjoyed photography, my other group members were impressed with my photos and so was the rest of my class. Use school projects or create your own assignment where you explore different talents. Teachers can also create opportunities for students to do an assignment more than 100% to their abilities. As a student or a teacher let's strive try and not do assignments just to get it done, let's do it to learn and grow and become the best person we can possibly be.

How to Meditate

Today I want to talk about something that has blessed my mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical life. Meditation! Meditation is a lot more than just going UMMMM sitting in a pretzel chanting all day. The goal of meditation is to stop the constant activity going on in our minds and bring ourselves to a state of thoughtless awareness. This is how I personally teach and do meditation. the basic steps are:

1. Get yourself full of water, food, and physically relaxed as you can. soaking your feet in hot water is one good way to physically relax and reduce head tension because the blood flows more to feet and away from head. 

2. Either sit crossed legged or lay down on your back. Your spine must be straight whole time! One thing I do that helps is tuck in my tail bone inwards towards my core. If you want to be more comfortable I suggest sitting/laying on blanket or sitting against wall or chair, to help keep spine straight

4. Breath deeply and count your breaths. I personally count very slowly to 4 or 7 in and out. When you breath, let it be from your diagram and fill up your lungs. let your shoulders drop and focus your relaxation around the area of front of head as you close your eyes. 

5. It's ok to let your mind wander just focus it back to your breathing and counting until it's effortless. 

6. Personally I like to listen to guided meditations or relaxing massage/yoga music while I meditate such as these. 

Guided meditations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vO1wPAmiMQ&list=PL9ZcmGPa4YQ9qzkM4BdrYgSj_CL4CXsi8&index=2

relaxing music:http://youtu.be/QZbuj3RJcjI?list=PL9ZcmGPa4YQ_JDYWVfygVhESt921cV4BH

I started to meditate for 5-30 min a day and I felt so much benefit in my life in the way I think, my attitude, and etc. I hope it can bless your lives to, namaste! p.s. I am currently doing more research on 7 chakras and hopefully can provide what I found out soon! :)

Systems Thinking

What? So What? Now What?

Developing World helped me discover a new thinking process. Learning about systems thinking was the most helpful in showing me how to think differently. I love the example that was given in class of systems thinking. Our teacher showed us a picture of cut down tree stumps and fish in Lake Victoria, Africa. He told us to figure out how the fish caused the trees to be cut down. We realized because the fish were so big, it took more time to dry the fish. Instead the locals were forced to cook the fish over a fire. However, more wood was needed in order to make a fire, and that’s why the trees were cut down. Many times in life we want to think that only one thing can be a possible cause or solution. When we really study and follow our research, we can find the best possible solutions to a problem. Using systems thinking in my life can really benefit me to improve myself and be the best daughter of God I can be. I really like the idea of systems thinking and I wish I could promise to use it all the time now in all aspects of my life. However, I am so used to my other thought processes it is difficult to just switch all of a sudden. I hope through time and practices I can better recognize when I am thinking one sided and eventually reach to become a systems thinker.

            In this class we did a lot of group work, and the group work was always required to have leadership positions. In these groups we had numerous discussions about the things we were learning, and even much debate about heated topics. One thing that was discussed was the 8 Millennium Goals and how to solve those issues. While in class I realized that in order to help fix the world’s problems, we also need to work together to help the world become a better place. One issue for example that really opened my eyes was the topic of globalization. In class we seemed to always come up with the constant debate of whether or not globalization was a good thing or a bad thing. Using our systems thinking, we all realized there was a lot behind it and research to do on it. I thought the concept was fascinating because of the economic and cultural impact it seemed to have on individual countries. It would have been hard to discover all this if we didn’t work together as a group to discuss the issue. Many people around the world are making efforts to communicate and provide charity to third world countries. It is important for those people to communicate and ask “What? So What? And Now what?” because then we can better find a way to help them. As members of the church we all have a duty to serve others, and when we all come together in a group to help another person there is so much power in that. I hope in the future to establish leadership and to really listen to the ideas of my peers. When we all work together, our minds can be opened and do so much good in this world.

Social Issue: People With Disabilities

Throughout history people have viewed those with disabilities unable to participate in society and thought that they were incompatible. Even in ancient times the Romans cast out and killed children with disabilities because they believed they were worthless, or that their lives were useless. It was around the enlightenment that the idea a person can be improved shed light on children with disabilities. With development of science and understanding people have accepted those with disabilities. However, there are still people even today that do not fully understand the capabilities they have and discriminate against those that are less able. In the news there has been debates over a story about a woman on The Dr. Phil show that was fighting for the right to be able to end her disabled children’s lives because she felt they were suffering, incompatible, and wanted to die. News media has debated whether this is humane or inhumane and whether or not the woman fails to understand her children’s capabilities. The legislation passed by the government has helped this social issue. In 1990, The Americans with Disabilities Act was given that helped give people with disabilities equality in society and chances to participate and get the help they need.

In Title 2: State and Local Government Activities, states “State and local governments give people with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from all of their programs, services, and activities (e.g. public education, employment, transportation, recreation, health care, social services, courts, voting, and town meet)” Another piece of legislation that helped dramatically in helping the disabled was The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In the situation the concept of eugenics is being applied in the legislation's passed. Eugenics is idea that one can be improved. By passing these legislation's they are not only now able to provide extra classes and help at school but also outside of school. They have the right to be able to go to public schools and have same opportunities with other students. This is helping encourage special needs kids to be a part of our society and socialize with us. Providing the opportunity be taught like everyone else often without special classes. People are always going to underestimate the potential of those with disabilities, but with the help of legislation and not too much over regulation people with or without disabilities can learn to socialize and work together as one.

Child Development

 This is an essay I wrote on why I took child development and what I learned.

Why Did I Have to Take This Class?

Lizzie Holmes

Dec. 2013

CHLD 201: Lundin

Introduction

Why should I care about children? Why did I have to take this class? Isn’t this all common sense? Many of these questions passed throughout my head at the start of the semester. I have previously been a nanny, babysitter, and etc to children. I never really liked children unless they were in my own family. However, we have learned many concepts we can use as tools to bless our lives in this class. This class has given me comfort to not be so against children and I now have a deeper understanding of them. Many of the things I learned has in fact has helped me grow spiritually and helped me better prepare for my future calling as a mother from Heavenly Father.  I have a divine destiny to rear my children in righteousness and love. Some principles I have learned in the class that increased my knowledge and also grow spiritually. Ten specific principles that helped me grow in these areas are:

1. Eating disorders

2. Addiction and technology

3. Guided participation

4. Children with disabilities

5. Healthy nutrition

6. Influence of fathers

7. Parenting styles

8. Bullying

9. Children’s resilience

10. Family structures, nuclear family

I’m Not Hungry

            There are two types of eating disorders mentioned in the Berger textbook (pg. 422-423). The first is bulimia, in which someone over eats then purges to make themselves thinner. It can be very risking because vomit acid can damage the body, lose nutrients, and even can cause death. Second is anorexia, in which a person can starve himself or herself to get thinner. This is risky as well because of the weakening of the body and lack of nutrients needed to live. In the world of today being skinny and looks are portrayed as something so important. Many times I tend to down talk my body and myself. However, it is important to keep a perspective on our divine potential. I once went to a meeting in relief society and someone gave a spiritual thought Id never forgets. The girl pulled up pictures of temples and told us to think about the ugly things about the temple. It felt very wrong to do so and then she explains that our body is a temple as well. Talking down about our temple is wrong and only creates negativity in our lives. I hope to always remember my divine purpose and to help my children feel positive about themselves.

Tech Savvy Age!

In this world we live in technology is used so much and at constant hours of the day. Because of this overexposure many teens are falling victim of technology addiction.

According to the Berger “In this study, many adolescents admitted that video games took time away from household chores and homework. Worse, one-fourth used video games to escape from problems, and one-fifth had "done poorly on a school assignment or test"(p. 452-453) because of spending too much time playing.” So not only is the time spent on technology a concern but as well as what other important work they are putting off or unmotivated to do.  It can affect their body physically and mentally, they are unable to understand fiction from reality and also risk health problems like obesity. In my research on this topic for my group presentation, ways I found in my life and in others lives to help limit the technology is possible. Some ways could include putting sticky notes around so you remember your goals, set a timer, fill out a time management sheet, or even just eliminating the technology all together. Elder Bednar proposes two questions in the video “Things As They Really are”. The first is, Does this invite or impede the Holy Ghost? And second, does it enlarge or restrict your capacity to live, love and to serve? I now ask this about the technology I involve myself with and hope to expose myself to media that is “virtuous, lovely, and of good report, and praiseworthy”

Here Let Me Help You!

One concept I learned about in class was guided participation according to Berger guided participation is defined as “The process by which people learn from others who guide their experiences and explorations”(glossary) This concept is tied to Vygotskys social learning theories as to why a person thinks and acts a certain way. In the July 1998 Ensign article “Doing Dishes with Daddy” E. Jeffrey Hill talks about an experience he had with his kindergarten aged daughter. He had a fast schedule for the dishwasher he normally followed and yet his daughter announced in the spirit of service that she wanted to put away the dishes with dads help. Hill began doing the dishes and found he taking over the dishes job to his daughter’s disappointment. He agreed to do the dishes her way and help her instead of take over. By doing this he learned more about his daughter than he ever would have and understood better he needed to spend more time with them. In my own life I want to take the time for each of my present and future family members. It is important to me to teach and help my children use skills they can use throughout their lives. If we let them use their free agency and helpful hand children can grow in love and righteousness.

The Only Disability in Life is a Bad Attitude

In the Bergers textbook it mentions many different types of disabilities and how we can help children with disabilities (p. 338-345). One type of disability that interested me most is learning disabilities. Some include dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, autism, and etc. In my own life this is important to me because my mother and sister have dyslexia and it is known to run in the family. In reading the text I was able to understand the kinds symptoms I should be looking for and how well they are doing at school. I hope to watch for those signs and if my children do have a learning disability I want to help them in anyway I can. One-way I know I could help my child with disabilities is looking at the Church’s “Disability Resources” on Lds.org. There it states all kinds of disabilities and ways to help them.  Christ said in 3^rd Nephi 17:7 “Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither…for I have compassion upon you” this means a lot to me as a person with learning disabilities and I am grateful for the trials heavenly father has given to make me who I am today and my divine potential me and my children have.

Veggie Monsters

            I have always been very concerned that I would not understand the way a baby should get proper nutrition. However, I learned some important key things that gave me comfort. In class we learned about malnutrition (p. 29). I grew comfort in knowing I would never let my children get that unfed. While studying babies I learned a beneficial way to feed your baby is breast-feeding (p. 101). When babies start to grow according to Bergers textbook they start to move up to more solid foods. An important concept is the food pyramid, to make sure children have their carbs, diary, veggies, and meat in their day to be nutritious. I hope to live a strong nutritious life and also do so for my future children. I can practice this on my nephew when I babysit him. In D&C 89 they discuss the word of wisdom. In Summary, it discusses eating meat, grains, fruit, and etc and how it is important to eat sparingly. In D&C 89:18 it states, “And all the saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones.” I am grateful for such a blessing and knowledge in my life.

A Father’s Wisdom

            According to the Berger textbook fathers bring different qualities than a mother brings in raising their children. Berger states, “Fathers enhance their children’s social and emotional development in many ways. Synchrony, attachment, and social referencing, are all apparent with fathers. Indeed, fathers are more likely to elicit smiles and laughter from their infants than their mothers.” (p. 213) She goes onto explain that mothers tend to be more of a caregiver while fathers provides high intensity playing. In my own life I see this through my nephew who loves his parents but especially loves to smile at his father and plays intensely with. I want to make sure I marry a man who will treat me and encourage me to be a strong daughter of god. I want to be married in the temple to a man that will provide and love my children. In Mark 10:7-8 it says, “ For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife. And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh” I want to work together with my future husband with the love and help of heavenly father.

What's Your Style?

One day I’ll have to make difficult decisions in the way I raise my kids. In the Bergers textbook she discusses 4 different kinds of parents: authoritarian, permissive, authoritative, and uninvolved (p. 299-300).

-Authoritarian parents raise children in a demanding way with punishments  

-Permissive parents tend to raise with not strong rules or bribery to get them to behave

-Authoritative encourage independence and listening to kids

-Uninvolved parenting is when the child is in no ways involved in the child’s life and let them figure it out on their own.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World states, “parents have a scared duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of god, and be law abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and waves-mothers and fathers-will be held accountable before god for the discharge of these obligations.” It is important we raise our children in love and righteousness so they can to be able to one day has their own family. In my own life I want to lean more towards authoritative parenting. I hope to be an example to my children and respect their agency and also discipline when needed.

Sticks and Stones

            In the Berger textbook she discusses 4 types of bullying: Physical, Verbal, cyber bullying, and relational (p. 398) Physically bullying means that the child was physically tormented or hurt. Verbal means a bully used words like teasing or taunting to hurt another person. Cyber bullying is the use of electronics to harm another person. And relational bullying ruining the child’s peer acceptance by others. There are sign to look out for when children could be bullied in these ways. Including bruises, a lot of time spent on technology, lack of friends, and lost of self-esteem (p. 398). There are many stories and pictures in the friend that describe situations and resolutions for bullying. Such as the story “Being Brave” by Charmayne Gubler Warnock in which she stands up for a boy being bullied. I hope to sit down with my children and go over such stories and discuss this with them in family home evenings. I would hope my children would feel comfortable in telling me they were being bullied and stand up for what is right of they say it happening. I want to do the same in my own life today.

The Resilient Mind

            One principle Berger discusses is resilience of children in middle childhood. Resilience is defined in the textbook as “ dynamic process encompassing positive adaption within the context of significant adversity”(p. 380) another three parts to this definition are: it is dynamic and not consistent, it is a positive adaption to stress, the adversity must be significant. They also talk about examples such as in the movie the impossible where a little boy and his family get stuck in a tsunami. The boy was able to help his family and help other people as well even under the stress in all of it. This applies because I would hope to teach my kids the importance of acting on their free agency in this hard struggling world today and choose to do what is right. In our own spiritual lives Satan is constantly trying to tempt us to make a wrong decision. And many times others will try to discredit our beliefs. However, as talked about by Elder Robert D Hales in the talk “Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship.” he tells us members to have the strength to stand up for what is right.

Going Nuclear

            Berger states that 55% of US families are a Nuclear family. According to Berger, “In general, nuclear families function best; children in the nuclear structure tend to achieve better in school with fewer psychological problems.” In the church we teach that it is important for husband and wife to be married together, and raising their children in love and righteousness. There are exceptions and situations in which a marriage cannot be saved but in general this is the case. Berger in the textbook talks about, “there is a correlation between child success and married parents partly because of the people who marry, not the fact of marriage itself”(p. 389). This is important to me because in my future home I hope to not only marry the right person but that we can be an example of a strong marriage to our children. In “The Family: A Proclamation to World” it mentions that parents that fail to fulfill their duties as a parent to their children will be held accountable before god. I hope to raise my children in love and righteousness and set an example of love.

Conclusion

These ten principles have really helped me change my fears about having children. I take comfort in knowing I will do everything in my power to be a good parent to my child. Children can be complicated, smelly, and many times seem bratty, but in taking this class it has reminded me that I was once the same to! Children are developing and have in each age something they are going through. Understand those things and my tolerance for children will grow more patience and understanding. I am really glad I took this class and have gained such knowledge in my own life and spiritual life.

What Does It Feel Like To Be Bi Polar?

Recently I was diagnosed as being bi polar type 2. I have struggled the last year controlling my feelings and moods. It is difficult to explain how it feels so I put it into a original song called "Beast Within" here are the lyrics and sorry about the poor quality. I know that I can be beautiful :) don't give up for those that are struggling you are beautiful, it's up to you to choose!

the feelings of despair
is haunting my soul
hide it with a small dose
keep at bay the beast inside
hold me now I need to feel you
bring out the beauty in me

the venom's twisting through my DNA
stirred up the beast inside
hide this beast within my soul
am I the beauty or the beast?

Gotta live out my days
fighting this beast inside
choose beauty over pain
let the love fill my heart
hold me now I need to feel you
bring out the beauty in me

the venom's twisting through my DNA
stirred up the beast inside
hide this beast within my soul
am I the beauty or the beast?

am I the beauty or the beast?

Georgia by Ray Charles

Here is video of Ray Charles song Georgia! :) I love music so much I am currently working on writing more songs to write an album! I hope you enjoy this song! https://www.facebook.com/lizzieholmesmusic

Musical Me!

I am a acoustic cover artist and singer/songwriter! I love listening to all genres of music, it helps to inspire my music by listening to all kinds of music. My artist inspirations mostly come from the artists Colbie Calliat, Haley Reinhart, Adele, and Sara Barielles. I cover all genres of songs into my own style twist, my style is a mix of pop/blues/folk. If you want to check out my music be sure to look up my youtube videos and my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lizzieholmesmusic
Music hasnt always been easy for me because of my fibromyalgia. Having joint pain in my hands make it difficult to play so when I am feeling good I love to share my music whether it's a paid or unpaid gig, or open mic. One thing that fibromyalgia has taught me is that if you have talents and gifts use them to the fullest and share them, you never know if they are going away.

Explore and find new talents by trying new things when they come your way. I love all of you and I hope you enjoy my music! Here is a video of me singing :)

The Primary Answer Challenge

Recently I haven't been active in my church. Deep down I know it is time to make changes in the small things called primary answers. they may seem simple and yet making the smallest of changes can make the biggest of differences. I wish to be more active in church and have a stronger relationship with god,

The primary answers

-Go to church

-pray

-read scriptures

My challenge is for 30 days to 

-pray 3x and day

When praying pray for more things thankful for. Pray for more than a minute. Pray once a day for more than minute praying for things grateful for. 

-STUDY scriptures 3x a day

Have questions in mind when go to study scriptures and answer them. Also fill in more scriptures for scripture directory for people

-go to church weekly 

Take avid notes and find something that learned or impressed me after each lesson or talk

-Write down a list of 5 things I'm grateful for everyday 

After doing these things for thirty day I will write about my experiences here on blog. And bear my testimony. I will also make a calendar to keep track of my goals.

Communication: Shoulding

I have implemented a simple change in my life within the last year that has literally changed my life and the way I think. and that simple change is the word SHOULD. We may not recognize it but the word should is used daily all the time and can bring unproductive or negative connotation. Some examples of thoughts that can occur saying should is: I should start working out again, I should be a better person, I should probably do my homework, etc. I call this "Shoulding" and it is a negative influence in our lives because it is almost like having a nagging parent in back of head telling you what you want to do. Most of the time in shoulding we are more likely to procrastinate or just not get the task done yet. So I made a pact to not say the word should ever and instead replace it with words such as I desire or I want to. Replacing the word should has brought more productivity and positive mindset into my life. I challenge others to try as well to recognize when they are using the word should and make an effort to replace it with a more positive word. I promise you will feel more confident and productive just by changing one small word in your life. 

-resources 

http://daphne.palomar.edu/jtagg/should.htm

My Fibromyalgia

I love my fibromyalgia. Today I wish to tell my story and how I have come to this conclusion.

Freshman year of high school my family had caught the disease 5th disease that my brother had brought home from school. One of the symptoms is joint pain for adults and for children can get blisters. I remember coming home after soccer practice and telling my parents about the searing joint pain in my right pinkie. My family and doctor assumed it was 5th disease without any testing since the rest of my family was experiencing symptoms. A year later while doing blood tests I went to do blood testing and had a feeling I should check to see if I have 5th disease. Good thing I checked because turns out I didn't ever have it! throughout high school my joint and chronic pain spread to both my hands, up my arms, to my shoulders, down my back, and once I went to college and started walking more it developed in my feet. Throughout High school I probably tried every kind of doctor you can think of to help me find a diagnoses for my pain. I spent 4 years undiagnosed before I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia. 

In the time this occurred I found myself having to give up activities I loved such as drawing, soccer, running, music, and so much more. I found myself feeling sorry for myself and that my identity was being lost to this disease because my hobbies and talents became limited. But the worst part about having fibromyalgia was having people around me not know what it is or for many people not even believe it is a real feeling. I had doctor after doctor and person after person throughout my life question whether or not I really was in pain. I felt as though I was losing my identity. 

Then one day I was watching a videos in my college course laws in special education. I was many people with diseases, mental delayed, and disabled claim that they loved the way they are and who they are. I realized I loved the way I was to. Despite the pain fibro puts me through I have learned and grown so much from it and it has made me the wonderful person I am today. without my fibro I wouldn't be who I am now and I can let it use me to make me weaker or stronger mentally. In the process of having fibromyalgia I learned new hobbies and overcome fears of some activities such as swimming. I learned the importance of a healthier lifestyle physically, mentally, emotionally, and etc. I learned many tips and tricks for health that I have used to show my friends and loved ones and bless their lives. It has led me to a career path in wanting to help people with disabilities and choose my major in special education. Fibromyalgia has helped me choose the live more beautifully than in pain. I wont lie it is a hard thing to carry on my shoulders everyday and I have had days crying in self pity and can't even get myself out of bed from pain. But in those moments recognize that your body is simply hurting and do something about it. 

What Now?

Here are some tips and tricks I have personally only been able to do to get some relief

-Massage therapy 

this has been the most beneficial for me, keep watch on deals going around do it once a week for awhile then work up to once a month. 

If cant afford massages sometimes whenever I need a massage I will get a lacrosse or tennis ball and lean against a wall and rub. Or I use massage rolls that can get at Walmart to help relax muscles. Or even get a friend to rub your back for you. Or go to mall and test out massage chairs. 

-Soaking feet in hot water 

Not only has this benefited me to help my muscles relax but also helps whenever have a bad headache. This helps because the heat of water will make more blood rush to the feet thus relaxing brain and body. 

fill bathtub or bowl with tolerable hot water put feet in up to ankles 

leave feet in until prune looking. 

for best results sit with spine straight and do some meditation or focus on your breathing. Then drink something relaxing like tea, water, etc. 

-Meditation

The most recent benefit I've experienced is meditation. Their is a lot more to meditation than just sitting and going UMMMMMMMM. It is a deep peace that occurs when mind and body is silent. If You want to experience the full benefits of meditation, make sure that your technique is correct. This video describes well the correct technique. Also what helps me get into a state of mind and body silence is finding guided meditation videos or audio. A video I really like that is a good beginner one is this YouTube video. Listen and follow the instructions and you will find more peace and find yourself accepting and dealing with physical pain more.

Guided Meditation

http://youtu.be/6vO1wPAmiMQ 

Technique

http://youtu.be/1UyJG2b8FMc

-Exercise 

This is the trickiest and yet the biggest key with fibromyalgia. Find and experiment with different exercises. The most beneficial exercises I have done was swimming and yoga and going to the gym. listen to your body but don't listen to hard. Push through the pain of working out even though it hurts but don't push to hard. Experimenting and finding activities or exercise that works for you and can tolerate. Keep trying until you find something don't give up it is not impossible! :) When your muscles and body is stronger you are able to handle the pain that fibro gives. You can do it    

Conclusion

I love how fibromyalgia has made me into the great person I am today. And for those of you suffering with fibro or loved ones that are my heart goes out to you. fibro is a controversial subject and everyone has their own experiences and opinion of fibro. Recognize the good in fibro it has brought to your life. Don't let the pain control you, accept that it is their and do something about it. Don't give up you can do it! 

And for those of you who have how have you done it? How have you gotten temporary relief? How have you supported your loved ones with fibromyalgia? What exercises have been beneficial to you?

Lets come together and help each other love our fibromyalgia and what it has taught us! :) 

My Health Challenge

*I am not a nutritionist nor athletic just personal opinion piece and based on personal experience*

So I have been struggling with my weight my whole life So finally today I am posting picture of myself in my height of 5'1 and 170 pounds. This picture is a pact that I will get myself to live a more healthy balanced life, physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. No I am not wanting to do this for a thigh gap or to skinny desires. I am beautiful the way I am! It is just time to be more balanced and healthy because I know it will help me with my overall life. This is not a contract to get myself skinny! This is my contract to be more positive and uplifting! :)

My Mental Goals
-positive thinking
avoid using the words should, always, never

-meditate daily

-clear the path with those that I have wronged or wronged me

-become closer to god and keep the spirit with me always

Physical Goals
-Try and experience different forms of exercise and activities

-Don't call myself fat, call myself unhealthy and do something about it

-Do spa days or massage therapy to relax body

-portion my meals better, eat more veggies, lower my sugar intake

 


I hereby sign this contract agreeing these goals and work to become a more confident, positive, and stronger person. I am a beautiful person!

X         Elizabeth Ann Holmes ____________________________

Single Fever

Our humanity cries for deep connection with other human beings, it's our instincts. We are programmed for love. and many times that instinct comes with a price of a broken heart or disappointment. Sometimes the aching to be in a relationship is so strong people can convince themselves "my life will only be better when I am with someone, or they will make me a better person" or feel that they are a failure because they could not hold the relationship. Many people may feel tired of being hurt over and over again or fear of rejection. These symptoms are part of what I call single fever. People can create basically a mentality that the only ways things are better is if your in a relationship. However, they couldn't be more wrong. I personally do not believe in soul mates because I think everyone has an opportunity to choose with their free agency what they want to do. whether it means hurting you or not. My treatment for single fever would be to remember who you are, the potential you have to become, and your desires for yourself. When your single get yourself ready and practice being the strongest and best person you can possibly be. Because by the time the next romantic relationship possibility occurs not only will you be more attractive but also an even better person for them. Use that time to be closer to god, to learn new skills, to work on bad habits, and etc. We don't have to wait around waiting for a prince/princess to sweep us off our feet. We need to use the time to better ourselves so we are ready for when they come and what they deserve. If we better ourselves then we can shake this fever from our lives.

Dating

Dating is like shopping for ice cream at the ice cream store. You see all these different flavors and sample them until you pick the one ice cream that's the best for you. Some people figure out what/who they want from the first flavor testing very quickly. Some sample so many flavors it makes it just as difficult to have the hope or the confidence to pick the very best ice cream. Some people are faced with a choice between a couple of flavors that could both potentially be the best ice cream to buy and etc etc etc...Everyone has their own experiences and with them people begin to create their own ideas, believes, and morals about how to date. Throughout the dating experience we can better understand traits that we dislike or like in other people we date, until finally finding the best fit. One problem with dating is we often struggle understanding the person we are dating beliefs from their own personal experiences. I hear day by day  topics debated about dating such as: whether or not guy should always open door for girl? How long should you wait till talk about marriage and kids when dating? How can I tell if these signals actually mean they like me? Is it ok for guys to ask girls out over texts? etc. depending on who you talk to, the answers to these topics are always going to constantly vary and probably even changing with the times.

One system people use to find their significant other is to make a list of qualities they want in the other person. Many times list can say things like physical appearance, personality traits, etc. I myself have found myself to put things on my list like loves music, physically fit, not to tall, etc. However, while these list of qualities/ingredients may help make the ice cream taste good the key to being committed to the ice cream flavor is whether or not that it is the best one to be committed to spending most amount of time with it and loving it. While many desirable qualities help us find that match I believe their are more important signs to finding the best match.
I believe a relationship and dating truly succeeds when god is in the relationship. As a Mormon in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in my own personal opinion I think it is important to ask the questions: Do I constantly feel the spirit when I am with this person? Does this person uplift and edify me to keep my standards high? Does being with this person help me want to be closer to the temple and being temple worthy? Does being with this person make me want to be a better person and do I act on it?

Another reason I recently learned people have a hard time understanding how to date is because everyone likes to show love to each other in different ways. The ways we may liked to feel loved would not be as special or significant to another. The most accurate test I have taken in determining how you prefer to feel loved by others is the 5 love languages test. If you don't know what that test is, basically it is a test that tells you from highest to lowest score how you preferred to feel loved. The 5 different love languages are Physical Touch, Quality time, Words of Affirmation, Service, and Gifts. By taking this test when we are around our loved ones and especially those we date we can better understand how to show love in the most meaningful way to the other person. My highest score is quality time, when people truly spend time with me and give me their full undivided attention I feel very loved and appreciated by that person. However, I have dated people before that scored low in quality time and scored higher in other categories. I think understanding the love language of the person you are dating can be key to making it clear to other person that you care about them and help them feel loved in a way that even if it is not meaningful to you it is to them. here is the link if you wish to take the test
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/

In summary, I'm no expert in love but what I do know is dating is confusing.  But what do you think? Is their anything else that we can do to help ease the confusion of dating? If we can remember whats truly important in the long run then hopefully someday we can find the best ice cream for us that will bring true eternal joy and happiness.

*Opinion and Personal Experience Post*

Can School's teach more Effectively?

Education has never been perfect, and has not even defined what is effective teaching is. I am no expert on teaching or have the experience to understand the difficulties. However, I feel that questioning effective teaching and schools is important for our next generations and our own children. Where and how will they best learn and grow? My hope is to question and understand the philosophy of education.

My Educational Background

In order to create your own philosophy of education, look at your past experiences of education. As we look at our educational background we can see our biases and how our desires came to be. 

I attended public school from Elementary school until half way into middle school I switched to a home school program. Being in that program was the best 2 years of my life. I went from having few friends to many. While at home we spent the time reading good books and learning in a way that made sense to me at the pace I needed. The other half of the time I went to a campus and experienced what I was learning hands on. For example, we were able to go on a pirate ship and experience what it would have been like in the time to be on a pirate ship, we went snow shoeing to look for biology related terms, and trips to a local newspaper and journalism buildings to improve our writing skills. We did not take any tests for grades and only test we took was state  standardized tests. 

At campus we also experienced a large amount of social activities and interaction. We were exposed to dances, musicals, drama, art, shows, family gatherings, and etc. The school was like one big happy family! 

The time came however to graduate as it was only a K-8th grade school. I found myself deciding that I wanted to face the high school experience and bounce back to the regular public school, which slapped me in the face. I found myself getting bored and home sick for my dear home school. In high school we were thrown old out dated textbooks full of cuss words and graphic doodles. Tests were graded high and the test anxiety was filled in the air as my neighbors around me whispered test answers in desperation to each other. The voices of the teachers drowning us students in their dull lectures, causing us to glance out the window to find something anything more interesting. Of course many times met with the disappointment of accidentally glancing at the clock to realize it's only been the first 10 minutes of class. Looking out the window I was also reminded of the tall fences and gates surrounding the school, reminding me of the prison I was stuck in for the next 7 hours. I found myself buried and suffocating in all the busy work and test preparation. I found myself caring more about just getting my work done, having the answer, and getting a good grade on a test than actually understanding what I was supposed to learn and apply it into my own life. I felt just plain stupid. 

After High School I became a student at BYU-Idaho when the strangest thing happened. It turned out that my first semester I only took one class that required tests as a grade. Instead the ways my teachers evaluated me was to ask what the grade I deserved by the end or on my assignments, how I went above and beyond my projects and apply what I learned into my life, and many projects to demonstrate I understood what I learned. I found myself better retaining the material and having a love for school that I once had. But how was this possible? I had always viewed myself stupid and slower than my fellow peers in class and was now wondering why all the sudden i felt so smart.  I realized that it wasn't my fault. Everyone learns things differently and at a certain pace, school systems are built to teach a one way curriculum and for the rest of us to slowly catch up and struggle because it is difficult to meet the individuals needs of every student. through these experiences I have dedicated myself to understand and dig deeper into methods, beliefs, and philosophy of education, and to question especially public schools methodology.

What's Wrong with School?

http://elsegundomiddleschool.edlioschool.com/ourpages/auto/2011/9/2/46739993/Wolk-Why%20Go%20To%20School%20.pdf

In this article by Steven Wolk the topic he addresses towards school busy work is astounding. I relate and agree with many things in this article. These days students are so caught up in just having the answers and filling in the blanks that students fail to actually understand what they are learning, care about it, or even apply it into their own lives.
I would like to digress and tell of a constant experiences I faced in my high school classes. Many times the teachers would tell us of an activity and claim that it would help us apply the concept we learned from the lecture, many times they would be with large groups or class efforts. The students found themselves scanning over the instruction sheets and activity props and whispers echoed the room saying, "Do you know what were supposed to be doing?...not a clue""Let's just follow that person they are smart." "I really don't want to do this. Why are we doing this? How does this relate?"I heard and would often myself say these words in my confusion. By the end of the activity and class time I found my peers and I more confused about the concepts than before we did the activity. Wasn't the sole purpose of the activity was to learn how to apply the concepts we learned? Then why did we learn nothing? Why did the activity make us care even less?
Why Should you give a care about how a subject is taught?
While many of educational school systems and teacher methodology are effective for many students and provide success, it doesn't mean the system is perfect. We are all flawed human beings and many aspects of education since the beginning were already flawed at the start. My intention is to question effectiveness because I believe we can do more to effect future generations of students, teachers, and better positively effect our world.

The Three Levels of Education

I believe in schools their are 3 levels of education: Good, Better, and Best. 

I believe most public schools are at the better level. They provide amazing amounts of information, diverse subjects, and teachers that work long hours to help their students grow. However, I believe their is much more that can be done for the training of teachers to help them develop a stronger philosophy that can help students carry the things that they learn throughout the rest of their lives. The political goal of education is to help develop students to be outstanding paying citizens with career success so that people can better contribute to the economy. If we really want students to be outstanding citizens with strong morals, values, and have personal and family responsibility; then we need to train them to be the BEST they can be. The future generations deserve that kind education. The real question, is how?
What do you think?