Somebody That I Used to Know

I am back home from my first year of college!! There are definitely some mixed feelings that are being experienced. I have learned that everything the future holds will bring me mixed emotions which will, in time, become expected..it's just a little hard at first to accept. Among this, I have learned a lot about myself and life in general this past year. I would like to say that I have bettered myself as a person; I'm not the exact same Jessica as I was one year ago, and I'm content being able to say this! Blogging has become a bit of a challenge for me, as I have not posted in many months, my apology! We all know I enjoy talking, complaining, updating..but it's much easier for me with a piece of paper and a pen. I'm just a tad bit oldfashioned. :)

I have learned that it is okay to think of yourself first when the time is needed. There are many decisions I have made that took some serious thinking and prayers to help me find my way. I can honestly say I believe that I made the best decisions for myself in the past year. And in the end, those decisions are best for everyone you are impacting. It’s comforting to know you did the right thing, and made yourself happy with the outcome.

At a Mass in Ark City a couple months ago, Father Rueben’s homily was about love. He reminded us of Christ’s love for us, and His love for others. It hit home and I really pondered his homily for a of couple days, sometimes I simply relished in the beauty of His love for me. I thought about how beautiful Christ thinks I am, and how much He loves me, how much I strive for that feeling of being complete. And I realized I am not the only one who feels the way I do. And I’m by far not the only person Christ loves or thinks is beautiful. He loves everybody! Now when I look at people that might irritate me at times, I look at them the way Christ would and I have been blessed with patience. My explanation? He is working through me, which is such a beautiful feeling!! “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” -Proverbs 31:25

I have learned that the best way to be is to be nice. “That One Girl” can be a good title. Be “That One Girl” who is always smiling, be “That One Girl” that is nice to everyone. There was one girl at Cowley that was always smiling and laughing. She was such a blessing to be around, everybody fed off of her energy! I want to be like that too. I want to make people happy and inspire them to want to make others happy. But above all, I want to be nice and accepting of everyone. “When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” -Proverbs 31:26

I have learned how important it is to feel comfortable in everyday life. This kind of goes along with the “putting myself before other’’ concept. If I don’t enjoy what I am doing, then why am I wasting my time? Well not anymore!! J What classes I take (not teaching!), what I eat (five carrots for lunch and five more for dinner!), what I do in my spare time (run, anything but study!), who I spend my time with (only top-of-the-top beings in this universe!), well..it’s entirely up to me! This may be the best lesson, most worthwhile bit of information that I have picked up on and accepted.

Turning around is okay. If something is happening unexpectedly, TURN AROUND!!  You really don’t have to take the long way back around to start over. Simply stop, back up, and turn a different direction. This can be taken literally as well. I was driving in an unfamiliar place a couple weeks ago. Of course, I missed my turn. Instead of going around the block, I just backed up! I know it’s not a big deal to anyone else, but it was nice for me to understand what I had done. There was definitely a reason I missed my turn! J

Here are pictures of my two closest friends from Cowley!! <3



Kimmy and I when we moved into Kimmel, we were so excited!

Patrick and I at his graduation :)

I miss you both and can't wait until the next time I see you!!