Can't stop thinking.

As I stay busy with school and all the practicum/professional development hours that are required, I can't stop thinking. I can't stop thinking, even when I'm trying to stop thinking (like when I want to go to sleep). I just started my professional development and practicum hours. They are for two different classes. I never thought they would have such an impact on me or my life. Last week, a small group of students from my "Family Involvement and Empowerment" class went to Potluck in the Park. This is where you bring food and eat with the homeless. I will honestly say when we pulled up to the park, I was wanting to leave and we hadn't even gotten out of the car! If I were alone, I would've probably left before ever meeting the people because I was way out of my comfort zone. Instead, we got out, gathered our food, and walked nervously to the group of people. Let me tell you, these people came up, introduced themselves, thanked us, and wanted to know our story. It opened my eyes more than I imagined and I honestly haven't stopped thinking about them. What if we wouldn't have came? They would've had only potatoes to eat. They wouldn't have leftovers to take with them. I wouldn't have changed my outlook. I enjoyed speaking with them so much that my group felt uncomfortable asking them to sign our logs. We didn't want them to feel like we were just coming for our hours because I truly believe this is something I want to keep doing. I want more people to be involved. I want the community to know about this event. I want the people to know and feel that they are cared about. I don't want to be done when my hours are completed. 

Yesterday, I completed the on-campus "QPR Suicide Prevention" training for some of my professional development hours and again.......I was out of my comfort zone. Suicide is not something I like to talk about, but it is something everyone needs to know about. After this training course, I know the statistics. I know the importance of communicating with others, even people you don't know. I understand that our campus police are specially trained to help those who are on the edge of ending their life, but I also know that police aren't always around. I urge every student that reads this to go through the training (if you go to Texas A&M) or learn about suicide and your part in stopping it. Know what you need to ask and say if there is someone who is considering taking their life. With a campus of over 56,000 students, there are definitely students who feel hopeless. Reach out to people. Talk with them. Smile as you walk by. Kindness can go a long way. If you know someone who is struggling, urge them to get counseling. There is counseling on-campus that can help. We need to get out of our comfort zone and talk to people. Let others know you care by just being kind.

One last thing I cannot stop thinking about....Tomorrow, I leave for Camp LIFE. I am so excited/anxious/excited/nervous/excited/worried about this weekend. Camp LIFE is a camp specially designed for students with disabilities. I know that once I get there, I will be fine. I understand that it's okay to be nervous and worried because I am again, out of my comfort zone. My hope is that all the children who go to this camp know how much the counselors care about them and how much they are loved by others. I am so excited about what is to come and I have realized that stepping out of my comfort zone is a good thing.

I made this canvas a few days before the semester began. I hadn't crafted in forever and I just needed to. I had no idea when I started, what would be the end result but now it has so much meaning to me. As I wake up each day, I need to love. I want others to know I care about them. This also means that making mistakes is okay. (If you haven't noticed the mistake, I spelled "Corinthians" wrong....) I plan to fix that mistake sometime soon. Making mistakes in life is okay. Not wanting to step out of your comfort zone is okay. However, fixing the mistakes in your life and stepping out of your comfort zone helps you learn. Learn from your mistakes and learn from your experiences.

Off to do some more thinking,
xoxo
Jade