My New Blog!

At the beginning of this year, I made a New Year's resolution to start a new blog. I'm not really sure why...it could be that I really like to talk so writing a blog gives me a way to talk without having to wonder if anyone is actually listening. No...that can't be it because now I have a husband that is required to listen to what I have to say 24/7 (haha! yeah right. In a perfect world.) Or it could be that I am terrible at journaling and blogging gives me a way to record my day-to-day thoughts more conveniently. No...no...I don't think that's it either because if I know anything about myself it's that I'm not consistent with ANYTHING that I am required to do on a daily basis (except for showering...but even then sometimes that's a struggle.) Like no matter how much I try to take my vitamins every day I just can't do it. I just can't! It's so hard for me to remember to do that every day. And don't even get me started on how long I have tried to make personal scripture study a daily habit in my life. Years...it's been years. Whatever the reason is for this New Year goal, I am choosing to start it now. And let me tell you why.

For those of you that don't know this...for the past year and a half I have had the opportunity to work as a social worker. In Idaho, I worked in mental health helping teach those struggling from a mental illness how to use skills that will help them be better integrated into the community. I also helped to teach children that were struggling with various behavioral issues how to overcome some of the challenges they had at home and school. Now, in Utah, I work in the field of Hospice. That is a service for those that have been diagnosed with a terminal illness that have 6 months or less to live. We help to eliminate doctor's visits and allow them to find comfort physically, emotionally, and spiritually in the last few months of their life. Man, it's an amazing field to work in. 

Anyway, back to my purpose for my new blog. Throughout all of the work experience I have gained in the past year and a half I have learned this: Everyone, and I mean everyone, has a story to tell. Everyone lives a unique life that is unlike the life of their parents, siblings, best friends, etc. They have experiences that are life-changing either for the good or for the bad. And everyone just wants an opportunity to tell their story. One of my favorite parts of working in a job that allows me to meet new people is listening to the stories of others. Some people find this boring. Me? I find it exhilarating... I find it uplifting and fulfilling and motivating. I get to hear of the lives of others, their challenges, their blessings, their life-changing experiences. I am able to learn and grow from these stories as if I somehow was a part of them. And that's what this blog is going to be about. Part of it will focus on my life story and the things that I have experienced. And the other part will be about the things I am able to learn from others. Unfortunately, I can't get specific about people that I work with due to HIPPA (if you don't know what that is...go look it up haha!) but I just really want to share the thoughts, feelings, and impressions that I get through my interactions with others. The ones that uplift and motivate me to be better. The ones that make me happy.

So to be honest, I don't really care if people read this blog. I don't care if it becomes a hit and I get 312 comments a day. I want this blog so that I can have these experiences written down (or typed...if you really want to be specific.) I want to be able to go back and read this and be reminded that there is still happiness and "joy" in the world. (Get it? Oh yeah...slid it in there :) haha.) So goodnight for now and hopefully this isn't the last post I write!