Blank Slate

Once upon a time, almost three and a half years ago, a scared young woman took flight from the comfort of her home nest with her parents to move to the "big city". She was so unsure of what life would bring and had so many hopes, dreams and fears. She was chasing so many things, and this was the time where she could finally be out on her own and to take the creative freedom she wanted so badly for her life. She had a blank slate to begin writing her story. That story started in apartment #216, and her story is mine.

At that point, I remember feeling so proud of myself that I was living on my own in what at the time seemed like a luxury apartment. I remember feeling so established, independent and even brave. It felt like I could finally make mistakes and stretch myself in new directions. Yet I realize now how very little I knew - that's what being independent is all about though.

That apartment was my nirvana. I could cozy up at night and read books, watch my favorite shows like Downton Abbey and revel in the quiet. I grew up in a family of eight, so I was so used to chaos always, but now was different. I could make my own schedules, I no longer had a curfew, and I was a career woman just doing what I thought I knew best.

That apartment was also a place where I could build myself up each day. I would get ready and put on my face of makeup every day; I'd workout in the exercise facility; I'd try to cook and fail. Although it was a great place for all of these things, it was also the place where I could come home and night and cry if I needed to. I could feel weak, small and clueless there. I'd feel just totally stuck in the muddle of life, and feel so helpless and lonely. It was a place where I discovered a lot about myself. I learned that I wasn't cut out to be in the digital world anymore. It was where I remembered that I thrive on challenges and social environments that promote positivity and learning.

After living alone in that apartment for over two years, my husband Tyler eventually joined me and that was such an exciting time. It was definitely cramped and crowded, but we made it work and learned to appreciate each other's personal space. It was a great place to bond with him and we made it work.

Now after packing up all of the boxes, and cleaning that apartment from top to bottom, it once again looks like that blank slate. I shut the door for the last time knowing that someone else will have the opportunity to bring their life to light in a new environment. It's an end to my chapter there, and the invitation for a new chapter to another.

Now that I'm a homeowner, I feel especially blessed that we are so fortunate to have had the experiences that we have had, and I'm looking forward to doodling on the blank slate that is our home. I know I will grow so much more between these walls - and that anticipation is pretty great!

Reflections and Resolutions

The new year has just begun and it's time for the tradition of activating all of the resolutions that were just mere thoughts in our heads from the night before. Now that the first day of the year has almost passed, a thought may have crossed our minds... "just what was I thinking last night?"... and "it won't hurt if I start tomorrow, or next Monday, right?"...

I can identify with these types of thoughts because the idea of change is so daunting. It's so uncomfortable. So unnerving.... At least that's what we may tend to dwell on, right? I mean it's easy to focus on all of the things that are "wrong" in our lives and all of the things we want to CHANGE. We want to be more educated, more talented, more athletic, and less lazy, eat less junk food, and be less messy. Whatever change it is that we have in mind it is DIFFERENT from our norm and that is what makes it so difficult to adjust to.

To reiterate, it seems to be the VOIDS that we tend to focus on when we make these resolutions. We might be comparing our lives to fictional characters, idolized celebrities, or some sort of idealized version of ourselves. The truth of the matter is though that we cannot change without first taking the moment to reflect and realize all of the GOOD that fills our lives. The new year isn't supposed to be about punishing ourselves for not being that concept in our head. The new year should really be just another chance to recharge and take a step beyond those good intentions. Think about the ACTION instead of the pain. Think about what effect your actions can have. 

So I give you permission to rethink your resolutions. Take a good look in the mirror, and maybe grab a pad of paper. I want you to write down 10 things you are grateful for and 10 things that you LIKE about yourself. Once you have done that, then you will be more open-minded to the opportunity for challenge. Yes - I say challenge because we as humans are designed to think in terms of a competition or make things into a game. Once you change your mindset and no longer look at your resolution as a chore or a punishment and look at it as a challenge - that is when you will find success. Success comes because you cannot spell CHALLENGE without CHANGE.

So whether your resolution be to get in better shape, read more books, do more good deeds, or travel the world, find the challenge and excitement that pushes you to seek more. Look at yourself with love and appreciation and you will not be disappointed. Be challenged and be changed and enjoy 2016 to the fullest of your capability. 

One Way Ticket - Destination: Siberia

In my head I'm packing my bags, lining up my passport (a new identity), and my hopes and dreams. I'm waiting in the airport terminal waiting for the plane to whisk me away to a whole new world. I'm flying to Siberia - where no one will know me - where I can start over and just be 'me'. In my daydream, I only look straight ahead - there's nothing holding me back, and I'm not tempted at all to look behind me.

Daydreams are risky like that. They allow you to escape the reality for just a minute and to embrace the next-to-impossible. They allow you to close your eyes and just be completely hidden in your own head where you aren't worried at all about what anyone else thinks.

As I open my eyes, I realize that I shouldn't be hiding myself in a daydream. I shouldn't be scared to take those same kinds of risks in reality. Especially now that I am living out my actual dream. I'm pursuing something that is so much bigger than me. I'm scared, terrified and completely overwhelmed. How can I possibly handle this?

My strengths may not 100% lie in what I'm pursuing right now. I'm not amazing at memorizing. I'm not perfect at understanding the different kind of lipids or enzymes. I lay awake at night calculating pKa's of different compounds as well as ratios of ionized and free form molecules because I'm terrified I'll forget how to figure it out. I'm not getting all A's on every assignment anymore. I *have* to get a C or better though. The pressure never sleeps - and neither do I as of late.

It's tough balancing it all. It's definitely a challenge that is so beyond my scope and strength, but yet I go forward. God wouldn't have given me this path if He knew I couldn't handle it. I am called to do this. And even with all of these challenges I have, I know my life is much less complicated than the lives of many. I am grateful that I have such an amazing journey ahead of me and that I have been given so many chances.

So am I planning to close my eyes, drop it all, and turn away just because it's hard? I can't. I must keep going. I'm taking a way bigger risk staying where I am- finding the *real* me - than flying away to a whole new world where there's no 'real me' at all.

The snow may seem whiter in my daydreams than in reality; however, the real white clarity is found in waking up every day to try harder than the day before, taking deep breaths, closing my eyes, smiling, and seeing the life I'm living right now imprinted in reality and in my dreams. The journey is just beginning, so I better buckle that seat belt and get ready to be immersed in the clouds. 

Definitions

With the English major I received as my undergraduate, I have a great appreciation for definitions. To this day, any time we sit down to play a game of Scrabble, my mother is whipping out her copy of the American Heritage Dictionary: College Edition just to challenge any questionable words played. (Yes, our games are *that* competitive...). While we play, the definitions of the words are considered thoughtfully in terms of how many points we can earn, and there are small props for creativity and strategy. It's funny to note though how these definitions are simply just words on a page to describe another word.

Just like those challenges my mother makes, the other day, I was caught in a real definitive moment. I was taking part in a casual conversation with someone and joked about my age in reference to the classes I was taking. Well, this person responded in an astonished tone, "What have you done with your life?". Now this person is only a year younger than I am, and is already working in the industry he intended to be in, but I was definitely surprised by his question. For I personally do believe that no one is really ever too old to change their mind and go a different route - especially with education. However, instead of standing up for what I truly believe I have *done* with my life, I immediately responded by listing out all of the things that I had done. I have a degree, I worked at a website development company for a year, etc. etc... And this answer was totally automatic - borderline defensive, because I was secretly a little ashamed of myself. I had been quickly debunked by someone for not being where I want to be.....yet.

Several days later this conversation is still on my mind. What keeps coming into my mind is how it's so amazing and quite frankly tragic that in the blink of an eye we can reduce ourselves to little more than mere words. Not just any words either, words that encompass our successes, our status, and our title... instead of words encircling our beliefs, morals, attitudes, and ethics.

This is the same scenario when we meet anyone new and they might ask us what we do for a living. We might automatically answer, oh I'm a lawyer, or a teacher, or a mother, or a doctor.. And then we'll just leave it at that. Well, I have thought about those answers, and now I can say without a doubt that it is far too unfair to sell ourselves so short.

Why would we limit ourselves to just a word or two when we know what really went into making us who we are. Our communities, our churches, our families and our friends have all shaped us, taught us, prepared us, and from the different upbringings we've had, we all bring something slightly different to the table. How is it then that when we are asked a question we still just answer with an inch, a mile, a pound, a dollar, a title, a word? Where is the meaning in that?

So when someone asks me, "so you want to be a pharmacist?". Yes, I do. With all my heart I do. But, I also want to be a friend, a wife, a leader, a teacher, a resource, a caring person, a positive force, a smiling face, an honest speaker, a thoughtful person, and so, so much more.

I challenge you to think about the definitions in your life. Have you limited yourself? Are you afraid to explore new definitions? Should there really even be any definitions at all?

Scared Straight

I don't know if you've ever experienced jitters the night before a big day at a new job, or butterflies in your stomach right before giving an important speech in public, or even get a little freaked out the idea of introducing yourself to a room full of new people, but if you're like me, you'll know that it's pretty darn scary in any of these scenarios.

This last week I've had troubles closing my eyes and going to sleep mainly because I've begun a whole new journey that will keep me pretty occupied in the next four years. I've *finally* begun pharmacy school!

Last year when I was taking pre-pharmacy classes, it seemed so far away, and I was so scared that I couldn't even make it through that. This summer, even after I had already been accepted into the program, I had to face major challenges. After you are accepted, if you still have classes to complete, you have to get a 'B' or better in any remaining class... Although that may not sound too overly daunting, trying to finish up 12 credits with a B or better, all while being faced with crunched time, hours at work, and just trying to remain a normal human (who occasionally eats and sleeps), it was exhausting. Quite honestly, it scared the crap out of me too, but that is why I'm writing here today..

On our first day of school, during our orientation program, we were encouraged to write a letter to a freshman pre-pharmacy student to give them advice. Although I didn't offer much advice specifically about pharmacy or classwork, I did think of a few things that I always try to carry with me. First and foremost, I suggested to that future student that she should always be grateful for the opportunity that she has in front of her. Any challenge should be seen as an opportunity- and it should be respected. Second, I suggested to that girl that she should really think about the things she wants and life- and to never stop reaching until she could get there - and that's where the fear-factor comes in.

If you want success in your life, no matter who you are or where you are in life, I'd suggest doing something every day that scares you. Now I don't mean putting yourself in great amounts of danger or doing frivolous things without thinking... I'm saying you should take a calculated risk, that may benefit you- even if it scares you. For example, if you are in school, raise your hand to offer an idea in class - even if you might be wrong- you are learning to own your voice. If you're a stay-at-home mom with kids crawling over you and driving you bonkers, take them to a daycare just for a day to relax and just be *you* again - even if it seems scary to drop them off. If you've never gone to the gym, get a punch card that will allow you to try different classes, and try to say hi to one new person each day. Give a stranger a compliment, or start a conversation with someone while you wait in a line. You never know what you may find out about someone- and you never know where that conversation might lead. 

Every day and every situation presents an opportunity. First (and always) be grateful for that exact moment that you are in, and then go ahead and dare to make that unexpected leap. Be scared. You'll end up being surprised at how much you can grow, and you'll end up being even more grateful for all of the wonderful experiences that you've had.

When Did I Let "Less Than" Rule Me?

I still remember the day that I walked up to the platform at Dakota State University to give my salutatorian speech. I just remember that day being so wonderful. It was one of those moments in my life where I had such an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. I was so proud of myself, and felt so certain about my future. I thought I had a plan.

Well they always say that God laughs at the plans that man makes for himself. I guess this was pretty much how it went down. Looking back, I don't regret a thing. I'm so glad I had that experience. DSU helped me to unearth the real me. It helped me to discover that I have creative tendencies, and a deep desire to connect with music, art, and the abstract. It taught me to think of bigger things than just myself. It was the springboard that allowed me to jump into so many different areas including a job that taught me that I was meant to be someone more. It taught me to respect myself and to never feel like I should deserve anything less than what I was worth.

Now after two years at Lewis drug as a pharmacy technician, I've prepared myself for the next huge step in my educational journey. I'm moving on to pharmacy school! Yes, I'm sure most of you already knew that, but now it's really here. I've gotten through some real hardships, and I have continued to persevere even when it did seem impossible.

And trust me. There were many times I wanted to give up. I thought I wasn't smart enough. I thought I wouldn't be able to figure it out. I barely knew more than the basics in chemistry. I would beat myself down during these times and tell myself that I was 'less than' the other students pursuing the same journey as me. I'd sit in the car after taking a test and sometimes cry because I felt so nervous that I wouldn't make the cut. I thought that even though I was trying my hardest, I was still somehow unqualified for even trying to make it.

My journey with health and wellness has also gone similarly. It's funny how all areas of your life really are linked together... Anyway, even when I weighed the least, a mere (and somewhat skeletal) 120 pounds at 5'10" I still felt at times that I was 'less than' the other women I'd see. After finally letting myself just be content, I was truly healthy for several years and gained a little weight back to be more stable. Going back to school did put quite a bit of stress on me though, and I've stopped taking the time to properly respect my body with consistent exercise and healthy eating choices. However, now I've come to look at the health process very differently. There is not a magical solution that is going to make you look good- you have to work hard- own your mistakes- and get right back up and keep going. I'm still healthy and content with how I look, but it's a continuing process.

After dealing with these struggles, I really know though, that I am worth more. I should not let the 'less than' fear rule me. For with confidence, and God's grace, I can truly become the strongest person I can be. So, going on from here, I'm ready to really put my fears behind me.

I'm ready to be more than I am today - even if it's just baby steps or one small thing every single day. It will be a process - I just have to learn to trust in the process - to let go, to jump, to be 'more than'.

The Unknown

As we circle in closer to July 15th, I can't help but think of all the amazing things the last year has brought me. I feel like my life took one of those total roller coaster turns, and I am inching ever-so-close to even more excitement.

So what is so special about July 15th? Well, that day was my first day working at Lewis Drug. I still remember ditching my stiffened office clothes for the ever-classic khakis and cobalt polo. I remembered feeling excited to go to work (which is a feeling I had long forgotten) and I yet to this day rarely dread going to work (except for maybe the occasional Senior Day! Ha!). Going to work at Lewis was something so unexpected, even for myself, that I yet to this day scratch my head as I try to remember why I ever thought to apply at Lewis.

You'd think with my experience and education that I would have just gone the normal route of trying to find another company, within the last industry that I worked for, to apply at. But something just tugged at my insides and told me that Lewis was the right choice. Boy, was my gut right.

So here I am, standing on the other side of the year, looking back and realizing just how FAST time went. I think about all of the things that I have learned and all of the wonderful people I have met. It truly is incredible what the right work environment can do for a person. Am I trying to say that Lewis is always perfect? Of course not. But I am saying that it has taught me to never be afraid to learn new things and to step outside of my comfort zone - not only to help a customer - but to better myself.

With that said, I am now taking a very scary and new step to continue my journey of learning. I am applying to SDSU to get into the college of pre-pharmacy, and I will soon hear back to see if my application has been approved. I am nervous about this unknown step, just as I was nervous when I first sent in my application to Lewis and to leave the comfort of my swanky office-job-title to take the Pharmacy Clerk position offered to me. But as I have continued to learn and grow in my role, now as a *certified* Pharmacy Technician, I cannot deny my fascination with learning more about medications and health.

It will be a hard journey. I am not sure if I will even make it. Maybe I will fail. But maybe I will excel. And I have a feeling that with the amount of attention, energy and passion that I have, that I will succeed. Maybe that seems a little premature to say, but I truly do feel in my gut that I will succeed in this next step. I have no idea where it will take me, or how it will impact my life, but I am ready to take that ride. I just pray that I am taking the right path - the one that God has intended for me to take, and that I can carry out His Will as best as I possible can.