I didn’t quite complete this challenge as I’d intended. I missed a few days for this part of the workshop deadline and my brain’s a bit foggy to remember those days. (that's why it's important to write things down, Abby! :) hahaha.) But! I still got 7 entries in so I didn't completely fail this. I loved this class and the assignment. In the future, I might go back to this and edit this assignment. I want to experiment more with the techniques that Emily provided and see what it becomes!

June 22, 2019
Today I noticed how beautiful it was outside today. The sun was shining when I woke up this morning - I had both windows open wide. The breeze was divine. So cool for a nice summer day. Summer only just started officially yesterday. I noticed how quickly time has been marching on. I really need to leap onto projects I have in mind before all my time is passed and eaten up. I noticed an older black woman walking today. I wondered if she’d been walking home from work. She looked hot and exhausted and sore. I desperately wanted to give her a ride home. I’m grateful for where I am. I noticed how lucky I was. I got to go to my city’s market today and have fun browsing. I noticed a funny truck that said they “clean ducts” with pictures of ducks - made me laugh. I noticed alpacas and music and a polish eagle symbol.

June 23, 2019
Today I noticed an old hispanic couple eating together at Athen’s Pizza place. They’re sharing a meal in silence. Are they content? Are they mad? Are they worn down from life? Maybe they just heard sad news that we’ll never know about. Maybe they’re just having a sad Sunday. Maybe an easy going one.

June 24, 2019

Today I noticed my dad laughing and smiling. He wore a festive Hawaiian hat that almost looked like a cowboy hat the way he wore it. Mom took it off when it kept falling in front of his eyes, but he reached over and grabbed it, putting it back on because it’d make me smile and laugh. I noticed Joanne so upset because the nurses kept putting sweet and low in her cornflakes but she only wanted white sugar (she has packets in her pocket just in case). I noticed Roger talk about owning the oldest house on his street (1710) and he was a welder for a long time. He talked about the Three Stooges over and over and my mom bantered with him “Hmm, I’m checking if that’s true”. Those two were making my dad laugh and smile so much. Mom called Roger a Stooge and it made Joe laugh.

June 25, 2019
Today I noticed I need to rethink the way I think about myself and success. I did some course work and it made me think about how much I put myself down in the past and how many responsibilities are on my plate. How can I change for the better in a demanding world? I had to stop, I made myself anxious thinking and analyzing too much. Sometimes I really dislike how raw my emotions can be. I don’t like hindering myself so much and how others can hinder me out of fear.

June 26, 2019
(A post on a Facebook group page I am a part of. It was a long journal session too so I’m including and counting it as my journal reflection)
Today was my birthday (June 26. It’s the 27 now when I’m posting this late at night, hahaha.) I’m officially 20! It honestly was such a special day.
Mentally, I felt like I was finally closing the chapter on my teen years. (Technically, I became an adult at 18, but, you know what I mean? Any number with a “teen” in it is no more hahaha) I felt so at peace leaving this part of my life behind. The negatives, the positives, certain mindsets I was attached to as a teenager. It’s a new era of my life and I feel like I’m stepping into a new world. Especially with this course as I do some deep diving into my thoughts and behaviors. I know I’m really just beginning and have a bit of a road ahead of me.
Leading up to my birthday, I had this intention/repeating thought: “you know what, Abby? Take your 20’s and really dedicate yourself to investing in yourself and developing who you are as a person. Discover who you really are and accept who you were too.” Kind of the gist of what adults tell you as a kid, don’t you think? Enjoying being young and doing what you want, getting an education, etc.. But, I genuinely made myself believe in my intention. It was my own special affirmation I repeated to myself at least once a day and it’s a big picture goal too. Like Aileen has discussed, words are so powerful! Taking this next decade to really be comfortable with myself is so important and I’m constantly coaching myself that it isn’t selfish (selfish in a negative connotation, I mean) to do this for myself either.
Like I’ve learned from the modules so far, this is my own individual life and my own self. It’s completely okay to nurture that and be proud of all the goals I accomplish along the way, and also hold myself accountable and embrace the failures and challenges on the way. I think it’s important to do it throughout your life, but when you’re young you don’t have as many responsibilities tacked onto you yet, so it’s a gift to be given this time. I’ve also been pushing myself to do some classes on Skillshare and learn about topics that interest me. I like being open to new things and it’s worth enriching my mind. Knowledge is valuable and is going to benefit me, and it’s a gift to have access and be able to learn what I want to learn.
Today was also special because my loved ones gave me so much love and so many positive messages and energy. I got to spend time with friends I consider my family and just celebrate and create joyful memories. It truly and genuinely moved me and lifted my spirit so high up. I’ve been in such a rough patch for the last 4 years that it feels so, so wonderful to be emerging out of the dark. I felt like the universe really wanted to give me this profound moment of love and clarity. Reminding me of the important people in my life and why I’m worthy to be here. I feel so grateful and appreciative. There’s so much love in my heart.
I really wanted to share these thoughts and my reflection with you all. I hadn’t made my own post on my progress through the modules yet and wanted to take this opportunity. Also, as a gentle reminder, whether it’s someone’s birthday or not, to show a gesture of love to someone important in your life. While we continue to remind ourselves and learn how to love ourselves and create our own masterpiece of a dream life, it’s always a beautiful gift to have others in our life who nurture and love us in this process too. Everyone needs some love
thank you for taking the time to read, I know this was a little lengthy.

June 27, 2019
Today I noticed this young waitress when my mom and I went to get Mexican food last night. She was our waitress and she was very sweet and patient. She was in training and a bit nervous. She was so pretty. My mom took the time to give her encouragement of how well she was doing. She’s younger than me and planning to go to college but doesn’t know what she’s doing yet, like myself. It was nice to make that connection and that my mom prompted the conversation. It’s nice to have that reminder even though you sort of already know it. It’s comforting because some days I just feel clueless. I needed to get out of the house, I couldn’t focus on anything and before Mexican my mom and I went to the garden center to get some plants (we had coupons and got a huge savings). I got my first peony and plant and it’s a gorgeous pink and white. I can’t wait for it to bloom.

June 28, 2018
Today I noticed how hot it is today. I went to pick some white roses blooming in my garden and I was sweating so much. I felt a breeze as I walked back inside and it cooled me down. I also filled the bird feeders. The birds were going crazy so I also filled the suet feeder. We get these peanut suet balls and the birds eat them so fast it’s insane to me! I noticed a new bird sound today, I couldn’t figure out what it was nor could I see it. I hope I do. I love new little bird friends. I’ve been trying to continue being productive. I’m learning about copywriting and it’s interesting to learn about. I had a little light bulb moment about doing freelance work and making some crafts I found on Pinterest. I crave doing more fun things rather than stress about finding new jobs. Maybe I need to take the initiative to do my own work, if other’s aren’t making it easy at this time. Trying to work with people and figuring them out is quite a challenge sometimes, I like having control.

I enjoyed going back and reading what I wrote, reflecting on the kind of day I was having and how it influenced what I talked about and for how long. Some of it was some really scattered rambling. It brings back memories I would have otherwise forgotten if I hadn't written it down. I will definitely continue this going forward for myself. It's very therapeutic and fun to have something just for myself to look back on.

Abby Morse

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