Are You Full Yet?

Okay so I decided that I am going to break from chronological order and just talk about something that I am really excited about!

Let me just start out by telling you the truth about me. I am pretty cool and all, but I am not assertive. I just kind of go with the flow. When things don't work out nicely I have a tendency to just accept it and move on. Grant it, eventually something always works out even if it wasn't the original plan. However, I would like to be better about making things happen that I really want. 
Let's talk today about personal fulfillment!

Life is all about finding a balance between things. People work their whole lives doing things for others. Parents work to help their children. Husband and wife work to help their spouse. Teachers work to help their students. Do we stop to help ourselves? Do we think about the things that we need?
I am in a special time of life...college. Where most of my decisions are based on my own desires. That doesn't stop me from worrying about everyone around me. Honestly, I think that worry is a genetic certainty with me. I mean do you know my parents? Yep, I was doomed to worry about everything and everyone for my ENTIRE life. Thanks Mom and Dad (I do find their worry kind of endearing, but it also is really taxing)! But none the less most of my decisions are revolved around myself. It is awesome and still really hard. From this vantage point, I notice that many people who are actually responsible for others forget that they are responsible for themselves. Like I said it is a balance. A balancing act between being self less and being self centered. You want to be self aware. Be aware of your own needs and do things that will fulfill those needs.

While thinking about this summer one thing was for sure...didn't want to work 40 hours a week at my current job. I did this all last summer and it was fine. I made money, didn't lose my mind, and I had lots of time to play. This summer I knew that I needed a change of pace. So I started seeking out a plan that would fulfill those needs. After much deliberation I decided to do something totally crazy! I decided to go to Uganda for my internship credits. I was so pumped, but things didn't work out and I was ready to give up on my dream. A very wise woman told me that this is a once in a life time opportunity that will be fulfilling and also fun! So I made some changes and I am going to Uganda for part of the summer! I have always wanted to travel and learn about new cultures. This kind of travel is not very likely after I graduate, have a job, and limited vacation days. So the plan is in motion. I am off to Africa for part of the summer!

Now, honestly this is probably the worst example of what I am talking about, because you don't have to do something crazy to find complete fulfillment. You can find joy and fulfillment in little things.
I have a bucket list. Some of my goals are big things such as: go on a Africa Safari. Other things are just little things that make me happy that I can do any day of the week with little planning. Some of these are: chew as many pieces of gum as you can, leave a note in a random book at the library, propose to a stranger with a ring pop. This week I want you to think about the things that bring YOU joy. The things that you have always wanted to do, bring a smile, or a burst of laughter. Make those things happen (I am trying to be more assertive even here on the blog)!

Think about your needs and this week do one thing totally for yourself!

Need ideas of things to do: take a bunch of goofy pictures and post them to the web (seriously I am dying laughing)!!!