Tag Archives: March

JustLj in March PART II

The Blog Post About Persistence

As I settle in to write this latest blog entry, I can’t help but reflect on the theme of persistence that has been prevalent in my life recently. It’s a quality I’ve always valued, but the kind words and recognition from friends and coworkers have inspired me to explore what it truly means to be persistent and how it connects with self-awareness and authenticity.

To me, persistence is a powerful force—it’s that inner drive that pushes us to keep moving forward, no matter what challenges we encounter. It feels like a reliable companion on our journey, motivating us to pursue our goals with determination. The past few weeks have shown me just how noticeable my persistence is to those around me, prompting me to reflect on how this characteristic aligns with my true self and the self-awareness I’ve developed over time.

I’ve realized that persistence isn’t just about pushing through obstacles; it’s about having a clear understanding of who we are. The more we recognize our strengths and weaknesses, desires and fears, the better we can navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience. Self-awareness is the foundation of authentic persistence, helping us set meaningful goals and understand when to push forward or change direction. As Maya Angelou wisely noted, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”

Honest self-reflection has guided my approach to persistence. I strive to stay true to my values and intentions while chasing my dreams. When my actions align with my core beliefs, persistence feels less like a struggle and more like a natural part of who I am.

However, this journey hasn’t been without its challenges. It requires a readiness to face setbacks and learn from them, acknowledging the doubts that sometimes arise. I’ve faced frustrating moments where the way forward seemed unclear, but it’s in these situations that self-awareness has been invaluable. Recognizing my emotions and reactions allows me to reframe my perspective and find the motivation to keep going. As Thomas Edison pointed out, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

When I embrace persistence authentically, I also inspire those around me to do the same. This creates a positive ripple effect, fostering a culture where we support each other in our journeys. Our experiences are interconnected, and the more we lean into our persistence, the more we encourage others to tap into their own potential.

As I look ahead to this new month filled with reflection and growth, I invite you to consider the role of persistence in your own life. How can you harness this powerful quality while staying true to yourself? Embrace the challenges and celebrate each step forward, for every moment is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Let’s journey together through the intricacies of persistence, building self-awareness along the way. Together, we can support one another in our pursuits and thrive on the path of authenticity. Here’s to writing the next chapter of our lives with determination, purpose, and a touch of courage! As the saying goes, “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.”

What I’m Currently Working on

These days, my schedule feels like a careful balancing act as teaching, writing, and refining my craft take center stage. With testing for middle schoolers beginning, work has slowed down a bit, but it remains high maintenance as I navigate these critical weeks. As I look ahead to the end of my one-year contract on June 13th, I have only 10 working weeks left. I’m eager to share my plans and the progress I’m making during this time. To stay updated on my journey and what I’ll be working on next, feel free to visit the Works in Progress Page or follow the Facebook Page, where I share daily updates and fun tidbits.

What Im Currently Reading

Scholastic Unveils Cover for Suzanne Collins' New “Hunger Games” Book “ Sunrise on the Reaping ”

Like many avid YA readers presently, I am currently making my way through Suzanne Collins’ latest entry into her Hunger Games books, Sunrise on the Reaping. This fifth book in her world of distant future Earth, Panem, focuses on Haymitch and when he won the Hunger Games. I share this in this post of persistence for two reasons: 1. Suzanne Collins’ dedication to these stories, this world, and these characters shows a beautiful level of persistence and drive. And 2. The character of Haymitch at his core, especially in this book, deeply relates to the characteristic of persistence. I highly recommend this book regardless of whether you are a fan already or not.

JustLj in March

How to Cope with Change (and the Stress That Comes with It) - YouTube

The Blog Post of Change 

Although change is inevitable, it is by far the most common struggle we all share. The process of change is hard for everyone, and we all have our methods of dealing with it, whether healthy or not. Like the brain in the picture above, many of us just choose to ignore the stress of the struggle while others spiral visibly and noticeably due to the anticipation of change. This month, this struggle of the anticipation and stress of change has been at the forefront of my mind.

I have always had a hard time dealing with and adjusting to change. Both at small and small volumes, change has been a trigger of stress in my chemically imbalanced and anxiety-filled mind, and I have dealt with change poorly on both spectrums of too much and too little. Change should not be downplayed or played. Change just simply is and should always be viewed that way, it is neither good or bad it just is. Change happens and is transitional. We all started as a change in this world. This is a hard concept to grasp, though, because we are human, and all humans are reactionary. So how do we really deal with change properly, then? How can we make it less of a struggle? How do we prevent the stress it usually always brings on?

Well to be relatable I googled searched those questions to share here, and the top result took me to The British Heart Foundation, where it had an article of twelve tips on coping with change: #1- Learn to accept what has happened #2- Pace yourself #3- Ask for help from loved ones #4- Look for new opportunities #5-Carry a self-help reminder #6- Have a strategy for dealing with stress #7- Have a story that you can tell easily #8- Give yourself time #9- Be involved with others #10-Get into a routine #11- Avoid self-medicating with alcohol or drugs #12- Don’t make major life changes. While that’s all well and good, and some of those are good suggestions, I honestly wouldn’t recommend searching Google for all your struggles (sorry for tricking you). Struggles are personal and should be treated as such, and the internet, while great, doesn’t solve everything but can be a helpful resource. At the end of the day, everyone is different and will need to do different things to cope with their struggles.

Currently I have been stressing with upcoming changes coming with my undergraduate career coming to an end next month. The stress of figuring out what to do next weighing heavy on me. As someone who knows my mental health limits, I have developed the ideal coping methods and tools for myself in these moments, but that doesn’t mean it’s any easier; it just means I have lived and struggled long enough to know myself; this was not always the case. I find, for me personally, writing such as poetry or journaling, reading, praying, and talking about the triggers of change and stress to others as my prime was of coping for mostly anything but especially in regards to change. More often than not, talking out and through your struggles to someone will give you a new perspective and reassurance about the circumstance. Friends and family are great resources to utilize so utilize them. Change can be scary, and that’s exactly why it makes sense not to do it alone.

That last sentence is also a good transition to discuss the flip of that in regard to friends and family. Just as you should utilize and lean on them in these stressful moments, remember that they should also be able to do so on you. Coping, seeking, and asking for help is more difficult for some. I know that for a fact. Sometimes, even the most independent people are the ones in the most need of help. I have had a few people currently in my life going through different levels of stress due to change or anticipation leading to change. Although it is inevitable, our support and awareness of change and the potential stress it may bring to ourselves and others should be just as reliable as that inevitability.

What I’m Currently Working on

Currently, I am in week four of eight of my last two courses at SNHU, Advanced Creative Writing and Popular Culture, instructed by Professor Molly Sutton Kiefer and Phillip Wagner. As always, to follow my progression or what I am doing, you can head over to the Works in Progress Page or follow the Facebook Page where I post updates and share fun tidbits daily.

Author Recommendation

What would you do to inherit a million dollars? Would you be willing to change your life? Jason Stevens is about to find out… | The ultimate gift, Book worms, Gifts

I was first introduced to this story by watching the movie adaptation staring Abigail Breslin years ago, but just recently bought the book at my local library’s book sale, and I think it is very appropriate to use it as my recommendation for this month’s blog post as it has been appropriate for me to read during this time. The story is told by a lawyer navigating a recently passed client’s nephew in following the client’s last will and testament. It is a story of the true meaning of life, meaning the small things. This story really puts life into perspective, and regardless of your age, race, gender, and beliefs, I highly recommend it.

Poem for the Month

A4 Size Parchment Poster Classic Poem Elizabeth Barrett Browning Change Upon Change : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen