FEAR

Fear: an unpleasant emotion caused by the brief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.

I believe that we all come to Earth as a blank canvas and we learn and adapt different things based on experience and the people around us. Fear is one of those things that we learn over time. Each person has a fear, whether it's physical, mental, or spiritual. We are encouraged to have faith when we come toe to toe with our fears. Most of us have had the joy of conquering certain fears, but what if you don't? What if your fear takes over and you "miss your chance" to overcome your fear? What happens then? 

I had an incredible experience of coming face to face with my fear while helping out at Girl's Camp a few days ago. For those of you that don't know, I have a horrible fear of heights. I never liked the idea of not being in control of what my body is doing and the feeling of falling freaked me out,  so cliff jumping and roller coasters were always out of the question (except climbing, i love that). Anyways, I was helping out the younger girls with the ropes course when we got to the zip line activity. My body became more stiff as I saw how high up we were and the only thing protecting me was a line hanging from a tree. I got quieter because I didn't want to draw attention to the fact that I was scared, but my fear was quickly exposed and before i knew it, friends were encouraging me to go. This one sweet girl was just as scared as I was and I realized this could be a possibility to help her. I told her I would go if she did, so she went. She was waiting for me to go, but I couldn't do it. My friend's dad encouraged me to have faith and believe, but i was so focused on the fact that nobody was physically next to me so I didn't feel safe. It was interesting to see the character of those around me as well. Those that were patient and understanding of my fear. Long story short, I didn't end up doing it and instead of feeling a wave of disappointment, I felt a wave of love and experience. It had been a while since I have felt fear and a really long time since i've felt a lack of faith. On the ride back to the main campsite, Two of the girls volunteering as leaders expressed that they felt more comfortable telling me about their fears because they saw mine first hand. It was amazing to immediately activate my spiritual gifts to help them through different things. When I saw that young camper, she eagerly asked me if I did the zip line. I had to look her in the eye and tell her i didn't do it. It was such a humbling experience. There was immediate love and acceptance, instead of disappointment. Later that night I ended up using my gift of dance to bring the spirit to the girls. Life continued on and instead of dwelling on my failure, God helped me see my strengths. 

Good people, Fear is so different for each person. Don't ever feel embarrassed when you don't conquer your fear immediately. There are always opportunities to share your light and goodness and with time and practice, we will get over those life blocks. Faith is something that is nurtured and it grows from experience. I want to invite each of you to identify different fears within yourself and make plans to face them and if you don't get over it right away, that's ok. It's good to know where your limit is and stretch it every day using God's help. I love each of you to the moon and back. Remember that God didn't create the world in a day so don't feel like you have to either.

*PS: I went on the 3 oldest wooden roller coaster in the US  a week ago :)*

WEALTH

"The greatest wealth is health." - Roman Poet

As I have gotten older, I have discovered that the physical and spiritual state of a human is intertwine immensely.  In high school, I would eat whatever I wanted because I was so active, I never gained any weight. But now looking back on it, I was always upset and angry for no apparent reason. I was spiritually disconnected and I always felt like I never had enough energy. When I got into college, I started making changes in my diet. I stopped eating fast food and started to chow down on my fruits and veggies. I have always worked out, so nothing really changed there, but I started to notice physical and spiritual changes within myself. I was able to concentrate more in school. I laughed a lot more and found joy in the smallest things. I could really see God's direction in my life a lot clearer. I felt more well rested, therefore I could get more things done during the day without crashing every 45 minutes. And obviously the physical benefits were awesome as well, but I realized how blessed we are to have a body. Our body is the house for our spirits. It literally is a gift from God and when we take care of it, He blesses us in so many ways. There are times where I nit pick at my body. There are times (more times than I like to admit) when I just hated my body, but I realize in those moments that those thoughts aren't coming from our Father in Heaven. Satan is the biggest hater in the world. He doesn't want us to see our bodies as a gift and a joy and he will try anything to make us think otherwise. Good people, remember that God's love is always around you. He made you the way you are for a reason. What a gift!!! Take care of our bodies and it will take care of you! Love you to the moon and back! 

SMILE

Did you know that it is scientifically proven that smiling can boost your immune system, reduce your stress level, and releases endorphins to help you manage anxiety? Not to mention that you become 10 times more attactive and approachable. Smiling is also contagious. When somebody smiles at me, it is practically second nature for me to smile back. I believe that when we smile, we carry a love and light with us. It takes almost no effort at all to pass on it's goodness and in return, we receive the same love and kindness.
I was at Harvard Square the other day and I saw a homeless man sitting outside of my favorite burger spot (shake shack). I had nothing to give him but a smile, and in return he told me that it had been a long time since he had seen someone smile at him. That one statement made me realize how important smiling was. We have the ability to change how someone sees their day. Now I know that we as human's don't walk around everyday with a permanent smile on our face and run around picking flowers and kissing strangers. We all have bad days, but please remember that it doesn't mean you have a bad life! Find things that make you happy. For me that is hearing a really good joke or jamming obnoxiously to my favorite song. Surround yourself with people that make you happy. If that isn't possible for some reason, remember that God's love is always around us. We can fins Him in impossible circumstances.  Good people, a smile can save a life. Never forget that. I love you to the moon and back!