New Beginnings
Next week Fall semester starts. Along with feelings of excitement and the anticipation of starting a new full school since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in March, there exists feelings of fear and uncertainty. For me, there are quite a few changes this upcoming school year: new apartment, new ward, different work schedule, and for many of us who are still in school, online classes. Not just one or two online classes like I’ve done in the past, but four online classes and my senior capstone internship and research. This can all seem overwhelming and my first reaction is to rush to check off boxes and finish homework assignments to keep my stress levels at bay, however it would be beneficial to review a few faith-based principles mentioned in my previous blog posts that can combat fear:
Gratitude invites God into our Lives
During these last two weeks in California before school starts, I started experimenting with some acne treatment. If you know anything about Benzoyl Peroxide, some of its side effects are dry, ichy, irritated skin. It’s been painful, uncomfortable, and honestly miserable making falling asleep difficult. This brought about feelings of fear of the uncertainty of not knowing when and how my skin would be able to recover. With the help of my father, we were able to find a dermatologist in Provo who was covered under his insurance. Fortunately, I was able to meet with a nurse practitioner dermatologist via Telehealth just two days after researching. Despite experiencing the ongoing side effects, I was able to see this as a blessing from God. Instead of continuing to worry and struggle by myself, I was able to turn to God in an attitude of gratitude. Relying on God does not mean that He will take away our burdens and struggles, but He can instill hope, strength, comfort, and courage to move forward. In other words, gratitude is an act of repentance. Elder David A Bednar said it best, “Repentance is turning to God. As we learn about and focus our faith in the Redeemer, then we naturally turn toward and come unto Him.” In Alma 36:31 we are reminded of God’s love and care for His children: “Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.”
I re invite you to write ONE thing you are grateful for each day.
Connection and Vulnerability Diminish Loneliness
Love and belonging compose the third tier in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This means that just above our physiological and safety needs, we humans thrive on intimate and close relationships with others for our survival.
In BYU Magazine’s Summer 2020 article “Loneliness - The Shadow Pandemic,” Melody McGrath Warnick informs us of groundbreaking research performed by BYU psychologists Julianne Holt-Lunstad and Timothy B. Smith. Warnick writes “[They] have found that our relationships impact our physical health so profoundly that chronic loneliness and isolation can be as dangerous as a pack-a-day smoking habit. Loneliness can shorten your lifespan by about five years.” The article goes on to showcase more of their intriguing research, as well as provide useful suggestions to combat loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic and onwards.
For the full article, click here:
https://magazine.byu.edu/article/loneliness-the-shadow-pandemic/
I re invite everyone to practice a modified version of the RAAR model catered towards combating loneliness:
When you experience loneliness:
R ecognize - that you are feeling lonely (i.e. negative rumination, low-self esteem, doubt, fear, isolation)
A ccept - that you need to connect with others
A ction - connect! Talk to someone! Text or call a family member, friend, roommate
R eview - continue adapting your plan to make it more personalized to you. Practice makes perfect
By practicing the RAAR principle, you will be able to act and not be acted upon. By making an effort to connect with others, you will have more confidence to combat loneliness and get help, especially during this new season of online schooling. As Brene Brown wisely said in her “Daring Greatly” best seller, “If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.” Let’s work together this semester to have the consideration to be an open ear, to have courage to reach out and lift others up when they’re down and lonely. As Camilla E. Kimball counselled “Never suppress a generous thought.”
I wish you all the best this upcoming school year!
