Soapbox.

So yes, I am taking another elective course from the College of Human Environmental Sciences. And no, I am not happy about it. Why am I taking it again you may ask. Well, someone in the College of Communications decided that it would make me a well rounded person if I had to take so many elective courses outside of my college and major. This is not the brightest of bright ideas in my opinion. While I could be taking a journalism, mass communication or graphic design course to better help me in my chosen field of study, I am taking other classes such as Individual & Family Resource Management and Women's Studies instead. Blah, blah, blah. Let my rant and rave continue! But for a brief moment, I'd like to discuss an interesting topic that one of these "elective" courses have brought to light for me.

While reading for my Individual & Family Resource Management class, I came across the topic, the science of happiness. This made me stop and think about all the things that can make a person happy. Most people would think that money is the root of all happiness. But while reading, I found this to be completely untrue. Although money makes a person a small amount happier, things such as family and friends, children, religion, music, pets, exercise and food ranked in a lot higher than that of money. Crazy to think that when things in our life aren't as great as we want them to be, we feel that if only we had a little more money we would be much more happier. I know that I am guilty of thinking this when things in my life aren't exactly going my way.

So, where am I going with this? I would like to share with you some of my findings on how a person can be happier and have a more satisfying life. According to psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, there are eight things a person can do to make him or herself happier.

1. Count your blessings. One way to do this is with a “gratitude journal” in which you write down three to five things for which you are currently thankful—from the mundane (your peonies are in bloom) to the magnificent (a child’s first steps). Do this once a week, say, on Sunday night. Keep it fresh by varying your entries as much as possible.

2. Practice acts of kindness. These should be both random (let that harried mom go ahead of you in the checkout line) and systematic (bring Sunday supper to an elderly neighbor). Being kind to others, whether friends or strangers, triggers a cascade of positive effects—it makes you feel generous and capable, gives you a greater sense of connection with others and wins you smiles, approval and reciprocated kindness—all happiness boosters.

3. Savor life’s joys. Pay close attention to momentary pleasures and wonders. Focus on the sweetness of a ripe strawberry or the warmth of the sun when you step out from the shade. Some psychologists suggest taking “mental photographs” of pleasurable moments to review in less happy times.

4. Thank a mentor. If there’s someone whom you owe a debt of gratitude for guiding you at one of life’s crossroads, don’t wait to express your appreciation—in detail and, if possible, in person.

5. Learn to forgive. Let go of anger and resentment by writing a letter of forgiveness to a person who has hurt or wronged you. Inability to forgive is associated with persistent rumination or dwelling on revenge, while forgiving allows you to move on.

6. Invest time and energy in friends and family. Where you live, how much money you make, your job title and even your health have surprisingly small effects on your satisfaction with life. The biggest factor appears to be strong personal relationships.

7. Take care of your body. Getting plenty of sleep, exercising, stretching, smiling and laughing can all enhance your mood in the short term. Practiced regularly, they can help make your daily life more satisfying.

8. Develop strategies for coping with stress and hardships.There is no avoiding hard times. Religious faith has been shown to help people cope, but so do the secular beliefs enshrined in axioms like “This too shall pass” and “That which doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” The trick is that you have to believe them.

Well, in that case, I have a lot of work to do. I think steps 5, 7 and 8 will be most challenging for me. I do consider myself an extremely happy person, but I think I can handle a little more happiness in my life!

Until next time, this is me lately!

Food for thought

Now, let me get this straight.....We are going to pass a health care plan written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress that hasn't read it but exempts themselves from it, to be signed by a president that also hasn't read it and who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes…all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that's nearly broke. What could possibly go wrong?

-Anonymous

Social Media Revolution

Interesting YouTube video. Do you think social media is just a fad?

Click on this link: Social Media Revolution

Retraction

Retraction: A public statement, by the author of an earlier statement, that withdraws, refutes, or diametrically reverses the original statement.

Now that you are clear on what a retraction entails, I would like to explain why I would like to make one. On a previous post of mine, I shared the wonderful news of receiving an internship with The Children's Hospital in Birmingham for the Spring 2010 semester. After further discussion with the communications staff at Children's, they wanted me to start mid semester.

**In the meantime, I received an e-mail from the contact I had met at Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center in Birmingham, AL.**

So, before heading home for Christmas break, I interviewed with staff members at Glenwood and discussed a Spring internship with the organization. After waiting a few weeks, I finally received a call informing me that I had been chosen as their intern for the ENTIRE Spring 2010 semester. I was extremely excited to hear this news because I feel this will be a great opportunity for me to experience the nonprofit side of public relations. With that being said, I retract my statement from my previous post. I will not be working at Children's but at Glenwood Autismn and Behavioral Health Center. There.

About Glenwood:

• It is the oldest and largest autism health provider in the state of Alabama.
• It was established in 1973 and is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit autism and behavioral health center.
• It provided services for more than 7,000 individuals from Alabama this year, through its 20 plus services including diagnostic and assessment services, vocational training, supportive employment, residential, and supportive home living.
• Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center accepts ongoing donations from corporations and individuals at http://www.glenwood.org/od.org or via mail to: Glenwood Autism Donations, 150 Glenwood Lane, Birmingham, AL 35242-5700.

Monday, Jan. 11 was my first day on the job. And.... I absolutely loved it! They immediately put me to work and (+) I even have my own desk and computer. The staff at Glenwood is extremely nice and seem to be very sincere in wanting me to learn and take as much as I can from this internship. I will go back Friday for my second day and I am really excited to get to work. There are so many events coming up that I'll get to have a part in. **FYI: Autism Awareness Month is in April** I'll keep you all posted on what is to come..
Not only was Monday the first day of my new internship but it was the first day of my last semester of college. WOW! I can't even believe it. It feels bittersweet to me. I am already feeling sad about leaving my "home" in a few months and embarking on a new journey in a world that is much bigger outside of Tuscaloosa. Last night, I found myself sitting on our huge sectional sofa in the Phi Mu house, watching American Idol on our huge flat screen TV with several of my sorority sisters. This is an occurrence that happens EVERY night. Maybe not the American Idol part but all of us sitting together "couching it" as we call it. But, it seemed that all at once we realized that this would all be over in a matter of months and we wouldn't be able to come in everyday from long days of school, classes and work just to relax and spend time together. What a bummer right!? But enough about the sad stuff.. This semester is going to be great and I am going to enjoy every second of it!! So, I'll leave you with pictures of things that I will miss the most about college:
1. SPRING BREAK



2. Ahhh the parties/swaps...



3. Game days



and much more.. These are just a few of my favorite things!

Until next time, this is me lately!