I was struggling to figure out what kind of article I wanted to write this week, and after having what I recently learned in my Introduction to Communications class to be an intrapersonal conversation with myself, I realized that you can never preach enough on the importance of self-care. A lot of people struggle with their own personal health and making choices that look into the long term. We sometimes tend to push aside our own well being to benefit others and make everyone else happy, but at the end of the day, we all need to do what is best for each of us alone. I am one who in the past has struggled with this matter, and trying to always find a way to make everyone happy, but I've realized that no matter how hard you try it just isn't possible. Everybody is not going to be happy with the choices you make, the people you surround yourself with, your diet, the music you listen to, the way you dress, even what you identify yourself as, so at the end of the day, you have to do what is best for you.

Starting my sophomore year of college I have already gone through the social stage where I want to always be at every event and occasion, but now I realize that it is honestly not that deep. There will always be another party, another time to go out to eat, another time to hang out with friends, but you have to make the most out of every single day, and you don't want to waste your time on people who may or may not have your best interest at heart, or on things that will either distract or hinder you from your long-term goals and aspirations. It is up to each and every one of us to make ourselves happy, no person or thing can fulfill that void because God has already given each and every one of us everything that we need, you just need to allow yourself to tap into your gifts and blessings.

I was really involved this past school year but I realized that I had way too much on my plate, and this school year I want to focus on school first, and then prioritize the things that will better me as a person, make me successful and work towards my career and future life goals, and try to hone in my my passions that I have yet to really explore and access. My God given gift is my ability to use my voice, whether that is through writing on a platform such as the Odyssey, or trying out for an acapella group here on my campus, and I know that those are the places where my heart can be full in its entirety.

I signed up to be a part of UNC Greensboro's food recovery network because I am interested in eliminating food deserts and promoting sustainability which coincides with my major. I am getting back into my schools Gospel Choir to try to still have that mental and spiritual outlet and to continue to work on my faith and relationship with God. Unlike In previous years, I am doing these things for me, not because I may have a friend in them or because I think it is what I should be doing.

Once you develop a "me myself and I" mentality and have given the lord your full trust and let him guide your life there is nothing and nobody that can stop you from being great. Don't be your own worst enemy, and start doing things that give you joy and peace of mind. Choose to be happy, have faith, and live loved.