I began my higher education at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. After migrating seven hours from home, there was only one person who I knew. I knew his name from high school, but I was never that close with him. I struggled for the first bit of the semester, but it also gave me time to learn more about myself.
I am a nursing major and, of course, I had to take a nursing seminar. After the first few classes, Rachel Rose had presented a PowerPoint discussing mindfulness. That is where it all began.
I learned that a large piece of life that I had been missing was the current life that I was in. I then began to listen to the birds, examine the wet grass while walking to class, and even feel the goose bumps form from a breeze. I learned how to live. Being mindful takes a lot of time to insert into a life. Often, people ask why I find mindfulness so important. I then ask them what the last thing they ate tasted like. They usually have no answer. People are so busy going through the motions that they tend to miss the small things that need to be honored.
After learning more about living in the present, I applied for the Napoleon Hill Scholarship. I prayed often about acceptance, but I received upsetting news a few weeks later.
As disappointed as I was, I continued to finish off the semester well and I practiced being present. During winter break, I received a call informing me that I received the position to join the group.
I knew that the second semester back would be the period of my life when I would develop and improve myself the most. Not only did I join an uplifting group of individuals, but I also was given an amazing experience. Rachel Rose teaches in the most inspirational manner and it always encourages growth.
A few concepts that connected with me on a deep level are mental health and fear.
Mental health is just as important as physical. It must be constant. For example, you must eat healthy food in order to be healthy and the same goes for thoughts. If one continues to think negative thoughts, their actions and life will then reflect them.
Fear is a leading factor for failure. Many people suffer from different phobias which seem small, but that actually hold them back from a successful life. For example, the fear of airplanes can keep one from experiencing travel or from taking a promotion that requires travel.
As I began going to the mastermind group meetings, I felt supported and in control of my life.
The Napoleon Hill Foundation has played a positive role in my life. I feel as if they are continuously making a difference that can never be ignored.
I would encourage everyone to:
1. Realize where they are in their life.
2. Know where they want to be.
3. Make a plan to become happier and at that place.
