Lifestyle and Personal Intentions

I have created a list to use as a reminder when I am undergoing an anxiety attack so I can reach out and look at it for support during those times.These are a few tips and tricks I have read about in ways to minimize anxiety in my every day life:

1. Breathe- this is the most important one for me to remember because it also is one of my calming mechanisms.  Take deep breaths and relax.
2. Acceptance- I have them and that is that, it is just a feeling like any other feeling and it's not shameful.
3. Tricks- My mind is playing games on me and everything will be okay, even if it doesn't feel like it.
4. Implement questions- Most of the thoughts my brain is generating are irrational and I should question each one as much as possible.
5. Stay positive
6. Focus on the NOW
7. Find a calming method that works- So far taking deep, deep breaths have been helping
8. Meaningful activities- "get busy with life"

This is simultaneously a bit emotional and empowering for me to speak of one my biggest issues in life.  I have been pretty good at coping with my anxiety this but it's been prevalent that I need reminders and I feel like this will help me a lot, as I will always have access to it.  I plan on making a hard copy to have with me at all times too.

This section details the attention I have paid to managing time, managing promises for my personal goals. It shows the following: 

• Plans with specific tasks to complete
• 8 tips for combating anxiety
• Goals

The plans and tasks will help me go back and check them off once they're completed.  I have found it helpful to see the red and green check marks to decipher whether or not I am on task with my goals. I will use this page to make sure that I am on time and holding myself accountable.  The plans and tasks are associated with calendar dates that I feel are a realistic appraisal of when I can get the tasks done.

Personal:

1. Obtain my Bachelor's of Science through Gaia University
2. Obtain my TESOLS Certificate by May, 2015
3. Practice French 15 mins a day, every day!
4. Move and work abroad by September 2015
5. Minimize anxiety

Peer:

• Host gatherings: potlucks, poetry night/open mic, gift circles, women's circles
• Get involved with peer mentoring/counseling
• Gain 2 Gaia peer guild members

Professional:
I would like to focus on gaining my Teaching English as a second language certificate so I can move over-seas.  I also will focus on learning French by using an application called Duolingo.  I will also label things around my house and start watching episodes in French.  I want to learn French to help my chances of moving abroad and finding a job.  I would also like to focus on Urban Ecology for my Capstone year as much as possible.  I want to attend educational workshops throughout the year through the Permaculture Guild in Madison, and Transition Madison Area.   

Political:
I don't really like to bring up politics to others because it tends to get heated.  I come from a family with very different views and politics are usually brought up in an oppressive way and I tend to become submissive.  I vote, and I am passionate about what I value and I compassionate towards the person I vote for but in the end I am just grateful that I have a voice and a chance to vote.  It's safe to say I will keep majority of my political views out of my professional and educational work.

Patrix:
Discrimination and black rights has been smothering the news (rightfully so) in the United States lately.  It has brought a lot to my attention that I haven't really had to understand or witness being caucasian and living in a time where there had been great head-way of integration for African-Americans into our lives.  It has made me realize it is still about race and it's always been about race and that is something I would like to see myself look past as well as my community.  I want to do what I can to support everyone of any color and gender in my life.