Unit 3

Hello Everyone!

Its a bit hard to believe we are already halfway through unit 3, the time is going by so fast it amazes me. This unit was quite interesting and the blog concept is equally as interesting to me, I say that because it's not to often that you are asked to rate yourself, to me it's a bit difficult but I can assure you I will give it my very best, and still stay honest. Overall I think I would rate my optimal well being at a 6, yes I'm sure many of you are thinking wow shes not giving herself enough credit, but in all reality I am acknowledging the fact that there is a great deal of room for change within myself and I know that deep down inside. On a physical level of wellness I know that I can make improvements in so many ways, I'm actually not sure where to even start but I think I would rate myself at a 6 for this area, my current method of staying "active" involves chasing after three growing kids, work, volunteering,  and juggling life, oh, by the way this juggling always seems to be in fast forward mode, it's like somebody has their finger on the fast forward button at all times, yes I know that is not good, but it is simply how my life works at this given moment, at some point in the future I would really like to take on an actual physical activity that is dedicated to me. On a psychological level I am going to rate myself at a 7, I have a special way of keeping myself psychologically healthy and the system I have works for me, and because of this I am able to live a very happy life, I can't say that there is a proven "method for madness" however it works for me and my life, I am a deep thinker and a great problem solver, I have also vowed to myself not to let negativity weigh on my shoulders, so I have methods of dealing with that stress and finding useful ways to deal with it, my goal in this area is to continue to work on my problem solving and to share my methods with others who value seeing life in a different life, when the lens they are currently looking through is not as clear as they would like it to be. On a spiritual level I'm going to rate myself at a 7, I can't necessarily say that there is one are of my life that completes my overall spiritual well being, however I do truly believe that there are many aspects of my life that collaborate and create something very beautiful for me, I have a deep connection with my family and friends along with a strong connection to my religion, the one aspect of spirituality that I would like to improve for my future is identification and self worth, I would like to continue to gain a better appreciation for who I am, and what I am capable of, the result of this is being able to then share that positive experience with the world.

Hmmm, implementing activities or exercises in my life to assist in moving toward each goal would be exercising my freedom and my capabilities, never underestimating myself and always looking for the best in myself in others, I can't necessarily think of an actual "exercise" to accomplish this but I think it would boil down to individual actions, steps, and acknowledgements I would make along the way of accomplishing my goals, and never selling myself short of anything.

Relaxation Exercise "The Crime of the Century"

Wow... First and foremost I have never done anything like this in my life so I was a bit optimistic, however I went into this exercise with a positive can do attitude. I found a comfortable and quiet place. I fully participated in the exercise and throughout the exercise I let my thoughts just drift and embraced the feeling that was going on inside my mind and body, the only way that I can describe this "feeling" is sheer and utter peace within myself. I honestly do not have many opportunities if any, to simply embrace myself and center my thoughts and feelings, but this did it for me, I felt like I was able to let go of reality, let go of life and just embrace what I was feeling. I can definitely see myself doing this again.

I wish you all continued success throughout our journey in this course.

Michelle

Unit 2, Learning so Much

Well friends, we have arrived in unit 2 and I am astonished with how much I have learned already. My entire life I have had a great passion for medicine, along with a passion for mankind. This class is opening the window and allowing me to see the much greater picture, allowing me to take a brief glimpse into what creates optimal health in an individual, and I have to say that I am loving every step I have taken thus far. I look forward to pressing on and learning more, and more. Have a great unit 2 everybody.

Michelle

HW420 Personal Introduction

Hello Everybody,

I am very excited that professor is having us each start a blog, I have been with Kaplan now for three years, this is only the second blog I have had to do. The benefits of a blog for online learning, is the fact that it gives us a way to not only express ourselves outside the classroom setting, but it also provides us with a way of connecting with one another, I think that is extremely important because there are certainly moments when you can feel completely alone.

I know we did introductions in class, however I wanted to take this opportunity to link the face with the intro, so here it goes... My name is Michelle Erickson, I am 30 years old, married and the mommy to three (soon to be four) amazing children. I am just wrapping up my undergraduate degree here at Kaplan, I will graduate in March 2013, which is very exciting to me. My Bachelor's degree will be in Public Health, I chose this degree because it stands for everything I value in life, and it gives me the prime opportunity to make a significant difference in this world. I have been told by family and friends that I am a bit of a "geek" I absolutely love to learn, in fact I can't ever seem to get enough, my educational goals are to continue on next year for my Masters degree, and then we shall see where the yellow brick road will lead me. I am a goal setter and I find great pride in my accomplishments. I am currently the Director of a child abuse and neglect crisis center, called a Children's Advocacy Center, this is a national model, approaching child abuse in a multidisciplinary fashion, I am very passionate about my work, and making a difference in the life of these children and their families.

I look forward to this course, because it will only expand my knowledge and give me a much greater sense of integral health, what it means, and more importantly how to apply to my own life. I look forward to learning with you all this term.

Michelle