What's in your room?

So, it is the end of Winter semester down here at good ol' BYU. I have been kicked out of my old residence (Heritage Halls) and officially moved into my new apartment. I love my new apartment, by the way. There is infinite space for food, a large desk, and a roommate that wakes up before me. That means that I don't have to worry about how many times I press the snooze button. YES!

As I was unpacking my boxes of books, clothes, shoes, and junk, it was fun to find a place for everything. Naturally, I placed my clothes in the closet. My electronics found a place in a drawer underneath my bed. My toiletries safely made it into their own personal drawer in the bathroom, and my books are hanging out in a nice shelf next to my bed. Already, my desk drawer is cluttered with pens, pencils, and notes.

Mission: Organization, complete.

But with one glance at my blank walls told me that I wasn't finished. My desk and bed were covered with framed pictures, inspirational quotes, rubber duckies, and other memorabilia. What was I going to display on my wall? It may seem trivial, but it truly was a difficult decision for me. After much contemplation, rearranging, and shuffling around, I had completed my self portrait.
The pictures on my desk and around my room include pictures of my brothers, my parents, my home ward family, last year's yearbook staff, my harry potter team, and my closest friends. On one wall, I proudly hung my Gryffindor House Crest. Above my bed, I hung my recent fingerpainting masterpieces as well as Alli's beautiful cartoon version of me. I chose 5 rubberducks to bring with me and place on my shelf. Next to my computer sits a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ with the words "Be Not Afraid." Whatever I display on my shelves, walls, and desk is a representation of my personality, my values, my life. You can tell a lot about a person by examining their rooms, don't you think? What would you think of me by looking at my room I just described to you? Would you think I was religious? childish? messy? The things that hang on my walls, sit on my shelves and decorate my desk define me. Just like some people don't wear certain apparel because it is not "them" I would never choose to display something in my room that was not "me." My room is important. It is probably the best way to get to know me without actually talking to me or reading my journal. I feel like my room is the closest representation of my heart and soul.

So, after thinking about all of this, I wonder, What's in your room? What defines you?

And that's what Jenny thinks.

Instincts

Humans are born with the innate ability and desire to create. It is sad to realize that some people let their unique capabilities melt away as they sit in front of blazing screens, exercising their thumbs, and constantly filling their ears with noise. The amazing technology that floods our daily lives is overwhelming. Although technology can aide us in the creating process, it also proves to be a stumbling block. I often find myself glued to facebook when I could be practicing or writing - to forms of creation I thoroughly enjoy. These days, we are faced with a new decision - to create or not to create. That is the question. Like many other things, it seems easier to let everyone else do the creating and sit back, and enjoy the ride. But when we let our natural instincts take over, amazing things happen. I have witnessed the fruition of beautiful meals, inspiring art, passionate poetry, and graceful movement all in my very own cinder-block apartment. That is just my apartment. Can you imagine what the world has to offer? Everybody has something to bring to the table, and that is the true beauty of the world.

It is humbling to know that we are made after the image of the master creator, for He made all things well. Did you get that? He. Made. All. Things. Well. Therefore, we have the potential to make all things well. I recently watched The Dead Poets Society. The teacher says,

"The human race is filled with passion."

We are filled with the passion to create, to become, to discover. As humans, we are constantly striving to find our own life. Whether it be music, art, science, english, leadership, friendships, organization, athletics, food, fashion, ANYTHING. The possibilities are endless. So, in the words of the same teacher,

"The powerful play goes on and you make a tribute of verse. What will your verse be?"

Choose to fill your life. Don't leave this earth empty. Fulfill the measure of your creation.
And that's what Jenny thinks.