This semester I've been working on a goal of mine. I have promised myself that I will practice self-care in every area of my life. I've lived a lot of my life sacrificing my needs in order to take care of other people and it was killing me. I was giving all of my time, energy, and power to other people and I didn't leave anything for myself. This semester has challenged me and changed me in incredible ways. I'm happier, healthier, and much more prepared for the trials life presents me with. One of the biggest changes I have made is forcing myself to get out of my room and do fun things in my free time. Staying in bed isn't good for me and I have the perfect schedule this semester to go out and have awesome adventures without feeling like I'm neglecting my responsibilities.
This Christmas I got an incredible camera (thanks mom and dad!!) and I'm determined to take beautiful photos as often as I can. I love the landscape of western Kansas and I want to share it with people who don't get to experience it the way I do. I've gone on two photo adventures this semester so far. The first happened on a Sunday afternoon when I just REALLY needed to get away from my Facebook feed. I went out with my camera with no real destination in mind and just drove until I found something that caught my attention. Four hours and many beautiful pictures later I was ready to face the next week with optimism and joy.
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The second adventure was a little more planned. I have a goal of visiting every single roadside attraction on I-70 between Hays and my hometown before I graduate. I'm graduating sooner than I originally thought I was so I needed to get started if I was ever going to finish. So on an unseasonably warm February day, I traveled to Lucas, Kansas and visited "The Garden of Eden" (google it, it's really weird but cool), the "World's largest souvenir travel plate", the "Fork Art Park", and "Miller's Park". Lucas has a population of 400, but they are seriously dedicated to art and supporting artists. The people of Lucas even came together to build what would become the second best bathroom in America. The building is shaped like a huge toilet and the entire inside is decorated in mosaic art created by the people of Lucas. It was weird, but I loved every minute of it.
So this is my challenge to you, go on an adventure. Go do something ridiculous and touristy. Go explore something new. Make new memories. You won't regret it.
