I have a hard time asking for help. I like to portray an independent woman who can get everything done myself. The truth is, I need help sometimes. I feel guilty when asking for help from others even though I would do it for them in a heartbeat. I always feel like even the smallest favor will be to much of a burden on my friends.

Most definitley. Suffering causes us to grow in a way that wouldn't be possible through any other circumstance. I think the most valuable lesson that we can learn from suffering is to be grateful for what we have. If we are able to look back at a time of suffering either financially, emotionally, physically, etc. it helps us to be grateful for every moment that we are happy, healthy, and fufilled. I also believe it allows us to show empathy towards others who are suffering. The relatability to someone who needs help gives such motivation for action and selfless behavior. A life served to us on a silver platter with no struggle or suffering will never experience its full potential.

Lately, money has been one of the biggest stressors in my life. As a college student having to support myself through scholarships and work, money (or the lack of) constantly concerns me. I'm not an extravagant person by any means, but I still find that my money is becoming tighter with each semester. It has caused me to reevaluate what is most important to me, and what I am able to give up. My sorority one of my biggest expenses and I am now in the stage of evaluating whether or not I can give up that part of my life in order to be more at ease with my fiances. It is a struggle, but looking on the bright side, I am learning many valuable life lessons from this struggle. In the near future I hope to simplify and find what I truly need to have in my life and be able to live without so much focus on money.

I would like to be thankful for my health and able body. I am so extremely lucky to be a very healthy person. I hardly ever get sick more than a cold once a year and I am able to run and exercise and walk to class with ease! It is something I take for granted alot of the time but am reminded to be grateful when I see others that are not so fortunate. It is amazing how people can over come their dissabilities or sicknesses and still lead an optomistic, happy life. They are an inspiration to me.