This post is more of a self-reflection than anything else; mainly about how I let myself down. Looks like this term I bit off more than I could chew. This term began on the day I started a new job right before the holiday season. We all know how hectic that can be! Turns out, that job I took was not meant for me at all so I had to resign and pivot in life. The consequences of that job caused me to fall behind in school, thus letting myself down. That's not the type of student I am. I let emotions, worry, guilt, and fear all get in my way as my focus shifted from thriving to barely surviving...at least monetarily speaking (having kids will cause that monetary surviving fear feeling). I made the right choice leaving my job, and I am proud that I followed my gut and did what I know is right, regardless of what may lay ahead for me. I will focus much harder come next term and get back to who I am and how I operate. That is a really good feeling.

I am not looking for any sympathy or anything, but to share the cold hard truth. Regardless of what comes your way, everything is figured outable. If your gut tells you something, go with it. Sure there will be consequences, but there will be consequences if you do not follow your gut. So do what you think is right, own your decision, and move forward. That is leadership 101, but that revolves around one's self more than others. Commit, own it, work through what comes next whether easy or hard (both are relative terms), and move forward. That's my biggest takeaway from the end of 2022 into 2023... to stop worrying so much, commit to decisions, work through them, and move forward. Everything happens for a reason, right? Just do it.

I think if we can shape ourselves into good leaders... starting with leading ourselves individually, instead of fitting in, we can do and create change that may have never seemed possible. We all need to be confident, not worry about what others think, not be afraid to make mistakes, and not be afraid to fail. If we can recondition the thought process within us, and spread that positively, we as a society have only just begun to be successful.

When responding to at least two of your peers' postings, your responses should show that you have thought about what the original post said. They should also push the conversation forward, offering insights or asking clarifying questions if necessary.

Consider the following questions:

• Does your response push the conversation forward?
• Does your response offer your perspective?
• What about your peers' stories can you relate to?
• What can you learn from your peers' stories?
• Are your responses clear?
• Have you considered the viewpoints or insights of the posts?