Traditions and Marriage

I think that men feel that by tradition, they are the ones who should propose, offer the ring, and lend their last name. If this tradition holds strong in society, it can lead men to feel that anything less is an attack on their manhood. This lack of worth might lead to depression or low self-esteem. Therefore, we often feel that to prevent those, we must allow the man to think he wears the pants in the relationship. I think the article raises valid points specifically about proposal. I find that when women propose, the relationship is looked at in a judged light. Whether it be positive (feministic belief that women should feel free to propose) or negative (harm the reputation of the man), there is a shadow of question cast upon the situation. We recently shared love stories in my Human Sexuality class. In comparison to the concept of women proposing, it didn't happen. Most of the relationships were tradition (with their little quicks) in the sense that the man proposed. The nature of the relationship can still be one of equality, but in the very act of proposing, it almost always fell to the man.

The Church and Human Sexuality

The Catholic Church's stance on human sexuality concurred with my 12 years of Catholic education in many respects. For one, I know that human sexuality is an act of love, a gift to be treasured between man and wife. Yet the overlying message present in the text is about far more than any physical act, it is about respecting our bodies, our gifts from God. We are called to use them in ways of kindness, compassion, and love. Human sexuality, therefore, should be just that. In cases of homosexuality, I respect the Church's stance in saying that they "should not suffer from prejudice against their basic human rights." This stance upholds the concept that love is love. The Church only expresses the immorality of acting sexually upon those urges. They do not state that being homosexual is wrong and sinful. I learned that the emphasis isn't for abstinence, although that is encouraged of course. It mainly focuses on chastity and treating your body with the respect it deserves. You can be a virgin and treat your body like trash, while others may have an active sex life but make sure they are listening to themselves. I think this article could benefit from discussing more in-depth the sexually active single life. I felt their stance was questionable because it called into question the legitimacy of the act. I think that area needs to be explored a little more in detail because people are having sex out of wedlock. As we mentioned, even college students are being "sex-iled" because of their roommates active sex life. Because it is a common thing across colleges today, I feel that it needs to be address what to do in that situation, whether it is to help yourself recognize whether or not it is a healthy relationship or whether it is for a friend.

Misson Statement

We all have our stories. Some may be painted with flowers and roses, while others are torn with abuse and hatred. Yet I promise to remain steadfast in support for all those who need me, caring and compassionate to not only my friends but also my dear neighbor. I promise to uphold the dignity of all human beings, no matter their race, background, social status, or any extenuating circumstances that may cause society to label them as unwanted outcasts. I promise to be open and understanding, supportive and present. I promise to be the best me that I can be. Some days that may mean giving 150%, other days I may squeak by with only 23%. Everyone has their own story, their own reality. I promise to never lose sight of this. I promise to be nonjudgemental as I listen to the lives of so many brave soldiers who've battled more than they were called to. I promise to stay true to myself, following my passion of helping others with every breath I take. I may not be a millionaire, but if I stay loyal and true to my passion and self, I know that I will be far richer than any sum of green paper could make me. I promise to be me.

It is said that people come into our lives for a reason. This statement couldn't be more accurate. My friend Jen has been an amazing and insightful friend throughout the past few months. Although our friendship is young in terms of trival time, the relationship and honesty that we have is simply incredible. She is simply one of my best friends. She knows everything about me and accepts me for who I am. She has helped shape me, forming my identity especially in the past few months. By letting me be myself (something that can be hard to do at times when feeling pressured to be like others), it's encouraged me to accept myself for who I am, embrace what I love, and know that everything will be okay as long as I trust myself. Our friendship has helped me grow by teaching me that I don't need to put on a facade and pretend to be someone I'm not. Instead, I must own the skin I'm in and know that I'm wonderful just the way I am.

The second thing that has affected my life has been my friend in England, Suzie. She, conveniently friends with Jen, has helped me in more ways that I can even express. When struggling to see who I really was, she reminded me of the that values she saw and continued to encourage me in accepting them. She is simply amazing. Whether it be offering support across the pond or just sending awkward animals my way to make me smile, I am so grateful for our friendship. She has reminded me that at the heart of all relationships there must be honesty, sincerity, and a genuine care for others. And through our friendship, I have learned that friends are more than the people who smile and laugh with you. They are the ones who don't care if you cry into their Facebook inboxes or send long rants or simply stop in to say hi. They always care about you and want you to succeed. There is a simply honesty and beauty to our friendship that words can't even describe. And so for that, I am thankful. So although far away in England, she has a warm and open space in my heart.

The third thing that has influenced me in my life has been yoga. The practice of yoga is dedicated to rekindling the mind-body connection that is often suppressed in today's quick-paced world. Having started it this summer and plunged into a three-class-a-week schedule, I found myself coming to see the strength and power I already have. It has been so amazing to tap into that through the various yoga poses. The constant emphasis on breathing has led me to just stop. Breathe. And be. To let myself enjoy the life around me, instead of always wanting "more." It has been such a wonderful experience (something that I do get to share with Jen). We actally plan to attend this yoga festival. You should check it out here!