Happy Veterans Day!

Happy Veterans Day to all who've served. 

Over the years, several visitors to Section 36 have talked about their Veterans themed Social Impact Initiatives. Here's what a few of them had to say!

Kennady Tooke

I come from a HUGE military family. My appreciation for veterans come from growing up watching and learning from my dad, grandpa and various uncles. I saw how difficult it was for both my Dad and Grandpa to receive proper benefits following their service. I couldn’t be more grateful for all they’ve done and so if I can do anything, it would be giving back to veterans for as long as I can!

Sarah Carrow

As the daughter of two Army officers, selecting my social impact initiative was simple for me! I moved around 7 times as a child, sometimes every year and even to other countries. It was hard making that transition, especially when we moved to locations that didn’t have other military families that I could relate to. My goal is to offer programming, like hiking, surfing, and theme park trips, along with offering performing arts classes, for military children to come together to create a community in New Hampshire!

Maura Spence-Carroll

I noticed during my time that there were two barriers to service members seeking mental healthcare: social stigma, and lack of command support (which stems from the social stigma that exists). I decided to use the phrase “22 Too Many” because it became a cultural sticking point a few years ago, but also because I want to make it clear that doing pushups on social media in support, while heartfelt, isn’t enough. Research has shown that people who receive treatment for mental health conditions are less likely to commit suicide. We need leaders at every level who encourage service members to receive care. We need SMs to know that they won’t be judged for receiving that care. Most importantly, we need those who are comfortable talking about it openly discussing the ways that treatment improved their quality of life – from top to bottom of the ranks. Cultural change, legislature, and proactive care – THAT is how we prevent service members and veterans from committing suicide.

Gina Salvatore

I come from a military family so it was a no brainer when I chose my platform. I currently volunteer with the Fisher House Organization, which is like a Ronald McDonald house but for veterans and their families. They are building the first Connecticut Fisher House in West Haven right now and I can’t wait until veteran families from across our state and in the Northeast can reap the benefits of this house! 

With so many great options out there, it's easy to support veterans today, and every day.

Happy Veterans Day!

Sarah

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

Recently in life I have been disconnecting myself from things that do not light up my soul to enjoy my own company. I have been spending more time with myself to heal, grow, and process whatever is happening in my life. It is crazy to think I was adding more extra stress and problems in my life by “connecting” with multiple factors in my life. I always want to keep myself busy but recently I have been understanding “being busy” all the time will not fix my issues in life. I am learning to find a healthy balance of spending time with myself and giving my time to others. 

Here is your friendly reminder to slow down and enjoy your time by yourself. At the end of the day only yourself can give your peace, kindness, support, and love. Your mind is forever growing like you (: You deserve to slow down and take time to grow the different parts of you.

Make sure you are slowing down to take care of yourself and do not miss the beautiful things around you. 

-Katelyn Andrist 

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

“Be strong, because things will get better. It may be stormy now, but it never rains forever”-unknown 

Please remember this - no matter what happens or how bad it seems today. Life does go on for a better tomorrow (: 

Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance!

November is a new month to create gratitude and thankfulness for the life God has given us! 

I promise you, your better tomorrow is coming soon.

-Katelyn Andrist 

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

Lately in life I have been able to recognize and reflect on this quote by Suzy Kassem, “Being able to admit you’re wrong is important, but so is standing up for your yourself when you’re right.”

In life we must understand we are human and we make mistakes. But you are still allowed to stand up for yourself to respect boundaries. It is very important to have a balance of forgiveness and respect for not only yourself but the whole world. When we love, forgive, and forget we create a new chapter of our lives. We owe it to ourselves to learn from the past and continue on with our journey.

 We can sit and wonder but that leads us down a deep and unforgivable hole. You have to choose yourself every time and that includes forgiving others, yourself, and the world. Even as a human being when we make a mistake we are still worthy of forgiveness, kindness, and compassion. Trust me, it will be hard but leading with an open heart full of love is much better for you in the long run. 

Remember to choose kindness, forgiveness, and yourself. 

Katelyn Andrist 

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

-Isaiah 41:10

Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. 

As a human being we have to struggle and go through different stages of our lives to help understand our inner strength. 

Strength does not come from winning all the time in life - your struggles develop your strengths when you go through hardships and decide not to surrender…. that is your inner strength fighting for you. You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. 

Let this be your reminder to keep fighting for yourself. Keep pushing forward and creating the most powerful version of yourself. 

The darkest night will end and the sun will rise. Keep rising up and showing up for yourself. 

If you are struggling please know you are in your transformative season - strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggles. 

You are not alone. Your life, mind, and purpose is worth the fight.

Here is a picture of me - no makeup, struggling, and fighting for my inner strength because lately I have been struggling.

-Katelyn Andrist 

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

Sometimes the hardest part is not letting go but rather learning to start over. 

Starting over is scary, confusing, lonely, and so many different mixed emotions. Change is never easy for any human being but welcome to life. We will never be perfect and have everything figured out all at once. The most difficult aspect of moving on and letting go is accepting the new journey. 

With your new chapter - I pray you let go and keep living for you. You deserve it. You deserve love, happiness, and to be free.

Remember this you will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. Life is short to carry heavy things on your heart and mind. 

Let it go… for you.

Katelyn Andrist 

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

 

Mindset : 

“Why is this happening to me? “ Replace it with “What is this trying to teach me?”

Life is constantly moving and trying to teach us life lessons - sometimes painful things can teach us lessons that we didn’t think we needed to know. The struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. 

Remember, difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. Trust your journey. 

There is a reason for different seasons of your life. Let it guide you and teach you. 

-Katelyn Andrist