Beginner...

I just spent Thanksgiving break in Amarillo with my family, and while I was there my sweet sister-in-law, Tregani, helped me set up my blogger profile. I've been meaning to start a blog since I moved to NYC for school, but because I was clueless about what I wanted everything to look like, and how to do it myself, I just never put it together. SO... This is the first of what I hope will be one of many posts to come as I continue my "Juilliard Journey" (cheesy...lol). As far as content and what I write about, I'm not sure. My goal is to give whoever reads this a little peak into what NYC life has been for me, post a few more pictures than I do elsewhere, and share some of the things I have been learning while living on my own. I can promise that more often than not, the things I share will have much to do with my Savior Jesus Christ, my membership in His church- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the guidance and great joy that I find each day because of it!

I've had some wonderful experiences since I've been here (enough that I won't recap and expound upon them all for lack of time and extensive text), but to keep things simple I'd like to summarize the most prominent things I've learned over the past three months of my life: There is really someone up there ^^^ who listens to every prayer. The prayers said out loud, whispered, in the heart, or a fleeting thought through the head. That someone is our loving Heavenly Father. I've never felt so confidently of that truth than I have since I have moved away from home and have had to completely trust and rely on Him. One of my new found favorite activities when I walk outside on a busy street in the city, is to really "see" every single person I pass. In one of my classes at school we are practicing important elements of performing, and one of the techniques we practice is to "see" while we dance. What that means in a performing context, is to be very aware of our surroundings and constantly reinvent the images we see, which then results in a more intent focus to enhance our presence and performance on stage. Attempting to multitask, I've combined this with a religious task of mine- which is to view every single person the way that God does. As I walk around the city "seeing", few look right back at me and most keep moving quickly by. I probably look like a creep (HA). But this weird little activity has helped me notice how often I judge and belittle those around me without a second thought and has allowed me to practice seeing everyone as my brother or sister- All of whom God loves each individually, yet equally and completely. There are SO MANY people in the city, I rarely see the same face twice. Though I still have work to do, I have become better at recognizing the love that can be felt toward those we don't know by simply remembering that we are all children of God. 

And so I will leave it at that for now. I'm excited to continue writing and hope that I can keep it up! This blog will be motivation to keep a better record of all of my adventures :) Life is wonderful, and God is great. I'm so blessed to be where I am and am so grateful for the many things I am learning.

Eliza Jane

The sunset from my dorm suite earlier tonight. BEAUTIFUL!