by Jennifer Hall
I have been going to triennial gatherings since I was a little girl. Fast forward to the summer of 2017 when I had the pleasure to work for the Women of the ELCA in Chicago.
Summer is over, and I’ve gone back to my home in Delaware to see my mom and friends who I missed. What’s next for me? This fall, I will be an incoming freshman at Temple University in Philadelphia to study psychology.
Thinking about the All Anew theme
Before another triennial experience begins to fade in my memory, I’ve thought about how we all can bring this “All Anew” theme with us.
First, we can start with Women of the ELCA’s health initiative, Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls. It starts with each one of us. I know it’s easier said than done, but making healthy changes can have a tremendous impact on our lives.
The initiative is about “making a real difference in the total health of women.” It encourages us to be “physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually healthy women.” I hope some changes I’ve made can inspire you.
Physical health
Replace sugary drinks with water. When I was in middle school, I used to love to drink Sprite. Like other young girls that go through puberty, I had acne. One day I decided to replace Sprite with water. And my skin cleared up! I realized that putting good things in our body produces good outcomes.
Mental health
Know when to take a break. In high school, I took honors classes and participated in many extracurricular classes. I would catch myself taking so much time for school and other activities that I wouldn’t have time for myself. I was mentally tired. If you need a break, take it now.
Spiritual health
I like to thank God for everything. In my senior year of high school, I drove to school every day. Some mornings the sun rises would look gorgeous. I thanked God for such a beautiful sight and for waking me up that morning (and some mornings were harder to get out of bed than others). I asked God to get me through the day. I believe that there is always something to thank God for, no matter the situation.
These are the changes I’ve already made. I continue to look for ways to become healthier.
So what’s All Anew for you?
Jennifer Hall (pictured, right) is a graduate of Christiana High School in Newark, Del., and a freshman at Temple University, Philadelphia, Penn. She spent the summer helping the Women of the ELCA staff prepare for the Tenth Triennial Gathering in Minneapolis, Minn., in July 2017.