Dead Week

Hello folks. Yep, I'm still kickin', even after dead week!

For those who don't know (which included me until today) "Dead Week" is the week before finals. Not exactly sure why it is called that, but the week was extremely busy and stressful for me, so that's no fun.

I'd like to share an experience with you, so here we go:

I got an assignment a few weeks ago to do an individual presentation on a Jane Austen adaptation (I got Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Graphic Novel). I procrastinated a little, but the completion of the project wasn't what stressed me out - it was the actual presentation in class.

Each student was required to do a powerpoint presentation in under 10 minutes comparing and contrasting their novel and adaptation and critics' opinions. I wasn't the only one doing a presentation (the whole class of ~20 did this too), but I was the first to go on my day (today) and that really stressed me out.

The presentation was only supposed to be 10 minutes TOPS and the first time I practiced mine it took twenty-four minutes! I cut it down after practicing it again 4 times, but the fact that I might take too long freaked me out (my professor literally stopped people mid-sentence if they went over).

So morning comes (this morning) and I find myself shaking and nauseous in my room from anxiety. Now, I've always hated presentations, but this physical reaction was more intense than anything I've ever experienced. Looking back, I think it was a spiritual attack. Tears in my eyes, I'm thinking I can't go to class. I'm going to puke or faint or mess up or something.

This is where I realize that I'm not in this alone - God is with me and the power of prayer is infinite. I posted on Facebook asking for prayer for my presentation and almost instantly got encouraging comments promising intercession and peace. After taking a few deep breaths I decided to test a Psychological theory (yes, I'm done with that class for good, but hey, the topic is legit and usefull). Facial Feedback Effect: pretty much, if you smile when you're unhappy, you'll begin to think happy thoughts and then end up feeling happy. I was skeptical and felt pretty stupid smiling at my empty dorm room while blinking back tears, but it actually worked.

Almost instantly I felt better. I was praying, smiling, and wondering how the heck a stupid 10-minute presentation was getting me so down! (not that I was not still stressed, but I was no longer overwhelmed by it).

My presentation went well (I didn't even hit 9 minutes I think!) and it ended up being a blessing in disguise that I went first because then I couldn't psych myself out and I got a little more time to get my act together with my powerpoint. I'm surprised I didn't do a happy heel-click afterwards.

I know without God's peace (and gift of smiling) I wouldn't have gotten to class without breaking down (let alone give a ten-minute presentation!).

In other news: I'm 100% done with General Psych (WHOOOTTT!!). I didn't like that class, so I'm really happy it's over. Took a psych midterm on Monday and then our comprehensive final on Wednesday (lots of studying this week!), but I did well on both, so YAY! The only school work I have left is to edit an essay and take two finals (Tuesday and Wednesday)! WHOOT! I'm almost done! Then I can come home!

Also, I really want it to snow (someone on my hall said they saw it snowing, but I think she was mistaken...), so pray for that? :D

If you're ever stressed or just unhappy - try smiling. No, seriously. It sounds SUPER stupid, but it works.

"Fellow Ozians - as terrifying as terror is, let us put
aside our panic for this one day: and celebrate!
Oh what a celebration
We'll have today
Thank Goodness!" - Glinda ("Wicked")