Journal Entry Date: 01/29/25

                            The highlight of my day was my walk around Lake Murray. To be specific it was how I responded to the attempts to stress me out. There was a trio of Cholos following me on the trail. They were intentionally staying at a distance where I could hear their footsteps and never tried to pass me. When I had enough, I gave them the opportunity to pass me by going off trail and stopping to sit at a table. Instead of passing me they also went off trail and sat at a bench near the table. This was how I knew they were following me. They had passed me twice before (once on the way to the end of the trail and another on the return) and then stopped for a drink of water where I passed them. Seeing them follow me off trail did get under my skin. To keep my cool, I sipped on the jug of flavored water I brought. Next, I pulled out my phone and made a micro journal entry acknowledging that the trio was following me. I also acknowledged that someone was trying to mess with me. Shortly after making the entry, I saw the trio get up and leave. I sat for a few minutes to make sure I had distance between them and myself. I did not see them for the rest of the walk. I would experience a few more attempts to mess with me. To not let it bother me, I thought about what I would say to assert my wants to the person messing with me. Knowing I am getting stronger, becoming more resilient and more content with myself helped me bounce back. The highlight of my day was knowing I am still growing. I am improving.

Those who help us when we are down

Knowing ourselves and the path we walk

The friends we make along the way

Remembering the love of those we call family

These are the truest treasures I know