Welcome to my monthly updates! I hope you can learn a little bit more about the work that I am doing while I study at Antioch University Seattle.
“It is not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you change you carry it.”
– Nanette Mathews
Next Steps:
This month had a lot of updates with things going on, but before we do, let’s inhale and exhale before starting the 5th shard.
2025 Kaleidoscope:
Kaleidoscope: Fresh Air
When one tries to slow it down, one has to remember to take a breath. When we slow down, the body needs oxygen to refuel itself, as it tries to expel all that carbon dioxide from running. In that slowing down, we rest and reset for the next step.
While sharing my testimony with people down in Los Angeles, I have been reminded that things in our lives sometimes happen for a specific reason. In addition to doing my chronological bible study, I flip to a random chapter in the bible and find a verse to reflect on for the day. Recently, I read Jeremiah 29:11, where the Lord declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, to give you hope and a future.'” As I reflected on this verse, I realized that God might ruin my plans so that my plan wouldn’t ruin me. I might be praying for something to work out at work, for a specific girl to stay in my life, but then the situation goes south. God might remove it from my life (like leaving Antioch University), and it hurts a lot in the moment, but after months, a year, or even years, it all makes sense why it happened.
It was to shape and reshape me like a pot of clay. In these places where I am broken and remolded, I can breathe and slow down. I’m not in a race against anyone but myself. My life has its timeline, and in the meantime, I can look at the areas I need to grow in.
Rather than rushing into another relationship again, I recognize that I want to prioritize being the best version of myself first. Making sure I can do all I need on my own, learning to satisfy myself and be happy, then I will be on the right path. Because then I can find a future spouse who will complement me. Not just someone who is my other half, but my other whole. I may have already met them in my life, but it’s also possible that we may live in different cities, and in a matter of time, we will wind up in the same one.
While this month does not have a specific measurable trait, I can lean into prayer for future decisions I make. I can meditate and reflect on my teachings this month. Sometimes you can’t run the entire race at the fastest pace, sometimes you need to walk in between the jogs. Sometimes you need to stop to hydrate.
So this month, I hope to spend time in silence, hearing my breaths as I put intentions into everything I do.
Let this shard of myself be the color blue.
Personal Life Continued:
Wow, has this month been full of great things and sad moments as well. My niece had several birthday parties! I am officially a Third Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus! I made my decision for my next chapter of graduate school. I have picked up the pace on reading and in my walks, did my first mock 5k race (time:). Pope Francis passed away, and so did a family friend this month. I also had the opportunity to meet some friends that I only knew from gaming online in Los Angeles this month.
Antioch University Seattle:
I will be withdrawing in August in case my circumstances change in the next few months.
Hawai’i Pacific University:
I cannot believe I switched schools! But I am excited to work with the most diverse faculty I have ever worked with. I teared up hearing the director of admissions tell me how excited they were to have me, and how much my passion and testimony could be felt during the interview.
I’m also excited to finally have a Latina as a professor, since I’ve gone so long in my schooling without having a professor who can help me navigate the career with a bilingual perspective in my own culture.
I’ve attended a few Pa’ina and ‘Ohana nights to get to know the professors, and my future cohort! We’ve been pretty active on Discord making plans and asking questions!
Special Projects:
Bran Diego Photos – BranDiegoPhotography
BachStreetBoi, AnxieTea Podcast, Instructions Unclear – Postponed
Sweep it Under the Matt – SweepIt_UnderTheMatt
The OTDream Vlog – Welcome to the new vlog!
Thank you for your time, dedication, and service! You can always reach out to me @ bran.m.ramirez@gmail.com
-Brandon Ramirez