Just 'cause

I don't know what this post is about. I just needed to post something. I've been thinking a lot recently about a talk by Dallin H. Oaks called Good, Better, Best. I've been trying to figure out my priorities and who and what is most important in my life. There are so many wonderful people, but what is right for me? Who should I stick with? Are they good? Are they the best? Why do I like these people? Is it enough? Let me just put this all aside for a minute and say, there are people in my life that love and care for me. Wow. How amazing is that? Heavenly Father put people in my life who want to know me! ME! This crazy redheaded, dancing, Disney-obsessing, thrill seeking gal! Sometimes I get caught up in my selfish woes, but there are so many reasons to look up! So many people to get to know! So many things to do with myself! So, thank you world. Thank's for caring about me. and if you need to know that you are loved and cared for, please let me know. I try to share that, but know I don't show that love enough.

The Worth of Gum

At work last night, after checking a cute family out, they left the store, then quickly came back in. The mother looked at me and set down an open package of gum. She looked at her son, then back at me and said, "He stole. He needs a lecture." I was busy and knew it probably wasn't my job, so I called my supervisor. This boy was almost 3 years old; so little- so terrified. My supervisor invited him to the side, which took some coercing, but then started to explain what he had done wrong. The next mother in line told her kids, "This is what happens when you steal. Go listen to her." I was impressed by these mothers who took the extra time to teach their children right and wrong. I don't have experience raising kids- that day hasn't come yet. I don't know why it impressed me so much! It was a tender experience for me. I cannot wait until I have children. I believe it will be a little while, but when I do get to that point in my life, it will be wonderful. Easy? Heck no! But I am excited. I had an experience at work, and it made me excited about life! I needed something last night to keep me sane, and Heavenly Father provided one! I'm sure that experience had a lot more importance than just entertaining me, but I loved it nonetheless. 

In choosing to be cheerful last night, I have big thanks to give. 

Heavenly Father- Thank you for blessing me with so many wonderful people! I learned great things today and felt so loved and appreciated! I love you!
To my supervisor- thank you so much. I had a final paper that wasn't going to get finished if I stayed at work, you she allowed me to clock out for half an hour to focus on that. You even let me set up my computer at the Customer Service desk so I could work when there were no customers. AND- the cherry on top- when customers did come, you stepped up and helped them so I could continue working on my paper. I love you! Thank you for supporting me in my schooling and helping to calm my frantic nerves. I cannot tell you what that meant to me last night.

Tori- What a babe. Thank you for dropping me off and picking me up. The unnecessary effort also blessed me and allowed me to finish my paper. Couldn't have done it without you.

My N106 boys- Thank you for the hugs last night.  You are so fun and sweet, and I needed that time with you (even if it was only a few minutes) so I could let go and relax. You are the best. I love you handsome men!

Self Discovery

Considering the name of this blog, I thought I would call attention to a quote by David A Bednar in his 2014 April General Conference talk, Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease. "Sometimes we mistakenly may believe that happiness is the absence of a load. But bearing a load is a necessary and essential part of the plan of happiness. Because our individual load needs to generate spiritual traction, we should be careful to not haul around in our lives so many nice but unnecessary things that we are distracted and diverted from the things that truly matter most." There are loads in our lives, but we need to be able to work through them- that's why we're here. I often haul around unnecessary things. I want more in my life and have a hard time determining priorities. That is especially true now. It's finals time- reflection time!

I have found a personal recurring theme of this school year. My time back in Utah has been all about self discovery and confidence in myself. In finding that strength and comfort, I can't help but accept and love others like I am learning to accept and love myself. It has been such a beautiful gift!

I have found confidence and strength in my body. I am strong! I am beautiful! My body dances, it dives- it even sword fights! Yes there might be areas that I wish were different, but I'm not perfect and that's alright! My body is a gift from God and I love it!

I am smart. I like to relax and be lazy sometimes, but that does not discount my ability to think. I can write. I can read. I can come up with original ideas. I even like those ideas sometimes!

I have an ability to connect with people. I can overcome my challenges and help them overcome theirs. I love getting to know people and know that those in my life now are here for a reason.

Do I doubt all of this sometimes? Yes. It's part of life, but I know that I am blessed; I am a daughter of Heavenly Father. I am strong. He loves me and I love Him. 

Cheerful Thanks

I had a rough day today. I knew there were many reasons to be happy, but I didn't want to see them. I just wanted to snuggle and let myself be sad. Sometimes we just need to be sad. Although I am still feeling a wee bit negative, I can see the beauty in my week. Here is a way to lift my spirits and focus on the good in the world.
Sarah- Thank you for understanding me and checking in on me today. Thanks for the permission to be sad. It really helped me.
Tyler and Jarrod- Thank you for talking with me tonight and allowing me to do dishes. I needed love and you fellas provided it. I value our friendship. Thank you for validating and comforting me in my time of need.
Melinda- Thank you for listening to the promptings of the Spirit. When I needed you, you were there. What a testimony builder.
Dad and Mom- Thanks for your help fixing the car! I couldn't have done it alone and I loved the family bonding time over my Exus.
Lindsey- Thank you for talking to me and Natasha in North Court. I've missed having you in my life. Each little interaction means something.
Cute Old Lady Customers- Thank you for lifting my spirits and making sure I am always a happy worker. Your kind words are always encouraging and remind me of my grandmothers.
Rain- Thank you for making things grow and making life more exciting.
Roommates- I am going to miss you so much! Thank you for cleaning the apartment and dealing with my laziness. Your love and care for me is amazing. I don't deserve you.
Heavenly Father- Thank you for this week. I am so happy to live with knowledge of such wonderful things.