Wednesday, November 27, 2013

gratefulness exposed.




Well, here it is -- the almost cliché Thanksgiving post. But it’s not cliché – because it’s Thanksgiving, and it’s such an opportune time to contemplate on how grateful we all are.

Too often in this modern world we live in instead of expressing the things we are thankful for, we express our problems, concerns, and complaints. Although these all have a place, dwelling on the positive more will help us to dwell on those other things less.

Here’s my most recent example. When I started college I didn’t really love it. I’m pretty sure there were times when I didn’t even like it. Which wasn’t good. I kept focusing on all the things I didn’t like & all the things that weren’t quite up to my expectation. Then something changed. I couldn’t tell you when that change happened exactly, but I can tell you what changed. I started to be grateful for my lovely friends, and more specifically my fabulous roomie, Miss Harris. Once I started to focus on the things & people I loved I suddenly had a better attitude and began to love college. (& I still do now)

So anyway, the point of this verging-on-really-long-post: the holidays can be really crazy with a lot of downs, but there are always many ups. Even little ones such as—I’m grateful sticky notes were invented. & I challenge you to sit down, and take some personal time to write or type the things you are most grateful for down. It can take 2 minutes or 2 hours, it’s all up to you. & then share them. Tell the people you’re grateful for that you are, tell God what you’re thankful for, and hey next time you want to post or tweet something negative, share something you’re grateful for. Here are a few things I’m grateful for:


I’m grateful for my family. I’m grateful for my bf.* I’m grateful for the temple. I’m grateful for the church. I’m grateful for the mountains. I’m grateful for hiking. I’m grateful for music. I’m grateful for photographs. I’m grateful for unrelated family. I’m grateful for my school. I’m grateful for clothes. I’m grateful for travel. I’m grateful for words. I’m grateful for food I can eat. I’m grateful for sticky notes with sweet and funny notes on them. I’m grateful for fun. I’m grateful for laughter. I’m grateful for missionaries. I’m grateful for technology. I’m grateful for the chances to leave technology behind. I’m grateful for the sun. I’m grateful for rain. I’m grateful for snow. I’m grateful for friends of every kind. I’m grateful for the priesthood. I’m grateful for the ocean waves I can currently hear out my window. I’m grateful for lists. & so so so many more things. But for your sake, I’ll leave it at that.

*(bestest friend)






Friday, November 15, 2013

unconditional

In my seemingly never-ending search for a major to pursue, I've learned two things about myself relating to my future. 


1. I want the opportunity (even the obligation) to travel, everywhere.
     2. I want to help people. I don't think I'm going to change the      world and solve all the problems, but I want to help individuals,                 everywhere.

& I don't think it's fair for us to pick and choose who needs help, because everyone (in one way or another) could use a little help -- even if that help is just another friend to talk to, or someone who believes in them. 


I love finding just little tiny ways to help those around me. & I love watching other people do the same. My roommates are great examples of this. Whether it's taking the garbage out, washing all the dishes, making someones bed, a nice note, fixing a printer, or just being concerned for each other and willing to chat. Try it -- it truly becomes somewhat of a game. It's fun. Just try to serve other people if you see the opportunity without "stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy." 

Monday, November 11, 2013

little words

sometimes i'm scrolling down pinterest (actually all the time..) and I find some words that I just love.

these quotes have been intriguing me for sometime now.
maybe I'll expand someday,
maybe not, 
but I think they're quite beautiful  



Sunday, November 10, 2013

happy Sunday.

today is just a happy sunday, kinda day. 

one of those days filled with wonderful people and meaningful words.


I love Sundays because they are just a day to rest the mind from the worldly things that don't really matter in the eternal perspective.


It's a day I often use to just sort out my mind & refocus. 


Sometimes I just wish we could have 3 Sundays a week! 
(but without the millions of meetings..)

anyway, I hope I wasn't the only one that had a happy Sunday -- and I hope that I wasn't the only one who had a chance to refocus. 


Really. When you're stressed, and overwhelmed, just take time to really think about what is most important to you, what you believe in, and pursue it. Don't waste your time worrying about things that don't need to be worried about. 





Happy Sunday everybody.
 (:













Monday, November 4, 2013

what I didn't expect

I have this roommate, that up until sometime near the end of August I'd never met before. 
& I'll tell you one thing, the stress of having no idea who this girl was was very real this summer. 
So many days I sat wondering, will we get along? Will we like each other? Will we fight? Will we talk about things? Will we drive each other up a wall?

What I didn't expect was that we would have nothing,(& I mean nothing) in common & yet still get along. Not only get along, but even become best friends. 

The crazy thing is, I just always thought, "I have my friends already. I don't need another. I don't think I'll make a best friend in college.."

But then something crazy happened. 
that crazy something is called my roommate.  

What I didn't expect was:

we don't like each other's music, at all
we don't like the same food
we don't like the same sports (mostly)
we don't dress the same
we don't study the same
we don't like the same books
we don't agree on many topics

but when it really comes down to it, we are so much the same. 
We spend our weekends together, we talk for hours every night, we laugh about the silly things we've experienced at college, we go grocery shopping weekly together, and it makes everyday so much fun. 

What I didn't expect was that I would make another best friend in college, & I can't imagine not being friends. 


 ^I know it's past halloween, but these are still great ^
^ So classic ^

^ temple trip ^