How my life has changed... I feel like I've grown up like 17 years in the last 7 months. Okay not really, but life is good. I have learned a lot. Let me tell you about it.
I learned that it's okay to love people, even if it's not meant to be.
I learned that sometimes it's just worth it to forgive and forget, even if people don't change.
I learned that sometimes, the only thing you can change about a situation is your perspective and your attitude. You are in control of you, and only you.
I learned that if we want to see the world change, we have to start the process by being that change.
I learned that Gandhi is one of the best role models, after Jesus Christ of course.
I learned that the Atonement is real, and not just for when you make mistakes, but also for when you are broken inside and you feel like all is lost. If you ask for his help and give him your burden, and are willing to give it away, he takes the burden away.
I learned that my troubles are very little compared to a little 7-year-old boy living in Zambia. I am so blessed, and no matter how poor I am, I will never know that much poverty.
I learned to be grateful for the little things. Like the sun when I wake up in the morning. Or for having awesome roommates. And sisters who will drop anything to come give me rides or let me hang out with them. For little toddler boys who always somehow know that I need the love they have to give. For an awesome bishop who encourages and loves me. For amazing friends who just let me talk. For an incredible experience to learn how to love. For amazing parents who always know what to say to me when I don't know where to turn. For the love of my Heavenly Father when I feel so alone. For a temple 5 minutes away from my apartment, and an amazing friend who wants to go with me every week. For the ability to hope. For my job where I can do my homework the whole time. For getting accepted into my major and having the confirmation that I am doing what I am supposed to do with my life. For things just falling into place when I'm ready for them. For brothers. For sisters. For my ballet class that gives me the opportunity to focus on improving my dance ability and forget about everything else that stresses me out. For friends who make me go and do things that are fun and meet new people, even though sometimes I'd rather watch movies and be by myself. For class discussions that make me feel like I'm stretching myself intellectually, but make me feel smart at the same time. For boys who smile at me when I walk down the hall. For meeting people who are best friends with people that I love. For making connections with every new person I meet. For learning how to identify how I am feeling, and consciously make an effort to improve my state of mind. For getting answers to my prayers. For getting answers in an unexpected way. For meeting amazing people, and then realizing that I see them everywhere. For being able to give advice, and have people appreciate it. For being able to serve others when I'm feeling down. For getting in shape and feeling endorphins. For dancing and singing. For grocery shopping. For sharing clothes with my sister. For people who make me feel special and important. For going to bed early and sleeping late. For candles that smell good. For inspirational quotes. For having time to play with my hair. For making delicious food. For living on the third floor and having to walk up the RB stairs every day. For pretty clothes that make me feel cute. For bright shoes that make my feet happy. For learning how to budget and realizing that I can handle my life. For making crafts. For talking to 3 year olds on the phone. For giving my brother advice and talking about his life. For laughing at nothing. For blue skies. For people who make me believe I can change the world. For professors who enable instead of terrify their students. For Uggs. For co-workers who have really good insights. For making friends. For realizing that I have so many blessings in my life, and all the troubles are only temporary.
I learned that I can accomplish anything I want to accomplish if I trust up above.
I learned that I can't understand everything, but that someday I will, and I'm okay with that.
I learned that I can be best friends with some guys without having to worry that they will interpret it the wrong way.
I learned that my family is, and will always be my best friends.
I learned that it's important to live in the moment, and embrace the experiences I'm living through instead of wishing time would pass quickly.
I learned that when you are obedient, you get blessed.
I learned that I can trust my own judgement, and I am responsible for my life.
I learned that I don't have all of the answers, and I didn't necessarily go where I thought I would. Life is pretty unpredictable, but sometimes Heavenly Father intervenes and helps me realize that my plans for myself were pretty good, but he has something way better in store for me. Everything I go through is shaping me into the person I am meant to be, and I'm grateful for the hard times and the struggles because I'm stronger now and more understanding.
I learned that there is so much more to learn. and I learned how to be completely and totally ME in every way.
In 7 months I've done a lot of learning.. but I'm happy with where I've come. Life is full of surprises, but I like them.
"If you don't like where you are, then change it. You are not a tree." I'm not going to be a tree. I'm going to take what I've been given, and make some lemonade. Or limeade. or a smoothie. I have control over my life, and nobody can change that or make me feel inferior. My life is going somewhere.
And with that, it's bed time. until next post.
