If there's one thing I've learned from recent experiences & from moving home from college for the summer it's this:
Life isn't easy. We all are faced with challenges & trials at different points of our lives. I've had many, some easier & smaller than others. As I have gotten older & learned more, I now have a better understanding & react better to what comes my way. This has been a long time coming & a hard learned lesson, but the most rewarding lesson.
A few years ago, I would get so worried or frustrated about almost everything. I reacted so negatively to anything that came my way. Because of that, I was often unhappy. But, that was pointless because most of those things I would worry about or get frustrated about were out of my control. I couldn’t change what people did or what happened in this crazy world. What changed was my reaction to those things. Since I can’t change what happens or change people and their actions, I had to change the only thing in my control: my attitude and reaction. This change hasn’t always been easy, but it has been so so worth it. I have never been happier, even in the midst of challenges & struggles. I might get frustrated for a small moment, but bounce back so happy and joyful & with a new attitude. It has been an immense change in my life that I wish I would have done sooner.
Not only did having a better attitude about life help, but the gospel, my family, & great friends have helped. First, I wouldn’t be where I am today with a few people, you know who you are. I am so fortunate to have the incredible family that I do & the friends I do as well. Not only that, but I am so blessed with all the little & big things everyone does for me. To everyone who has helped me or followed promptings to text me or whatever it was, THANK YOU! I haven’t forgotten it & it all means so much to me, more than you know. I only hope to be able to help you just as much and repay you.
Lastly, I would be completely & utterly lost if I didn’t have the gospel in my life. It brings me so much joy, peace, comfort, & hope. The gospel is so fantastic and I have been immensely blessed because of it. I know that my Savior atoned for the sins of all mankind. I know that He is my older brother and loves each of us infinitely. One of the things I love most about the gospel & the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is that there is always hope. No matter what has happened, He is always there for you and He is waiting, just w a i t i n g for us to ask for help with “his hand is stretched out still” {2 Nephi 19:17}. Even if we are hypocrites or evildoers like in that previous scripture, "his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." {2 Nephi 19:17} How comforting it is to know that we are never alone in this journey of life. I am humbled often as I learn more & more from the scriptures & am uplifted by the Spirit at church or by those around me through their examples. The church is true & the book is blue.
Don’t ever give up, keep your head up & find a reason to smile. There is good in every day, just look for it, & guess what? It’s often found in the little things. Don’t worry so much about those things that happen or the things/people around you. It will make you happier and life simpler.
