In any case...
Day 20:
In detail:
I love that I can look up from traffic and see beautiful trees. Or enjoy the simple pleasure of a cozy night curled up on the couch with the sound of rain on the windowpane. I love the small moments when I take a breath to pay attention to the world around me.
Day 21:
In detail:
Sometimes I get very frustrated with the world around me and the state of our country and society. I get worried about the directions the world is going and the choices we as a people are making.
And then, every once in a while, I get a chance to watch or interact with some of today's amazing youth. I read a story (like this one), or see the young priesthood holders in in the family ward reverently passing the sacrament, or spend some time with my younger friends. And I'm reminded of the potential and hope in the next generation.
Day 22:
In detail:
I love my family. We are weird, goofy, frequently completely non-traditional, and we can laugh at the oddest things. We've faced more challenges than I can recount (some horrible, and some not so bad in retrospect). Among it all we've stuck by each other. None of us is perfect, but I think we might be the perfect fit for each other. I'm grateful that I can look back at the ways we've strengthened each other and made each other better versions of ourselves.
Day 23:
In detail:
I might be a little crazy (those who know me might say I'm a lot crazy). I did the Black Friday shopping thing. Myself and a group of friends left the house at 11pm. Most of them gave up along the way (a couple at 3, another at 4, 5, etc.). But my friend Jessica and I stuck it out until almost 9am. Yes, I realize that's 10 hours of shopping, overnight. And you know what, I had a blast. And got some good deals. But at the end of it all, I was just really glad to be done and to curl up in my comfy bed and let my eyes close.
Day 24:
In detail:
I frequently say "laugh or cry" and I'd much rather laugh at something than cry about it. For one, it's better exercise. For another it leaves you much less puffy and red-nosed than crying.
And most importantly, I think it helps put challenges and trials in perspective. Yes, they are more than we feel we can bear (otherwise what would be the point - they wouldn't help us grow), but they are also not the end. They're just a step along the path. And in my experience, they are usually balanced by blessings which are either equal to or greater than the challenge. And facing them with a sense of humor, usually makes them easier to face.
Now if only I could keep that in mind ALL the time...
And most importantly, I think it helps put challenges and trials in perspective. Yes, they are more than we feel we can bear (otherwise what would be the point - they wouldn't help us grow), but they are also not the end. They're just a step along the path. And in my experience, they are usually balanced by blessings which are either equal to or greater than the challenge. And facing them with a sense of humor, usually makes them easier to face.
Now if only I could keep that in mind ALL the time...
Day 25:
In detail:
With vacation nearly over, I succumbed to a nasty cold. With both my roommates gone, and intending to keep myself sequestered from my family in fear they would get sick, I was grateful to have Kleenex and NyQuil on hand.
And even more grateful for the kindness of my friend Jessica who surprised me with orange juice and chicken soup (in a tasty bread bowl). She was my hero for the day. And my mom's hero (since my mom wanted to be able to take care of me but couldn't).
And even more grateful for the kindness of my friend Jessica who surprised me with orange juice and chicken soup (in a tasty bread bowl). She was my hero for the day. And my mom's hero (since my mom wanted to be able to take care of me but couldn't).
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