Count Your Blessings and Dwell on the Positives

   A couple days ago I was having a pretty bad day. Not because I was feeling uber depressed, full of anxiety, or overly stressed. It was completely circumstantial and I let myself dwell on something that should no longer bother me. This is something that I keep wondering why I still fall into sadness over because it cannot be changed. Nevertheless, I found myself in bed, staring at the ceiling and replaying situations in my head over and over again like I had done a million times before. All week, my roommates and I had planned on going to a dance party that I have been excited for for weeks now. But because of my state of mind that night, my body did not feel like leaving my bed, much less leaving my house and pretending I was happy.

   That's when my roommate came in, flung off my covers and said, "BQ, you have been waiting to go dancing for awhile now. I know you don't feel like it, but you will feel better and you will have fun." I knew she was right, so I slowly slipped out of bed and started the long process of prepping for the first party of the new semester. As I was curling my hair, she turned to me and asked me to tell her five things that I was thankful for. I spat out the usual answers - "my family, my friends, the gospel..." She then asked me to give ten more and really go into detail this time. I ended up saying some ridiculous things like "the feeling after you brush your teeth and then drink a cold glass of water" and "the smell of fresh laundry." Although these things may seem silly, they are things that genuinely make me happy.

   It is so important to remember the little things in life. Not everyday can involve a huge event that you'll remember the rest of your life. Sometimes you just have to sit back and focus on the tiny day to day things that get you by. If we count our good days by days that something spectacular happens, chances are you won't have as many as you hope for. But if you end everyday with thinking of all the things that you are thankful for, you will realize that there is good all around. It really is just your perspective that changes things.

Thank you Natalie for teaching me this important lesson and for being such a great friend. <3

-B :)
 
 

Reason #29 - Work and Charity

   Something that always makes me feel better is throwing myself right into something. I recently started working two different jobs - a survey call center and a clothing store. I'll let you guess which one is the more enjoyable. But even if these jobs aren't what I want to be doing for the rest of my life, I feel so blessed to be able to have jobs. I feel so much better when I leave the house and step into work, knowing that there are people who are counting on me to complete a task. It makes me feel needed, which is something that everyone desires. In a way, I feel like I am making my own tiny, little difference in the world. And I'm not just sitting on my couch feeling sorry for myself, so that's a plus.

   No matter who you are, doing service or charity work will always improve your mood. One of my favorite quotes is, "We rise by lifting others." I believe in this 100%. In high school I volunteered at a camp for people with physical and mental disabilities. I can honestly say that this was one of the best experiences of my life. There is nothing like bringing joy and friendship to someone who needs it. There are 7 billion people on this earth and every single one of them deserves to be cared for. Every. Single. One. I wish I could split myself up 7 billion different ways so that I can give every individual person the love and attention that they deserve. But even if I can't do that, it's enough just to make one person's day. People need people. It's so important to be someone who has an open heart and to constantly be there for others. You do not know what is going on in another's life or what they might be struggling with. Make life a little easier for someone by just being nice. It really is that simple. And when you throw yourself into work or charity, you don't have time to dwell on things that make you sad. :)

- B

Reason #26 - Exercise

   Today I am very thankful for exercise. Since I am an exercise physiology major, I thought that this semester it would be a good idea to actually... exercise. I have always loved sports and have been semi-active. But since I now have access to one of the best exercise facilities in the nation, I have decided to take my health more seriously. It's not easy to find motivation to get up and get moving, but I have amazing roommates that give me just the right amount of push that I need. Once I am there, I love it. It's so nice to feel like you have control of your body and it's even better to see the progress you've made. Just knowing that I made it to the gym is an accomplishment for me. Today I was especially happy because all my roommates were busy, but I still got dressed at went to the gym myself. It felt so freeing just being able to run alone and clear my mind. Eventually I ran into a friend and he showed me some good exercises that I will probably start doing a lot now!
 
   In my personal health and fitness class we were discussing what kind of exercise is the best for you. We came to the conclusion that the best exercise is the one that you enjoy the most. There's no sense in swimming laps if you hate being in the pool. Chances are if you enjoy the exercise, then you will be more willing to do it. It really is that simple. Plus, my mood is all around better when I get a good work out in. It gets me out of bed and gives me an opportunity to clear my mind. If you don't have access to a gym, there are plenty of things you can do without one. Play tag, go on a hike, shoot hoops, learn yoga. All you have to do is find something you like and do it! :)

-B

Reason #23 - The Gospel of Jesus Christ

   Today I was sitting in church feeling tired partly because I stayed up late, and also because of the time change. In the beginning of our services, we have a thing called 'sacrament.' The closest thing I can relate it to would be communion. It is when we partake of bread to remember the body of Christ, and water to remember the blood. During this time it is quiet and we have time to think about our Savior. I found myself people watching a little. In the pew behind me was a lovely older couple who have been in the area for decades. They know everyone and greet you with such a warm welcome that makes you feel like family. Across from me was a young couple with their first little baby. The way the proud parents look at their sweet little boy could end wars. To my left were missionaries who have left their families, friends, jobs, and education to come to a foreign place to teach truth to the people who seek it. As I was looking at the congregation I felt love for them. I found it amazing that these people of all ages and from all different backgrounds come together once a week for the same reason.

   Last year at this time I was not attending church. I couldn't get out of bed to go and to be honest, I did not want to be there. Looking back, I wish I had never stopped going because it wasn't until I started going regularly again that my true happiness came back and my depression was placed on the backburner. Now, I see Christ's love everywhere. I see it in the people that he has put in my life. I don't believe that we end up meeting specific people just by coincidence. I have too many experiences where people have helped me when they did not even know I needed help or have encouraged me when they did not know I needed encouragement. The Lord works through his children and I can see that now more than ever.

   I can see His love in nature. The way the sky looks during a sunrise. The way the snow lays perfect and quiet. The way a tree shades you on a sunny day. The way a flower starts from a little seed and grows straight and tall. All for a purpose. All for us.

   I see our Savior's love through His gospel and His teachings. He loves us so much that he created a plan for us. He sent a Prophet to lead and guide us. He did not leave us to figure everything out for ourselves. He provided teachings and a WAY we can learn those teachings. Our Lord knows each and every one of us personally. He knows our struggles, our worries, and the demons that we never let anyone else see. He wants us to be happy and he wants us to return to him someday. Both of these things are possible through Him. He promises that if we love Him and follow Him, we WILL be happy. I know that this is true. I am so thankful I have finally realized this. I am so thankful for the people in my life and the fellowship in my church. It's so comforting knowing that I have people to lean on when I need it. Most of all, I am thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the love that he shows me. I am one lucky girl.

- B
p.s. If you want to know more about what I believe, feel free to visit http://mormon.org/. :)