Running Free.

Running away from your problems doesn’t solve anything. We’ve all heard this simple truth, but sometimes things go bad. After all, life is a test full of twists and snags. The Lion King's Timon and Pumbaa teach that the good life is one in which there are ‘no rules, no responsibilities and best of all, no worries.’ While this proved right in Simba’s life for many years.. eventually the consequences of his actions caught up with him, as they inevitably will.
I don’t believe that we are defined by the moments and situations around us, but rather how we handle them. Do we crumble under the pressure or smile through the pain? When everything turns upside down and backwards it can be really hard to look up and find your balance. But you know what I’ve found? Dwelling on all the bad isn’t worth it. Nothing good comes from dwelling. Here’s a Pintrest quote for you: “Your bad attitude is like a flat tire: You can’t go anywhere unless you change it.”

We aren’t given challenges that we can’t manage. The fact of the matter is that our challenges are meant to strengthen us. With this in mind how can we *not* look to the Lord and know that in the end everything will be alright?? Keep your chin up and seek out the good in everything. It’ll make even the bleakest of times seem.. well.. not so bleak :)

Following the same train of thought,
“Isn’t it funny? The things we don’t do that are right in front of us?” –Julie
How can we live life to the fullest if we aren’t actually living?? Here's to putting some trust in the life we've been given and making the best out of bad situations.

Living Life

Living Life.. It's true that life changes, but you know what I've found? It only gets better.

Ha, you want to know what else I've learned?

It's better to enjoy life. Enjoy the moment and think not of the future, because if you think of what's coming, you don't give thought as to what's happening.

Enjoy the moment before it becomes a memory. It's easier to be happy:)

Weekend Away

Yesterday I came to 2 very important realizations.

1) I haven't been sick this past school year. At all. Do you know how awesome that is? I can't remember the last time I went a full school year without getting sick. *knock on wood* Watch me get sick this week for finals :/

2) Once I get an idea in my head there's no stopping me. Looking back, I notice this a lot. If either Chels or I even mention the word 'Subway' then it's as good as a done deal. Also, many of my spontaneous drives home have been due to a simple spoken word. Actually... just about all of them. Off the top of my head I can think of 3 instances:
~ That time Chels went home and, after a word from a friend, I made a separate trip up.
~ Spontaneous trip to and from Nevada in one night.
~ Ditching Cedar the weekend before finals (*cough* right now)
Those are just the examples I can think of right now... which is pretty impressive considering how late it is.

I keep typing out half sentences, but then deciding it doesn't make sense and deleting it. I think that means it's bedtime... Night!

Highlights

I was recently reading through a bunch of old posts and I realized I've been missing out. When I write it allows me to go through the highs of my day and pick out the points I want to remember. It gives me a chance to think about what's been going on and add a little depth to my life. Haha, plus, I really do enjoy reading past posts.

So. In an attempt to regain this love I'm going to share the highs of my last few days. Why? Because highlights are what keep the world a happy place. Just roll with it :D

It all started a couple days ago when Chels wanted help with her art project. It involved paper and a candle.. Interest peaked I followed her outside and behind the dumpster. Sketchy, right? Oh, it was awesome :D

Believe it or not, strategic fire play takes a little time to get the hang of.

But it wasn't long before we... ok, I... was having too much fun. Chels was too worried about her project turning to ash. Ha, it's too bad I can't say the worry was unfounded...

Ya know... it's really hard to get a deep enough breath to blow out a flame when you're laughing uncontrollably..

Really though. This was grand fun. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed art so much ;) The smoke smell lingering on our clothes... How do you top an evening like that?? Exactly. You can't.

And yet... it's possible.

Missionary letters do wonders :) 

I really hadn't thought my night could get any better, but then it did! Ally just left on her mission for Boston and, even though we were never close friends, I've always admired her. So I wrote her a letter. Honestly, I didn't expect a letter back.. but holy dang. Sweetest letter I've ever gotten. 

That was Thursday. 

Friday held it's own fun with a Voice Male concert. Ha, I didn't think old guys singing a-cappella could be so entertaining :)

And nothing says 'Today's going to be awesome' like a surprise visit from a best friend. One friend to start the day off and then another to end it... My past 3 days have been abounding in highlights and what says grateful like writing it down?

When you give meaning to all the awesome little good things that happen, it does so much to create a positive and happier attitude. Look for the bright side. You'll find it. 

Even on moonless nights the stars always shine.

Random Draft?

You know what's odd? A random draft called 'Chelsea Burkholder' that's been sitting in my posts folder since August 30th. The weird part? I didn't write it. Ha, luckily for me the title says it all ;) The post goes like this:

Chelsea Burkholder

What can I say? This girl is amazing. Sheer talent. I'm so lucky to be her roommate. I honestly can't put my joy into words... it's unreal. I love her lots :D And Karely? Ah man... she's amazing. She puts ice on her face sometimes, but who doesn't? It's all good... how could life be any better?

I must admit, this is the first time I've read that in a long while. I get a laugh every time. Why? Simply because under all that humility there is a speck of truth. Only a speck, mind you. ;)

Haha, but really. These two have become truly amazing friends. I know I can count on them and they have helped to make my first year of college unforgettable. Thank you. I look forward to the adventures that next semester will bring :)

Each Moment

I was reading my scrips when I heard a car start. Yesterday my car decided to play dead, and I dunno, this just got me thinking. There is so much that we take for granted. How often do we stop and take a moment to be grateful for all that we are blessed with?

Cars. Computers. Phones. Credit/Debit cards. Cameras. Headphones. Jumper cables. Zip drives. Having a roof over your head. Mattress. Books. Music. The internet. Color. Fans. The clicker on your car keys so you don't actually have to use the key. Stamps. Letters. Post Officers. AC. An abundance of knowledge. Education. Friends. Family. Pets. Truth. Jobs. Life.

Trust me, this list could go on for awhile. A couple years ago I kept a gratitude journal. You know, I haven't thought about that in a long time, but really. When you seek out the good, everything just seems so much brighter. It's like when the sun is shining after a long and cold winter.. Nothing is better than feeling those hot rays at that moment. I feel like this is what gratitude is. It's looking at the bright side and being thankful for what you do have. Simply the act of slowing down to give appreciation.. this is what turns an ordinary day into one of miracles and absolute perfection.

 I have a list on my phone of things I've been wanting to write about, but just haven't gotten to yet. Well. I'm writing now, so here goes.

Short term vs. long term. About a month ago I heard this song by Avril Lavigne called What the Hell. Now, I'll admit, I enjoy this song more than I should.. but that's not the point. It is so easy for the long term goals to get pushed to the back of your mind, to think 'What the hell,' and take the short term fun over what's important in the long run. It happens. Haha, and you know what? Sometimes the fun is definitely worth it.. However.. tell yourself 'What the hell,' enough and guess what? The reasons behind your end goal begin to fade. Once that happens it's hard to see why you need to change, why 'what the hell' won't cut it. Know where you want to go in life and make the decisions to get there. It's not always easy, but nobody said it would be. Continue making those active choices and you'll end up where you want to be. Don't lose sight of what's important. Keep your long term in mind.

Everything matters. Every single thought and feeling and word.. actions, standards.. all of it. Every bit of what makes you *you* are in the pieces that often get tossed aside. Nobody likes to feel vulnerable, and it seems like sometimes in order to avoid that we brush off whatever was on our mind with 'It doesn't matter.' The truth is that we are important. Each and every one of us. And because we matter, what we think and feel and do matters as well. It's easy to get caught up in the rush of the world.. to forget who you are and think 'what the hell.' But no.. the choices you make now truly do matter. You can make a difference that only you can make. There's nobody else exactly like you. 

Be grateful all your days and live in such a way that each moment is pushing you toward the person you want to be in the long term. Enjoy each moment.

LIVE & LAUGH :D

To Go or Not To Go?

You know those times when life is good? Everything is working out and the stress isn't overwhelming.. It's wonderful, right?? But then life jumps in and says, "Wait, you're happy? Let's spice it up a bit." Haha yeah...... life is grand sometimes :P

Seriously though. Sure, the twist may be far from ideal.. however.. that shouldn't detract from the value of the experience. There is so much to learn about life, others, and yourself in these types of moments and I honestly can say that I wouldn't give up that 25 hours for anything.
It's true, I was rash.. but I learned what's important to me: my family. Nothing matters more than them. I know I'm not the best at showing it, but when it comes down to it, family will always come out the top priority. I guess sometimes I just need a bit of a reminder :P
Also.. communication is important. Don't forget that. Everything can be fixed with communication. Running away from your problems won't solve anything.. Granted, neither does a lack of judgement.. :P But hey. It worked out in the end as it always will.

About a week and a half ago a good friend asked me something along the lines of.. "How would you treat somebody if you saw them at their weakest, most vulnerable?" And you know.. I can't think of anything better than having my friends be there for me when I needed them. Seriously. I was far from enjoyable company and yet, they helped me out in any way they could. Feeding and packing me lunch, insisting on dinner and losing a night of sleep... It all meant so much to me. Thank you.

Words are powerful, but it's the proof behind the words.. the actions.. that make all the difference. Whether that be responding to an impossible call or packing a bag in advance... I've come to learn that the only way for people to *know* that you care is to show them. Simple as that.