I keep a daily journal so usually I don't write my thoughts on here. We all know I am not the most articulate writer, so just consider yourself warned if you choose to continue reading.
As I sat down to write in my journal last night I ended up thinking a lot more than writing and since my head goes 110X's faster than I can write I didn't write a fraction of what was going on in my head. I really don't like to complain about things or dwell on things too long because it takes too much energy and effort for me. Its a lot easier to smile and be happy. But, I think I have been complaining a lot lately or at least I have felt like complaining a lot lately due to things things that I would want to change at the moment that I can't- like my job or lack of a car. But as I sat thinking last night, I reflected on and remembered how blessed I really truly am.
I am so blessed to have the family that I have. Some people would say I am lucky. I'm not sure if luck has anything to do with it. I don't know why some people seem to have it easier than others, but I am thankful to be blessed with the family that I have. I am thankful for my parents. They have been married for 31 years now as of yesterday and I am thankful for the love that they have for one another and that they have for me and my sisters. They are always willing to help in anyway they can. I have three wonderful sisters who I look up to and respect on a daily basis. I love that I have a close enough relationship with them to be able to talk to them about anything. Although we are all far apart from each other I am glad that I can pick up the phone and talk with them whenever I want. I can't wait for everyone to be together in August.
I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I really don't know where I would be without it and am grateful that I haven't had to find out. I know that God is real. I know that he loves me. I know that he hears and answers everyone of our prayers that we offer humbly and sincerely to him. I know that Jesus Christ lives for me. I am thankful that he sacrificed everything for me so that I can have joy and be happy now and in eternity. I know that there are times in our lives when we may not think anyone knows what we are feeling or dealing with, that words can't express what we feel, but the Savior knows. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it because he has been there too. I am thankful to have the gift of the Holy Ghost. I know that he is a member of the Godhead and that as we live our life worthy and do the things we are supposed to do that we can be under His influence for good and the choices we make will lead us where we need to go.
I am thankful for agency. I was reflecting on the last year of my life and the choices that I have made. I am thankful that I have the ability to choose. I know that our decisions not only affect ourselves, but those around us as well. Sometimes we are affected by someone else's choice in a way that would not have been of our choosing, but we all are free agents. And although we can't change someones choice, we can choose how we are going to react to it. There is always a choice involved in everything we do.
I know without a shadow of a doubt that prayers are heard and answered. I know miracles occur everyday in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Sometimes we don't recognize them, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.
I am thankful to have a love of the scriptures. I know from experience as we open them up and read them and study and ponder them, that life seems a little less complicated. The answers to all lives questions really are in there. It's like our own little life instructions book. If you don't believe me then read it and find out for yourself.
I am thankful to be blessed with good friends who care about me and support me in the things that I do.
As I sat down to write in my journal last night I ended up thinking a lot more than writing and since my head goes 110X's faster than I can write I didn't write a fraction of what was going on in my head. I really don't like to complain about things or dwell on things too long because it takes too much energy and effort for me. Its a lot easier to smile and be happy. But, I think I have been complaining a lot lately or at least I have felt like complaining a lot lately due to things things that I would want to change at the moment that I can't- like my job or lack of a car. But as I sat thinking last night, I reflected on and remembered how blessed I really truly am.
I am so blessed to have the family that I have. Some people would say I am lucky. I'm not sure if luck has anything to do with it. I don't know why some people seem to have it easier than others, but I am thankful to be blessed with the family that I have. I am thankful for my parents. They have been married for 31 years now as of yesterday and I am thankful for the love that they have for one another and that they have for me and my sisters. They are always willing to help in anyway they can. I have three wonderful sisters who I look up to and respect on a daily basis. I love that I have a close enough relationship with them to be able to talk to them about anything. Although we are all far apart from each other I am glad that I can pick up the phone and talk with them whenever I want. I can't wait for everyone to be together in August.
I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I really don't know where I would be without it and am grateful that I haven't had to find out. I know that God is real. I know that he loves me. I know that he hears and answers everyone of our prayers that we offer humbly and sincerely to him. I know that Jesus Christ lives for me. I am thankful that he sacrificed everything for me so that I can have joy and be happy now and in eternity. I know that there are times in our lives when we may not think anyone knows what we are feeling or dealing with, that words can't express what we feel, but the Savior knows. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it because he has been there too. I am thankful to have the gift of the Holy Ghost. I know that he is a member of the Godhead and that as we live our life worthy and do the things we are supposed to do that we can be under His influence for good and the choices we make will lead us where we need to go.
I am thankful for agency. I was reflecting on the last year of my life and the choices that I have made. I am thankful that I have the ability to choose. I know that our decisions not only affect ourselves, but those around us as well. Sometimes we are affected by someone else's choice in a way that would not have been of our choosing, but we all are free agents. And although we can't change someones choice, we can choose how we are going to react to it. There is always a choice involved in everything we do.
I know without a shadow of a doubt that prayers are heard and answered. I know miracles occur everyday in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Sometimes we don't recognize them, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.
I am thankful to have a love of the scriptures. I know from experience as we open them up and read them and study and ponder them, that life seems a little less complicated. The answers to all lives questions really are in there. It's like our own little life instructions book. If you don't believe me then read it and find out for yourself.
I am thankful to be blessed with good friends who care about me and support me in the things that I do.
I really believe that perspective makes all the difference. I got this quote from a friend and I really liked it-
"Don't be dependent on people to make you happy...it's your job"
"Don't be dependent on people to make you happy...it's your job"
4 comments:
Shayla I love you so much! Thank you for this post.
Perspective does make all the difference. I have learned SO much from you about how to really be happy through hardships.
When I think of you, I think of a truly, (not just pretending) happy positive, loving girl. Love you tons!
Colette
Don't know if I am supposed to comment on a journal entry, but I love ya!
I think you are wonderful. And amazing. And pretty. And I get to see you this weekend.
Oh Shayla, you're amazing.
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