Because I Have Been Given Much ...

Last semester my roommate Marni started reading stories from Don't Sweat The Small Stuff out loud to me when we were eating breakfast or whenever we had a moment together. I love that book, I feel like there is something that can cheer up anyone in any situation. This quote from Don't Sweat The Small Stuff basically describes the way that I have been dealing with my new job and life in Hawaii.

"Whenever we’re dealing with bad news, a difficult person, or a disappointment of some kind, most of us get into certain habits, way of reacting to life—particularly adversity—that don’t serve us very well. We overreact, blow things out of proportion, hold on too tightly, and focus on the negative aspects of life. When we are immobilized by little things—when we are irritated annoyed and easily bothered—our (over-) reactions not only make us frustrated but actually get in the way of getting what we want. We lose sight of the bigger picture, focus on the negative, and annoy other people who might otherwise help us. In short, we live our lives as if they were one great big emergency! We often rush around looking busy, trying to solve problems, but in reality, we are often compounding them. Because everything seems like such a big deal, we end up spending our lives dealing with one drama after another."

I haven't been enjoying my job or time in Hawaii very much and I have been so frustrated with how busy me and Jordan are. I have forgotten to be grateful for the many things that I do have. Sometimes its hard to change the way that you think, and I for sure have been struggling with this. But when you look at the world around you its hard not to be grateful for all your many blessings. In order to help cheer me up, Jordan asked me to make a list of things that I am grateful for...

1. I am grateful for Jordan. I am so lucky that Jordan is working so hard in school so that we will have a good future. Even though I get really frustrated when the only time he has to spend with me is during lunch, I am grateful that he is trying so hard to do well in school. I am grateful that he is patient with me when I am so frustrated.

2. I am grateful for my Family. Everyone is working so hard to help with all the details of our wedding. My mom is ordering flowers, finding vases, getting everything in order. Natalie is helping me get everything with the cupcakes figured out. I got a picture message from my dad this morning showing me a typewriter and asking me if its what I want. Debbie searched all over for fabric for us. I am so thankful that everyone loves me so much and is so willing to help & I know in any other situation they would also be willing to do whatever they can to help. (thanks guys... i love you)

3. I am grateful for my Friends. I haven't been able to spend much time with my roommates this semester because of our busy schedules, but I am grateful for the love that I feel when I go home after work. Marni & Kaitlyn have been my roommates for almost 2 years now. I am sad to see the time end, we really have be come a family.

4. I am grateful for my Education. I am lucky that I had the opportunity to go to BYU-Hawaii and get an education. It's said for every 1 student that gets accepted here 6 are turned away. I am not sure why I was accepted, but I am grateful that I was able to come to a college where you can feel the spirit and where teachers actually have an interest in you and your future.

Hopefully I will be able to be more positive and enjoy my job more next week but now its the Weekend!!! and my wonderful, artistic roommate Ellie (who wants to be a photographer when she grows up) is taking some engagement photos for us ... stay tuned for us to post them! :)