Even having a goal, I struggle with posting! However, I am here today, so that is good!
I have been thinking about how grateful I am for the experiences I have had in my life-especially the ones that are catalysts for growth. Some of the hardest times in life reap the greatest rewards, even though it may be years before we realize the growth, knowledge, and experience we have truly gained from the experience.
I think of a time I went through when I was 21. It was one of the hardest experiences I had had to that point in my life. I know that I learned things at that time that helped me, and I became a better person because of it. However, it wasn't until 5 years later that I realized the importance of the experience, and truly appreciated the growth I had, because of one experience I had when I was 26. I would not trade the experience I had at 21 for the one at 26.
I think it is a great blessing to recognize specific reasons for experiences we have had, and it is awesome when we recognize it more than once. Our experiences are generally not a one time learning experience. We get to take the knowledge and growth with us throughout life, and help us as we face difficult times, or as we help other people.
I am grateful for the processes, for growth spurts, and for the ability to recognize all of it, and to truly appreciate it all.
Tuesday, June 05, 2018
Friday, June 01, 2018
A Grateful Heart part 4
I have been thinking about how grateful I am for lessons learned through witnessing small moments of human interaction.
When people are conversing, connecting, or communing with each other, there is great power in observing their interactions. I absolutely love people watching. It is amazing to see people when they don't think others are paying attention or watching. Most of the time I learn positive things about others, and sometimes it's lessons of things I don't want to do or ways not to be.
It's interesting, because I made a note of an interaction from over a year ago, wanting to remember and share it when I had the chance, and here is that chance!
I was at church when two gentlemen caught my eye. One of them had lost his wife a number of months prior, and the other had very recently lost his wife. These men had been married to their wives for decades, and it was plain to see how much they had each loved their wife. The Sunday that stood out to me was a normal day, with the congregation gathering to worship. It caught my eye that these two men were sitting together, supporting each other, and sharing the burden of being widowed.
My heart ached for them, but also burned with the learning of the power of human connection and interaction. I don't think that there were any specific words shared, but the simple act of sitting together seemed to strengthen and buoy each of them. It was brotherhood in action and it was beautiful.
So, my gratitude for the day is the lessons learned, great and small, through observation of the human experience.
When people are conversing, connecting, or communing with each other, there is great power in observing their interactions. I absolutely love people watching. It is amazing to see people when they don't think others are paying attention or watching. Most of the time I learn positive things about others, and sometimes it's lessons of things I don't want to do or ways not to be.
It's interesting, because I made a note of an interaction from over a year ago, wanting to remember and share it when I had the chance, and here is that chance!
I was at church when two gentlemen caught my eye. One of them had lost his wife a number of months prior, and the other had very recently lost his wife. These men had been married to their wives for decades, and it was plain to see how much they had each loved their wife. The Sunday that stood out to me was a normal day, with the congregation gathering to worship. It caught my eye that these two men were sitting together, supporting each other, and sharing the burden of being widowed.
My heart ached for them, but also burned with the learning of the power of human connection and interaction. I don't think that there were any specific words shared, but the simple act of sitting together seemed to strengthen and buoy each of them. It was brotherhood in action and it was beautiful.
So, my gratitude for the day is the lessons learned, great and small, through observation of the human experience.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
A Grateful Heart part 3
Building a habit means being kind to yourself as you aren't perfect from the start. (Like missing a day here or there during this wellness gratitude challenge...)
Anyway, I have been thinking a lot over the last few days about the balance and give and take of strengths, optimism, and feelings in general that my husband and I have been feeling. Although we have been married for almost a year, I have been able to see this balance and trade-off a fair amount...and I am grateful for it!
In trying to get a full-time, long term teaching job, there have been a lot of ups and downs for him. I am so grateful for his strength when I am frustrated, angry, confused, and impatient. He is my rock when I am feeling weak. I am also grateful that I can be his rock and remind him that we can get through things, that I am always in his corner, and that Heavenly Father is mindful of us.
This is a difficult process to go through, and to see a spouse have to go through as well, and I am so grateful for the strength and comfort and support and hope that he has shown me until I am able to find it myself again, and return the strength.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
A Grateful Heart part 2
With yesterday being Memorial Day, it seems more than appropriate to focus on freedoms and opportunities I have because of the sacrifices of so many people.
The Arlington National Cemetery is one of my favorite places to go when I am in that area. I have been a few times, and have enjoyed it immensely every time. There is a special spirit and reverence there, in honoring the many men and women who have sacrificed so much, including their own lives, for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy, and honestly sometimes take for granted.
I am able to express my opinions, I am able to worship who and how I want, I am able to direct my own path, and I am able to choose where I live. There are so many things that we do each day that are automatic and normal, that to some are a dream or something they have to fight for each day.
There are many people throughout the world who have fought for those freedoms, who we have honored and have noted their names. There are others who are unknown to us, but who are known to our Heavenly Father. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors those who are not known to us, but known to Him. This is the place that I am especially drawn to and feel inspired to honor those who have sacrificed for country without the honors of men. I feel a responsibility to them, to be able to make their sacrifice worth it.
May we live our lives in ways to honor the sacrifices of many-those we know and those unknown.
The Arlington National Cemetery is one of my favorite places to go when I am in that area. I have been a few times, and have enjoyed it immensely every time. There is a special spirit and reverence there, in honoring the many men and women who have sacrificed so much, including their own lives, for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy, and honestly sometimes take for granted.
I am able to express my opinions, I am able to worship who and how I want, I am able to direct my own path, and I am able to choose where I live. There are so many things that we do each day that are automatic and normal, that to some are a dream or something they have to fight for each day.
There are many people throughout the world who have fought for those freedoms, who we have honored and have noted their names. There are others who are unknown to us, but who are known to our Heavenly Father. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors those who are not known to us, but known to Him. This is the place that I am especially drawn to and feel inspired to honor those who have sacrificed for country without the honors of men. I feel a responsibility to them, to be able to make their sacrifice worth it.
May we live our lives in ways to honor the sacrifices of many-those we know and those unknown.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
A Grateful Heart
As a part of a wellness challenge through work, I have accepted the challenge to focus at least 10 minutes a day for the next few weeks on focusing on my blessings. I figured accountability through posting on a blog would be good motivation to set that time aside and do it! I don't know if I will be perfect at it, but I am excited to try. Our guidelines included this nugget of wisdom:
Gratitude is thankful appreciation; it’s focusing on what we have rather than on what we lack. Developing gratitude is one of the best things we can do to improve our overall sense of well-being. It helps us to feel more alive, overcome adversity better, have less stress, be more generous and forgiving, build better relationships, and find greater joy in life.
Today, I am grateful for the gratitude I already have, and for the efforts I put into expressing it. It may sound strange, but I feel like my "Happiness is..." posts on Facebook are a way that I express gratitude. Some days it is ridiculously easy to share something that makes me happy, or something for which I am grateful. Other days, especially when I first started posting, it was something random that I sometimes had to take a long time to reach.
The reason I started posting "Happiness is..." was because I was in a personal dark place, relying on others for validation, and having gone through one of the worst emotional experiences of my life had left me depleted and hurting. I was tired of feeling so down and stuck, so I decided to find something to be happy about (in others words, to find gratitude) in my posts. While I have not posted every day, and there are some exceptions to my postings, it has been wonderful to find gratitude over the last 6 or so years.
I am grateful for the gratitude in my heart and expressed through my keyboard. I look forward to letting others know of my gratitude for them.
Gratitude is thankful appreciation; it’s focusing on what we have rather than on what we lack. Developing gratitude is one of the best things we can do to improve our overall sense of well-being. It helps us to feel more alive, overcome adversity better, have less stress, be more generous and forgiving, build better relationships, and find greater joy in life.
Today, I am grateful for the gratitude I already have, and for the efforts I put into expressing it. It may sound strange, but I feel like my "Happiness is..." posts on Facebook are a way that I express gratitude. Some days it is ridiculously easy to share something that makes me happy, or something for which I am grateful. Other days, especially when I first started posting, it was something random that I sometimes had to take a long time to reach.
The reason I started posting "Happiness is..." was because I was in a personal dark place, relying on others for validation, and having gone through one of the worst emotional experiences of my life had left me depleted and hurting. I was tired of feeling so down and stuck, so I decided to find something to be happy about (in others words, to find gratitude) in my posts. While I have not posted every day, and there are some exceptions to my postings, it has been wonderful to find gratitude over the last 6 or so years.
I am grateful for the gratitude in my heart and expressed through my keyboard. I look forward to letting others know of my gratitude for them.
Direction > Speed
I started this post over a year ago, and while some things have changed, there is still truth to the words, so enjoy!
It seems like when we need it the most, there are tender reminders (which sometimes need to be large wake-up calls, or figurative neon signs, or symbolic 2x4s) of some of the most important nuggets of truth that sustain us and bring hope. It amazes me how often these reminders come just before we really need that support.
Direction > Speed
I often feel like I am behind on my life's journey. I am not married (yet), I don't have kids (yet), I don't feel like I am necessarily doing my 'life's work' (yet), I don't feel like I have accomplished much (yet), and I often question if I am even close to the right path.
Direction > Speed
Through a variety of ways I have been reminded that the direction I am going, the positive things I am doing, the attitude I have, and the feelings in my heart are so much more important than when these 'milestones' happen in my life (if they do happen).
We often think that if our lives don't match the cookie cutter mold of what we think it should be, then we are doing things incorrectly, that we are being punished for something, or that we are off the path with little hope of finding the 'normal' way.
Direction > Speed
I have found that the times when I feel most un-cookie cutter-ish are the times that I am being prepared for something else in my life, or I am fulfilling some unseen plan that is greater than what I could have anticipated, or I am learning lessons that I need at that time in that way.
It seems like when we need it the most, there are tender reminders (which sometimes need to be large wake-up calls, or figurative neon signs, or symbolic 2x4s) of some of the most important nuggets of truth that sustain us and bring hope. It amazes me how often these reminders come just before we really need that support.
Direction > Speed
I often feel like I am behind on my life's journey. I am not married (yet), I don't have kids (yet), I don't feel like I am necessarily doing my 'life's work' (yet), I don't feel like I have accomplished much (yet), and I often question if I am even close to the right path.
Direction > Speed
Through a variety of ways I have been reminded that the direction I am going, the positive things I am doing, the attitude I have, and the feelings in my heart are so much more important than when these 'milestones' happen in my life (if they do happen).
We often think that if our lives don't match the cookie cutter mold of what we think it should be, then we are doing things incorrectly, that we are being punished for something, or that we are off the path with little hope of finding the 'normal' way.
Direction > Speed
I have found that the times when I feel most un-cookie cutter-ish are the times that I am being prepared for something else in my life, or I am fulfilling some unseen plan that is greater than what I could have anticipated, or I am learning lessons that I need at that time in that way.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Blogging Renewal
I know, I know. I have been here before, with promises of keeping updated on my blogging, to give you insight into my thoughts and things, and yet, here we are again, almost a year later, and no blog posts. Sure, I have a list of things I want to blog about, but nothing actually posted to show for it. What keeps me from sitting down and simply typing? Too busy? An excuse, to be sure. If it is important enough, time will be made. Habit? (or lack thereof..) Absolutely. I know it takes 21 days to make (or break) a habit, but I don't know if I have 21 days of things to share. Needing an accountability buddy? YOU BET! Gym buddies, temple buddies, blog buddies...accountability is huge and knowing someone is going to be checking in on you is huge motivation to just do it! SO...maybe a reminder on my phone will be a good buddy? Let's see how it goes! And here we go!
Sunday, February 21, 2016
The prayers of Little Ones
Between spending regular time with some of my nieces and nephew, and being a Primary (children's Sunday School) teacher at church, I get to hear a lot of prayers said by children, or Little Ones. Let me tell you, these prayers are some of the most sincere, genuine, and truthful prayers I have heard in my life. Sometimes they can also be the funniest...but still SO sincere, and I love it!
There are two prayers that are in my mind that I want to share.
The first one was from my niece, who is 6 years old. In her prayer, she prayed for me specifically, in the midst of her conversation with Heavenly father, to be happy and to have joy. Have you ever had a prayer resonate with such truth and hope and love? I felt loved to have her think of that for me. I felt hope that it was possible. I felt inspired to do things to make sure I was happy on my on terms, and not depending on others. It was a sweet reminder that we are meant to have joy and to BE happy. I have my ups and downs, like we all do, but it was so tender to me to have my niece pray for me to have things that I can have, as I choose them, and allow myself to enjoy life.
The other prayer that has stuck with me was said by one of my Primary kids. He is also 6. (It is a WISE age!) Anyway, one part of a prayer that he said was that he prayed, "for the gospel to be with us". It sounds poetic to me, that we may have the gospel with us. I know people pray for God's love, for direction, truth, guidance, counsel, inspiration, and so one, but it has stuck with me for us to have the gospel with us. We need to have the doctrines, truths, commandments WITH us, they become a part of who we are, they influence the choices we make, the things we do, and the people we become. As we have the gospel with us, we are blessed.
I am grateful for the prayers of Little Ones, and for the honest, humble purity that comes as they open their hearts and mouths.
There are two prayers that are in my mind that I want to share.
The first one was from my niece, who is 6 years old. In her prayer, she prayed for me specifically, in the midst of her conversation with Heavenly father, to be happy and to have joy. Have you ever had a prayer resonate with such truth and hope and love? I felt loved to have her think of that for me. I felt hope that it was possible. I felt inspired to do things to make sure I was happy on my on terms, and not depending on others. It was a sweet reminder that we are meant to have joy and to BE happy. I have my ups and downs, like we all do, but it was so tender to me to have my niece pray for me to have things that I can have, as I choose them, and allow myself to enjoy life.
The other prayer that has stuck with me was said by one of my Primary kids. He is also 6. (It is a WISE age!) Anyway, one part of a prayer that he said was that he prayed, "for the gospel to be with us". It sounds poetic to me, that we may have the gospel with us. I know people pray for God's love, for direction, truth, guidance, counsel, inspiration, and so one, but it has stuck with me for us to have the gospel with us. We need to have the doctrines, truths, commandments WITH us, they become a part of who we are, they influence the choices we make, the things we do, and the people we become. As we have the gospel with us, we are blessed.
I am grateful for the prayers of Little Ones, and for the honest, humble purity that comes as they open their hearts and mouths.
Tender Mercy Doppelgangers
Silly title, but I think it fits perfectly.
Have you ever had a day when things are not going well? You just need to see a friendly, familiar face? You just need to feel loved?
It amazes me when I have these days, I am then blessed to see a doppelganger of someone near and dear to my heart.
It has thrown me for a loop sometimes, because you know that there is NO way it is the person you initially think it is, for several reasons, be it geography, current age, or perhaps they are no longer with us. As much of a loop as may be involved, I am grateful for those glimpses of reminders of the love, companionship, fun, friendships, memories, and relationships that have enhanced, improved, and blessed my life.
It's amazing what a friendly and familiar, albeit unknown face can do for us on those not going well, need to see a friendly face days.
Have you ever had a day when things are not going well? You just need to see a friendly, familiar face? You just need to feel loved?
It amazes me when I have these days, I am then blessed to see a doppelganger of someone near and dear to my heart.
It has thrown me for a loop sometimes, because you know that there is NO way it is the person you initially think it is, for several reasons, be it geography, current age, or perhaps they are no longer with us. As much of a loop as may be involved, I am grateful for those glimpses of reminders of the love, companionship, fun, friendships, memories, and relationships that have enhanced, improved, and blessed my life.
It's amazing what a friendly and familiar, albeit unknown face can do for us on those not going well, need to see a friendly face days.
Back in the (blogging) saddle again!
I have a list of things on a sticky note on my computer desktop (a virtual one) I want to write about on this here blog. I hope to get through the posts in a decent amount of time. I hope to develop more of a habit of blogging, and my list will help, I hope. :)
I will put them in as separate entries. They may be shorter, but yay for quick reads!
Here we go!
I will put them in as separate entries. They may be shorter, but yay for quick reads!
Here we go!
Sunday, December 13, 2015
"New" Adventures in 2015
Hello my dear family and friends!
I
hope this finds you well and happy and enjoying this wonderful holiday season.
I wanted to give you a quick rundown of some of the NEW things that happened
this year in my life!
I
went to Washington, DC in a new season-winter. The only season I have left to
visit DC in is fall… It was so wonderful to go there and to celebrate a friend’s
wedding. It was great to visit with dear friends and loved ones.
I
went to a new state-Texas! I had a wonderful time visiting with friends who
were down there for the wedding, as well as a visit with a friend who recently
moved down there, and a lovely visit with my great aunt and great uncle.
A
new friend came with my other friends on our yearly trip to Bear Lake. My
friend, Jennie, joined the Pickleville Playhouse posse and it was a true
highlight of my summer!
I
have a new niece! Woot! Josephine joined my brother and sister-in-law’s family
in September. I feel blessed to live about 5 minutes from them, and to get to
see 2 nieces and my nephew pretty regularly. Our family is also looking forward
to another little one joining my little sister’s family in May. I do love my
niblings! (Niblings…it’s a word meaning collective nieces and nephews, and so
fun too!)
I
guess my personal biggest new thing this year is my new job. After 5 years as a
Hall Advisor in Heritage Halls at Brigham Young University, I felt ready for a
change. The opportunity for change came through the opening of the Office
Specialist position at Heritage Halls. I am so grateful to still be working for
the Residence Life organization at BYU. I am blessed to work with such
incredible people, and to continue supervising student employees and helping
students in their transition to the university. With the change in jobs came
the need for a change in housing. I moved into a house with 2 roommates and it
has been a good experience, but definitely a learning experience. It is
interesting going from living alone for 5 years to having roommates. It is fun
having people to come home to each evening. I am also attending a family ward
at church, which has been an interesting change as well. I am enjoying getting
to know people and for the new opportunity to work with the children in the
Primary organization.
Overall,
this change has brought an overall newness to my life, where I am learning
about myself again. I am adjusting to a new daily schedule and routine, to
having evenings more free, to not having mornings open. I am trying to discover
hobbies, interests, passions, and fun. I am working at cultivating new
friendships, as well as renewing friendships, and going out and doing things
with friends, instead of just ‘liking’ things on social media. It isn’t always
easy, but I am grateful for the learning and growing that has happened,
especially over the last few months, and I look forward to adventures next
year.
May
you and your family and friends find joy and peace and understanding this
Christmas season. I am grateful each and every day for the birth, life and
sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. When the world gets more and more
confusing, convoluted, and chaotic, He is there to guide, love, and comfort.
May you all find that comfort, love, and guidance in your lives.
I
love you! Always, Kristen Kennedy
Sunday, July 26, 2015
A new perspective
Last Christmas, I bought my sister and I the same book:
I FINALLY decided to start reading it, and let me tell you, it is an amazing book. I had to stop reading on vacation, because I wanted to be able to take notes and to get my sister to start reading it too, so we could talk about it.
Let me tell you how it has already changed my perspective. On page 11, yes, I was 11 pages in and my mind was blown...
There is a shaded square on that page with the following verse from the Book of Mormon, "But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds,...even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not." (Mosiah 4:30)
I have read, reviewed, and recited this verse many times in my life, but in the context of this book, it has taken on a new meaning. This book is about how we see ourselves, and adjusting that view to make it as accurate as possible. With that perspective, this verse means that we need to watch how we think of ourselves, how we speak of ourselves, how we treat ourselves...WHAT!?!? I have always thought of it in the way of making sure we are good to those around us, that we are kind, nice, thoughtful, etc. This outward view is a great way to think of this scripture, BUT how much more will we care for ourselves throughout our entire life (as it says in this verse) with this new mindset? In turn, the more we care for ourselves, in a healthy way, the more we will care for others. Our self love can radiate from us, and we can help others find and feel that love for themselves.
I am so excited to continue reading and studying and applying this book!
I FINALLY decided to start reading it, and let me tell you, it is an amazing book. I had to stop reading on vacation, because I wanted to be able to take notes and to get my sister to start reading it too, so we could talk about it.
Let me tell you how it has already changed my perspective. On page 11, yes, I was 11 pages in and my mind was blown...
There is a shaded square on that page with the following verse from the Book of Mormon, "But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds,...even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not." (Mosiah 4:30)
I have read, reviewed, and recited this verse many times in my life, but in the context of this book, it has taken on a new meaning. This book is about how we see ourselves, and adjusting that view to make it as accurate as possible. With that perspective, this verse means that we need to watch how we think of ourselves, how we speak of ourselves, how we treat ourselves...WHAT!?!? I have always thought of it in the way of making sure we are good to those around us, that we are kind, nice, thoughtful, etc. This outward view is a great way to think of this scripture, BUT how much more will we care for ourselves throughout our entire life (as it says in this verse) with this new mindset? In turn, the more we care for ourselves, in a healthy way, the more we will care for others. Our self love can radiate from us, and we can help others find and feel that love for themselves.
I am so excited to continue reading and studying and applying this book!
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Connections
I have been thinking a lot lately about how the little things in life that people do help me feel connected to them, and my love just increases for them!
For example, a few weeks ago, my niece was giving me a good-bye hug. She pulled back, and said, "Lala, you have the most beautiful earrings! Let me fix your hair so everyone can see them!" She proceeded to tuck my hair behind my ears in such a loving, careful way, so that the world was able to see my earrings.
Tender. Loved.
For example, a few weeks ago, my niece was giving me a good-bye hug. She pulled back, and said, "Lala, you have the most beautiful earrings! Let me fix your hair so everyone can see them!" She proceeded to tuck my hair behind my ears in such a loving, careful way, so that the world was able to see my earrings.
Tender. Loved.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Joy in our Journeys
There has been a concept rolling around my mind for a few weeks.
It hit me that a lot of times my attitude about doing some things is because I should, or it's just what I do. These habits and activities are sometimes rote, because I have been doing them for so long. The concept that has been rolling around because of this thought was:
How much more would it mean to me if I looked forward to/was excited about doing these things?
I have been thinking of this mostly in the context of spiritual habits, but I am sure it can extend beyond that. How much more would church meetings mean to me if I were more excited about participating in some ordinances, like the sacrament? How much more would I get out of it if I truly looked forward to these experiences? I have been doing them for longer than I can remember, so how do I get more involved and personally invested? How do I look forward to my morning and evening prayers? How can I make it so I jump out of bed (or roll out, some days) and the first thing I want to do is talk with my Heavenly Father through prayer?
There are a number of things I am trying to truly be excited about doing the 'little things'.
Having these thoughts in my mind has definitely helped. I am more conscious, more 'there' when it comes to the daily, weekly, regularly occurring habits. It comes to making a decision to be there and be able to take time to prepare myself.
I know I am not very good at just being. I don't take time to think, meditate, to prepare myself spiritually. My mind wanders all sorts of directions and I don't feel skilled in guided mindfulness. I know that is something I want to work on, a skill to develop to help with this excitement of my own spirituality, That is what it really comes down to-there is a huge difference between religiosity and spirituality.
Sometimes doing things we know are right because it is what we do, and a mindless habit is the way we keep plugging along. BUT as we become more mindful of what it all means, WHY we do it, and the blessings we have seen in our lives by truly developing a personal relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, we can genuinely feel the strength of those habits, and truly feel excited about the person we are becoming through these experiences.
In other words, it really is about finding joy in the journey, and sometimes letting the journey BE the journey.
It hit me that a lot of times my attitude about doing some things is because I should, or it's just what I do. These habits and activities are sometimes rote, because I have been doing them for so long. The concept that has been rolling around because of this thought was:
How much more would it mean to me if I looked forward to/was excited about doing these things?
I have been thinking of this mostly in the context of spiritual habits, but I am sure it can extend beyond that. How much more would church meetings mean to me if I were more excited about participating in some ordinances, like the sacrament? How much more would I get out of it if I truly looked forward to these experiences? I have been doing them for longer than I can remember, so how do I get more involved and personally invested? How do I look forward to my morning and evening prayers? How can I make it so I jump out of bed (or roll out, some days) and the first thing I want to do is talk with my Heavenly Father through prayer?
There are a number of things I am trying to truly be excited about doing the 'little things'.
Having these thoughts in my mind has definitely helped. I am more conscious, more 'there' when it comes to the daily, weekly, regularly occurring habits. It comes to making a decision to be there and be able to take time to prepare myself.
I know I am not very good at just being. I don't take time to think, meditate, to prepare myself spiritually. My mind wanders all sorts of directions and I don't feel skilled in guided mindfulness. I know that is something I want to work on, a skill to develop to help with this excitement of my own spirituality, That is what it really comes down to-there is a huge difference between religiosity and spirituality.
Sometimes doing things we know are right because it is what we do, and a mindless habit is the way we keep plugging along. BUT as we become more mindful of what it all means, WHY we do it, and the blessings we have seen in our lives by truly developing a personal relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, we can genuinely feel the strength of those habits, and truly feel excited about the person we are becoming through these experiences.
In other words, it really is about finding joy in the journey, and sometimes letting the journey BE the journey.
Personal Scriptural Connections
In Relief Society last Sunday, our teacher asked us a question about the personal connection we have felt and the blessings we have seen in our lives through scripture study.
My thoughts went to the miracles and epic events that I have read and learned about, and then my thoughts narrowed down the stories to the individuals in the scriptures. In my reading of the Book of Mormon right now, I have been looking for experiences of the people when they were blessed with strength beyond their own, or when the Savior blessed them with an increase of knowledge, help, assurance, peace. There were examples of dramatic occurrences, to be sure. However, what has stuck out to me more is how individual and personal many of these boosts of whatever was needed at the time have been. It may not have changed the outcome of battles or changed the history of the world, but it changed that person for the better.
Because of that question in class, I have remembered that as much as Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are involved in the major events (from parting the Red Sea, to feeding thousands on minimal amounts of food, to 2,000 young warriors being protected in battle), they are also involved in the seemingly insignificant moments and personal battles.
While our loving Heavenly Father doesn't micromanage our lives, he is aware of us, and wants to be a part of our lives. As much as we invite him into our lives, our decisions, our woes, he will be there and will bless us. He is as mindful of the one as he is of the billions.
Basically, I know that Heavenly Father is as interested in us as individuals, on a one-on-one basis as he is in the larger scale population. I am so grateful to know that as his daughter, he loves me, he wants me to include him in the processes, problems, and particulars of my life.
My thoughts went to the miracles and epic events that I have read and learned about, and then my thoughts narrowed down the stories to the individuals in the scriptures. In my reading of the Book of Mormon right now, I have been looking for experiences of the people when they were blessed with strength beyond their own, or when the Savior blessed them with an increase of knowledge, help, assurance, peace. There were examples of dramatic occurrences, to be sure. However, what has stuck out to me more is how individual and personal many of these boosts of whatever was needed at the time have been. It may not have changed the outcome of battles or changed the history of the world, but it changed that person for the better.
Because of that question in class, I have remembered that as much as Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are involved in the major events (from parting the Red Sea, to feeding thousands on minimal amounts of food, to 2,000 young warriors being protected in battle), they are also involved in the seemingly insignificant moments and personal battles.
While our loving Heavenly Father doesn't micromanage our lives, he is aware of us, and wants to be a part of our lives. As much as we invite him into our lives, our decisions, our woes, he will be there and will bless us. He is as mindful of the one as he is of the billions.
Basically, I know that Heavenly Father is as interested in us as individuals, on a one-on-one basis as he is in the larger scale population. I am so grateful to know that as his daughter, he loves me, he wants me to include him in the processes, problems, and particulars of my life.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Thoughts on Starting College
My baby brother left for college last week. He called me the morning he left home, and through my unexpected tears, I tried to impart as much wisdom as I could give him while still enjoying the few moments we had to share at the time. I talked to him about trying to make friends with people, and to not judge, because you never know who will really be your best friends. I reminded him that I loved him, and that I was proud of him, and to never forget that. I let him know that if he had any problems with his RA to call me (this is the helicopter sister coming out in me, and knowing how things SHOULD be with an RA :P).
As we hung up the phone, I had other thoughts and so much more advice to give him. I began to write them down, and thus this blog post was born. Here is the advice that has been going around in my head and my heart the last few days. Some is more serious than others, but I feel that it is all important!
Get to know your professors and TAs
Develop true, one-on-one relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
As we hung up the phone, I had other thoughts and so much more advice to give him. I began to write them down, and thus this blog post was born. Here is the advice that has been going around in my head and my heart the last few days. Some is more serious than others, but I feel that it is all important!
Get to know your professors and TAs
- Be humble enough to ask for help. They are there to help. When you put forth effort, it shows! Take their advice, and be teachable.
- While being teachable, you will also want to be confident in the things you know to be true. Don't feel like you have to change everything to impress them.
- Take advantage of office hours! They are there for a reason. Even if it is to quickly clarify something, use the campus resources available to you!
Make eye contact with people
- It seems like we have turned into a society of ear buds and ignoring others. As you are going around campus, make eye contact and smile at people in passing. You never know what your smile can mean to that person
Take some classes just for fun
- Some of my favorite classes were just for fun, just because, and I LOVED them! You don't know what one class can do to change your outlook on life, or the direction of your life
- You can meet people that you wouldn't normally meet because they aren't in your 'regular' classes.
Take time to find yourself
- I think we all need to be doing this throughout our lives, but the start of college is a great way to really start to hone this skill.
- It is a time of change-allow the change! We are scared to not be who we are comfortable being, but as we allow for the changes a little at a time, we get to know ourselves in a new way and can really like the improved person.
- It is a time of discovery. People don't know who you were before, and you may have been trying to fit into a mold or the expectations of others. Take the time to discover who you truly are as you strip away the titles and roles that you have lived up to until this point in life. Enjoy the journey of discovery.
- HOWEVER, it's also more than okay to keep parts of yourself. Embrace the things you love about yourself and magnify your awesomeness. Don't feel like you have to go crazy just because you have this new found freedom and opportunity to redefine yourself.
Be open, but don't overexpose yourself
- This may sound a little sketchy, but I mean it in the most appropriate way possible!
- Be sure to let people in, and let them get to know you, BUT not everyone needs to know everything
- There are parts of yourself that are special and personal and even sacred. Not everyone has earned, or deserves to know the deepest parts of you right off the bat.
- There are some things I have shared with very few people in my life, and that is okay. I see it as a good indication of how close I am with someone, and how much we have grown together.
College is different from high school
- Duh. :D
- You are the one responsible for your own learning. Parents aren't there to remind you to do your homework every day. You need to have the discipline to set the time aside each day to work on school things.
- It will take more time out of class than you think.
- Planners can really be your best friend as you schedule things out. That's the beauty of getting the syllabus at the start of a class! You know what to expect, due dates, everything for the semester.
- You have to become a self-studier. This is when learning to say "no" to all the fun college things will come in handy. All-nighters are not all they are cracked up to be, believe me.
- Tests are not only on things learned in class. Textbooks are like a separate session.
- Sometimes, the little things REALLY need to be celebrated.
- Getting a double digit percentage on some tests really is a celebration
- Rocking a cleaning check-celebrate!
- Random holidays-celebrate! (One of my favorite years of college was the one that we celebrated random holidays with weirdly connected celebrations, like playing leapfrog and eating grasshopper cookies on leap day.)
- There are more people than you realize cheering you on.
- We are only a phone call away
- We will pick up the phone
- You don't have to go through things alone.
- We may be a challenge at times, but we are also your biggest supporters and will go to the mat for you all the time
- We love you!
- All relationships and communities progress through different stages. We start off in a pseudo community, then we have chaos (where we start to see differences). We then have the option to be open or closed about these differences, which leads to a healthy or closed community.
- This is not a solid, one time occurrence.
- As you develop, you will go back and forth through this model. It is such a healthy thing to do.
- One of the things I say every year with my new students is "Celebrate Chaos!" It means you are getting to a deeper level of a relationship, and it is getting real! yay!
- There will come a day when everything looks like it has already seen it's heyday, but that just lends to the creative juices!
- Find new food combinations.
- Don't worry about people judging your edible experiments.
- Find new ways of eating food you love!
Develop true, one-on-one relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
- You may feel like you are alone at times, but our Heavenly Father is always there, as is Jesus Christ.
- They know how you feel.
- They will always listen.
- They can guide you.
- It is a time for you to truly develop a relationship with them. You need to be able to know for yourself what you mean to them. You need to ask questions through prayer and listen for answers. Answers will come in different ways and at times you may not expect, but I know the answers will come.
- Questioning is okay, but you also need to truly strive to get the answers you are seeking.
- Allow yourself to live up to the divinity that is within you. You have amazing potential that you cannot be scared of. As you develop a relationship with Jesus Christ, and with Heavenly Father, you will be able to see more of who you are meant to be, and you need to allow yourself to become more than you initially thought possible.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Oh, My Joy is FULL!
My heart is full with the joy and excitement of the first General Women's Meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
All women, ages 8 and up all over the world were invited to attend the meeting, or a broadcast of the meeting. Leaders from the General Auxiliaries of the Church, including the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society, hosted the meeting.
As a woman in the Church, I was curious to see how the meeting would be able to address needs of women from the young age of 8 to the more mature years. I was excited to learn, to grow, to feel, to hear, to know the truths that were taught. I was filled with the Holy Ghost, as the meeting progressed with music, talks, and presentations.
I have always felt a connection with music. Although I am not the most musically inclined person, I appreciate music and feel so much more with music than I do with other mediums. The choir was made up of girls, young women, and women from many stakes in Utah. The songs they sang were filled with strength and the Spirit, with truth and testimony, with beauty and bravery. Along with the actual singing, I absolutely LOVED how many moms and daughters were singing together, and holding hands or touching in some way while they were performing. I have to admit, I missed my mom a bit more during those parts. I was overwhelmed by the messages of love, hope, and determination in the music.
The talks that were given were beautifully basic. We were taught simply to be covenant keeping women. We were instructed on how to use our hands and lives for good. We were shown the example of others, and our Savior, on how to become more, to become who we are meant to be, to become that perfect (complete) person our Heavenly Father knows we are, even if we don't see it yet. I loved how all 4 speakers were able to beautifully intertwine concepts and truths throughout the meeting, while still presenting ideas in new ways that provided me with 'aha moments'.
The presentations reminded me of the beautiful fact that we are a worldwide sisterhood. I thought of my beloved sisters in Bulgaria, my cherished sisters from my younger years, and my treasured sisters with whom I get to interact on a regular basis these days. We may speak different languages, we may find beauty in different things, we may have assorted goals in life, but as President Henry B. Eyring said, "We are more alike as Daughters of God than we are different." There is greatness in our diversity, and strength that comes as we find connections, and as we remember the wise words of Marjorie Pay Hinckley, "Oh, how we need each other!", we will find unity and strength, no matter where we are geographically, spiritually, or emotionally.
One of the blessings from this meeting were the thoughts and inspirations that came to my mind. Yes, the words that were sung, spoken, and presented were well thought out, lovely, and true, but the thoughts and inspirations that came TO me are precious invitations to act, do, and become. I look forward to the processes in my life that will help me become the woman I am on my way to becoming as I fulfill my potential more and more each day.
Oh, my joy is full!
All women, ages 8 and up all over the world were invited to attend the meeting, or a broadcast of the meeting. Leaders from the General Auxiliaries of the Church, including the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society, hosted the meeting.
As a woman in the Church, I was curious to see how the meeting would be able to address needs of women from the young age of 8 to the more mature years. I was excited to learn, to grow, to feel, to hear, to know the truths that were taught. I was filled with the Holy Ghost, as the meeting progressed with music, talks, and presentations.
I have always felt a connection with music. Although I am not the most musically inclined person, I appreciate music and feel so much more with music than I do with other mediums. The choir was made up of girls, young women, and women from many stakes in Utah. The songs they sang were filled with strength and the Spirit, with truth and testimony, with beauty and bravery. Along with the actual singing, I absolutely LOVED how many moms and daughters were singing together, and holding hands or touching in some way while they were performing. I have to admit, I missed my mom a bit more during those parts. I was overwhelmed by the messages of love, hope, and determination in the music.
The talks that were given were beautifully basic. We were taught simply to be covenant keeping women. We were instructed on how to use our hands and lives for good. We were shown the example of others, and our Savior, on how to become more, to become who we are meant to be, to become that perfect (complete) person our Heavenly Father knows we are, even if we don't see it yet. I loved how all 4 speakers were able to beautifully intertwine concepts and truths throughout the meeting, while still presenting ideas in new ways that provided me with 'aha moments'.
The presentations reminded me of the beautiful fact that we are a worldwide sisterhood. I thought of my beloved sisters in Bulgaria, my cherished sisters from my younger years, and my treasured sisters with whom I get to interact on a regular basis these days. We may speak different languages, we may find beauty in different things, we may have assorted goals in life, but as President Henry B. Eyring said, "We are more alike as Daughters of God than we are different." There is greatness in our diversity, and strength that comes as we find connections, and as we remember the wise words of Marjorie Pay Hinckley, "Oh, how we need each other!", we will find unity and strength, no matter where we are geographically, spiritually, or emotionally.
One of the blessings from this meeting were the thoughts and inspirations that came to my mind. Yes, the words that were sung, spoken, and presented were well thought out, lovely, and true, but the thoughts and inspirations that came TO me are precious invitations to act, do, and become. I look forward to the processes in my life that will help me become the woman I am on my way to becoming as I fulfill my potential more and more each day.
Oh, my joy is full!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
A Valentine's Day Victory!
I have been known as a person who can be quite vocal in my distaste for Valentine's Day. I don't like how commercial it can be, and how over the top some people feel they have to be to upstage last year's efforts (whether it is with the same person, or a new person). However, in recent years, I have been shown how much it can be about love in general. I have friends who celebrate with their children in fun ways, which makes it more enjoyable for me to see what they do.
I also took a very 'come what may' attitude about Valentine's Day this year. I had no expectations of secret admirers, declarations of interest/love, or having a 'special someone'.
Instead, I had several special someones!
The night before, I was able to babysit one of my nieces and my nephew, and we just had a blast! I love being able to hang with them, to hear their excitement for life, and their energy!
The Dollar Tree is a magical place to find cheap, fun projects!
Friday morning, I headed to the Provo temple. It felt like a great way to show love!
Later, I headed to Jiffy Lube to get some car stuff taken care of (all routine, no worries) and I was pleasantly surprised, not once, but twice, by carnations from the employees!
I will have to remember this for next year too!
Texts from best friends also made the day special!
I had to work that night, which wasn't a big deal. While I was in the office, two of my RAs came racing into the office with BIG smiles on their faces. As I wondered what they were up to, they busted out singing (with dance moves too) "L-O-V-E". Talk about making my night!
A late-night text with a picture of Tom Hiddleston caused quite the stir of JOY in my heart!
All in all, I was able to share the day with lots of people who are special to me!
The day then extended with a card from my parents that I picked up on Saturday!
I realize more and more each year that the holiday is what we make it. If we complain about the single awareness of it, that is what it is to us. If we use it as a day to express love and to celebrate the different types of love in our lives, then it can be a fun day and can bring happiness and love to those around us!
I now feel victorious over the Valentine's Day grumps!
I also took a very 'come what may' attitude about Valentine's Day this year. I had no expectations of secret admirers, declarations of interest/love, or having a 'special someone'.
Instead, I had several special someones!
The night before, I was able to babysit one of my nieces and my nephew, and we just had a blast! I love being able to hang with them, to hear their excitement for life, and their energy!
The Dollar Tree is a magical place to find cheap, fun projects!
Friday morning, I headed to the Provo temple. It felt like a great way to show love!
I will have to remember this for next year too!
Texts from best friends also made the day special!
I had to work that night, which wasn't a big deal. While I was in the office, two of my RAs came racing into the office with BIG smiles on their faces. As I wondered what they were up to, they busted out singing (with dance moves too) "L-O-V-E". Talk about making my night!
A late-night text with a picture of Tom Hiddleston caused quite the stir of JOY in my heart!
All in all, I was able to share the day with lots of people who are special to me!
The day then extended with a card from my parents that I picked up on Saturday!
I realize more and more each year that the holiday is what we make it. If we complain about the single awareness of it, that is what it is to us. If we use it as a day to express love and to celebrate the different types of love in our lives, then it can be a fun day and can bring happiness and love to those around us!
I now feel victorious over the Valentine's Day grumps!
Monday, August 12, 2013
Summer of 5Ks
I did it. I participated in 3 5K races this summer! Crystal (my convincing friend) and I signed up for a race in June, July, and August.
Each race was a different experience, for which I am a better person. I can do hard things. I can do things I don't necessarily enjoy. I can set goals and accomplish them. I can see the beauty in the world around me. I can have fun, even at 6am.
People ask me if I am going to do more races...
Anniversaries
At the end of July, I celebrated my 3 year anniversary of being home from my mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bulgaria.
On August 13, I will celebrate my 3 year anniversary of being a Hall Advisor in Heritage Halls at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.
Both of these anniversaries mean a great deal to me. It is much more than just the passage of time.
Because of my experiences in Bulgaria, I have been prepared for my work with Residence Life. Because of my work with Residence Life, I treasure my time in Bulgaria.
I spent 18 months serving the Lord, and the people of Bulgaria. Service became more of a part of the person I am trying to become. I think it was there before my mission, but my mission brought it out even more. I am grateful that I still get to serve people through my work.
When I describe my work to people, there are a few reactions:
*The wide-eyed look of surprise
*The faraway look they get as they think of their freshman year (possibly the mischief they got into that year)
*Sympathy
Let me tell you. I have loved the last 3 years. Some days are easier than others, but that is life. I get to make connections with new students, and be a part of their lives. I am able to shape their lives, and be a part of their freshman year. Granted, a lot of it is behind the scenes, but I am a part of it. I get to serve 200+ young ladies every day. It gets crazy at times, and my friends and family know that I 'disappear' in April and August, but that is the adventure in it all.
I love the service I am able to give, whether it is unlocking a door, answering random (RANDOM) questions, or giving a smile and wave to residents as they come and go. I really love the service as I develop one on one relationships with those residents who stop by my office and get to know me. I love when they ask for advice in many aspects of life. It is a blessing to be a go-to person in their lives. I look forward to this year, and smile at the possibilities!
On August 13, I will celebrate my 3 year anniversary of being a Hall Advisor in Heritage Halls at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.
Both of these anniversaries mean a great deal to me. It is much more than just the passage of time.
Because of my experiences in Bulgaria, I have been prepared for my work with Residence Life. Because of my work with Residence Life, I treasure my time in Bulgaria.
I spent 18 months serving the Lord, and the people of Bulgaria. Service became more of a part of the person I am trying to become. I think it was there before my mission, but my mission brought it out even more. I am grateful that I still get to serve people through my work.
When I describe my work to people, there are a few reactions:
*The wide-eyed look of surprise
*The faraway look they get as they think of their freshman year (possibly the mischief they got into that year)
*Sympathy
Let me tell you. I have loved the last 3 years. Some days are easier than others, but that is life. I get to make connections with new students, and be a part of their lives. I am able to shape their lives, and be a part of their freshman year. Granted, a lot of it is behind the scenes, but I am a part of it. I get to serve 200+ young ladies every day. It gets crazy at times, and my friends and family know that I 'disappear' in April and August, but that is the adventure in it all.
I love the service I am able to give, whether it is unlocking a door, answering random (RANDOM) questions, or giving a smile and wave to residents as they come and go. I really love the service as I develop one on one relationships with those residents who stop by my office and get to know me. I love when they ask for advice in many aspects of life. It is a blessing to be a go-to person in their lives. I look forward to this year, and smile at the possibilities!
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