Finding Joy in the Journey

This talk given by President Monson a few years ago has always been one of my favorite all-time talks. I've read it countless times and know it very well. It's been a help when friends have asked for help and been a help in my own life as well. But this summer it truly hit hard and proved a huge learning experience that has been a blessing to learn.

Ever since I decided I was moving to SLC I have wanted nothing else but for the time to move to just be here already. As I've said before, I've just reached a point in my life where it's time for a change of scenery and a new adventure. Transferring schools and moving counties is definitely something that I need in my life but what I've missed was enjoying the little things.

I lived at home for the past year and although that's not exactly ideal for someone my age, nothing replaces being with your siblings. Especially because I will most likely not live at home again. It may sound pretty silly but nothing means more to me than my family.

It also hit me hard that I won't be coaching this next season. That was the one thing that was really keeping me here in the valley. Coaching is the most rewarding experience and I absolutely love it each and every year. I'm going to miss those girls, miss practices, games, the laughs, the ups and downs, everything about it. I really hope to be back at it soon though.

Although I am going through some hard times every now and then throughout this summer.. I've really come to realize that why wait for happiness? I'm not going to wait until I graduate, get married, strike it rich, etc. to "start" my life or "start" being happy and doing all the things I've wanted to do. That was, in fact, my new years resolution.

While I was so caught up in counting down the days until my move I missed the opportunity to make memories and truly just live in each and every moment.

So from now on..whether it be a hard or good time in my life..I'm counting my blessings in the here and now. I want to experience life to the very fullest while I have time and that means even going through the hard times and not counting the seconds until it's over. This may sound crazy as you are going through a hard time but honestly nothing makes a bad situation better than digging deep, putting your nose to the grind, and counting your blessings.

So this is the new, over-flowing-with-gratitude, happy, living in the moment,summer with Marlisa.

Running with Sadie..I've never had a better running buddy. So obedient.

Golfing with my dad, uncle, and brother (taking the pic)

Girls night in PC..btw..the coat I have on is $3,0000..pocket change.

Got back from dancing and decided to swim to the middle of the pond down the road from my house. Love random, adventurous, laugh-until-early-morning summer nights.

P.S. I just put the deposit down for my new home in SLC! :) Although I am enjoying the time until I move..I am pretty excited!

'Merica

To have our nation's birthday in the summer was the best idea ever! Good job founding fathers!

Also another good idea: making aerial fireworks legal in the state of Utah.

It seems like every other person is grouchy and upset about fireworks going off all night, every night for the whole summer but not this girl! I absolutely love fireworks! It's so mesmerizing and just American to stop everything and watch them explode overhead.

As I thought about the real reason we were celebrating my mind went back to my trip back east a couple years ago. There was no other place that just put me in history nerd heaven. I'm so grateful I was able to visit those places that not so long ago were the stomping grounds of the beginning of this country that I'm so blessed to be apart of.

A lot of the world looks at the United States as that big-headed brother that is good at everything. People see Americans as entitled and ignorant. Although I can't deny those accusations I also believe that that is what makes us Americans. Why shouldn't we believe we are the best? Our country was founded on people who believed they could do better, people who demanded respect, rebels with success..no wonder we continue with that same reputation. No wonder other countries come to study American young people because there is no one else quite like us.

Now let me quickly say that I don't believe I am better than others and I definitely don't believe that my country and the people in it are perfect. I love studying histories and cultures throughout the world because there is more than one "right" way to go through life. But I do believe that I live in the best country and am grateful to have that blessing.

There are many ways to see the Lord's hand in your life but when you study history there are just things that are undeniably God's doing. The beginning of the United States is definitely on the top of that list. The men whose names are written forever on the beginning and all the things that happened to go right are a testament to a true and living Being bigger than us all.

I couldn't be more grateful to have the life I have because of these men and so many others that continue to fight for those founding principles.

A kid in summertime

Summer has been a dream lately. I have been playing non-stop and loving every second of it!

Dinner with my best friends for Toni's birthday.

Ward Boating Trip

Cancer 5k for my Grandpa..I PR'd just for him :) Running as a family was one of the most inspiring moments for me. I can't even begin to describe my love for each and every one of them. They mean the world to me and I KNOW I got the lottery pick in heaven.

Plus so many more things. When I started this year I set a goal to do the things I've always wanted to do, go places, meet people, just put myself out there and be a better me. So far, I've done just that and I am so completely happy. 

I am so filled with gratitude towards my Heavenly Father for blessing me with the greatest people in my life, opportunities, and just little tender mercies every day. Just thinking about it brings me to tears.

And just when I think I've had some great adventures and filled this year with so much happiness..I'm not even halfway done :) 

Sneak peek at my next adventure/bucket list check off:

A Change of Scenery

Well the word is out and the rumors are true... this girl is headed to Salt Lake!

I am beyond excited to have a change of scenery and a new adventure. And what better way to start a new part of my life than fulfilling one of my dreams..going to the University of Utah!

When I first graduated high school I was fine with going to UVU because it's a good school, cheap tuition, and it was close to home. It was just a no-brainer. At first I had no idea what I wanted to go into and struggled academically, so I decided to take a year off to sort things out. I haven't regretted that decision, that was the best idea to just step away from it all and figure out what I was doing.

But I've reached a point in my life where I feel antsy beyond belief. So instead of buying a plane ticket to the east coast and dropping school, I'm going to the next valley north and going pedal to the metal for my degree. Far enough away I can meet new people and get away from this valley but close enough I can come home for Sunday dinners. 

I'll be moving in August and housing is still up in the air so if you have any leads..send them my way!

The countdown has begun and this year keeps getting better :)

I'm back!

Thought about blogging for a while now but just haven't really wanted to, to be honest. Partially because it's been a hell of a time in my life the past six months and I've decided to keep that to myself. But I do like writing and I think of this as my journal since I'm terrible at a real one.

Long story short..here I am.

Maybe I'll start a whole new blog, maybe I won't post again for another 6 months, maybe I'll move to Sweden.  For now, I'm going to leave 2013 in 2013 and let's start with this new adventure called 2014!

For New Year's Resolutions I always make goals in 3 different areas: Physical, Spiritual, and Mental. I will share them all as we go but for now one of the biggest resolutions was just to go wild. Ok, that sounds a little crazy and I can only imagine all of the things running through your mind as you read that. What I mean: I'm going to stop wishing and start doing, I'm going to go do things that scare me, things I've always wanted to do, say things I've always wanted to say, get out there and just be me unapologetically and have a blast while I'm doing it.

So far, so good :) I've met some incredible people I never would have with the old me and had some great adventures. I've also gone on some awesome trips!

The first was Vegas to watch my Utes in the Pac-12 tournament! I can't even begin to describe how much of a dream this was. Even though those Utes didn't do too hot, it was the best! Did I mention it was free? I'm definitely making it back next year.

The next week I left for Arizona to watch my brother play some baseball. Sunshine (with a sunburn on the side), palm trees, 8 baseball games, great food, and the nicest bunch of retirees I've ever met about sums it up. Also...free. :)

Gilbert, AZ temple..notice the bride? I need to marry someone from there.

This picture has deception written all over it.

This part of the pool you can see in the picture is literally half of it's real size (tiny). It was probably around 40 degrees (my legs were numb), and GHETTO. A rant about that hotel is for another post. But it was nice as the hot sun was beating down..I swear Arizona sun is way hotter than Utah sun.

I have a couple ideas for the next trips but we'll see. Life is good and keeps getting better :) Things are looking up and opportunities keep arising.

I can't express enough how blessed I am.