Oh What a Night

Reunited at last! The other night Karli texted me wondering if I had any plans for the following day. As usual, my schedule was wide open, and I was curious to know why she asked. Her friend from school had free tickets to a concert in Salt Lake and told her to invite some friends. I immediately got excited! I couldn't have cared less about the concert; all I wanted to do was get the chance to see my long lost friend! She gave me the details and we planned to meet in Salt Lake. I learned later that the bands that were playing were Bear Hands, Mayer Hawthorne, and Passion Pit... who? I'd never heard of any of these guys. Regardless, I was ready to let loose and have a good time. I forgot how much fun Karli and I used to have together, but all those wild jokes and crazy attitudes flooded back into my mind the moment we were in the same room. The night was filled with dancing, laughing, and slapping stranger's butts! There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good. This spontaneous night gave me the chance to meet new friends and catch up with old ones. I need more of this in my life!

One Year Older and Wiser Too!

You know the age old question, "So how does it feel to be one year older?" Seems like every birthday that question is asked. Well this year is the only time when I've actually felt a difference. No longer a teen... uh weird! What's my excuse now for getting into trouble or acting immature? Also it got me thinking only one year left until I get to go on a mission. I've come to the part in my life where major events are starting to happen. So many choices that need to be made. Now is not the time to be indecisive. One step in the wrong direction and it could have a major effect on my whole life's outcome. No pressure right?

Something I've been working on lately is being more open minded. I used to let fear rule my actions. Until recently, I didn't mind. I never wanted to step out of my comfort zone. But I've learned that outside of the comfort zone lies the miracle zone. I would much rather be miraculous than comfortable. Talk about boring! So the morning of my birthday, I decided to take a chance. My friend, Areli, invited me to a zumba class. I immediately thought, "Heck no! I can't dance to save my life". Against my prior judgments, I decided to go. And guess what! It was a blast. I totally surprised myself. I now look forward to making zumba a part of my weekly schedule. Afterwards, my friends took me to lunch. We went to a "mexican dive". That's what Areli called it. I ordered two tacos... yummy! Later, I went to Red Robin with my family. I'm a burger and fries kinda girl:) Don't forget the chocolate milkshake.

The point I want to make is be spontaneous! You never know what you could be missing out on. Feel the fear, and do it anyways. That's my goal for this year. I want my 20 year old self to live life to the fullest, and not be afraid to try new things or meet new people. I realized that I have a lot more friends than I thought. I've surrounded myself with the best of the best. I know that I am much loved! Everything I could ever want is at the tips of my fingers. It's now up to me to reach out and grab it.

Make Yourself Free, Make Yourself Grow

Some Signs and Symptoms of Inner Peace

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment

A loss of interest in judging other people

A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others

A loss of interest in conflict

A loss of the ability to worry

Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation

Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature

Frequent attacks of smiling

An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

--Saskia Davis

As you transform your self, you will know in your heart that you need not be threatened by the views or actions of anyone else. You will receive more joy and ease in your life, because that is what you will be sending out. You will find it easier to accept contrary views, knowing that you are not defined by anything or anyone external to yourself. You will eliminate conflict and confrontation as you find it unnecessary to prove yourself to anyone. You will be the power of a quiet mind, and you will choose to go there often. You will discover things about yourself that you perhaps never considered before.

Anyone in my life who attempts to be controlling or judgmental will not engage my emotional energy. I have lost my need to prove myself or justify my beliefs. A peaceful sense of who I am radiates and intermingles with respect for others. The changes in myself and my life patterns have all happened without goals or any life plan. Yet these inner changes are as much a part of me as are my lungs and my heart.

Pour Un Infidele

Something that Erica and I LOVE to do is find songs that describe our life and it's situations perfectly. We express our emotions through the songs that relate to us. For me, this is one of those songs. Though I vowed to never talk about this experience again, the opportunity is too funny to pass up! I couldn't have summed it up better myself. I learned that there is no need to seek revenge when a certain boy;);) has already paved the way to his own downfall. Arguing with a fool only proves there are two.

Best Days of Your Life by Kellie Pickler

A Brand New Day

It's my 20th birthday on Thursday (whoop whoop!), and I feel like everything I was supposed to learn as a teenager has developed in the last month. Like my room, my life was a pig sty: relationships scattered like laundry on the floor, my decisions unmade similar to the bed I sleep in, and burnt out light bulbs leaving shadows in the corners of my mind. Though my room is still a complete disaster, and will probably remain that way until I need a clean pair of socks, my life has finally been purged of the mess. I am so grateful for the experiences I've been given to grow! In every seed of seeming tragedy is hidden the fruit of glory and reward. In our dark, difficult places, we often become more deeply acquainted with the good and comforting presence of God. Every day holds a new adventure, and is a fresh start on life. That's the attitude I choose to carry with me and share with others.