a letter to myself

my aunt debbie inspired me to write down some things that i would write in a letter to myself.

• stop worrying all the time! it's good to care about people and show concern, but you don't need to worry yourself sick--it can't be healthy. kevin always says that worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair, "you're doing something, but it's not getting you anywhere!"
• take time to tell your families and the people close to you that you love them and that you appreciate the things they do for you. it is easy for me to assume that they know i love them and am thankful for them, but i think it is really nice for them to hear sometimes.
• enjoy the life that you have and all of the moments that make your life whatever it is at any given point and time. enjoy your good times and your hard times.
• who cares if the lids and dish towels are all over the kitchen floor and your floors still aren't clean---sit down and play or read with your child and build those important relationships. time is going to fly by and you will regret the times that you missed with your little "into absolutely everything" 16 month old!
• strengthen your relationship with your Savior and Heavenly Father, you know what things will help you to do that, so just do it. He wants you to let him in and he cares about each of us so much and loves each of us in a way that as imperfect mortals we can't really comprehend. let him know you are thankful and grateful for your blessings and let him know you cannot do it alone.
• wake up each day determined to be happy and to put a smile on someone elses face! with my calling i feel as though i have the opportunity to make a very real difference in the lives of many girls. i want them to look to me as an example of optimism. i want them to see what happiness the gospel can bring. i want them to know of my testimony. i would like to hope that i have already made a difference, but i know that there is always room for improvement and i have a lot of opportunities ahead of me. i feel such a huge responsibility to lead and care for these girls who are precious in His sight.
• love your calling---don't complain about the amount of time you put in or how much work it all is---just love your calling!!
• be smarter about thinking before you speak! if you are going to say something that will hurt someone's feelings---don't say it! it's that simple. if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!
• learn to forgive yourself and love yourself.
• don't look at the way that someone else is living their life and make a judgement. we really have no idea what another person is going through. be sympathetic and share kindness. i love the story "gorilla goodness", i truly believe that we all have the power to influence for good and make positive influences.