Steamboat Hill

In honor of not being able to go to Alaska this summer, I feel the need to share a story with you that only family members and friends...as well as many of my tour groups in Alaska...have heard and it's epic. It may not be as huge as my hubby and I's story, but it's one of my favorite memories from Alaska.

It all starts with one of my favorite people, Shelby. She was accompanying me to Alaska on my 2014 adventure. The way we travel to Alaska when we drive is up through Canada on the Alaskan Highway, also known as the Alcan. It's a very long, very tedious drive...however, it is also GORGEOUS and incredible. I definitely plan on driving along it again in the future. And I think that you all should do it at some point as well...or at least go to Alaska. You won't regret it.

ANYWAYS! I'm getting distracted.

 So Shelby and I were driving along and having a great time. Our first night we made it to Edmonton and stayed at a friend's home (thank you, thank you!). As we got up to travel the next morning, it was beautiful. Our second stop was planned to be in Fort Nelson that evening and we were making great time. As we got closer to this town, it started to snow. (Don't freak out yet...) As we pulled into Super 8 to get a room it was coming down pretty hard and we hoped that it would stop before the morning and the roads would be plowed quickly. We enjoyed our night and got up bright and early for our drive to Whitehorse. THERE WAS SOOO MUCH SNOW! Holy cow. So much. However, I know how to drive in snowy conditions, so I wasn't afraid to get going. We got a few mile out of town and it started to snow again. Nothing too crazy, but it was making it a little foggy. Out of nowhere we could suddenly see this black line that literally went straight up to heaven. I glanced over at Shelby and told her that I really hoped that was not the road. So much for hope. Talking myself through it out loud to my awesome passenger I stated that as long as we kept a steady momentum and took it easy, we would make is up this hill just fine.

Lucky for us there was a huge semi partway up this hill that forced us to come to a complete stop. (Remember, it was too foggy for me to safely just pass him.) Well, after we came to that nice stop, my little car decided that it did not have the horsepower to go forward anymore. Throwing on my hazards I slowly started to reverse down this hill...in the fog...in the snow...very slowly. After going a short distance I would stop and try to get some forward motion, which failed multiple times. Finally we made it to an almost flat pull-out, and were able to flip my little Toyota Camry right around and head back to the Super 8...I'm pretty sure it wasn't past 8 am yet. Depressed, we spent the day in a town that I'm positive is only 2 miles long, has no entertainment, and has a Boston Pizza place and an A&W. :( Commence the longest day ever.

For dinner we decided to go to A&W. While there, the manager asked what we were up to traveling the Alcan, so we told him about HAP and our little adventure that morning. He proceeded to tell us that hill was referred to as Steamboat Hill and had the steepest grade throughout the Alcan. (Great.) Also, the roads hadn't been plowed forever because they hadn't had snow in months and had changed all their plows for road cleaners. (Double great.) So he wouldn't be surprised if we were stuck here for a few days. :'(

We were determined to leave the next morning. As we were checking out, the supervisor said she wouldn't be worried if she were us because we have snow tires. After a quick glance at Shelby, obviously displaying the fact that I definitely did not have snow tires, she said she wouldn't be going anywhere if she were us. However, she printed out a weather report to let us know where we would hit clear areas, and we were on our way.

As we start to get close to this Steamboat Hill, Shelby kept saying that we should just turn around now. However, we had said a prayer and I was determined to give it a valiant effort. Now, driving on snowy roads always gives me a knotted stomach...no matter how safe I know I am. So after reassuring Shelby that I would turn around if I got nervous at all, I said another prayer. I was very specific in this little plea...I asked that if we should turn around I needed a bigger sign than a knotted stomach. If it was the right choice, would you please send us a moose that we can see. If I see a moose, I won't ask any questions and I'll turn right around. After my amen, I told this to Shelby and she instantly looked out the window and said, "Here moose!" Haha, at least we got a laugh! :)

As we started up this hill we had some music plugged in and I kept it pretty low so I could focus. However, a song by Jason Mraz came on called, I Won't Give Up. I was quick to turn it up and adapt it to our needs, and Shelby was quick to join. "I won't give up on you" was turned into "I won't give up on this mountain, even if the snow keeps on falling." We belted it out and just kept hitting repeat! It helped us to stay calm, keep a light heart, and have some fun. And guess what? We made it to the top of that hill! Yay!! And after this uphill...was a downhill! Double yay!! As soon as we made it down the other side I turned to Shelby and said, "Well, there's no turning back now, because there is no way we're making it back up that." She laughed, but I'm not so sure it was genuine. :)

After a few hours we cleared any snow and it was a beautiful drive again. We made it to Whitehorse without any issues. We waited until we were safely in our hotel room to tell our parents anything that had happened that morning. Needless to say, our mothers freaked out! The next morning we headed to Fairbanks. We were about 4 hours out, and guess what we saw? A moose. Two of them actually. I asked Shelby if she wanted to turn around now, but she didn't find much humor in that one either. :)

I'm so glad she came to Alaska with me that year! She was so fun to have an adventure with and room with. And she's going back this year! I'm a tad bit jealous, but I couldn't be happier for her. She's going to have a blast, and I'm pretty sure she's flying this year. :)

I Can Do Anything Revisited

Some of you probably though I had given up on this blog. Honestly. I had lost my inspiration. I kept coming here and starting to click that new post button and write my heart out, but nothing would come. Especially after I told you about my hubby-- I didn't know how to compete! However, I was hit with with a thought as I was emailing Elder Dennis Squared.

Fist off, Elder Dennis Squared are my two brothers. Cameron is serving in Peru and he's got just under a year left, and Brandon is serving in the Philippines and he just left last August. Yes. I was a basket-case, but that's not the point. I am incredibly proud of them and I wouldn't want them to be in any other place. I try to email them once a week, and I'm usually pretty good about it. Most of the time I try to add a quote with it and my thoughts on it. When Cameron first went out I shared a message that I shared with Brandon once he was out. I've also shared this with you previously, but I wanted to readdress it and add some more thoughts.

 You can do anything for six months.

This was what my grandma told me when I vented to her about my struggles. And it's actually something I think about quite often, but with a little twist.

You can do anything for (insert time here). Whether that be one more minute of my workout, one more hour of my shift, one more day of the week, one more week before a break, etc. When I sent this to Elder Dennis Squared I really stressed changing the time. I know how much I struggle with going somewhere new, so I definitely can relate a little to them, but not really. I kept telling Brandon that he could do anything for a day or a month or a year (or two)! However, sometimes all we have strength for is the next minute. And after that minute is up tell yourself you can do it for one more. Before you know it, it will all be over and you won't know what hit you! So, here are my thoughts to you. Be the little engine that could...even if it's only one minute, or one second, at a time. With that attitude, anything is possible. :)

Life is Like a Camera

Have you ever made a decision in your life that you regret?

I know I have.

I also know that sometimes it's hard to move on from this--or to have others not be able to forgive you for your decisions. Sometimes I feel like it would just be easier to just stop and forget everything. However, this will not help us. Life is all about moving forward--progression, new adventures, accomplishing goals, educating ourselves, experiencing emotions, and enjoying every moment. I came across this quote a few months ago and haven't been able to let it go---and obviously I haven't had enough inspiration until now to share it with you.



We are constantly taking mental pictures, and, just like a real camera, we have images we want to keep and images we would rather not see again. We can always keep those positive images and look upon them with fond memories and share them. When we have negative images we must choose to learn from our mistake and move on. This is the hardest part. We can't let our own thoughts hinder our progression; however, we also can't let others opinions of our past hinder our progression. We will always be able to 'just take another shot.'

I've shared many times that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through my church we learn of the Atonement that Jesus Christ performed in order for us to move on from our sins and be completely forgiven. I have used this saving power many times in my life, and I would like to testify to you all that it is true. Jesus Christ died for us because He loves us and wants us to have the ability to return to Him one day as a perfected being. I know that through the Atonement we can 'develop from our negatives...and take another shot.' We are not perfect, but we can become perfect through Christ.

Don't stress about past mistakes. We are meant to learn and become better people through decisions that we have made. You are worth everything; don't forget that. There is always room for more shots, and we can always look back on our positive images for motivation and great memories.

I Can Do Anything.

Remember how I went to Alaska?

Remember how I loved it?

Well...that love wasn't instantaneous.

Once upon a time I told you all about my issues with change. It's hard for me, and, since I've written that post, I've realized that it is something I will always struggle with. I can't get my mind to just be okay with it right off the bat. It takes a lot more time for me to be okay with something. 

Anywho...back to Alaska. 

Here I am, making a six-month commitment to live with people I didn't really know, work at a hotel with people I didn't know, live in a place I didn't know, on top of getting there in a 49 hour (just driving) car ride. Bytheway...the car ride was with someone I knew, but that's a heck of a long drive! Needless to say I was a little <caughlotcaugh> overwhelmed. However, I followed my little change routine and I went. 

Can I just say I cried when I got to the Johnson's house? I literally got out, gave Alicia a hug, and balled my eyes out...while the missionaries were there! Needless to say I was not ready to be in the Land of the Midnight Sun. At. All. However, I couldn't just turn my back on everything, so I went ahead to begin my adventures. 

You're probably thinking that I quickly learned to love it up there. That is not the case. My first week of work was overwhelming, and the tours hadn't even started yet. Once those started I was like a chicken with its head cut off. People were grumpy, I was still learning, and I still hadn't adjusted to my new home. My mom had told me that I needed to give it at least a month before I gave up, and I was giving it a valiant effort. I instantly loved the people I lived with, but they had already started to try and get me to commit to the summer of 2014.

HA. Yeah right.

Thus began, what I thought would be, the longest six months of my life. Now you're probably wondering what the point of this story is. I have a problem with talking a lot--and that goes right into writing a lot. So, deal with the length or just move on to the next blog. I promise I won't be offended :)

Technology is an amazing thing. It kept me in touch with loved ones and friends, and I relied upon it heavily. Which got me in trouble when my nephew was born...but that's a whole other story. I remember calling my Grandma Esther after I had been in Alaska for a couple weeks to just catch up. Of course, I got into talking about how I was struggling and not sure it I could make it through the summer (I'm a wimp...I know). My Grandma is awesome. She understood why I was struggling, but she did not think my mindset of 'not being able to make it' was good enough. As I continued to vent to her she stopped me and said, "Courtney, you can do anything for six months."

I agreed and we finished out conversation, and I continued to be caught up in my change-crisis. After a couple more weeks I really thought about what she said.

You can do anything for six months.

I tend to shorten that into, you can do anything; no matter what comes your way, you can do it. And that is when I started loving Alaska--after a whole month of pretty much committing to the worst summer ever.

And guess what? I'm going back for summer of 2014.

Want to know what's even crazier? I'm getting my CDL to be a tour guide and drive a HUGE bus. 

And...I'm going to love it.

Brave.

Sometimes I hear a song and apply it to my life and it's all cool-like. Sometimes I see music videos of these awesome songs and it's pretty much the best thing ever. 

Sara Bareilles 

And since your history of silence
Won’t do you any good,
Did you think it would?
Let your words be anything but empty
Why don’t you tell them the truth?

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

Nobody will know what you want, when you want it, or how you want it if you never say anything. Pick up a little courage and you'd be surprised at where you can get. Obviously things won't always go your way....what is is...Murphy's Law? :) However, we'll never know what we can obtain if we are always silent and unmoving. Get up and do something you've always wanted to, and don't be afraid to say what you want to say. 

Honestly, I wanna see you be brave.

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

 Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

I hope that you are all familiar with Dr. Seuss. If not, you probably want to work on that one. I've always loved Dr. Seuss, and I even tried to get a scholarship through a Dr. Seuss essay. It actually was on the book that I quoted above, Oh, the Places You'll Go! Recently I've been redirected to this book and it's really helped me to keep things in perspective.

A little over a month ago I moved to Alaska to work for the summer. It was difficult for me to come here hardly knowing anybody and be required to make the most of it. I'm not very good at being social and putting myself out there, so making friends was a little hard, and I was sinking into a little pit of despair. I talked with my parents often, and the one day my dad suggested I reread Oh, the Places You'll Go!, and apply it to my life. Many times this book is given at graduations to inspire people to go anyway that they choose, and that is really the only part I remembered about it. That's not a bad thing, but there is a lot more to the story than just choosing you're own direction. You're encouraged to aim high and be the best.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.

You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.

Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.

Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

However, I feel like the book is also realistic when it comes to life. Because who can be the best always? I know some of us would raise our hand if asked that question in a public atmosphere, but, honestly, I don't believe there's one person in this world who doesn't have doubts.

Except when you don't.

Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to say so

but, sadly, it's true

that Bang-ups

and Hang-ups

can happen to you.

Isn't that true? Coming to Alaska was a bang-up for me at first. I was liking it here, but I wasn't sure I would be able to really become involved and love my time here. Then I thought to myself, Courtney. You. Are. Ridiculous. Seriously, you're in ALASKA. You drove here, and you have a great opportunity to make new friends, discover new things about yourself, and live in a beautiful place! How can you be negative about life when you are experiencing things you will look back on and never regret! Some people never have the chance to travel and see the world, and you're complaining because you are? Where is the sense in that?

So, I decided to be more positive. When things were looking down, I would find two things that were looking up. I tried to be more out-going so that I could make new friends. I decided to love everyday here for one reason or another. And you know what? It worked. It took me a while to get into the swing of things, but I did it. I won't say I'm perfect and I know everything and anything about Fairbanks, but I love it here. I've made a few friends that have helped me be more positive about me and to not be afraid of putting myself out there. I've found places that I love, and I continue to explore and love more things. I've told a few people back home that they should be thankful the mosquitoes are huge and the winter is horrible, because I would probably end up staying here if they weren't. :)

I mean, this is seriously what I get to see everyday. The sun is constantly up, there's always somebody who wants to have fun, and it's finally warm! I also have gotten to live with some great people, and become closer with Whitney. I mean, we see each other all of the time, so we share everything. Sometimes, it's a little crazy, but I love it.

Things may get rough, but there is always something to love. If you focus on the bright side, then the dark side will be out-shined.

Kid, you'll move mountains!

Alaskan Adventures

Hello! It's been a while, and I have been BUSY!! I moved to Alaska to work for the summer. My friend Whitney and I got jobs up here and hopped into the car and drove 49 hours to get to the little town of Fairbanks. We've been here for a few days and we start work today, which I'm a little nervous for but it will be good!

I was definitely nervous coming up here, and I kept stressing over everything. Right before I left my mom showed me this quote...

 

I think this is great because it is SO true (at least for me it is). I really try hard to enjoy each day as it comes, but I usually get hung up on the future and what it has in store for me and how my decisions now are going to affect everything later...and so on. However, I need to remember that I need to find joy in the journey. If I don't do that, then there is no point in living because we will just be worrying our days away.

Approach each new day with the attitude that everyday is an adventure. If you start out like this then you can't help but focus on the day and what's happening all around you. Don't forget the finish line, just remember to enjoy getting there. We have all the time in the world to reach the end; life isn't a race. Which reminds me of a quote from one of the apostles from my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

So get out there, and have fun enjoying your journeys!

Everything will be alright

Pretty much I've come to the conclusion that nothing stays the same. Shocker, right? I know it's taken me a while to figure this out, but we all know how I deal with change. I like to believe that everything will just stay the same. Obviously there will be little changes and I can manage that, but, of course, I always get proven wrong and HUGE changes come my way constantly. I'm slowly becoming okay with this, and I'm a little more willing to accept change head on. Slowly being the key word. However, along with my realization of nothing staying the same, I've realized that things will be okay in the end.

 

I like how this quote words it. When we go through struggles we always say everything will be alright. Everything is going to work out and we will get through this. However, just because we get through it doesn't mean that everything will be just as it was when we started. I know that's a simple phrase, and it seems really obvious, but I think it's important for us to recognize this in our lives. Things change and that's alright. :)

Hope

The other week I was asked to give a talk on hope. At first I was a little intimidated, because I didn't really know how to address it. I decided to look through my posts to see if I had already written about and I came across The Power of Hope. This clip has such a powerful message, and it helped me to get a start on my talk, so I wanted to share it with you.

Now, I would like you all to think of a time where you were very scared, or where you felt completely lost…

For me, this was my first semester of college. I’m from little old Rexburg, and I’ve lived here my whole life. However, instead of coming to BYU-Idaho, I went to BYU-Hawaii first. I know, pretty chill life, why would I have complained? Well, I’ll say right now that I absolutely loved it and I would go back in a heartbeat; at the time though I was terrified. It was my first time being away from home permanently for a long period of time. Some of you might understand my situation. It was hard to not be close to my family and participate in traditions and go to my brother’s soccer games and have girls’ nights with my little sister. I remember being terrified that I wouldn’t be able to make any friends and that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy myself. Once I got there I felt completely lost. Laie is very different than Rexburg. I didn’t know where to go or who to turn to, and it was a struggle. However, there was one thing that kept me going. What do you think it was?

I want you all to think back to your times where you were scared or lost and think of how you made it through. Did hope have any play in your ability to keep going?

For those of you who know me, I love The Hunger Games. My ringtone is even Rue’s whistle. :) At one point President Snow explains that the reason they have a victor is because of hope. He states, “Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.”

Now, I don’t necessarily love President Snow, but I do agree with this statement. If there was nothing stronger than fear we wouldn’t be able to overcome it. However, just because there is something stronger than fear doesn’t mean we automatically overcome it. Hope is a choice, but what exactly is hope?

We all have hopes and dreams. However, I think that this look at hope diminishes its real power. I read a talk by Larry Miller called Hope: The Misunderstood Sister. He explains how there are three sisters: faith, charity and hope. Faith is the most talked about sister. She leads the way so that we can find our way back to our Heavenly Father. Charity is who we aspire to be like. She is always kind and genuine. However, hope is often used in a sense of keeping our fingers crossed so that all will work out; it’s not very reliable. But, "Hope is anything but wishful. It is expectation based on experience." He shares a poem that I felt was very applicable to life.

Walking with Two Sisters

Faith walks before me,

Holding up her lamp

As I try not to stumble in the ink-dark hours before the dawn.

Her light illuminates

One step and then another.

Beside me, Hope, arm linked with mine, encourages and steadies.

Sometimes in the tedium,

Distracted by the pain,

My mind begins to wander, then my feet. I hesitate.

Unsure, I look to Hope.

Her hand takes mine.

The touch reminds me of another hand held out to me,

One pierced and scarred

Yet oh so tender

Lifting me and blessing me when I had fallen and despaired.

Remembering,

I move ahead

Buoyed up by Hope, who sees the end with perfect clarity.

Because of Jesus Christ’s Atonement we can have hope throughout our life. (Moroni 7:40-43 explains this well!)

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared the following statement in this talk The Infinite Power of Hope;

The Lord has given us a reassuring message of hope: "Fear not, little flock." God will wait with "open arms to receive" those who give away their sins and continue in faith, hope, and charity. And to all who suffer--to all who feel discouraged, worried or lonely--I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit. Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the Love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart."

Hope is always looking for the best. An easy way to think this way is to just look at the word. The first letters form a sentence. Have Only Positive Expectations. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Things will work out. Keep trying. Be believing. Don’t get discouraged. Things will work out.”

Trials are going to come our way and we need to be looking for the positive outcomes. However, hope does not mean that we turn a blind eye to the world. I found a quote on Pinterest…don’t judge me… that sums this up very well. “Hope is not pretending that troubles don’t exist. It is the hope that they won’t last forever. That hurts will be healed and difficulties overcome. That we will be lead out of the darkness and into the sunshine.”

Because of the Gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we can have hope in everything. This can provide us with stable ground to live our lives from. Hope is necessary for us to be happy. 

(Some great scriputers are Ether 12:4 and Moroni 10:20-22)

President Thomas S Monson tells us, “I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.”

We must have hope to reach the limits God has set for us. We may not feel like we can stretch as far as He wants, but He will never put something in front of us that we cannot do. We have hope that He will always be there for us.

Now, I’ve spent the majority of my talk on keeping hope within yourself, but I wanted to mention something quickly. Although we need to have this kind of hope we also need to instill hope in others. Sometimes you are the reason somebody has hope. They cling to your support and strength in their life and you help them to move forward. Never give up an opportunity to be hope for somebody else. Sometimes all it takes is an arm of comfort, a shoulder to cry on, a memory to remember, or a laugh to share. Be there star in the darkness. We all look to one another to find hope, and we need to remember to have charity towards all and help life each other up.

Neal A. Maxwell said, “Genuine hope is urgently needed in order to be more loving even as the love of many waxes cold; more merciful, even when misunderstood or misrepresented; more holy, even as the world ripens in iniquity; more courteous and patient in a coarsening and curt world; and more full of heartfelt hope, even when other men’s hearts fail them. Whatever our particular furrow, we are to ‘plow in hope,’ without looking back or letting yesterday hold tomorrow hostage (1 Cor. 9:10).”

I would like to leave you with a little “Knapsack of Hope.”

A star to remind you to keep shining.

A paper clip to help you hold your things together.

An eraser to fix all the small mistakes.

A lock to keep all your secrets safe.

A penny so that you’re never broke.

A rubber band to help you stretch beyond your limits.

I know that hope is very important in this gospel, and I pray that you can always keep it in mind.

Hope is not just a careless wish, it is the rock that holds us steady when we sway, it is the anchor that keeps us firm when we drift, it is the Savior walking with us step by step always encouraging, it is the voice at the end of the day saying keep moving forward I am here with you always.

Smile :)

I mentioned in my last post and one a long time ago that smiling at someone, even if you don't know them, can be a very positive moment in your day.

Let's be honest, sometimes a stranger smiles at me and I think they are a downright creeper. Or weird. Or psycho. Or a million other things. However, if I think one of those million things and it all just ends with smiles being exchanged then I am okay with it all. It still counts as a plus in the day for me. So try and overlook your judgmental thoughts and take the smile in a good way. That person is (hopefully) not a creeper or anything so just keep walking and be more happy because someone took the time to smile your way.

So, I have a challenge for you all.

Or today, or the day after tomorrow, or just every day; take a moment to smile at a stranger and really mean it. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to, but I guarantee that little smile will help the stranger have a better day. Who knows? If you let it, it might help you have a better day too. :)

The Power of Hope

Find Joy in the Journey

I'm apologizing right now for a longer post...but I just kept having thoughts! And there are some really good quotes, so you should keep reading ;)

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

~President Gordon B Hinckley~

Things are going to come up in life and you are not going to like it. For example, a few Fridays ago was crazy for me. I had homework starting at 7 until 9, and then classes from 9 until 11:15, and then I had to run to the testing center and take a test and a quiz… which I did not do very well on. Then I hurried to my next class at 1, and then at 2 I finally was able to head to my apartment. However, this did not mean I had down time. I still worked on homework, and then I had to get ready for work from 4-10. I got off work and then went to visit with my mom for a couple hours, and when I got back to my apartment I had homework until 1. Can you say crazy? I had been dreading that day all week (and it was a FRIDAY for crying out loud!), and when it finally came I didn’t even have time to think.

As I reflected on my thoughts for the day they were mostly negative. I don't have enough time! I'm exhausted! Work? I still have homework! I just am no good because I can never pass a test/quiz in this class... and, trust me, the list went on.

However, as I relived my thoughts I came across good things that made my day better and caused a little smile to escape in the madness. They weren't huge... just simple, random things throughout my day.

Simple, rejuvenating experiences surround us.
~Richard G. Scott~

The girl who said good morning with a cheery smile as I walked to class...

Tripping over myself, but regaining balance and just laughing...

The boy whistling for all the world to hear...

The boy jamming out with his headphones in, not a care in the world...

Laughter and smiles from people I knew, and people I didn't know...

And that list goes on too...

I recently read a talk by Elder Joseph B Wirthlin where he gives us 4 steps to help us find joy in life…

Learn to laugh--I couldn't help but think of my snowboarding experience. :)

Seek for the eternal--Always keep your goals focused on an eternal perspective...not an earthly one.

Understand the principle of compensation--The Lord will bless you, even if it doesn’t come at a time that you want.

Trust in the Lord--Put your trust in the Lord, do your best, and He will do the rest.-Joseph B Wirthlin

If we keep these 4 steps in mind we can be happy eternally. My absolute favorite quote from Joseph B Wirthlin is, “Come what may and love it.” No matter what happens in life, find the positive side and focus on it...even if it's not so grand, it will seem better.

“Sadness, disappointment, and severe challenge are events in life, not life itself.”

~Richard G. Scott~

This means that life will go on. Every trial that we go through will come to an end eventually. That end may be far away, but it will come. "Everything will be okay in the end; if it's not okay, it's not the end." We need to remember this… keep everything in perspective and keep living life. “Come what may and love it.” Don’t let events get you down.

A lot of times I find myself worrying about the future… graduation, marriage, family, a career, and the list goes on. Sometimes I get weighed down with everything that I’m going to have to do and I forget about my life right now in the present. President Thomas S Monson tells us, “I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.”

Don’t worry about what is going to happen. Yes, you should prepare for it, but don’t spend time worrying about when it’s going to happen and what you are going to do when it does. That will all come with time, and you should just live life now. When I get stressed my dad tells me to live life one day at a time. That's what I try to do. Don’t worry about tomorrow when you’ve still got today.

We only live life once and we should make the most of it. President Monson also tells us, “Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows.”

I hope you will be able to live life in the now. Don’t worry about what you are going to do in the future. Live in the present, put your trust in the Lord, learn and live the gospel... and learn to laugh. I promise you that you will find joy in your life if you do this. I know that the Lord is on our side. He knows what’s best for us and He will help us throughout life, even if it's just through the simple things we encounter every day.

Hang On

As the semester comes to an end, I realize how stressed out I am, and how much I need to do, and how much time I have. Let's just say that how much I need to do compared to how much time I have left do not seem to compare in any way. I realize all of the assignments that I should have started a few weeks ago are almost due, and finals that I am stressed about are almost upon me. Not to mention working and packing and white glove checks.

I think a lot of people are on the same boat as me, and it doesn't take much to rock it.

Well, let me offer some advice. I was in charge of devotional for my math class today and I quickly Googled some quotes on endurance and whatnot. There was a few that I really liked, but this one stuck out to me...

When you come to the end of your rope; tie a know and hang on.

~Franklin D. Roosevelt~

I feel like I've reached the end of my rope, and that there's not much else I can do to make it to the finish. However, I know that I've done my best this semester. I've studied, paid attention, finished homework and projects, and I've gotten good grades. I've been doing the best that I can. 

This preparation is my knot at the end of my rope. I definitely have reached the end of it, but because I have prepared I know that it will get me through to the end of the semester. I also know that, because I have done my part, the Lord will help me.

I hope everyone out there who has reached the end of their rope can tie a knot and hang on. I know you can do it.

A Little Advice

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you don' t know anything about this religion I invite you to got to our website to learn about it. I have been a member my whole life, and I honestly love the gospel I am taught within it. I came across this talk by Elder F. Enzio Busche and it is really inspiring. I hope you take the time to listen to it... even if you are not a member of my church.

I Think I Can

You've all heard about the little engine that could. If not, let me give you a brief overview.

When the little engine that helps a big engine pull a huge load that the other big engines wouldn't help with. He beings helping by saying, "I think I can." As he gets to a large hill he moves slower, but he still keeps saying, "I think I can!" Each time he repeats this phrase it's drawn out and stressed, but he finally makes it to the top. While he is going down the decline he shouts, "I thought I could!"

When I hear this story I reflect on my life and where I'm at. Right now I'm working on finishing my fourth semester of college. I have 15 credits, and I work at the local grocery store, Broulim's. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with staying on top of everything... there's just not enough time!

Sadly, this is SO true! And it doesn't even involve everything that you need to do!

I need to force myself to be like the little engine that could. I need to constantly tell myself, "I think I can!" Sometimes, things just go crazy and don't work out, but the more positive I am, the better things work out. So just keep telling yourself that you can, and you'll be right!

Good Life

I've realized that I started this blog and I didn't even explain why or what or how come or anything of the sort. Well, I want to fix that and share with you my reasons. First, I love to write. However, I HATE writing with a structure. I wish I could just write essays and all of those English assignments with my own style. Obviously I can't do that, so I conform to pass the class. My journal is my one escape from this structure. I love to just write every detail and thought that I can fit. I'll write page after page after page for just one day, and sometimes just for one moment! I love doing this. Nobody reads my journal though because I do put personal thoughts that I usually don't share. I wanted to start a blog because I enjoy hearing what others think of my thoughts, or even just the way I write. So that is the main reason I started this blog.

I also want to share with you why I chose the title I did. To start it, this song is the inspiration...



I love this song because it describes how life can get you down but you need to focus on what's going right. My favorite section of this song is...

Hopelessly
I feel like there might be something that I'll miss
Hopelessly
I feel like the window closes oh so quick

Hopelessly
I'm taking a mental picture of you now
'Cause hopelessly
The hope is we have so much to feel good about

I've always liked this section just because of how it's sung and played and all that jazz. However, I was looking up lyrics one day on metrolyrics.com and they had a meaning behind this verse that, I think, is put perfectly.

"Life is short, and sometimes we see it pass us by. The window that is our lives can close too quickly. There's too much to worry about, so take a mental picture of right now and live in the moment!"

Live in the moment. I love that saying, and, a lot of times, I find myself not living by it. So, I named my blog after this song so that I can have that reminder of how good my life is and to live in the moment.

Keep Your Head Up!

Yes... that's part of an Andy Grammer song, and it's totally relevant, but that's not what I'm focusing on today :)

Recently I've been trying to be more positive, and I've decided that it's kinda hard when you can't think of anything to be positive about. I came across this quote that put things into perspective for me...

I've decided that this is very true. If you are so focused on not being able to do something, then you won't be able to do it. However, when you are positive and shoot high, then you are usually happy with where you get because you tried your best. It's something I've got to work on, but I have more motivation now. Just be positive! It could always be worse ;)