Gratitude

In high school I always hung out with the boys with the exception of a few of my girl friends like Joanna or Heba. I remember I never got invited to "girls night" except one time my sophomore year. The whole night we played really dumb games and watched love movies and I felt ridiculous the whole time, but from that night I did take away a valuable life lesson. One of the girls made us sit down and write a list of things that make us happy or thankful for. I thought it was a stupid activity, but having kept that list for a few years, it served a greater purpose then I thought. Sometimes it is very easy to overlook blessings we have been given or things we delight in. In light of Thanksgiving (well in a few weeks) I thought I would share a few things that I really enjoy, appreciate and am thankful for.


What I am Grateful for:

• My husband. He is so supportive and such a strength to me. I am so grateful for his positive outlook and humor.

• My family who has sacrificed so much for me. My parents have really worked hard to make sure I would fulfill my goals and they are so great. My siblings who love and care about me and always are willing to lend a hand when I need it.

• My in-laws. Brett's family has been so accepting of me into their family and it has been such an easy transition for me. I always hear girls at school talk about their awful in-laws and I am so grateful I lucked out on marrying into such a good family

• My opportunity for an education. I love learning and school. It may not seem like it because I am always stressed, but I love that I have the opportunity to better myself and to obtain knowledge. I am so grateful I went to such a challenging university that prepared me for my program. I feel like I have learned so many life lessons at BYU that I could not have learned anywhere else.
  

• I am grateful to live in a free country where I can participate in our government. Where I have the ability to choose what lifestyle I will lead, where I can vote and get my point of view across
  

• My membership in the LDS church. I feel like my religion has given so much to me that I can never be grateful enough. It has offered friendships, my education (BYU), and has given me guidance throughout the years. I am grateful for a knowledge that I have a father in heaven who loves me and that Jesus Christ is my savior

• I am so fortunate to be in a program where I will come out with a wonderful occupation that will not only benefit my family but will help others. What a great job, where everyday I can help people out with their oral health care

• My friends. What good friends I have! I am so lucky to have such good examples in my life, to know people with differing perspectives that can help me expand my mind and grow.

Now here is my list of things that make me happy:

• Getting good grades
• Puppies (if only we could get one!)
• Playing soccer or basketball, if only I had more time...
• Parties
  
• Root beer
• Pizza, ice cream, candy, I just love food in general
• Watching a feel good movie
• Taking naps
• Buying gifts for other people
• Getting good deals!
• Christmas
• Playing with my Nephews
• Visiting with friends

The list could go on. I guess what I have learned is that even when there are tough times or trials, there is some good to be found, even if it is the little things. I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!