Today I had an experience where I wanted to share my thoughts and couldn't say everything I meant when I got up to speak. I decided that I am a lot better at writing down my thoughts and feelings, and I am hoping that anyone who reads this will understand and get something out of what I'm saying. So here I am, blogging . . . I never thought that I would be doing this, and I'm a bit retarded when it comes to technology, but hopefully I figure everything out :)
This New Year, I have found myself trying to make every resolution possible, and it overwhelms me to see how much I need to do and how much I need to improve, but I am so grateful that this year I can start fresh and become a better me. It is a wonderful new year. Before I go on, I want to take a little bit of time to reflect on 2010. It was kind of a big year, and a lot of changes were made in my life. Most importantly, I accepted the gospel this past year, and that has made all the difference. The blessings of this wonderful lifestyle are far more than I could have ever imagined. My Savior always gives me so much hope and so much peace that enables me to move forward, and the Plan of Salvation always gives me incredible joy and hope. It is so amazing to be able to look at how my Heavenly Father has led me through my life. In 2010, I also graduated high school and finished my first semester of college. That has been a big change, but I love it. I'm a bit scared that everyday I am getting closer and closer to being thrown out into the real world, but I'm also excited for just that. Slowly but surely I am being prepared for bigger and better things. I actually don't miss high school as much as I thought I would, but there are some things that are missed. Hillcrest is very dear to my heart. Being there shaped me more than I can even describe. That is a place where I learned the value of sisterhood and the need for love. That is a place where I met some of my very best friends and people who have changed my life. That is a place that has greatly contributed to who I am today. I will never forget the inspiration of Dance Company, the hard work of musicals, the value of education, and, of course, the love of wonderful friends. Now that I have moved on, the University of Utah has already taught me quite a bit. I am learning that when you want something in life, you really have to put in a great deal of effort to get it, and you can't rely on others to do it for you. You have to study, plan, take many steps, and realign your focus constantly. I definitely still have a lot to learn about how to succeed in life, and it definitely isn't going to be easy. Being at the U has also opened my eyes to how big the world is and to how many people there are that need our help. Since it's a commuter school, I have gotten to know the valley a lot better, and there is so much to see! Because of the things that I have gotten involved with, I have been able to see that even in Salt Lake there are always much needed opportunities to reach out and bring joy into another's life. There are so many people who need a helping hand, who need someone to lean on, who need their Savior . . .
I have a lot of work to do to be where I need to be where I need to be, but I have come far in this past year. Even though I feel low, I am so much higher than I was a year ago. This year, I am going to stick with my New Year's resolutions, manage my time better, love my God more, and be better than I am now by the year's end. 2011 is definitely bright! :)
