Joy in Imperfection

This is a topic that has been on my mind a lot lately for many reasons.  I feel like there has been an epidemic of sorts where more people than ever are being diagnosed and treated for many different mental illnesses namely things like depression.  Having been diagnosed with that I have thought a lot about what an individual can do to overcome the effects of this opponent.

First, I think everyone needs to acknowledge that they are not perfect as a human being and that is totally okay!  Personally, I am not perfect and I think if I were to be around someone who was perfect, it would drive me bonkers.  People are going to do and say things that are going to hurt you.  There are going to be things in life that disappoint you.  You are even going to disappoint yourself sometimes.  But the trick is to find joy in being imperfect.

Part of learning how to find joy in being imperfect is ignoring everything on social media.  I am definitely guilty of only putting things that make me look good.  I don't usually post about how much weight I gained over the holidays, how I was late to work, how I neglected to do my dishes, and many other things that would make me look imperfect.  But for some reason, I seemed to ignore the fact that everyone else is doing the same thing!  So comparing myself to them is ridiculous.  I don't know how high their stack of dishes is or anything else so making that comparison is unfair to both of us.

Finally, I realized how much joy that can be in recognizing the little things that you have.  These are  a list of things that bring me incredible joy even in my imperfect life.

• I am able to be self-sufficient and provide for myself.
• Even though my sink is full of dishes, I have a dishwasher that will make the task easier.
• I may weigh more than I want to but I am healthy and able to accomplish the things that I need to every day.
• I have a job that I love and am able to learn and grow at every day.
• Progress on little things like puzzles and coloring pictures :)

While these things may seem little, I can't express how much just remembering these little things and many more has left me going to bed with a smile on my face even when mental illness has reared its' ugly head that day.  I may not be perfect but I am more than a diagnosis and have the choice every day to continue to fight.  I don't win every battle but I am winning the war. 

A Season of Change

So August seems to be the month of the most change.  Sometimes those changes bring about happy feelings but other times they seem to bring about changes that may not seem to make us the most happy.  However, as I have reflected a little bit on the changes that are happening this month, they seem to overall make life a little more happy.  While my life is not exactly the way I pictured it as a child, I am grateful for the wonderful things that I do have and the opportunities that lay ahead of me.

Things that I am sad to leave behind:

• I am leaving behind a great ward full of wonderful friends.
• I am moving a little bit farther from my family than I have ever lived before.
• I am leaving a great apartment with even greater roommates.  They have seriously been the best!

Things that I am excited about!

• I have some wonderful friends who are moving to the same area as me!
• I get to spend about 2 less hours a day in a car by myself.
• I have a wonderful apartment all to myself!
• I have the opportunity to make many new friends as well as keep the old ones.
• I have the opportunity to keep growing in my new job and take on new challenges as we take on more clients.

FINALLY the best change of all that has happened in my life is the addition of this precious little thing into my life.  She is adorable and I am excited to watch her grow up into a sweet little girl just like her mom.

New Beginnings with Old Roots

So blogging has been on my mind lately as well as some other things so I thought I would kill two birds with one stone. This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to St. George with some great friends. Life has not been an easy road over the last little whole for a variety of reasons. However, the past few days I have been reminded of some things that make me a unique individual. I had the opportunity to see Beauty and the Beast at the Tuacahn which has always been my favorite story. It was a huge part of my childhood and I was able to rekindle that fire. I also rediscovered my love of music through both creating and listening. I got to go to a concert which was such a fun experience and also had a little time to make my own music tonight which overcame my soul with so much peace. Finally, I had immense time to read leisurely without worrying about anything else. I love how books can take you away and provide healing. It has been wonderful to reconnect with these core elements of my being during a time of great anxiety and change and remember that I am unique and valuable and have something to offer the world. My journey is far from complete yet these past few days have been filled with joyous moments!