habits for life 3

Wow, the last week. I went for 7 weeks straight and let's just say I was exhausted. But I was looking forward to making this week one of the best! It started out RAINING. What in the world. It hasn't rained all summer. So it was kind of refreshing but kind of a downer at the same time ha! From the minute I met my girls I LOVED them! They were adorable and so much fun! I loved talking to them and getting to know them throughout the week.

Thank goodness for SWIG this summer. It was so fun to take a little adventure across the street during free time with our kiddos and lucky for us, we got free drinks and cookies! There really is power in the polo.

Wednesday is hike ROCK CANYON night. I've absolutely loved this place ever since David took me rock climbing three years ago. The weather was perfect this week. Overcast and not too hot with a slight breeze. It was glorious. Our whole group got to stay together this time so it was so fun to see the kids bond and enjoy some nature! Plus there was a beyond gorgeous sunset at the end. 

These kids were rockstars. Seriously, even though most of them were just 15 years old, they were so mature and were ready to really apply the things they were learning at camp. It was so fun to discuss with them the principles of the book. They also got so close to each other and we were able to create this environment of trust where they really opened up and talked about some deep things where we were able to help and support each other. It was awesome!

This is my friend Alex. We bonded over good books, traveling, piano playing, being counselors, missions, and wedding dreams. You could really talk to Alex about anything. He's also an amazing dancer and I loved waltzing across the dance floor with him on friday night.

On friday night after the dance, we had to make our way back to the dorms in a giant RAINSTORM. It was pouring. Hence, our lovely soaking wet picture we took to remember the moment. 

Now, this week was not without its challenges. But I honestly feel like I was just prepared to do whatever the Lord asked of me this summer. It was so taxing emotionally, physically, and mentally but I know that I wouldn't have had the same experience if it had been easy. i wouldn't have learned as much, I wouldn't have had the same interactions that I was able to with His children, and I wouldn't have had the satifaction of knowing that 

I can do hard things.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to be a part of this camp this summer. It really does change lives. It's amazing how much control we have over our lives and that we can create new habits and do things that will allow us to be more productive and successful in our lives. Just like with the gospel, when we work on ourselves we then have the capacity to reach out to others, and then we draw upon each other's strengths to make things happen! It's awesome. 

Do Things For YOU

I'm feelin' pretty good right now...

My apartment is clean, I gave myself a pedicure last night and it felt WONDERFUL and my toes are pretty :) and I washed my sheets today. There's nothing better than climbing into a bed of clean sheets. Plus it just looks so nice! I've decided that if you want things to change, you have to feel good about yourself. Even though these may seem like little things, they make me feel great and I am motivated! Reminds me of a scripture...

"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass"

There are great things ahead!

"Only when a young man is worthy to hold the power of God in his hands is he worthy to hold a daughter of God in his arms"
I LOVED Relief Society yesterday. Who knew that a 19 year old young man was capable of being so mature and teaching such an inspirational lesson. I was very impressed. It made me excited to have a man like this someday. The priesthood is such a great blessing in our lives and to have it in my future home is going to be wonderful but I also feel like I'm wishing my life away. I've always known just what I wanted to I find myself waiting (not very patiently), looking forward to what's ahead of me instead of truly living in the moment and enjoying what I have now. Yes, there are great things to come but there's also so many great things happening now!
But don't get me wrong, this isn't just about finding the perfect man. It can also be applied to my future home, job, even just next week. My mom used to always say "when you get something out, put it away" Now I know life would be much more simple if I followed this simple rule but I'm always on the run or think to myself "I'll just do it later" If I can't keep up with just one person, how in the world am I going to be able to take care of a whole family? Ever since I was little I wanted to be a teacher. People often tell me "Oh you'll probably change your mind" Um...no I won't. That's pretty set in stone and I couldn't be more excited about it! But my future classroom won't even exist for 3 more years! I'm always planning, dreaming, scheming, but that's not going to get me there. I have to do well in school NOW and learn everything I can NOW so that I can be more effective later.
I just saw this quote that said "If you just focus on the results, you won't change. But if you change, then you'll get the results" I've been focusing on the results WAY too much and not working on changing and being my best self.
So here's to change and the results that will follow. Life truly is all about the climb and it's important to enjoy every step of the way