What Makes You Happy?

I have to say, I'm quite ashamed I've neglected to write for so long. Being in the Writing Studies Major, it's rather embarrassing I let myself forget to do what I love: write! 

I will try to redeem myself by mentioning that I'm in my last week of school before I have to endure the dreaded week of Finals. With that said, the semester is almost over and I can't help but reflect on my first semester here at Utah Valley University. It has been nothing like what I planned or thought it would be. Here's the mini breakdown of things I most definitely was not expecting:

1. I tore my ACL pole vaulting in my first track meet...which also happened to be the first week of school

2. I spent over $1,000 in medical bills because my health insurance decided not cover my out of state injury

3. I spent a week on crutches before I decided to go against my better judgement and use a knee brace instead

4. I signed up for a 7am math class which resulted in lack of sleep and horrible test scores

5. One of my roommates got involved in both pharmaceutical and street drugs, as well as marijuana which resulted in cops, SWAT and paramedics to have a party in our living room at 4am 

Those are only a few of the bigger issues I had to deal with on top of school work. Still, despite what might seem to be a dismal first semester, I couldn't be happier with the way things turned out. While I definitely had some rough spots where I felt like giving up, there were only a few. The way I see it, I could have had a horrible experience by simply focusing on all the negative things that were happening. Instead, I decided to focus my energy towards what made me happy, and I found plenty.

Number One

I know Easter was yesterday, but really we should be thankful for the sacrifice our Savior Jesus Christ made for us every single day. Still, with the holiday this past weekend, I thought a lot about Christ's love for me. Knowing you are loved is one of the greatest feelings ever. Love and belonging are two of our basic needs as humans, and whether or not we remember, Christ offers that to us 24/7.  I know I'm not a perfect human being, and even though my efforts to try to be aren't always at 100%, he still loves me. I couldn't be more grateful for the thousands of second chances he has given me. Knowing my Savior's love for me is what drives my happiness and influences the way I share that love with others.

Number Two

I would be a fool not to recognize this wonderful man as one of my top reasons for being so happy this semester. The only reason he isn't my number one is...well because it's kind of hard to top Jesus.  After I tore my ACL (you can kind of see my brace in the picture), Josh heard about my injury at church and decided to buy me "get well" flowers. You have to understand, I had only been in Utah for a week at this point and hardly knew anyone; we had only briefly met a few days before. When I called him to say thank you he offered to drive me to school and anywhere else I needed and/or company if I wanted it. We started seeing each other everyday after that and within two weeks we officially started dating. 

Our relationship has become so much more than I could have ever imagined. We've had struggles just like any healthy relationship will, and through all of them I have gained a best friend who (conveniently) happens to be the love of my life. Since the very beginning Josh has been my rock and constant reminder of what true happiness feels like. 

Number Three

Spring/Summer. I can't even begin to express how happy these two seasons make me. It must be the sun. There is nothing better than feeling the warm sun sink into your skin. Of course being half Polynesian I might be slightly biased ;) 

Aside from that, Spring and Summer have so much to offer. I've always loved the outdoors and it's limitless posibilities. Even though it sounds cliché, I really do love getting away from the city and electronics (except for my camera...I love my camera) and simply connecting with nature. It's literally a breath of fresh hair. 

These are only my top 3 reasons for being happy. If I listed them all I'd have to compile a book. The most important thing to get out of this is that despite the unstable, negative, and depressing moments of your life, they are just that: a moment. And moments come and go. I know it's been said a million times before, but life really is too short to be worrying about things you can't change. If it's in the past, leave it there. Focus on building your life upon happy moments so that you can appreciate them later in life rather than regretting that you spent the majority of your time pouting. I'm not saying there won't be times worth grieving over, but if you can learn to choose happiness instead of anger, depression, etc., getting over those unhappy times will only get easier. 

So....what makes you happy?

Xoxo

B.