Gratitude

I can't even begin to describe how gratitude has helped me in my life. When I have expressed thanks to my God for what I have, no matter my circumstance, I have been humbled and filled with the Holy Spirit. This year I have so much to be greatful for... A marriage that is solid and loving, a husband that adores me, a family that loves me, a roof over my head, friends that bring me such joy (you know who you are), talents that enrich my life, a job that challenges me to be a better leader and person, great friends at work, and so much more!

I saw this video about "Gratitude" that I just had to share. I have been learning over the past few years that true, sincere, graitude can take away saddness, negativity, anger and bring you into a state of peace. This peace comes because we have acknowledged that even though our lives may be miserable and imperfect, God still blesses us. When we reflect on those blessings... things don't seem so bad anymore.

2012: The best year ever! Despite what the Myans think.

OK, so last year I totally jinxed myself. On January 1, 2011, I shouted out to the world (of facebook that is) that 2011 was going to be the "best year of my life!" Boy...... was I wrong! 2011 was quite the opposite, it was the worst year of my life. 


Everything that could go wrong... went wrong, from marriage to church, to work, everything. Toward the end of the year my "misfortunes" had humbled me so much that I became happy. The ironic thing was... I was poorer than before, distanced from my family, struggling with Church callings, living with in laws... but... I was grateful for what I had. My gratitude did wonders for me.


That's actually how this blog got started. Since everything in my life was going crappy I was determined to write a blog of only positive things. Hence the name "oh, happy days..." Everything in my life seemed dark and unhappy and it is bad enough that my journal has an extensive record of my unhappiness. Ergo, I decided that this blog be a record of my 'happy days.'


I am looking forward to many happy days in 2012 and Happy is all I am expecting. 


I am already off to a great start this year...


One, I have taken up hobbies like sewing and starting a book club with work friends at work. This is amazing because I always thought sewing was too tedious (guess all those trials the last 4+ years have given me a lot of patience) and I NEVER read books. However, I did succumb to the guilty pleasure of reading the Twilight Saga. I have read a few Nicholas Sparks books. And... I read some classics as a teenager. But that is seriously it. So, this book club is to read all the books that are coming out as movies. We read the book together, then go to the movie when it comes out. Fun.


Second, I am going to go back to doing the things that made me soooooooo happy once upon a time ago. I am going to get back into singing. I am going to take vocal lessons again and sing my heart out this year. I have already been getting more comfortable with my voice again by singing and playing the piano here at my in-laws.


Third, I am rolling with the punches. I have decided to stop freaking out so much, or getting upset when my life doesn't go according to plan. I finally had reality check and realized that my life stopped going according to plan the day I got married. So I just need to suck it up, deal with it, and enjoy the present.


So all of you that are wishing... hoping... praying... and even pleading for a good year; Don't worry, according to the Chinese new year, this is the year of the dragon! The Year of the Dragon will be marked by excitement, unpredictability, exhilaration and intensity.


So, get out there! Have fun! Cause that is what I will be doing!