Thankful

Have you ever had the dream you had a different life where your family was wealthy and you could go anywhere you want? That maybe you wanted to look different, live in a different place, and have different circumstances? I would be lying if I haven't had these thoughts time to time especially when things are looking particularly down in life (a breakup, bad grade at school, terrible day at work). I wonder why me? why can't I catch a break. I've had these thoughts the last couple of weeks and have been reminded of how blessed I am through many experiences that can only be described as answers from my heavenly father.

I've been reminded that no matter how bad we may think we have it there's always someone who has it worse. There's always someone who doesn't have it as good as we have it. Joseph B. Wirthlin once said, "If we only look around us, there are a thousand reasons for us not to be happy, and it is simplicity itself to blame our unhappiness on the things we lack in life. It doesn’t take any talent at all to find them. The problem is, the more we focus on the things we don’t have, the more unhappy and more resentful we become.” It's a message that's made all the more timely now that the holiday season is upon us. I feel like it's important to reflect on what I've been truly blessed with and am thankful for. 

I'm thankful for....

1. My family-no matter what happens they are always there to love and help me and offer support no matter what.  My extended family as well. 

2. My job- I've spent a lot of my post high school life working at dead end jobs. I've been very fortunate to have gotten a job in the last year that I really enjoy (for the most part) and that actually provides a stepping stone into the line of work I've always dreamed of going in. My boss is one of the most helpful people i know and he's always willing to hear of my concerns and ideas. 

3. The gospel-without the gospel I don't think i would be here today. It has helped me find purpose and perspective in life and has helped me to be a better person day in and day out. I'm truly grateful for it and for Christ in my life. 

4. Education- I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to go to college and to gain a high level of education. To be able to expand my comprehension and world views. Without it I wouldn't have as clear of a understanding of the complexities of the world as I do now.

These are just a handful of things that I am thankful for in my life. I could continue to talk about my great friends and the great examples they are to me among other things. I am blessed beyond what I feel I'm deserving and whenever I feel otherwise all that I have to do is remember what I have.