Being happy doesn't always come easy for me. I've often wondered why I struggle so; I'm quite blessed.
It seems like I'll be on a good jag, and then it comes crumbling down. I understand that the adversary is constantly working to bring us down; happiness levels are bound to dip every now and then. What I want to avoid is the "crumbling down" part.
I feel like crumbling down shouldn't be happening, not when I have so much. I have been taken in by my grandparents and my aunt and uncle. I've had the opportunity to volunteer for a political campaign (thank you, Uncle Bert). I've been able to spend time with friends and family. I've made new friends. I haven't been sick, which is a great blessing because I haven't had healthcare. My car has been doing wonderfully. And now I'm applying for graduate school.
These are just a few of the blessings I have been given.
Yes, I've had a hard fall. I moved back West to look for work. I was getting interviews, and things were looking good. Unfortunately, those interviews didn't pan out, and I've been out of work since August. I keep applying, but I'm rarely getting interviews anymore.
"But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me."
"And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (Matthew 14:30-31, emphasis added)
I have been like Peter. I had faith when I came out here, but when things got rough I doubted. But now I am saying, "Lord, save me," and I know that He will stretch forth his hand.
Things probably won't miraculously change. I'll still be applying for jobs. But my attitude will change.
"Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come." (D&C 68:6)
I choose to be happy.
To prevent "crumbling," I'm going to focus on these three things:
1) read scriptures
2) pray
3) remember blessings
How do you prevent "crumbling"?
2 comments:
wow. this is my favorite post you have ever done.
I needed this so badly today. thank you for making me a puddle. I, honestly, have felt very similar to you this semester - for different reasons and different situation. Its been really hard to avoid the crumbling lately. Your blogposts/text messages/whatever are always so timely. thank you. so much.
My avoiding crumbling method (that I finally figured out this february)
of course- read scriptures and pray. cures all. I swear.
and new technique: I have a journal strictly to write down the beautiful parts of my day. Its small and I have it with me all the time. Whenever I feel the love of the Lord, see the hand of the Lord, feel grateful for something, laugh, see something beautiful, witness a tender mercy, etc. I write it down. Just a bullet point list. I forget to do it for stretches of time and I realize how different my heart is. When I do it consistently it is amazing how different I feel and how much more love and strength I have.
Ive also been able to use it as a tool on days that I am down - I can look back and see how amazing previous days have been by rereading jokes and great things about a day. I wish I could express how much I suggest this. Its like impossible to feel bad.
which is funny because I am not doing it right now. sweet. just answered my own problem :)
sorry this was long. love you dearly.
(ps my word verification is "lamest" - thanks blogger, dont really need that today hahah)
Even when you DO have a job, things aren't always coming up roses. I've been struggling for awhile, too. One thing that does help, like your friend suggested in the above comment, is keeping a happiness journal. I write down compliments I get, nice things my husband says to me, etc. It's nice to look at them when things get hard.
I also know that I always feel better when I do something for someone else -- and when I use my talents and start to feel worthwhile again. I bet taking photos can help you get out of your slump! :) Know that the Lord will help you and He is mindful of you. I'm glad you've chosen to be happy.
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