Change

Sometimes change can be a scary thing. We get so used to the routine that we have or the person that we have become and we can lose sight of who we should be and what we should be doing. I have lost sight. I spend so much time doing things, while not bad, could be replaced by something better. I have become a person that I am not necessarily proud of, but not ashamed of either. There is always room for improvement and change. When I went to Time Out for Women earlier this year, the theme was, "Become". I chose that day that I would become happier. I guess I have not made to many strides towards my goal, but time of the essence. I have made a goal to be a happier person. This will mean that I need to rid my life of negativity and just live for the moment, think before I act and remain calm, no matter the situation. I have everything to be happy about. I have a great house, a beautiful and healthy daughter, a wonderful job, an awesome husband and the Gospel of Jesus Christ at my fingertips. Today as I was reading in Mosiah chapters 19 and 20, I really thought about change. The Nephite people were living under King Noah, who was a bad man. He did not lead his people in righteousness, nor did he care for them. Once the Lamanites came upon them, he asked his people to flee to the wilderness and leave behind their wives and children to the slaughter. Luckily the people were preserved by the Lamanites and able to establish peace among the Lamanites with Limhi as their leader. Now, they had to live in bondage and give 1/2 of all the possessed to the Lamanites, but that was far better than war. They had to change their lives and despite being in bondage, they were a happy and peaceful people. Heavenly Father loved Limhi and his people, just as he loves us. If we are willing to be as they were and stick to the commandments of God and live righteously, he will bless us. Even if he allows others to use their agency to make our lives harder, he will continue to bless those who faithfully follow him. Limhi and his people did as the Lamanites said, but they also kept the commandments of God and were spared. Peace was brought back to the land. I know that if I but keep the commandments and live the life that Heavenly Father wants for me, I can too find peace in all aspects of my life.

I know that there is always room to grow and learn from life's experiences. I also know that Heavenly Father puts obstacles in our way so that we can grow and learn. I am starting today to soak up good vibes, positive thinking and happiness, so that I can radiate those same things to those around me. I just have to think that when a Caterpillar undergoes change, he comes out more beautiful than he went in...and so will I.