"If we can't laugh at life, we are in big trouble."

Yesterday I finished a book of letters written by Sister Hinckley throughout her life, and I am truly amazed at such a wonderful woman she was. Her testimony and love for her family come though in her everyday actions, and her humor and love for life got her through many difficult times. She is definitely a woman I emulate to become.

"We each do the best we can. My best may not be as good as your best, but it's my best. The fact is that we know when we are doing our best and when we are not. If we are not doing our best, it leaves us with a gnawing hunger and frustration. But when we do our level best, we experience a peace."

The view from my window

The other day my mom came into my room and was amazed at the tree growing right outside my window. I didn't think much of it because I see that tree everyday, but ever since she mentioned it, I can't help but notice it. Although there are dozens of other trees I can see from my window, this one is the closest, and so often the most overlooked. Where else are there trees like this in my life? So often I go looking for help, when the people I really need are right in front of me. I focus so much on getting out and getting away from here and having a big adventure, when there are so many great opportunities and experiences just waiting to be had that are right outside my window. It is just a matter of changing perspective, looking at things differently, and seeing that what you need more than anything is the thing that was right there all along. Its all a matter of finding the true beauty in your life. I realized that I've been looking at these trees for years and the tree outside my window has always been my favorite, it just took some pointing out to get me to realize that and to take advantage of the wonderful things that are right in front of me. Bloom where you are planted, explore the close things, and don't overlook the beauty that surrounds you.