Oftentimes in life I get paralyzed by too often, looking back on where I have been rather than looking forward to what is ahead. This has been especially true with the Holiday season in full swing. There is something about the Holidays being here that seem to effect my ability to reason and look at things logically (or at least I like to use that as an excuse). I think that some amount of reflection can be positive and encourage or help one to recognize where growth has occurred. However, I seem to sit on the extreme side of the fence. So, today I decided that instead of thinking "Last Christmas I was. . . " or "December last year was better because. . ." I decided to take my reminiscing and turn it into something of a more positive nature. Well, at least that is the goal.
For instance, 10 years ago, I was a student doing study abroad in Jerusalem. I can either look back and say "Oh my goodness. . .I am so old now, what have I done with my life. I am not dating anyone. I don't read my scriptures as often as I did back then. I don't even talk to half of my friends that I had 10 years ago. . . " The list could go on and on. Or, I can say "10 years ago I never would have thought that I would have a successful career (yes, I am considering teaching a career). I wouldn't have guessed that I would own a home, that is now beautifully decorated for Christmas. I could have only hoped to have made all the new friends that I now have, who are scattered across the country. 10 years has brought its challenges and lots of blessings to go with."
Now, before you think I have all the answers. . . . I don't. This is a constant battle for me. Someday, hopefully soon, I will master this art of
learning from the past
living for today
and
hoping for tomorrow
I am sure it is a work in progress.
For instance, 10 years ago, I was a student doing study abroad in Jerusalem. I can either look back and say "Oh my goodness. . .I am so old now, what have I done with my life. I am not dating anyone. I don't read my scriptures as often as I did back then. I don't even talk to half of my friends that I had 10 years ago. . . " The list could go on and on. Or, I can say "10 years ago I never would have thought that I would have a successful career (yes, I am considering teaching a career). I wouldn't have guessed that I would own a home, that is now beautifully decorated for Christmas. I could have only hoped to have made all the new friends that I now have, who are scattered across the country. 10 years has brought its challenges and lots of blessings to go with."
Now, before you think I have all the answers. . . . I don't. This is a constant battle for me. Someday, hopefully soon, I will master this art of
learning from the past
living for today
and
hoping for tomorrow
I am sure it is a work in progress.
One thing can be sure. I am way cuter now than I was 10 years ago and that has got to count for something. I do miss this place, and would go back in a heartbeat. Someday!
The Center at Night
The Center at Night
Looking at the center from below
5 comments:
I love your posts...except for the "Let it Snow" post. Obviously, you don't live in Wisconsin! By the way, we are coming to Utah for Christmas. I will be out there from the 19th-29th.
Such a celestial experience. We are the segullah as your dad always reminded us! You are the segullah Amber! I love this picture too. I think it's symbolic - a fountain of love and light! :) I'm so blessed that after ten years we are even closer. The friendships we made there are truly eternal. Love you Ambs! Aaaash Haduaaanna Thomas S. Monson Rasoool Allaaahhhh! :)
Wow - what an amazing experience! I'm jealous, that's priceless!
Ambero, (are you so sick of me calling you that?) I miss you too! I have also been reflecting on our time in the Holy Land, what a blessing that even though I don't remember most of what I learned (don't tell your Dad) but I think back so often to how I felt and what I experienced that. I love what you said about looking back because I tend to do the same thing, but you're right, the beauty of looking back is seeing how far you've come, not what is lacking. For what it's worth, I think you've done some really AMAZING things in 10 short years! Maybe in 10 more, we should all go back to the center together, what do you think?
We just get better with time! I love that you said you're cuter now than you were then! Haha, I totally agree! Not about you though, I'm agreeing WITH you b/c I think I'm a million times cuter now than I was 10 years ago! I was so ugly and awkard and tiny and baby-faced and odd! Hahaha, loved the pictures of Shawn too, that's funny.
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