"I ain't tellin' you nnnnnuthin'!!!!"
...or something to that effect. Ya know? Everything that has happened in my life...every string of moments and events, big or small have led me in certain directions and ya know what else? I wouldn't change any of it. For a few moments I'll start to think about hard things that I have experienced, or dumb things that I have done and how awesome it would be if I hadn't had to go through those things. But then I think about the invaluable lessons that I learned after or even during those experiences and think no way!! I needed those experiences and I'm not givin' 'em back!! I am who I am because of those very experiences and I couldn't be more grateful. So in reality, if I could write a letter to myself for say...8, 9, 10, years ago, I think I would say something like this:
"Dear Hannah Joy,
Most people when writing letters to themselves (because that actually happens more than what would seem sane), they write about things that are coming their way that they should know about. They tell them what or who to avoid, or how to respond in different situations, or which choices to make etc, etc. BUT! Instead, I'm going to let you experience those things on your own - without mmm "changing your destiny" if you will. Because the thing is, you won't EVER experience them on your own. You have the Lord. You have countless people constantly cheering you on, supporting you and praying for you. You WILL experience hard things but you'll figure it out just fine. Promise. I would rather you experience those hard things than deny you the ability to come closer to the Savior by depending on the atonement in your own and very real ways, and to feel that joy that comes from tasting the sweet love of others around you. Oooh I ache for you a bit - for the heartbreak and sorrow and challenges you have yet to face, but I could not be happier with where they will take you. Laugh. Laugh at the silly ironies of life, smile because of your little victories here and there, and cry when you need to - crying will help your roots grow deep. Be brave and determined and don't forget to dream. Dream like crazy! Have Joy. Come to love that word - "joy." Come to know its meaning in life and in your very name. It is who you are so feel it! Be it for others too. Serve them and lose yourself. Forever remember that this life is JOY. And above all, remember that Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ love you. What else is there? Nothing will ever be as important as that knowledge and the actions you take in response to that knowledge. Ha, I'm only 21 and sometimes I wish that I could have my 45 year old self write me a letter too. But there is too much mystery and goodness in store! Let's find it all out together! One. Day. At a time - relishing every moment we possibly can, soaking in every memory and feeling we possibly can. You can do it!!! God lives. So shall you, and we shall not want.
Love,
Me."
Love,
Me."
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