In general, I'd like to think that I strive to be a happy and positive person. Many times however I fail miserably and lately that has really been the case. Quite frankly, I'm surprised at this point that I still have my wonderful fiance because I'd have probably left myself by now!
Since Phil and I decided to get married, I've really allowed the stress and drama of planning the wedding overshadow the joy and excitement of marrying my sweetheart. Yes wedding planning is stressful but I've really become aware of just how much I've allowed the stress to overwhelm me when if I would simply choose to be happy and make the efforts involved in that choice, then the stress wouldn't affect me the way it has been.
The wedding is almost 2 weeks away and I want more than anything to enjoy this special time in my life. I'm sorry to my sweet mother, my wonderful friends and especially my sweet and wonderful husband-to-be for all the upset tears and complaints they've had to hear and witness over the last couple of months. I love you all and the fact that you've listened, counseled, supported and most importantly, stayed by my side is reason enough right there to be absolutely filled with joy!
Tonight, when faced with more negativity that I was not handling well, I knelt down and had a long talk with my Heavenly Father about the person I've let myself be lately and the person I want to be instead. After the prayer I started to really think about what actions make for a happier life. I started jotting them down and thought I'd like to reflect a bit on them here...
The way I see it, the key to being happy is to be as Christ-like as possible. The happiest people in this world I know are also the most Christ-like people I know. These wonderful individuals live righteous lives, go out of their way to support and serve others, they're always positive to those around them, lifting other up and never tearing others down. If I want to be a happier person I need to send more happiness out into the world. Give more compliments than criticisms, share more of the good things than the bad things with others, thank my Heavenly Father for my many MANY blessings rather than always focusing on the bad things I want fixed.
If I strive each day to be more Christ-like and to live my life in a way and treat others in a way that will please Him, then no matter what anyone else in my life says or does, I'll be able to keep smiling and know that I'm doing my very best and that I'm being the very best version of me I can be.
Tonight this is my wish and my prayer
XOXOXOXOX
2 comments:
I love your philospohy, Amanda. May we all live our lives like Christ and be able to develope happy attitudes no matter what storms fester in our lives.
Thank you for reminding me to focus on the positive. Everyone has their fair share of difficulties but your happiness in life really does depend on living a Christ-centered life. I need to incorporate this more often in my life.
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