On August 21st we had a Relief Society activity. The overall theme for the evening was "Joy In Womanhood." We started the evening off eating dinner. The food was great, I definitely stuffed my face. Then we played a few get to know you type games and a few sisters in the ward were asked to speak on finding joy in the stage of life they are currently in. I was asked to talk briefly on what brings me joy as a married woman with no children.
Initially I had a hard time with the topic. Overall I am a very happy person so coming up with a list of things that make me happy wasn't an easy thing. I asked Andy if he had any thoughts or ideas and together we came up with the following (this is also what I shared at the activity--I know I added a took a few things out when it was my turn to share).
Life is hard. It doesn't matter what stage of life you're in- challenges will come. Despite the challenges in my life I choose to be happy. Some of the things that bring me joy are: the gospel, my husband, my family, being in nature, and setting and achieving goals.
I learned as a teenager that everything in life can can and that the gospel is the only thing that doesn't change- it is constant. I have found that I am happiest when I live according to the standards of the Church.
My husband is my best friend. We have a lot of fun together! I love spending time with him. He is always there to lift me up if I'm feeling down.
My family isn't perfect, no family is but I sure do love them. I know that no matter what they will be there for me. I love spending time with them making memories and laughing together.
Being in nature is something I enjoy. When I am outdoors doing something I feel at peace and I feel closer to my Heavenly Father. Being one with nature increases my spiritual awareness and helps me feel grounded.
As a kid my Dad taught us about the importance of setting goals. He taught us how to set them and later would follow up with us to see how things were coming along. I get so much satisfaction from setting and achieving goals. This past weekend my Dad, step mom, sister, and husband helped me achieve one of my goals - riding my bike 100 miles in a day.
If you're not happy with where you are in life, I encourage you to look at your life and see what needs to change and change it.
