I am woman, Hear me roar!

Lately I have been going through a lot of soul searching trying to strengthen my foundations in all realms of life. I go through ups at downs as much as the next person, but my goal of late is to not let the downs keep me down. I find empowerment through so many wonderful things around me. 

I have an amazing set of parents. They have been such an inspiration to me, always encouraging me to be whatever I want to be and make my own decisions. There has been many an instance when I have begged my mother to just tell me what to do, and every single time, she refuses and says: "That is up to you". Good parenting, sometimes you hate it, but you know its for your own good.

I have fantastic job. I have been there nearly three years. A little over a year after I'd been employed, I was offered a position at a new branch. This position was not open for applications, so the offer was one of great significance. I felt so thankful that I was given the opportunity. It offered me a position that would ultimately give me the freedom to go back to school, which has been my wish since I got home from my mission. And speaking of missions, I have a brother on a mission in Scotland right now. He is my best friend in the whole world. He and I think so much alike its almost scary. I feel incredibly blessed to have Josh in my life. I have been with him his whole life, save the time away for our respective missions. I have already began to daydream about the day he will return. I cannot wait to run up to him and give him the biggest hug, as I cry my eyes out. Yes, that is my plan. 

I can run. My body has yet to reject this new hobby of mine. I will run as long as I am able. It has built up my endurance, my energy, and I believe my overall well being. Not to brag or anything, but check out those forearm muscles! I mean, talk about buff! Life is good when you have muscles.

I could not resist the pose for this picture. I am a lot stronger than I give myself credit for... stronger emotionally, physically and spiritually. Sometimes when I meet with a little resistance, my first reaction is to let it bowl me over... but with a little sweat equity and prayer, I can accomplish and overcome anything. And you can too. 

When my boyfriend and I broke up in November I thought I would handle it very well. My friends who saw me may say that I did, but it was not easy. I spent many an hour thinking and crying and analyzing and trying to figure out what happened and how I could have fixed it. I finally just had to let it go and turn it over to the Lord. I cannot deny that I still wonder about it, but not nearly as much as I used to. Time heals many wounds. 

Recently I was having a conversation with a dear friend of mine. She gave me the sweetest compliment. She thanked me for being the person I am, for being an example to her and standing firm in my values. That meant so much to me. It reminds me of a quote from a favorite movie of mine that says: 

"It makes us feel as though our hard work ain't been in vain for nothing"

In conclusion, may I just say, that life is really good. 

Its all about how you look at it.