The small stuff

It's funny how we take the small things for granted and it isn't until we don't have it that we realize how important it is/was.

Not being able to use my right hand and not being able to really sit/stand has made me appreciate what I do have a little more fully.

Referring to life in general; we all don't realize how much the small things mean or how much of an impact they have on our lives.  It's the small things that add up to have the greatest effect.  A friend stopping by, a caring text, a smile from across the room, a mother that pushes aside everything to help you out, feelings or reassurance and peace from our Heavenly Father, seeing a long lost friend.  There are so many small things that happen in our lives that have a big impact, that help mold us into who we are.  It's hard to recognize that fact and be grateful for the small things.

I'm not so good at fully expressing my thoughts and feelings, and I may be on drugs, but you get the the gist of what I'm trying to say.  I'm grateful for the small stuff and the people that have had a huge influence on my life by small means.  Everyone I meet and talk to is a blessing in my life in one way or another..

..

I sort of like people watching and conversations where you really get to know how people think and feel. There is so much to be learned from everyone around you.  Hearing others share insights helps me to better understand myself as well.  When people will open up and share their feelings you know you have a real friendship, not just a superficial relationship.  There is always more than what meets the eye.  I'm not always good at expressing myself, but I love to listen to others, I learn so much.  


I also love being active ad getting out and doing things.  Thanks to those who have invited me to do things and done things with me all summer, you have made my life joyful.


If anyone ever needs someone to chat with or has some insights, just let me know, you know how to contact me.  

Good Times..

Had some good times this week.  Relived some past memories with the guys.  Went biking and I'm excited about getting more into it.

Also had a guys temple trip, with chili's for dinner.  The temple is such a wonderful place, so peaceful and calming.  It is great having friends that build you up and help make you a better person.  Not many groups of friends could all go to the temple together or would want to.  Having the Gospel in my life is such a blessing.  That eternal perspective gives me purpose and drive from day to day.  I wish I could go back to the spiritual plane of my mission.  Gotta work day to day to get back there.  I never was happier than during those two years.  I can't believe I've been home a year already.  Time flies by as if it were a dream; and that is both good and bad.

Natalie, Gordy, & I walked to 7- eleven and got slurpees, brought back some good childhood memories. I love that our family is so close.  I don;t know many families that still spend a lot of time together into their early to late 20's.

Also got a call from the Marriott School of Management.  I guess there were some changes and now I am accepted!  Love it when things work out like that.  I constantly see how blessed I am and wonder why I deserve it.


Random picture of Nate planking near the top of Mount Olympus..

Well....

Didn't get accepted to the Business Program... I can keep trying and get in later, dont think that will be too big of a problem.  Or does this mean I should do something else?

What should I do with life?

Sometimes I get bored.  So I fix that with a crazy run or something like that.

Today I jogged/quick walked up Mt. Olympus.  Up in 1 hr 20 min up, not sure down.  8.13 miles.  4200 elevation gain.

Sometimes I push myself hard.  It's worth it afterwards.

For example, a few weeks ago I ran/hiked 12.5 miles, it was around 3 hours, and I didnt take any water.  After a blister on my heel was killing me and I felt like I might pass out I turned around, but that left me with 6 miles back to the car.

I don't always think ahead, but usually do.  Now I have a camelback, so that wont happen again.

Any ideas on what I should do next?

I've Learned..

I’ve learned-
 that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I’ve learned-
 that no matter how much I care, some people just don’t care back.

I’ve learned-
 that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I’ve learned-
 that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I’ve learned-
 that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I’ve learned-
 that you should never ruin an apology with an excuse.

I’ve learned-
 that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you’d better know something.

I’ve learned-
 that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do.

I’ve learned-
 that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I’ve learned- 
that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I’ve learned-
 that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I’ve learned-
 that you can keep going long after you can’t.

I’ve learned-
 that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I’ve learned-
 that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I’ve learned-
 that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I’ve learned-
 that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I’ve learned-
 that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I’ve learned-
 that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I’ve learned-
 that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I’ve learned-
 that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.

I’ve learned-
 that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I’ve learned-
 that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.

I’ve learned- 
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.

I’ve learned-
 that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.

I’ve learned-
 that your family won’t always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren’t related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren’t biological.

I’ve learned-
 that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you are to learn to forgive yourself.

I’ve learned-
 that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.

I’ve learned-
 that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I’ve learned-
 that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.

I’ve learned-
 that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.

I’ve learned-
 that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I’ve learned-
 that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I’ve learned-
 that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I’ve learned-
 that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I’ve learned-
 that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I’ve learned-
 that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I’ve learned-
 that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I’ve learned-
 that it’s hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people’s feelings, and standing up for what you believe.

I’ve learned-
 that people will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

By Omer B. Washington

Some of my ideas...


(I'm not very good with words, but you get the idea)

I’ve learned – that God puts people in our lives at the right moment, for the right reason.

I’ve learned – that the most beautiful things aren’t man-made

I’ve learned – that life’s stresses can be relieved by nature.

I’ve learned – that we all have our insecurities and weaknesses, pointing out those of others doesn’t fix ours.

I’ve learned – that we realize who and what we care about most once its gone.

I’ve learned – that it’s the small and simple things that make life great.


I’ve learned – that what others think doesn't really matter as long as it feels right to you.


I’ve learned – to listen to and follow parents advice, they have experience and wisdom that will bless your life.


I’ve learned – that happiness comes from within.


I’ve learned – that fear stops progression, faith and courage speed it up.


I’ve learned – that I'm happiest when I forget myself and think of others.


I’ve learned – that sulking doesn't do anyone any good.


I’ve learned – that family relationships are a whole lot more important than any other relationship.


I’ve learned – to learn from and remember the past, but to focus on the here and now.  Live in the moment.


I’ve learned – that giving into human desires and appetites only weakens and brings pain, overcoming them builds character.


I’ve learned – that worldly accomplishments mean little compared to daily  personal accomplishments.


I’ve learned – that realizing out many blessings and what we have gives us perspective and erases feelings of self-pity.


I’ve learned – that men/women build up defenses, but once you break through and get to know them, you will see someone just like you and I.


I’ve learned – that sometimes the truth hurts, but lies always hurt.


I’ve learned – that your words, actions, and decisions affect more than just yourself.


I’ve learned – that there is a lot of good despite all the sleeze of the world.


I’ve learned – that everything happens for a reason, even if we can't see it right now.  There is a lesson to be learned.


I’ve learned – that time flies, make the most of every minute.


I’ve learned – that a little bit of change can make a world of a difference.


I’ve learned – that the Lord gives us enough to take the 1st step, then expects us to take the 2nd based on faith.


I’ve learned – that storms provide for new life.


I’ve learned – that happiness or sadness is a choice.


I’ve learned – that every morning we decide how our day will be.


I’ve learned – that attitude is everything.


I’ve learned – that love, true love, is what brings us together.

“As A Man Thinketh” – James Allen

These are my favorite quotes from James Allen's book.  Very good read that helped me during and since the mission.  

THOUGHT AND CHARACTER

As a man thinketh in his heart so it he

A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts

Every act of man springs from the hidden seeds of though, and could not have appeared without them

Act is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruit; thus does a man garner in the sweet and bitter fruitage of his own husbandry

A noble and God-like character is not a thing of favor or chance, but is the natural result of continued effort in right thinking, the effect of long-cherished association with God-like thoughts

Man is made or unmade by himself.  In the armory of though he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself.  He also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace

By the right choice and true application of though, man ascends to the divine perfection

Man is the master of thought, the molder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny

Only by patience, practice, and ceaseless importunity can a man enter the door of the temple of knowledge

EFFECT OF THOUGHT CIRCUMSTANCES

A man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will bring forth.  If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed-seeds will fall therin, and will continue to produce their kind

Thought and character are one, and as character can only manifest and discover itself through environment and circumstance, the outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state

The soul attracts that which it secretly harbors; that which is loves, and also that which it fears

The outer world of circumstances shapes itself to the inner world of thought, and both pleasant and unpleasant external conditions are factors which make for the ultimate good of the individual.  As the reaper of his own harvest, man learns both of suffering and bliss

A man does not come to the alms-house or the jail by the tyranny of fate or circumstance, but by the pathway of groveling thoughts and base desires.  Nor does a pure-minded man fall suddenly into crime by stress of an mere external fore; the criminal thought had long been secretly fostered in the heart, and the hour of opportunity revealed its gathered power. 

Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself

Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are

Not what he wished and prays for does a man get, but what he justly earns

His wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with his thoughts and actions

Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound. 

Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results

Suffering is always the effect of wrong thought in some direction.  It is an indication that the individual is out of harmony with himself, with the law of his being.  The sole and supreme use of suffering is to purify, to burn out all that is useless and impure.  Suffering ceases for him who is pure.

Blessedness, not material possessions, is the measure of right thought; wretchedness, not lack of material possessions, is the measure of wrong thought.  A man may be cursed and rich; he may be blessed and poor.  Blessedness and riches are only joined together when the riches are rightly and wisely used. 

Happiness, health, and prosperity are the result of harmonious adjustment of the inner with the outer of the man with his surroundings

A man only beings to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life.  And he adapts his mind to that regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts; ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden powers and possibilities within himself

Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot.  It rapidly crystallizes into habit, and bait solidifies into circumstance.

Thoughts of fear, doubt, and indecision crystallize into weak, unmanly, and irresolute habits, which solidify into circumstances of failure, indigence, and slavish dependence

On the other hand, beautiful thoughts of all kinds crystallize into habits of grace and kindliness, which solidify into genial an sunny circumstances.  Pure thoughts crystallize into habits of temperance and self-control, which solidify into circumstances of repose and peace.  Thoughts of courage, self-reliance, and decision crystallize into manly habits, which solidify into circumstances of success, plenty, and freedom.  Energetic thoughts crystallize into habits of cleanliness an industry, which solidify into circumstances of pleasantness.

Gentle and forgiving thoughts crystallize into habits of gentleness, which solidify into protective and preservative circumstances.  Loving and unselfish thoughts solidify into circumstances of sure and abiding prosperity and true riches.

Let a man cease from his sinful thoughts, and all the world will soften towards him, and be ready to help him

EFFECTS OF THOUGHTS OF HEALTH AND BODY

The body is the servant of the mind.  It obeys the operations of the mind, whether they be deliberately chosen of automatically expressed.  At the bidding of unlawful thoughts the body sinks rapidly into disease and decay; at the command of glad and beautiful thoughts it becomes clothed with youthfulness and beauty

If you would perfect your body, guard your mind.  If you would renew your body, beautify your mind

To think will of all, to be cheerful with all, to patiently learn to find the good in all – such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven

THOUGHT AND PURPOSE

Even if he fails again and again to accomplish his purpose—as he must until weakness is overcome – the strength of character gained will be the measure of his true success

Strength can only be developed by effort and practice

As the physically weak man can make himself strong by careful and patient training, so the man of weak thoughts can make them strong by exercising himself in right thinking

To put away aimlessness and weakness and to begin to think with purpose is to enter the ranks of those strong ones who only recognize failure as one of the pathways to attainment

Thoughts of doubt and fear can never accomplish anything.  They always lead to failure.

Purpose, energy, power to do, and all strong thoughts cease when doubt and fear creep in

Doubt and fear are the great enemies of knowledge, and he who encourages them, who does not slay them, thwarts himself at every step.

He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure

THE THOUGHT-FACTOR IN ACHIEVEMENT

All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts

A man’s weakness and strength, purity and impurity, are his own and not another man’s.

His sufferings and his happiness are evolved from within.  As he thinks, so is he; as he continues to think, so he remains

A strong man cannot help a weaker unless that weaker is willing to be helped

A man can only rise, conquer, and achieve by lifting up his thoughts

He is limited only by the thoughts that he chooses

The can be no progress nor achievement without sacrifice, and a man’s worldly success will be by the measure that he sacrifices  his confused animal thoughts, and fixes his mind on the development of his plans, and the strengthening of his resolution and self-reliance. 

The higher his he lifts his thoughts, the greater will be his success, the more blessed and enduring will be his achievements

Spiritual achievements are the consummation of holy aspirations

He who lives constantly in the conception of noble and lofty thoughts, who dwells upon all that is pure and selfless, will, as surely as the sun reaches its zenith and the moon its full, become wise and noble in character and rise into a position of influence and blessedness

Achievement of any kind is the crown effort, the diadem of thought

By the aid of self-control, resolution, purity, righteousness, and well-directed thought a man ascends

He who would accomplish little need sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much.  He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly

VISIONS AND IDEALS

He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it

To desire is to obtain; to aspire is to achieve

Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become

The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream

Dreams are the seedlings of realities

For you will always gravitate toward that which you, secretly, most love.

Into your hands will be placed the exact results of your own thoughts.  You will receive that which you earn; no more, no less

The strength of the effort is the measure of the result

Gifts, powers, material, intellectual and spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort.  They are thoughts completed, objectives accomplished, visions realized

The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart – this you will build your life by; this you will become

SERENITY

Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom

Only the wise man, only he whose thoughts are controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey him.

In the ocean of life the isles of blessedness are smiling and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits you coming. 

Keep your hands firmly upon the helm of thought.  In the core of your soul reclines the commanding master; He does but sleep; wake Him. 

Self control is strength.  Right thought is mastery.

Calmness is power.  Say unto your heart, “Peace.  Be still”