Cindy Marie: great attitude.

Thanksgiving has come and gone! I did lots of reflecting but I have yet to post about it. And, since I am in a writing mood-and typing hasn't been so comfy for my recovering shoulder- I will keep 'em comin'.

I have realized the importance of attitude. It makes such a huge difference in everything in life. And when it comes to gratitude, blessings, and giving back, attitude is HUGE. Something can be a blessing and go unnoticed due to a certain attitude towards it.

I will go ahead and expose myself for the sake of demonstrating my point.

Ever since I have been home from my mission, I have been struggling. I have my good moments. I enjoy being home and spending time with my family. I should do it more... But I also feel so lost. Having had to reapply to BYU was a shock to my system. Not being in school this coming semester is KILLING me (I'm a hardcore nerd, you see). It doesn't help that I feel like I'm failing at life in general. Still an undergraduate and not a graduate. Still sick and not full of life. Still lost and not decided. I have been doing a little bit of moping. It's terrible. But that was because of the attitude I had towards it. Let's face it, I do sound pretty pathetic. BUT!

How about I try this attitude:

I have been given an opportunity. I can heal, I can sort through all my thoughts, I can prepare, I can write, I can develop my skills and talents (work on piano again, take some singing lessons, join a dance academy, work on my cooking, use my dusty SLR... the possibilities are limitless!). I can READ! Anything I want. I can explore. It's like a mini sabbatical from life to figure out my life a little more. It is a tender mercy so I can find my way and not be afraid of making choices because I'll know I've studied them out MORE than sufficiently. And really, Heavenly Father knows that this is exactly what I need. I need to take advantage of it. And, if I truly do, I will have that much more joy added unto my life. It's a promise I've been given.

So. For what am I particularly grateful this year:

1. The Gospel. My hope.

2. My mission!! It has brought me blessings in the form of mission presidents, companions, investigators, experiences, and... pain and illness...perhaps that really has been or eventually will be the greatest blessing of all. My refiner's fire.

3. My family. Though imperfect, they are mine and I love them. I want to learn how to cherish them more and more and more. My haven.

4. Letters. And all those that have written them. My tender mercies.

5. My primary class!! I was sick this Sunday and wasn't able to teach... I missed them so much. They are amazing. I'm going to do something special for them next week. Hmmm... maybe I'll even plan an out of Sunday activity!!!! That would be so fun!!!! My joy.

6. Writing. It will always be me. My escape, my rescue, my outlet, my source, my love, my passion.

7. Mi vida. Not at all where I thought I would be but it is definitely taking me where I need to be. My adventure.

Fun fact! This year my mom didn't feel like fussing over cooking the turkey. So we had New York style steak instead. It was delectable.