Friday, March 6, 2009

Gratitude

As i laid here tonight in bed, not being able to sleep, partially because i have things on my mind and partially because i took a nice long nap this afternoon, i found my mind wandering and i realized that despite my life being far from ideal, i have a lot to be grateful for. I should really learn to focus on those things more than what might be lacking in my life, because I am so lucky to have what i have.

I have a family who is by far the best family on earth for me. They are my best friends and i come to appreciate them all more and more everyday. I use to not grasp how lucky i am to be the youngest in my family, but it's been a definite blessing in my life to be at the end in my family so i could learn and grow from my siblings wonderful (only sometimes) examples.

I have some awesome friends. Friends that listen to me vent about the same subjects over and over again. Friends that allow me to drag them on random adventures. Friends that really know and understand me and that have constantly been there when i've needed them. Good friends are often hard to find. I've been lucky in my life to have the opportunity of knowing some really great people. I can only hope i've been as good of a friend to them as they have been to me.

I have the opportunity to gain an education. And not just anywhere but at BYU. I know that it sounds really cliche, but it's been a huge blessing in my life to be here. Where else can you start class with a prayer or meet thousands of other kids that have basically the same standards as you?? Not only is it a great environment but you really do gain a quality education. And plus there's mountains all around, which i love.

I have the knowledge that my Heavenly Father loves me and that is more than enough to turn even the worst day into a good one. For that, i am grateful.

That doesn't even begin to sum up the things i'm grateful for but it hits on some of the bigger points. If i began to list EVERYTHING i'm grateful for we could be here for awhile. For example, just to name a few: i'm grateful for milk and cereal, warm blankets, beautiful weather, the workout i get every morning going up the stairs to campus, 50 cent ice cream cones at Macey's, and oh so much more.

Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more.

7 comments:

Charlotte said...

This is great--remembering all the things that I have and can be grateful for is the best way to lighten up a day and be happy. We really are all so blessed.

Heather said...

Brooke, your blogs are always so inspired--I have so much to learn from you--even though you are the youngest, you are such an example to me. I do have to dispute one point--I was always a good example to you--the boys weren't, but I was. I know you strive to be like me!!! I am grateful for you and the wonderful sister you are and the wonderful aunt you are to the kids--they love you!!

Aaron said...

Brooke, my example was always great. you just have to look at each event in the right light. you can admit it, i'm you inspiration.

Namlot said...

I knew you liked us. I agree with Aaron we have been nothing but good examples to you. Now go get me some donuts and juice.

cait. said...

I'm grateful for you.

beckie. said...

um, you are cute.
and yes, your family does rock.

Mychal Allen said...

Brooke, I'm grateful you're my friend.