Thoughts for this week...

Wow--this was a hard week for me. Work was sooooo grueling. Can't remember the last time I have felt so stressed and exhausted after every day. It seems never ending in challenges, but I know it is all worth it. I am SO excited about the staffing progress I have made at Riverton and Park City. I am getting so close to filling the jobs I need to. I just need a bit of luck over the next few months to get it all done.

I have been trying to practice some better self care this week. I met with one of our darling EAP counselors this week on her comfy microfiber couch to go over a presentation she is going to do for our UAHCR group next year. She went over a presentation on self care and how it relates to stress. So, I am working on incorporating some of her ideas into my daily life in hopes it will help make a dent in my seemingly never ending stress. One of the tips I tried to work on this week was a gratitude journal. Heard this one a million times, but have never really done it. Here are some of my thoughts for this week:}

Nie Nie Dialogues
I was reading a zillion tweets this week about a girl from Provo that was going to be on Oprah this week. I DVR'd it, and really came away amazed at her tenacity after a near fatal airplane crash. I went to her blog a few days later, and I have been non stop reading. She is a gifted writer, observer and so painfully honest it takes your breathe away. Since reading, it has been making me just stop and think about those little things I take for granted--getting dressed, showering, making a lunch--my job stress seemed so small in comparison. Made me appreciate ME! All the things I want to change I am going to stop worrying about so much. I am just going to love who I am this week--regardless of my shortcomings. I realized how lucky I am. Yes, truly anything is possible.

Greg Laswell Covers EP
This has been a relaxing balm after those insane days. Download it. The best $4.49 I spent all week.

Muscle Milk {Chocolate}
I have been drinking this for breakfast and snacks a bunch. It seriously makes me feel so happy and relaxed after I drink it. Little magic minerals or something. Yummers for a quick snack/meal if you need it. Much more satisfying than the stale vending machine stuff.

A Surprise Porch Decoration and a Day Off
So my cute mother-in-law surprised me with some Halloween decorations and offered to take Mack today. Shane and I went on a much needed date--just us. We went to the Red Iguana and then took in a movie. We couldn't believe this would be our life soon. Just us. We are so excited--but so excited to keep seeing Mack progress. Talked about his future mission, college. All the things we want for him. How proud we are of him. How BLESSED we are to have him. Not trying to wish away his childhood, but loved talking about all of our dreams for him & for us. St George, we will be there soon!
So You Think You Can Dance
Ahhh. It's back:} I so appreciate mind blowing talent--especially talent I don't even remotely possess. Getting so excited for the live show in November with my sisters, Amanda and her family. We are going to have so much fun!!!

JCrew Ribbon Coat
I have been getting so apprehensive about winter. I don't know why. The dark, cold and snow just sound so awful. I am looking for ways to cheer me up about it. Trying to channel twinkly Christmas lights, hot chocolate, and THIS for my closet. So beautiful. So perfect. So coveting.
And lastly, a thought from General Conference from last weekend. Such a gem.

We’ve all felt anger. It can come when things don’t turn out the way we want. It might be a reaction to something which is said of us or to us. We may experience it when people don’t behave the way we want them to behave. Perhaps it comes when we have to wait for something longer than we expected. We might feel angry when others can’t see things from our perspective. There seem to be countless possible reasons for anger…To be angry is to yield to the influence of Satan. No one can make us angry. It is our choice. If we desire to have a proper spirit with us at all times, we must choose to refrain from becoming angry. I testify that such is possible.

~President Thomas S. Monson, School Thy Feelings, Oh My Brother, Oct 2009 General Conference

Recover Your Happiness

A–Accept

Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you have difficulty understanding their
beliefs, motives, or actions.

B–Break Away

Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.

C–Create

Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.

D–Decide

Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.

E–Explore

Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.

F–Forgive

Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.

G–Grow

Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.

H–Hope

Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.

I–Ignore

Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.

J–Journey

Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.

K–Know

Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.

L–Love

Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness.

M–Manage

Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.

N–Notice

Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.

O–Open

Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still muc h to be thankful for.

P–Play

Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.

Q–Question

Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.

R–Relax

Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.

S–Share

Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.

T–Try

Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.

U–Use
Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.

V–Value

Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.

W–Work

Work hard every day to be the best person you can b e, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.

X–X-Ray

Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within.

Y–Yield

Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road.

Z–Zoom

Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.