Why thinking you're ugly is bad for you

Be skillful.

Now, I've never sailed a boat, but I love this quote. And I think we all get the point. None of us are going to get any better if we don't travel through some rough waters. And there will be storms, trust me. Over and over again. But you will get better at getting through it. It will always be scary, and no two storms are exactly alike. But as life goes on and you take time to learn the craft, you'll know what signs to look for, when to slow down, and how to better interact with those around you.

Give your heart.

Always there - Miss Jessica Ellis

"As we grow up, we realize it's less important to have lots of friends, and more important to have real ones." - Unknown

I am so blessed with wonderful friends. Seriously! The luckiest girl in the world! I'm going to do a few of these posts because I have many to acknowledge, but for now I'd like to start with Jess.

I've known Jess for about three years, the first of which I just knew of her. We were in the same ward at school but never spoke really. The second year we hung out a little through mutual friends, but never anything beyond that. But through this last year, she has been one of my saving graces!

Miss Jessica Ellis is the eminence of what it means to be a true friend. I know I can talk to her about anything and be free of judgement. I can call her at midnight freaking out about my life and she'll drop whatever she's doing to help calm me down and talk it out. She's done it - trust me. She is so patient to listen to the same problems over again and help me understand the higher purpose of it all.

Knowing Jess has helped me understand there is nothing more important than people. In the end, it really doesn't matter what jobs you've had, the records you've set, or the money you've made. What matter is the kind of person you've been - what kind of difference you've made in the lives of others, and to always be there when they need you.

The Art of Catching Butterflies

"I wonder how many people I've looked at all my life and never seen." - John Steinbeck

I love this quote. And I live by it. Thus the basis of this blog.

Everyone has a story. Oftentimes, we feel as if we are the main characters in this world and everyone else are just extras. I've done it! And still do sometimes. It's called human nature. We naturally think the world revolves around us. But, just for a second, think about what all those people go on doing when their not filling the scenery. They go about their own daily lives making decisions - struggling, overcoming, and sometimes failing at life.

Now, think about butterflies. I know, it's weird, but just do it. They are beautiful, mysterious creatures. We enjoy them for the moment, but then go about our daily lives without a second thought. Now, compare this to how we might treat people. Have you ever had the thought, "I should go talk to him, he seems like he could use a friend," or "She looks like she could use some help." How easy was it for you to brush that thought away? It's true. I've done it, and still do it more often than I'd like. But, I'm making a more conscious effort to appreciate and be patient with others and their struggles as I wish they would be patient with my struggles and imperfections.

So, this blog. I hate it when I resort to saying, I've been through a lot. So... I'm going to say, I've been blessed with perspective because of struggles in my life. It isn't a perfect perspective, and I'm not saying it should be your perspective, but it's a perspective that has allowed me to see others through Christ's eyes. And I'd like to share those thoughts and experiences with you.

So, let's get to it. The Art of Catching Butterflies.