Simplicity

I really enjoy the little things in life I've realized.  Maybe I'm just more detail oriented, or maybe I'm just easily amused.  Let's be real though - they are what make life bearable among the storms of the adversary.  I enjoy the sunshine and the brisk cold of the mornings.  I like getting that sudden rush of adrenaline when you wake up realizing that you've overslept.  I enjoy the dry humor of professors, and the things that I learn that will haunt me for the better in my daily life (eg. people-first terminology or different aspects of architecture).  I love the songs you hear that apply to your life so perfectly that you just listen to them on repeat non-stop.  I appreciate boys that hold open doors for girls (you may think this is a given, but I've noticed it more and more that people out West don't do it as much as they do in the South...).  I love walking around campus without headphones and realizing the beauty of my surroundings, and I especially love the apple trees I see and smell while walking to the Utah State Hospital.  I find joy in the smile that I can't contain when I see someone on campus that has no shame - the ones that are so comfortable with themselves that they will do just about anything to brighten someone's day (eg. the boombox guy - I'd like to see anyone tell me that their day is worse after seeing him and getting the Fresh-Prince song stuck in their head!).  I thrive off of the sudden bursts of knowledge and truth manifested through the Holy Ghost that give me strength and comfort in my decisions.  I admire the power I am given to feel my Heavenly Father's love for His other children.  I am so thankful for religion classes and the new things I learn regardless of the amount of time I have spent studying on my own for years on end.  I like seeing people I know on campus, or even getting smiles from random strangers.  I gain comfort in the random acts of kindness, whether it be through service or unexpected texts from friends.  I love love love the temple and the immediate serenity that I feel as soon as I enter the grounds.   The list could go on and on, but I decided to have a simple post this week, so I hope you appreciate it as much as I liked writing it. :) In short, you will increase your happiness if you take the time to slow down and recognize the simple joys in life - they're always there whether or not we recognize them.  Remember, by small and simple things are great things brought to pass! 

"When faith is properly understood and used, it has dramatically far-reaching effects.  Such faith can transform an individual's life from maudlin, common every day activities to a symphony of joy and happiness." - Elder Richard G Scott