Attitude of Gratitude

In honor of Thanksgiving, I created a gratitude widget, where I would record one thing I was grateful for each day. I thought about keeping it as an ongoing practice, but I feel like most of my posts involve something I'm grateful for, so I've decided to immortalize the list here (along with a mini explanation for future reference):

Today, I'm Thankful For...
Nov 1st: Good friends & personal revelation
After dancing up a storm the night before, Chantal and I had a really great conversation about life, its surprises, and those precious moments when Heavenly Father let's you in a bit on His plans for you.
Nov 2nd: Finding purpose through service
Isn't it amazing how we can get out of a funk just by doing something for someone else??
Nov 3rd: Friends who say inappropriate things at the best times.
I can always count on my friends to make me laugh, no matter what the circumstance.
Nov 4th: Coke, in large quantities (the soda, not the drug!)
Does this even need an explanation? Stage managing is tiring--this was my life force! haha...
Nov 5th: Butterflies in my tummy
(Warning: Cheesy Sentimentality Ahead) As much as I hate not having control over my emotions, I love that feeling of dizzying excitement when you're with or hear from that special someone.
Nov 6th: 3 small words: I Love You!
I'm grateful for a family who says this to each other multiple times a day and means it!
Nov 7th: The amazing men in my life. How'd I get so lucky?
That day, I was astounded by the genuine goodness of the men in my family and my male friends. I have great taste, I gotta say. ;)
Nov 8th: the "Coarse Alert"
Our ward's Relief Society was asked to become more modest in our speech, so now my friends and I loudly yell "Coarse Alert!!" whenever someone says something off-color.
Nov 9th: Video cameras
I found some old footage I'd taken with friends more than 2 years ago. A lot of the people on the video are still on their missions. Oh, the memories... :)
Nov 10th: I'm a TFA Corps member!!!
See the post from that day.
Nov 11th: Friends & Tivo--perfect combination.
What a better way to catch up on all my favorite shows?
Nov 12th: Compassion
I'm surrounded by people who have so much of it!
Nov 13th: My sisters.
They are the funniest girls and we have so much fun together!
Nov 14th: Letters
Having a best friend on a mission is hard, especially when you want her advice.
Nov 15th: Laughter
It really is the best medicine.
Nov 16th: New friends
Arthur is my hilarious new ward buddy. You'll probably hear more about him soon.
Nov 17th: The best big brother in the WHOLE world!
Nathan's in town for a week!! I've missed he and his family SO much!
Nov 18th: Getting stuff done!
Finished some school work that needed to be done.
Nov 19th: Disneyland
Nothing like Dland with the Thompson Fam.
Nov 20th: Old friends.
Isn't it great to have friends who've seen you in every disposition and love you anyway??
Nov 21st: My girls.
I had a really great night decorating the cultural hall with Janette, Chantal, & Kristen. They're so good to me!
Nov 22nd: Jason.
When we're in public he bugs me a ton, but, when it's just the two of us, I'm really grateful for my friendship with this guy. There's just something about him that makes me feel better. And, I guess, it's nice to have someone you can talk to about anything and who calls every Wednesday at 5:15pm.
Nov 23rd: My Boys actually dating!
AAAAAHHH!! Miracles DO happen!! And then they call me to tell about them because they know I'll be ECSTATIC!!!
Nov 24th: Children's Television
What an amazing medium and teaching tool!
Nov 25th: Sleep.
Need I say more?
Nov 26th: My Non-traditional Family
What did we have for Thanksgiving Dinner? Katsu & rice!! Now those are leftovers I can appreciate.
Nov 27th: My new niece/nephew!!
Sarah is PREGNANT and due July 9th!!
Nov 28th: Brandon's home!
We explored Heritage Park together. I love when my "brother" is home!
Nov 29th: Intelligent conversation in unexpected places
I spent 2 hours in the church parking lot talking about politics and other current events. My feet hurt SO much after, but it was definitely worth it.
Nov 30th: Love.
I'm surrounded by it everyday; it's overwhelming. :)

"If each one teaches one, we've got a good start."

Spread the Word and not the Virus!

Think About It.
Be about it.
Don't be afraid, Speak about it!
Don't cry about it, even though they lie about it.
Set a fire, Inspire!
Don't turn the other cheek about it!

Can't save the world overnight, but we can start by saving a life.
One at a time.

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
-Mahatma Ghandi

World AIDS Day
Let's talk about it.

Did You Know?*

• Since the beginning of the epidemic, almost 60 million people, globally, have been infected with HIV and 25 million have died of HIV-related causes.
• In 2008, we had an estimated 33.4 million people living with HIV, 2.7 million new infections, and 2 million AIDS-related deaths.
• Also, in 2008, around 430,000 children were born with HIV, bringing to 2.1 million the total number of children under 15 living with HIV.
• Young people account for 40% of all new adult (15+) HIV infections worldwide.
• Sub-Saharan Africa is the region most affected and is home to 67% of all people living with HIV worldwide and 91% of all new infections among children.
• In the sub-Saharan, the epidemic has orphaned more than 14 million children.
• The U.S. HIV/AIDS epidemic began in 1981 and continues to disproportionately affect minorities, men who have sex with men of all races, women and youth.
• More than 1 million people in the U.S. currently are living with HIV/AIDS.
• It is estimated that 21% of those infected with HIV, in the U.S., are unaware of their infection.
• Since the U.S. epidemic began, 565,927 people have died of AIDS.

Did You Also Know?

• AIDS is completely preventable.
• The latest data indicated that fewer than 40% of young people have basic information about HIV.
• HIV is currently incurable, but with proper treatment, many carriers can live relatively long and healthy lives.
• The number of new HIV infections continues to outstrip the numbers on treatment--for every two people starting treatment, a further five become infected with the virus.
• Despite considerable progress, global coverage remains low: in 2008, only 42% of those in need of treatment had access (compared with 35% in 2007)
• In the United States, without treatment, approximately 25% of pregnant women infected with HIV will transmit the virus to their child.
• In 2008, only 38% of children in need of treatment in low-and middle income countries recieved it.
• UNAIDS estimates that $25 billion will be needed for HIV services in 2010.

What can WE do to help?

• Be INFORMED--In this case, ignorance is a death wish.
  
• RAISE AWARENESS--Talk to your family, friends, neighbors about the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
  
• SUPPORT organizations like these.

*Facts collected from UNAIDS and the NIAID

A Living Prayer

"And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them." (Doctrine & Covenants 109:22)

The first time I read this scripture, I knew I wanted this to be the theme of my future home. Someday, I'll have these words hanging over my doorway to remind myself to make sure my house reflects the peace and joy felt in temple.

As I grow older, I realize how blessed I am to have grown up in a house so full of the Spirit. It may not be the most organized or cleanest, but I cannot help but be overwhelmed by the sweet peace and love found there. I'm so grateful for my parents and Tutu, who work so hard to create this sanctuary for our family.

When I was living away from home, I tried to create that same kind of feeling in my apartment. After a talk given by our Bishop, my roommates and I decided have faith-promoting music playing in our home as often as possible, especially on Sundays. Now, I'm not a huge traditionalist when it comes to "church music". When Gladys Knight expressed her desire for our church's music to mirror that of the more upbeat gospel music she'd grown up with, I yelled a silent "AMEN!" in my heart--but, after many years I've collected a substantial amount of religious or faith-based music (100+ songs). The playlist is called "Sunday Best" but I often find myself playing it throughout the rest of the week, as well.

Music is such an amazing medium for feeling the Spirit and sharing testimonies. When I was younger, daily prayer was difficult for me. Sometimes I didn't know what to say, but I always found words in the primary music. Our Heavenly Father has declared that the "song of the righteous is a prayer unto [him]"*--I know when I sing, God is listening. As I sing simple words of truth, I feel the Spirit so strongly.

Today, my friend Dallin sang in Sacrament Meeting. Dallin comes from an extremely musical family, but I've never heard him sing alone before. Like his mother and siblings, he proved to be incredibly talented, but beyond his musical talent, I was astounded his ability to bear testimony as he sang. The Spirit was overwhelming, testifying of not only the Christ's love for us, but of Dallin's love for his Savior. I couldn't help but tear up.

After Sacrament Meeting, I thought a lot about how powerful music is. I've decided to share some songs that have shaped my testimony and that I turn to often when looking for spiritual rejuvenation.

I hope you all enjoy the excerpt of my "Sunday Best" playlist as much as I do. I particularly love the last song, "This Is the Christ" by MoTab: This is the Christ, the healer of our souls, who ransomed us with His divine love.**

What are some of your favorite Gospel-centered songs? I'm always on the look out for new music to add to my collection. :)

*Doctrine & Covenants 25:12
**Did you know that Pres. Faust wrote the lyrics to this song? I love that man so much; what a powerful testimony!

Thank you, John Mayer...

It's good to know I'm not the only one who feels this way:

*

Friends, lovers, or nothing
We can really only ever be one
Friends, lovers, or nothing
Don't you know
We'll never be the in-between
So, give it up

Anything other than 'yes' is no.
Anything other than 'stay' is go.
Anything less than 'I love you' is lying.

*Thanks, Kelsy for introducing me to this song. :)

"Cuz, I'm a WOMAN: W-O-M-A-N..."

I need to stop reading Baby blogs... I'm not even pregnant* and they always get me all emotional!

I never used to be this emotional. Heck, I ran away from emotions like I used to run away from llamas (and for those of you who don't understand: that means VERY quickly, like you're about to be eaten!).

During a conversation with my dear friend and part-time therapist, Chantal, we were discussing this "softening" that happened to me. Chantal and I share a lot of similar personality traits. We're tough and we relish in our emotional strength and prowess as independent women. But then, one stupid day, we both stumbled upon that rare opportunity where you meet someone, fall in love (that real, gut-wrenching kind of love) and your whole world changes.

Her first love's on a mission now. Mine is happily married to somebody else. And despite our luck or unluckiness in love, we've both noticed a change. That "softening" I was talking about.

It's hard to explain, but it's that "awww" factor when you see a little baby, or an old couple holding hands--I never had those "awww" moments until after I experienced falling in love. It's that strange urge to get all domestic. Chantal and I are even talking about signing up for sewing & piano lessons! And those journal entries that start off with: "I can't wait to be a mother..." and all our future plans of things we're going to do with our kids. It's fighting that urge to start on a dress-up box collection when I'm thrift store shopping. Or stocking up on the kid books and dvd collection of things I want to make sure I expose my future kids to (I can't wait to be the "Mama Librarian").

If you would've told me 3 years ago that, at the age of 21, this is the woman I'd be, I would've laughed right in your face. And don't get me wrong, I'm still the same "I am woman, hear me roar" gal I used to be--I don't think that's ever going to change. But I'm beginning to understand what my mother meant when she told me that someday, what she had (being a wife, having a family) was going to become very appealing and I wouldn't feel like I was settling for something less or that I was doing an injustice to womankind everywhere. It would just feel right.

There are many lessons my mother has taught me over the years. One of my most cherished is undoubtedly this idea that womanhood is so much more than a stereotype; that real women can be strong and powerful whether they are doctors or housewives. And that I get to decide what womanhood means to me. What I'm going to do with the amazing potential I've been given.

To my mother, my grandmothers, my aunties, and all my big sisters: Thank you for giving me such wonderful examples of womanhood. I look up to you more than you could every know.

It's a little scary, but I'm grateful for the "softening" that came from heartache. Have I lost my edge? I hope not. What I do know is my ability and willingness to love and nurture those around me has grown incredibly. I feel like I'm finally beginning to get more in touch with that feminine, softer side of myself--and, amazingly enough, I kind of like it. ;)

Here's to growing up!


*But I do have some great websites to show you, Jackie Mama, if you're interested!