What do you choose?

Do you ever have a day, week, month, or sometimes a year that just seems to much to bear? I do. Usually it is only a day or two at a time. But, when those days are upon me I don't really know how to move forward. Thankfully this month has been a month full of promise and good advice.

On the 11 I was able to attend a church meeting for all of the adult women in our area. The theme was "Choosing Happiness." The speakers were fantastic! I don't think that there was a dry eye in the room through some moments because the things they taught us were so precious. I left that day resolved to be a happier person (although I am sure my children and husband think I am still just as mean and ornery as ever). I came away with a renewed sense of purpose being a mother and wife. I came away feeling like what I am doing does matter and I am not just a maid to my family. I knew (and still know) that God loves me and He gives me trials and obstacles that are just right for me. Those trials will help me to be happy when I choose to let them do so.

As I have been reading more I am finding myself drawn to books not only to live in someone else's world for a few hours but to gain knowledge. This month in the book club I attend we read "The Phantom Tollbooth." It is a children novel but has so much hidden truth inside of it for adults. I found myself too closely connected with the main character Milo in that I often rush through my day without stopping to enjoy the beauty of the moments I am living. I have been taking a moment each day to just watch my children, individually, and what a wonderful thing it has been for me. I have been trying harder to do meaningful things and not just things to fill my time with. What a difference it has made for me.

I am currently reading another book about different ways to work with my children while raising them. It has caused me to reflect on my parenting methods and some of the things I can improve on. I don't feel like I am a horrible parent. My children know I love them and that I would do anything for them. I do like to try new things and see if I can help my children in better ways. Since my girls are so different than Spencer I am having to try new things to help them deal with the issues in their lives. I am excited to implement some of the methods I am reading about and see if any of them work (I am sure they will).

Last night I went to another church meeting for the neighborhood women. We talked about the different shoes or roles we juggle with everyday in our lives. It has made me reflect on which shoes I am wearing now and what shoes I want to be wearing. I know I cannot stand still but that I must keep moving forward and so maybe I need to change my shoes so to speak.

I am not sure if any of this makes anyone else feel better but I feel better getting some of my thoughts out of my head. I hope that we can all choose happiness. Choosing happiness is a frame of mind, it is an attitude, it is refreshing. I can honestly say that I am trying to be happy, not just content but truly happy. The question for you is: What do you choose in your life? Do you choose to be happy? Do you choose to enjoy life? Even when things are hard do you find ways to be happy that Heavenly Father is there to help you? What do you choose?