6.16

Can you believe June is already over? 2016 is halfway through. Is anyone working on resolutions still? Have you completed any? 

I think this is the perfect time to sit back and contemplate on the year and how it's been going. 

This year has been my favorite year ever. I've mentioned throughout the last six months that I am focusing on choosing happiness, because really, it IS a choice. I'm unemployed and living in a basement, but it doesn't matter. I'm so happy because I have been choosing to be happy. Each night before I go to bed, I think back on the day and what I enjoyed about it. Everyday I have been able to pick at least one thing, and many days I have more to write than lines to write on. 

I have sincerely enjoyed focusing on my needs and giving myself time to do the things I enjoy. It means I spend less time watching tv, maybe less time with friends, or sleeping, but I have created so many wonderful memories to look back on from the last six months. Happiness has been my ultimate goal this year and I am so thankful I have shifted my attitude in regards to my happiness. 

My other goals have only amped up my levels of happiness. 

I've been to the temple 13 times this year. I've been to 4 temples and even though I miss the Mesa temple, I am excited to spend the next six months attending sessions and doing temple work in other temples. The peace I feel in the temple is unlike anything I have ever felt. It gives me such joy being able to sit and feel of the love my Savior and Heavenly Father feel for me. If you haven't been in awhile, and you're able, Go. You will leave feeling so much better than before you walked in. 

I made it a goal this year to run a half marathon. I hadn't run one in 2015 and really wanted to run one in 2016. I've run 3 so far this year and have one more plus a marathon to go. Likewise, I made it a goal to run 200 miles, which is more than I've done for a few years. It's incredible that I have already run nearly double that (397 miles). I love seeing what my body is capable of. Running gives me endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. Thus, running=happiness. I always come back from a run feeling so good. I'm glad I have pushed myself to run more than the small goals I set for myself. 

I already talked about traveling somewhere new and it was so wonderful going to Europe, but I still strive to look for new experiences. Last week, Mike and I were able to go to goblin valley for the day. I was so excited to go somewhere new. It was so fun and made me so happy to see a new spot in Utah. New adventures are still coming and I'm excited! 

June was helpful in amping up my reading. I'm on book 23, which is only 4 behind schedule. This month my favorite book was 'Me Before You' by JoJo Moyes, but I'll be writing all about what I've been reading in another post.  

I'm still looking for a job and hope to find something which will use my masters degree, but in the meantime, I'm not stressing too much because I know I can't control it. I'm respecting myself and my abilities and not settling for a job I won't love or that won't support us financially. I've never really done that before and I'm glad I can stand up for myself and what I deserve. 

No house yet, but it will come and we will love it. 

No fostering yet either, but I'm so excited for when we are in the position to start in on the process. We have talked more about it and can't wait for the experience. 

All in all, 2016 has been wonderful. It's not too late to work on those resolutions or to make new ones. Go out there and crush your goals. You will thank yourself later!