A Look at the Past and the New Year

I thought that now would be a good time to reflect on the past year and to set my goals for the new year, so bear with me on this. As I look back on this past year it amazes me how much I've grown and changed. I guess it's good that I've learned so much, but I can't help but wonder if a lot of the trials that I faced this year could have been avoided. Last new year's I set a goal for myself to work on my social skills. I wanted to make more friends and I wanted to know more about movies and music and stuff that really doesn't matter too much in the long run, but they were very important to me at the time. Well, I can't say that I know a whole lot about movies and music still, but I did learn a lot socially. Most importantly, I learned that I had set the wrong priorties coming into the new year. I set myself up for one of the hardest years I've had to endure thus far. As I worked on my social goals, I slowly distanced myself from the Spirit and from my Savior. I haven't by any means done anything majorly bad, but I can feel the distance between me and the Spirit that wasn't there before. I feel like I've been suffocating this whole year trying to have the Spirit with me but not really being able to feel Him there most times. The important thing though, as I approach a new year again, is to recognize the lessons that I've learned and to set new goals that will bring me closer to my Savior again. One thing that I've learned is the importance of family. Mom and Dad have told me since I was little that "friends come and go, but family will always be here". I've never really cared much about that phrase until this year. I've been so greatful for my family this year as I've had to watch more than one friend leave me for whatever reasons. Even though I may not understand why things have to happen that way, I've always had my sisters there for me. My sisters are the best friends I could ever have! I know that they will never leave me. As I approach the new year I have some new goals that I will accomplish. First, obviously, is a mission. Second, I will finish my dental assisting program by April, which is right before I would leave for the mission. Third, I will draw nearer to my Savior and to His Spirit by continuing to do the things that I'm doing, such as reading my scriptures daily, saying my prayers morning and night, and attending my meetings, but I am going to try and put more effort into those things and to spend more time and brain power on things of the Spirit rather than things of the world. As I draw nearer to the Spirit the things of the world that are important will fall into place. I will have friends and I will enjoy life more fully. I intend to keep my priorities in order this year. Good luck to you all in the new year! May 2009 be the best year ever! Oh, by the way, if you don't see me around on new year's day it's probably because I'm avoiding catastrophy. =) Most of you proably know how last year started off for me and Tiff... a car accident I don't ever want to relive. Welcome to 2008 huh? Let's hope 2009 doesn't start the same for us. Here's to hoping and praying! =) Happy New Year!