New Year, New Life

I decided to take some ideas from my daughters, who are doing a "365 days of me" kind of thing, and post a new log each week, making this a "52 weeks of me" thing instead. With a new year starting, this is a great time to begin new goals, re-set old ones, and keep track of them here because, as the saying goes, "goals that aren't written down are just wishes." I also decided to follow suit with Shauna and write the things I am thankful for. That's always a good idea!

So, although the first week past a few days ago, here is my first entry. If you know me or have followed this blog before you know that I have struggled with depression from time to time. It's one of those things that stays with you if you don't always choose to fight it. I have realized many things about this disease and hope to help others with it. I am currently writing a book and hope to get it published. This is a very important topic to me. Anyway, I have chosen each day to be happy and it has worked. It is amazing how your mind and spirit can take control if you really want them to.

The other day I noticed my wonderful hubby doing some goal setting of his own on his palm pilot. He set goals to read the scriptures every day and say his prayers. He put these in a section where he could check them off each day. Good idea, I thought. Then I saw the next goal: choose to have faith. Each day he wants it to be his goal to have faith. That goes right along with my goals, I thought, in choosing to be happy or to find positive things in my life. But this seemed even more important because it is the basis for which we live. What a wonderful idea - to choose ye THIS DAY whom ye will serve. Each and every day.

Needless to say I have put that on my list of goals as well.

As far as the things I am thankful for, I must start with the most important. My loving Heavenly Father has provided me with the best family ever and some really great friends. I am very grateful for the gospel in my life and for the things my Savior has done for me. Not to make any of that unimportant or anything, but whenever I list my blessings I really want to put my fantastically wonderful (and very handsome!) husband Lee Allen at the top. Without him I doubt I would have the terrific life I have now! What a blessing it is to have someone so loving and sweet as your best friend, your eternal companion and your partner in everything. I have tested him in many ways, especially when going through tough depressing times, and he has always supported me, loved me and gently scraped me off the ground when I felt like I had gone deeper than I wanted to. I wish everyone could have the kind of marriage I have. Thank you, Lee Allen, for being my best buddy. I love you, I can't live without you, and I'm so glad we will have each other forever! XOXOXO