I've been a sister almost all of my life, but I'm only just starting to realize the importance of that relationship. And you, my sisters, have been on my mind a lot lately. (And there's a lot of you, even not including the in-laws, friends, Relief Society, and roommates that become sisters too.) I sometimes feel a little bummed because I'm so far away from all of you. I am out of the loop when it comes to the day to day and week to week goings ons of your lives. I don't get to talk to you or get to know you as easily as I'd like. But I am grateful for Facebook and the fact that our mutual parents keep me up to date on the important things. I watch you on social media. I think about you, I pray for you. And there are things I wish I could tell you. But it would be completely awkward to just grab your face the next time I see it and say emphatically what it is I want to say (not to mention the time consuming-ness of that endeavor to each individual face), so I'll write it here.
(Oh, and imagine me grabbing your face... ;) )
2. Own your choices. Yes, other people have an influence on you, on your mood, on your feelings; but you and only you, are responsible for your choices. The awesome ones, the good ones, the stupid ones, and the downright rotten ones. When you decide to own up to your own choices (no matter how small or large) and your responses to other people's choices (no matter how poorly or well a person may have treated you), you will become happier, self controlled, and capable. You will overcome when you make mistakes. You will be more forgiving of others mistakes. You will more readily be able to think and act decisively, instead of reacting emotionally. And that is truly a beautiful thing.
3. You can change. No matter where you are in your life, what you have done, what you are doing, you can become something better. This is especially true when you feel like it's not. When you are at your lowest low and believe there is no way you can ever be any more, you're believing a lie. A big, filthy, and extremely convincing lie. But you, my sweet sister, you cannot sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's atonement shines. Do you know what that means? It means there is no problem that you cannot overcome. It means there is no choice you make that defines you unless you let it. It means that you are worth more than you can comprehend. That is the truth. Also, when you feel you are at your best, that there's no way you could possibly be more awesome, that is also a lie. A sneaky, partially true, and easy to believe lie (because, truthfully, you ARE awesome). Both lies come from the same source, and serve the same purpose. Please don't believe either one. God's version of you is so much bigger and better than you realize. Take His hand. Always continue to find ways to progress. Always find ways to be better. As you do, you will become a more full version of YOU. I have a feeling that is better than anything you or I could even imagine. And that really is the quest (indeed the very purpose) of this lifetime.
4. Oh, and while I've got ya here... I love you. ALWAYS. *squishy hug*
(Oh, and imagine me grabbing your face... ;) )
1. Whether you believe it or not, you are loved. You are loved unconditionally; by me, by your parents, by a Father and Mother in Heaven, by more people than you are aware. You are loved not because of your strengths, but certainly not any less because of your weaknesses. Your worth is great solely because you are a daughter of God. NOTHING you do changes that; could ever even have the power to change it. You are a daughter of God! Do you know that? Please know that. Please seek to know that if you're not quite sure. It is true. One of my biggest hopes for you is that you all come to know that truth as intimately and personally as possible. Then, in your weakest moments, you will know how to draw strength and power from the Source of all power, because He is your Father. Certainly there is nothing more empowering than that.
2. Own your choices. Yes, other people have an influence on you, on your mood, on your feelings; but you and only you, are responsible for your choices. The awesome ones, the good ones, the stupid ones, and the downright rotten ones. When you decide to own up to your own choices (no matter how small or large) and your responses to other people's choices (no matter how poorly or well a person may have treated you), you will become happier, self controlled, and capable. You will overcome when you make mistakes. You will be more forgiving of others mistakes. You will more readily be able to think and act decisively, instead of reacting emotionally. And that is truly a beautiful thing.
3. You can change. No matter where you are in your life, what you have done, what you are doing, you can become something better. This is especially true when you feel like it's not. When you are at your lowest low and believe there is no way you can ever be any more, you're believing a lie. A big, filthy, and extremely convincing lie. But you, my sweet sister, you cannot sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's atonement shines. Do you know what that means? It means there is no problem that you cannot overcome. It means there is no choice you make that defines you unless you let it. It means that you are worth more than you can comprehend. That is the truth. Also, when you feel you are at your best, that there's no way you could possibly be more awesome, that is also a lie. A sneaky, partially true, and easy to believe lie (because, truthfully, you ARE awesome). Both lies come from the same source, and serve the same purpose. Please don't believe either one. God's version of you is so much bigger and better than you realize. Take His hand. Always continue to find ways to progress. Always find ways to be better. As you do, you will become a more full version of YOU. I have a feeling that is better than anything you or I could even imagine. And that really is the quest (indeed the very purpose) of this lifetime.
4. Oh, and while I've got ya here... I love you. ALWAYS. *squishy hug*
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