So many beautiful reasons I have to be happy!

After spending the day in a very happy place with some dear friends I simply love, I was thinking about how very blessed I am. And then I came across an article containing this quote from President Thomas S. Monson:

“A grateful heart … comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives,” said President Monson in a 2010 address. “This requires conscious effort—at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. … When we encounter challenges and problems in our lives, it is often difficult for us to focus on our blessings. However, if we reach deep enough and look hard enough, we will be able to feel and recognize just how much we have been given.”

(For the entire statement, click here.)

It got me thinking about my current situation and attitude. At times I struggle with the seemingly endless wanderings of my life, the many unanswered questions and unaccomplished dreams. But then I think about all the incredible blessings I have been given, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!

I have an incredible family who love, support, and challenge me.

I have amazing, talented, beautiful, and loving friends all over the world. And I have a computer and internet access to help me stay in touch with them!

I can dance, run, and play. I can taste yummy food and breathe in warm, wonderful smells. I have red hair and freckles :) My body is healthy and awesome!

I can communicate with people from many different backgrounds and cultures, and thereby share a little of their journey.

I am halfway done grad school and my journey to become a teacher!

I live in a safe, comfortable place. I have warm blankets and a space heater to keep me warm, and still have the opportunity to visit warmer climes occasionally.

And most importantly, I have a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, a personal relationship with my Savior and my Father in Heaven, and have been promised amazing blessings.

I am so blessed to be alive!! It makes me so grateful for each day and makes my heart happy! I only hope I can share all these fabulous blessings so that others can feel that love and have a happy heart too - regardless of what life has thrown their way.

So when you reach deep and look hard enough, what do you have to be thankful for?