Pieces of Peace

I am not a physically strong person. I try, but am not. This has been a very physically trying week. When I have one of those weeks I am really good at beating myself up over it. Last year at girls camp my heart went crazy during the "big hike". I was terrified I would be on the news being airlifted out of Snow Canyon. Blessedly, Chad was there with me and through much patience got me out of there. I have never gotten over the embarrassment of almost-but not quite (less than 1/2 a mile from our destination!) making it. I know people that have energy from the moment they get up until they go to bed. I'm jealous. I have never been that way. I have family members who train for marathons while I know that is physically impossible for me. I'm lucky if I get a mile done on my treadmill a few times a week. Don't get me wrong...I have absolutely no desire to run marathons,  but the fact that I can't do it frustrates me. And granted, a decent bedtime might help my situation a little. The fact of the matter is that I had a lot of expectations on me this week and I fell short of a lot of them. For each day that I got through, the next one was more wearying. I didn't sleep well, I had nightmares when I did, and I had nausea that wouldn't go away. So I worried about the things I was not getting done. Which made me more weary. See the cycle?

I depend on inspiration quite often to keep me focused. I am blessed that during this week of self-doubt I was also blessed with plenty of inspiration. When I listened, I was able to be calm. I knew who to talk to, and who to listen to. I had to remember that sometimes we have to wait for answers and results. I knew there were people who were just fine without me and that I had to rely on the fact that I had taken care of some of these responsibilities months ago-and l had to be at peace about it. Above all, I had to look for peaceful, calming moments and trust that God was giving those gifts to me. Here are some of the pieces of peace that got me through my week.

Watching Santino Fontana sing with the  Mormon Tabernacle Choir
last week ~and remembering the exhilaration and inspiration this week

Being on Temple Square with Meghan and Emma and her family got my spirit
ready for the week ahead.

Enjoying the beauty that God has placed on the earth

Loving happy moments-even someone else's

Spending time with my parents

Sitting in my piece of paradise right outside my back door

Just Another Day in Paradise

With the wedding and all the catch up after it, I've almost forgotten to revel a little in our pre-wedding cruise experience. I have gotten pictures up on Facebook every so often, but part of me needs to relive paradise. I realize that for much of the world, experiences like  our cruise are once-in-a-lifetime chances, and I am so very grateful I have been blessed enough to see wonderful places and meet wonderful people on our trip.

Our first picture upon boarding the Disney Dream

The time I spent with my family was the absolute best part of our cruise. We grew together in many ways. This trip was emotionally charged. We knew when we got back that life was going to change drastically for us. Cassie got married less that 2 weeks after our return, and that was in the back of our minds during the cruise. We had to work through a few tears and anxieties, but we all felt better for the closeness we gained from it.

Leaving Port Canaveral

One of the things our family realized is that there are people who enjoy travel and places of paradise on a regular, if not every day basis. Just seeing some of the homes in the Bahamas was mind-bending. We felt so blessed to have our week there. The fact that we have to save, plan, and work hard for our trips to paradise make them all the more special to us. I am in awe every time I experience a wonder with my family. I admit I get very emotional while I am having these adventures. Time passes so quickly and it has gone so fast while raising my children. I always wonder if I have really cherished and made the most of everyday moments. You never miss the little things until they are gone.

Pirate Night

Fireworks at sea

So although we were quite literally in paradise for a time, I do understand that paradise is with my family. My family is changing. I am willing myself to recognize that paradise can change too. So I plan to make the most of whatever paradise I get.

Castaway Cay-the best reason for a Disney Cruise!

Ah-island life