too blessed to be stressed

(This picture was taken at "Beer Cans" Beach in Aptos, CA. It reminds me of good times.)

If you've been around me at ALL lately, then you've heard the following phrases more than once:
"I just don't have time."
"I can't, I'm too busy."
"I'm so stressed, I have papers to write, summaries, articles to read, etc."
"I'm sorry, I want to sooo bad, but I have to work!"
"My head hurts."
"I didn't have time to eat."
"I can't talk right now, I'm almost finished writing this paper."
"When I finish school, things will be much better. I'll have more time."
"I can't wait until Friday."
...and more.

I have a few things to say about this. First of all, "I" am the subject of each one of these sentences. I've realized that I spend so much time thinking about me, and my problems, and the things I have to do, that "I" don't have time for anyone or anything else.

Time management is definitely one of the hardest things for me right now. I can't seem to find that balance of work, school, play, "me" time, volunteer work, church responsibilities, etc. I'm really trying to manage my time better, but it's not working out as I had hoped. I miss hanging out with my friends, being lazy and working on various projects. Summer went by way too fast.

For the time being, I've resorted to looking forward to the destination rather than enjoying the journey. I know it's wrong to have that kind of perspective, but for me, it seems to be the only thing that's working right now. I look forward to Fridays more than anything in the world, and that's what gets me through the week. I also have other things to look forward to, such as parties, the dashboard concert (Trav bought me tickets!!!), Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas... etc. Just don't remind me that I have a short while left, because that adds more stress, thinking about all I have to do in the meantime, instead of how little time left I actually need to endure.

I got 3 letters from my sister this week. (For those of you who don't know, she is on a mission in England.) Her letters always come at the perfect timing, and she is always so positive and full of advice. It's what I look forward to, I think even more than Fridays! She always has a scripture or a quote for me to read and I love (and need) her encouragement.

Today she said the only thing she wants is for me to be happy. She said, "I just want to know you are happy. I know you are crazy busy as you always are, but try to remember to be grateful for what you have. I hope you have a great week, and don't get too stressed. Remember: You are too blessed to be stressed."

She couldn't be more right. When I really think about all the positive things we have right now, I am so grateful, and it eases my burdens a little bit. Things could always be worse, and right now, I'm doing pretty dang good, all things considered. Everyday I try to see the positive in the little things, and I let myself dwell on them for longer than usual. From finding a parking spot close to school, a friend buying me jamba juice (thanks Callie) to looking at the changing color of the leaves, I enjoy the little things, and they really do make me happy.

So that's my message for today. Enjoy the little things, and remember: You're too blessed to be stressed. Thanks to Lizzie for the reminder.