S U C C E S S E S.

During the first month of college I wrote myself a letter. It is titled simply; successes. I want to share it today:

Successes - May 17th, 2015

I am at college. I am sitting in the chapel in Rexburg, Idaho. This will be my fifth week of school. I have all A's right now. I have an amazing friend group. I am living without my parents for the first time. I have a strong relationship with my roommates; I am building an even stronger relationship with my Savior. I have accepted a calling as relief society teacher. I took my first college exam! I stay in touch with my best friends. I have a strong hold on my anxiety. I worked hard to get here. 
Today especially, I miss my family. I miss my dog.  I am scared that I won't be successful. I want to be a leader! I want to serve others more! I do not know how to be an adult. 

BUT I AM DOING IT. I am a leader! I am independent! I can and will be successful. I don't know what I'll be doing 8 months from now, but I am here. I am in the refiners fire. Because of that; I am successful. I am where I need to be. I can always be better and that is super cool. 

God is good! Life is good! And I am good.
For me, that is enough. 
-Hallie 

I've been so inspired lately - 3 songs in 2 days? okay that's fine :-)

Last Sunday I sat in a different chapel and thought about that letter. I thought about CHANGE and how cool it is. And then I grabbed my pen and my very same notebook and began writing: 

Successes pt. #2 - August 22, 2015

I am sitting in a chapel in Missoula Montana. I am in a transition phase right now. I am mature, but I am young. I am young, but I am mature. In the past 4 months I have grown incrementally and exceptionally. I have become acquainted with obeying my God and I have become acquainted with disobeying my God (I like obeying more). 

I traveled across the country becoming familiar with the beautiful history of my church. I fell in love with Nauvoo; I wear it on a necklace around my neck every day. I learned that people NEED me to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. I met dozens of soulmate friends. I learned to persevere when you feel the social pressure of being alive. I learned that home is where the people you love are. The people I love are all over the country now -- my family is everywhere! 

I laughed. I cried. I struggled and I grew. I feel CLEAN now. I will begin fall semester at BYU-Idaho feeling infinitely free!! I will meet new friends; I will grow with old friends (family). I can't wait!
God is good! God is my anchor and life is beautiful! 

Happiness can always be achieved, if only we look in the right place. 

-Hallie

Everything in my life came full circle. I wasn't even sure how to express how COMPLETE I felt after writing that. I feel brand new! Which....coincidentally is a song that came out TODAY by my favorite singer in the world. It's such a happy listen; good luck not getting up and dancing! :-)

God really IS GOOD. Life IS good and YOU are good.
Never forget that God isn't leaving you alone. If you feel like you are in the dark he is right there holding your hand, but he can't drag you unless you decide to walk. 

xoxo, 

Hallie Jo