I've found in my short 9, 497 days of life, give or take a few, that at the begin of each new year, most people set new goals for themselves. I can honestly admit that I have never once managed to keep a New Year's resolution. Yep, I am that pathetic. So, in honor of 2011, "The Year of Annie," I opted to try something a little different. Instead of making promises to myself I know I won't keep (a good example of this would be my ever so often attempts at giving up Mt. Dew, ya who am I kidding???) I'm trying a new experiment and hoping for the best outcome!
To better explain exactly what I'm doing, I have to give you some quick background information. While I was home in St. George with my family over Christmas, my dad and I had a very honest, brutal and wonderful conversation. I say brutal only because he said several things I needed to hear. Although hearing truth can be painful, I am ever so grateful for his words and the love with which they were said. It was this very conversation that has had my brain reeling for several weeks now.
I know what you must be thinking, "Annie's brain reeling? Never!" Yes, it's true, my brain has been on overdrive. Hard to believe that a person like me who over-thinks and analyzes every little thing could possibly have more to ponder about. I guess I have much to consider based on several events that have recently taken place. As much as it pains me to sound cliche when I so love originality, the past few months have been the most trying months in my life. I have been broken both physically, emotionally and spiritually. I've been humbled, begged and pleaded others for help, cried myself to sleep and then been humbled again. It was in this humility and with the words from my father that I was able to see just how much changing my life is in need of.
Although it saddens me to always be the slow learner in the family, I can't help but be grateful for the phrase, "better late than never." My life has been long overdue for a positive change and I'm hopeful that through the Atonement, the power of prayer and the love of my Savior, I can begin to make the changes I so desperately want and need. The picture included with this post is my favorite photograph taken by Mark Mabry. It was appropriately given the title, "Healing." One's eyes may be taken directly to the Savior as he heals this blind man but my eyes immediately go to the blind man's hands as he clutches the Savior. If you look closely you can see goosebumps on his arm. What an incredible feeling that must have been to be healed by the son of God!!
Once again, I thank my dad for his words, my mother for her strength and encouragement and for the experiences that have brought me to this pivotal point in my life to begin the healing process. I love my Savior with all my heart and am ever so grateful for His gift!!!
