Journals

Over the years I have kept Journals and written frequently, not much about anything specific. Usually wrote about boys I was dating, decisions about school, family things. After going back and reading them, they are pretty funny to read, not going to lie. I also had terrible handwriting.

After some events today, I have decided to keep a Gratitude Journal, now when I write I will think of specific things that have been going well, to remember those that are special to me, and to remember all the blessings that I am given.

To start off, I have decided to write a list of a few things that I am grateful for. I want you all to think on the last time you sent someone special a Thank You card, or let them know how much to appreciate them. I used to write cards all the time but have since become lost in my daily duties. So my new Summer Goal is to frequently thank those I am thankful for, and to be more optimistic and happy about each situation.

Today’s List:

• I am grateful for Nathan, this week he has been sick so I’ve been able to take care of him, but even though he’s been sick he has been home each day and has helped me with things on my to do list, he did laundry and the dishes, and helped clean the apartment while I was too busy to do them. Thank you babe, for helping me out even though you’ve been under the weather.
• I am grateful for my Mom, she is a great example to me, she serves so much, and is always looking for opportunities to do something for someone else. That is a trait I wish I could carry on to my own children one day. She loves unconditionally and is so supportive of my dad with his busy work schedule, as well as all of us kids, and the decisions we each make. Thank you Mom for being there for me all the time.
• I am grateful for DeAnne, my amazing mother-in-law. She has truly opened her arms to me and really welcomed me into the Sweeney Family. She is also a great example of service, she does so much for everyone. After spending a week with her in Florida, she is so patient with the grandkids, as well as all their kids. She is so loving and supportive of every decision they make. Thank you DeAnne for loving me, supporting Nathan and I, and welcoming me into the family.
• I am grateful for the Utah weather, I know what your thinking I am crazy. If it weren’t for the annoying Utah weather that can never make it’s mind I wouldn’t appreciate the beautiful summers that we do get, when it actually is warm, and the amazing weather of Florida while we get to spend time there. If we didn’t have the snow, I don’t know if I’d love summer as much as I do. Thank you crazy weather for helping me love the warmth and summer more.
• I am grateful for Water. Over the years we have had a great relationship. I’ve been a swimmer, a swim coach, a swim instructor, a water aerobics instructor, a life guard, as well as a Head Life Guard. I have had many jobs with water, if we didn’t have pools and such a demand to learn to swim I would not have the amazing opportunity to share my ability to know how to swim. I would not be able to support my family, as well as support my body. Our bodies have so much water in them, and we need to drink a lot of water. I am so grateful for the Job I have because of water, but also the health I have with the amount of water I drink and the time I can spend swimming.

These are a few simple things that I am thinking of today. I am grateful for all of you. Thank you for all being examples and helping me to become a better person. I have so much room to improve, so thank you all for being patient and loving me. I am excited for this summer. It will be a wonderful summer!

~Linn