Finding That Support You Need
This one was a little rough for me. When I first started dating Landon, most of my family tried to talk me out of it saying that it wasn't worth risking the pain I would feel when he left for a mission or don't date him, he's just a premie. And honestly, it got a little disheartening after a while. Maybe I should have been flattered that they thought I was desirable enough to get snatched up while he was away for two years, but I just got sad. I put of dating him for a long time because I was worried about what my family and friends would say and how I would be lectured. Then, I finally realized that I was an adult and didn't need other people to "ok" my decisions. This has made all of the difference, which brings me to my real topic of the day.

"The more you love your decisions, the less you NEED other people to."  

Although waiting for a missionary is hard, it is such a blessing. There are going to be those people that you come in contact with that, for some reason, just can't seem to be supportive that this is what you want and what you believe will make you the happiest. Thankfully, we have our agency and do not need to do what other people say all of the time. With some people, I don't talk about Landon at all because I know they'll be unsupportive or just act like it's dumb. The trick is to find those friends and family members who just want you to be happy whatever that is and when you need to talk to someone, talk to them. My mom has always been wonderful and supportive of my decisions. I know that if I need someone that I can always talk to her without her judging me or saying "I told you so."  I have also been blessed with friends that not only don't mind listening to me talk about Landon, but care enough to really want to know how he is and how I am handling things. Just ignore those people that want to make this harder on you than you need it to be. Luckily, I am also good friends with some of Landon's relatives that are so supportive. I know that if I ever want to talk about him that his mother would also be more than happy to oblige. 

While this stability and happiness with making my decisions alone was hard to come by for me at first, I am so glad that I no longer need the approval of others for my decisions. I love waiting for my special Elder and knowing that even though I am not serving a mission, I am making a difference in his life as well. 

More Random Tips

Lately I have been working hard on focusing on the needs of others rather than worrying about my life so much. I have found other people that need supported and have gained a personal interest in their problems hoping that I might be able to help them to find the happiness that we are deserve to find in this life.  I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for all of the blessings it gives to me. I feel so blessed to have a forever family that I love so much. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that He loves us so much that he was willing to go through the atonement not only for our sins, but for all of our pains, loneliness, and even joys so that He could understand EVERYTHING that we must/will ever go through. I love my Savior so much and am eternally indebted to Him for all of the blessings in my life. I feel so blessed to have a knowledge of the Plan of Happiness and to be able to share it with others and also to have a missionary who is willing to give up two years of his life to share that same message.