Mr. Wall X 3

Dear Mr Bright Red Wall,

I can't believe I almost forgot about you! Remember here? And here? I have made it a tradition to write a post every 6 months dedicated to you, a bright red wall across from my bed back home in Missouri, to see how much I've grown, where I'm at, and evaluate areas in which I can improve. Well the problem is you see, I'm in Utah, and you are still back in Missouri. So I'm just going to pretend. You're a lot more exciting than these cinder block, white walls in my apartment so this post is still dedicated to you, Mr. Bright Red Wall. 

It was so interesting to go look at the other two "Mr. Wall" posts I had written. I hadn't gone back and read them in a long time, and it really took me back. I was seriously struggling back then. Especially here. I was about to go through one of the most heart-wrenching experiences of my life, and I think I was being prepared. I could sense something was about to happen but I was too scared to embrace it until it came and slapped me in the face. 

But that was then.

And this is now. 

Oh my gosh I've come a LONG ways. 

Before this summer, I was exhausted. I was drained and because of all that I just wasn't happy. 

But this summer was so crucial. It's like I've made a complete 180. My life is better than ever. As I read back on the previous posts I can see the changes I knew I needed to make, but didn't know how.  Now I feel as if I'm on the other side, looking back and seeing how far I've come. It's an amazing feeling and I'm grateful things happened the way they did. 

It's 2011 now. This is it! This is the year! But the great thing about it is that I no longer live my life for anyone but myself, that includes YOU Mr. Wall. I'm being open as I possibly can-prayerful, humble, and open to direction to whatever the Lord has for me. And He keeps bringing my feet right back to the original plan. I knew I always wanted to stick with that original plan, but I didn't think I would get there the way I did. 

I guess something I've learned is that it's great to have goals and plans. 

But the thing we can't plan on is how we're going to get there. 

I'm here, I'm happy, and I have faith everything is going to fall right into place. 

So now that it's a new year, I have some new goals (of course). Even though I'm like a week late, it's better late than never, right? 

• Be a better friend to all my loved ones: my actual friends & my family. I want to be more involved in the details of their lives by being a better listener, remembering things about them, and finding more opportunities to serve the people I love. 
• Give the Lord equal time. Which means less internet, less tv, less laziness, and more seeking for Him. This quote hit me this morning and I think it's going to help me do more of what I know I need to do: "Disregarding what we know to be right, whether through laziness or rebelliousness, always brings undesirable and spiritually damaging consequences." Guilty! 
• Get fit! Push myself more when I work out and get on top of my eating junk food, even after I'm full (dang you chocolate fits). 

So Mr. Wall...do you think I can do it?? Stupid question, of course I can! These next 6 months are going to FLY BY and the next time I write, I'll be home from India, anxiously awaiting the soon arrival of my best friend and hottie fella. Wow! I get teary just thinking about it all. I have a lot to be thankful and excited for, and even more things to improve, so I can't wait for this year to unfold! Bring it baby!

Loves,

Whitney