i really should be asleep

But I just feel this urge to write... something. So we'll see what comes out today I guess.
I have been home from my mission for 6 weeks now. The next set of missionaries after me came home today.
That's a little surreal.

I've learned some things since being home.

1. Stay productive. It's one thing to stay busy, and another to stay productive. If 'busy' means you are on Facebook or pinterest, your life will not feel fulfilled, and you will be miserable in the long run.
2. Move quickly. No, life does not have to be a never ending race, but it should move briskly. Find things that you need to do, and love to do, and do them. Don't wait around for something to happen. Make things happen.
3. Laugh a lot, and do it with people you love.
4. Have a lazy day, but stay energized. I have had a few days where it really was nice to not have a plan, and not do anything. But nothing consisted of aimless walks and listening to lots of music and reading books.
5. Work out. Just do it... you will feel better. Promise.
6. I still don't have the attention span for movies or anything of the sort... not to say it isn't good, I just can't concentrate on anything for that long anymore.
7. Thinking of others constantly was not only meant for my mission. It's a good guide for life. I find that i'm just happier and more at peace, and even closer to God, when I put the needs of others before my own. It's a simple law really.
8. Cleanliness is Godliness. Again, having a clean living space was not just for the mission. When things are clean, then I think better, and things get done. I just feel better. Freer.
9. Now that my communication with family and friends is more accessible, all the more reason to use it more frequently. Life goes on, and I am so happy to have my family by my side while that happens.
10. Just because I don't have anyone to teach constantly doesn't mean that there aren't ways for me to work on sharing the gospel. Social media is an incredible tool that has been created for me to do missionary work, even though I am no longer set aoart to do so!
11. prayer is so essential. Yes, I learned this lesson before I came home, thank heavens, but really. Talking to God is the only way that we will be able to trust Him fully. And since He is in charge of our lives, and we are not, it's sort of important that we do so. Trust and rely on Him, that is. He knows where life will lead us, and we don't. So naturally, if we talk to Him regularly, we will be able to feel closer to Him, and more dependent in making choices with Him guiding us at all times.
 It's quite comforting really, to know that I have a supreme being guiding my life, and I have a way to communicate with Him. And though I grow impatient, he is ever waiting to show me what I need to learn. He always has arms open to hold me and comfort me. He keeps my life a surprise so that my life will still be an adventure, and so I can learn everything that I need to.

It's been so nice being home. Hard. There are so many things that I miss, and yet so much that I am glad to have here. It's hard work to find those same fulfilling feelings that you get used to on a mission. But oh how grateful I am to have a loving father in Heaven who listens to and guides me, and a great family, and some awesome friends to support me and make me laugh, and go on crazy adventures with me.

I am a blessed woman.

there's no place like home

Well, i made it home! It has been a strange experience, though not as bad as i thought that it would be. Taking off my tag, as little as that may seem, was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. The first day or two I constantly had inclinations to back the car, or it was weird to sleep in a room by myself the first night. I had to re-train myself to not internally smack myself every time a song came on that wasn't a hymn. I quickly got over that. I haven't had to worry about that social awkwardness. If anything, I think my mission helped me with social aspects of my life*. So that's a blessing.
I still want to help the random stranger i walk by to take in their garbage. and I want to walk around the farmers market with my family, and hand mormon.org cards to every one i see. I still miss having a companion at all times, that understands random missionary humor and quotes that no one else gets here**. I miss a better morning routine, and a better study schedule. I miss pday sports, as much as they stressed me out. i miss having things in the mail.... sometimes. I miss teaching.
But since i've been home, I still love pdays, and getting emails from missionaries i write! I love talking in church, and teaching gospel principles, and helping with seminary and youth conferences (especially when i get to talk about  missionary work!).
My family has been so loving and caring- making sure that we are not listening to music or watching movies that would be too much for me too handle. They make sure the jokes they tell don't have too much potty humor... little things to help me adjust. it's adorable. 

I am so grateful for everything that my mission taught me. I can't sit still anymore... i need to be going. Which makes me antsy a lot, but i guess it helps me be more productive... ideally.
I love the chance that I got to serve my mission and to serve. so that's my goal while i am home, and forever. to continue serving, and putting the needs of others before my own. It just makes life so much more meaningful!

work hard, and have a great week!

*note: I have not been on a date yet, nor have I really interacted with anyone of the opposite gender relatively close to my age. so that's an entirely different story, that i will inform you on. one day.
**though my family does not understand what i am saying half the time, because i have to transition back from 'missionary lingo', they are wonderful companions when i don't want to be alone.