A few lessons from hard times

So I haven't posted in a long time and some of you are probably aware of why. if anybody is worried... I'm doing fine and the kids are cuter than ever. ;)

I just wanted to express some feeling that I've been having about life. I think all of us are experiencing something that's hard.  Whether traumatic or not, it's hard to us. A lot of times nobody knows what is really going on with you or your life. I've experienced  a lot of that. Sometimes we do our best and be our best around others that nobody knows the hurt, pain, and struggles that you're facing. I have learned first hand about the feeling of having support and love from your friends and family that know your struggles and are there for you through it all. It makes it so much easier than doing it alone. 

I have also learned that we, as a people and society, judge each other WAY too much! Being judged hurts. End of story. For the most part, we are all doing the best that we can and all we need is support and encouragement, not judgment. Nobody understands fully what we've gone through/are going through, and why we've done something or are making the decisions we are. Nobody knows what's right or wrong for you. That's up to you and God. As much as I've even wished in life that somebody would know and be able to tell me what's best for me, nobody can. That's something we have to learn in this life. This is why I'm especially grateful for the gospel and all it entails. Prayer, the scriptures, the temple, priesthood blessings, and priesthood leaders have all been such strength to me in times of need. Especially times where I Need the Holy Ghost in my life in extra amounts. My eyes have been intensely opened to the world of judgment, and I will do all I can to not judge another person for their decisions or life choices. It is between them and God.

Another lesson I have recently learned is that no two people are the same or have the same life. I cannot stand when people compare each other. Comparing is very similar to judging, but it has a different feel to it. Someone may think they are being helpful or informative by comparing your situation to theirs or someone that they know. Maybe it isn't such a big deal to some people, but I know at least with me, being compared to someone else has made me feel invalidated, almost as if my feelings, life, and circumstances don't count on their own degree. It also hurts. We're all living our own life, with our own unique experiences and abilities. That counts and I hope to make others feel it does.

Maybe this is all a little scatterbrained, but I know that the atonement is real. Whatever you are facing, Christ is always there. I feel extremely blessed to have the friends and family I do at this time in my life. I cherish their friendship like they wouldn't believe. I went far too long without opening up to a friend, but I have always had my Savior. The gospel is about experiencing true joy, and as silly as it sounds, it has taken me a while to learn life doesn't have to be perfect to have peace and joy. I'll never be perfect here and my life will never be perfect, but I know that God rejoices in our righteousness, not our misery. Hopefully other times in life will be easier to find the peace and joy we all want, but when it's tough, it is still available. I have a lot I could complain about, but I also know how blessed I am to have the life that is transforming me into the person I need to be.

I'm learning much, folks. Thanks for listening.