I think we can all agree the last few weeks have been on a steroid level of stress! Having Halloween, Daylight Savings, the Presidential Election, and Utah’s biggest rivalry football game all within days of each other has put many of us to the edge of anxiety meltdown.

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Years ago my sweet mother-in-law, Eileen, asked me this question. “Is it ok if I just don’t worry about things?” This was also an election year, and everyone thought the United States would fall apart if Barack Obama got elected as our new U.S. President. I asked her what she meant. She said, “Well I voted, and there’s nothing else I can do. So I’ve decided that I’m just going to try to be the best person I can be, serve others as much as I can, be kind, and say nice things. I can’t do much more than that, is that ok?” I whole-heartedly told her YES!!! That was the BEST thing I had heard in a long time. Can you imagine what kind of world it would be if everyone adopted this simple way of living?

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Each time life feels overwhelming and out of control, I think back to our conversation and ask myself if I’ve done all I can possibly do? If the answer is yes, I do my best to put things into the proper perspective and try not to worry! It’s no secret the level of kindness, and decency has declined dramatically. The answer to this problem is simple, be kind and be grateful for all things that are good and right!

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At times it may seem the world is spinning out of control, but if you went to bed last night with a full tummy, a roof over your head, a warm bed, running water, and electricity, your life is better than the majority of the world’s population.

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There is SO much to be grateful for! There have been many times throughout the history of the world when things have been upside-down, and yet the spring always follows winter, and the sun comes out again.

Photo credit: https://stateoftheart.net.au/features/feature-smile-the-story-of-charlie-chaplin/

On Election Day, Anthony Hopkins sent an Instagram out. He said Charlie Chaplin made five inspiration thoughts that he lived by. When I actually looked it up, this is what I found.

1. Nothing is forever in this world, not even our problems.

2. I love walking in the rain because no one can see my tears.

3. The most lost day in life is the day we don’t laugh.

4. Six best doctors in the world . . .

1. The sun

2. Rest

3. Exercise

4. Diet

5. Self-respect

6. Friends

Stick to them at all stages of your life and enjoy a healthy life . . .

If you see the moon, you will see the beauty of God . . .

If you see the sun, you will see the power of God . . .

If you see a mirror, you will see God’s best creation. So believe it.

We are all tourists, God is our travel agent who has already identified our routes, bookings and destinations . . . trust Him and enjoy life. Life is just a journey! Therefore, live today! Tomorrow may not be. ~ Charlie Chaplin

As we express our GRATITUDE, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~ John F. Kennedy

“We must live our life so that the world does not see us, but sees Him through us.” ~ David L. Buckner

“Did you know there’s a prayer called the ‘I don’t know’ prayer? You just go somewhere quiet and you sit at the feet of God and you say ‘I don’t know.’ I don’t know where to go from here. I don’t know what is happening. I don’t know how to process this. I don’t know what to do with these emotions. I don’t know how to handle this situation. And then with whatever little grain of faith you have, you say, ‘but You know.’ And you leave it there. God most certainly hears your prayer.” ~ Unknown

All of these things brought LIGHT and Balance back into my life this past couple of days. I am so grateful to be surrounded by the BEST kind and loving friends and many family members. It is my hope and prayer, the pendulum of craziness will begin to sway in a steadier manner for all of us! Have HOPE knowing the LIGHT is still there, will bring a sense of calm and comfort to the soul.

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I’ve decided to follow my mother-in-law’s example, and look for opportunities each day to be grateful, kind, and serving. May we each feel the blessings of LIGHT that surround us. There is much we can do, and if we can’t, “It really is ok not to worry, eventually everything will work out.” ~ Eileen Johnson. Here are a couple ideas to lift and brighten your spirits this coming week.

The Bountiful Food Pantry in Bountiful, Utah is in need of Frozen Turkeys or Frozen Turkey Breasts, Boxed Stuffing, Boxed Mashed Potatoes, Canned Yams, Canned Veggies, Gravy Packets, Canned Cranberries to feed Hungry Families. Please check their website to learn more.

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Grab a friend, your partner, or your family to go and see the new feel good movie, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” - directed by Dallas Jenkins, creator of “The Chosen.”

Have a great week, and do your best to let go of the things you can’t do anything about. Love Ya, Les :)