Let Your Light So Shine! :)

I wrote this a few weeks ago, and it's kind of just been hanging out in my drafts ever since. But I wanted to share it because of how happy it made me at the time. I was going to post on the day I found out, just so my captivated blog audience could see both my agitatated (With two at's apparently) and excited extremes. But alas, I am awful at blogging. Even worse than I am at keeping a journal. Or writing friends back, which I really need to do. But, that's not the point... So, back to the good news, but first: story time.
      I have this friend... We were best friends in high school, but then I moved away and he is sort of really bad at keeping in touch. So one day when I'm back in my old home town, I decide to show up and surprise him. Very very bad idea. Nothing is worse than finding your best friend smoking pot with his hoodlum friends and finding out that since you have left he has become dependent on drugs and alcohol. I was devastated, and I couldn't stick around and talk to him, especially not like that. So I left. He texted for a few days, and I thought we were actually going to stay in touch this time. Especially after he told me how much he missed me and how he was going to change his life so he wouldn't be that person that I had found the night before. But that ended quickly and I didn't hear from him for months afterwards. Occasionally we would have a brief chat on facebook, but those were few and far between.
     Sorry for the depressing story after claiming to have good news. Here is the good news. :) So... A month or so ago when I was making the frequent drive between South Jordan and Provo, I decided to call him. I knew this was a long shot, since it had been so long since I'd heard from him (about 2 years!); but he actually picked up! He told me how happy he was to hear from me, because he was right in the middle of some chaotic things, and he was able to confide in me and get things figured out. We had a conversation that lasted about an hour and half, much longer than the drive took. I got to talk to my best friend again. He told me all about how he has quit doing those harmful things, and he has turned his life around. When I left that town he was an Atheist, and sometimes even gave me grief over my religious beliefs. But now? Now he goes to church, too! Not my church, but church nonetheless. He told me all about how he reads the Bible, and how happy that makes him, and how he just wants to share it with everyone. I was so happy to hear that. I knew that my worries and prayers in his behalf had been answered. He had turned his life around. :)
     Are you ready for the best part? The best part is: He said it was all because of me. He said that me showing up that night was just what he needed. He needed a wake up call, a metaphorical slap-in-the-face. He made the analogy of the little angel and devil. You know... The ones who sit on your shoulder and whisper in your ears? Yep, those. He told me that I am the little angel on his shoulder. When he wants to fall back into his old ways he thinks of me and what I would do.
     The next day I was pretty much floating on air. I just had this big silly grin and wanted to hug everyone I saw. I got some notes from friends after ward prayer that night, one saying I was the sunshine in his life (Cheesy, but aww!) and one saying that when she was around me she was always so much happier. These just added to my good mood, because I always try to stay upbeat and positive in the hopes it will rub off on those around me. I want to be that person that people like being around. And it seemed like when I needed that affirmation the most I got it in multiple doses. Now I know that my efforts have payed off. I do touch other people, and I do influence them, and in a good way!
      I guess the moral of this story is that you never know what impression you are making on others. So reach out! Make friends. Be there for people. And let your light shine! :) I love you all so much, thanks for letting me be a part of your life!
❤, Meagan

Everything Will Be Wonderful Someday :)

So... I realized that I have not updated my blog since my last woe-is-me post. This is just to say that life doesn't always suck. Actually, it's rather fantastic right now. In a week and a half I will be finished with finals, and a few days later I'll be all moved home with the family. I can't believe this school year is almost over. When did I get grown up enough to be halfway done with college? Haha. :)
     A few people, upon hearing of my great distress which resulted in my last blog post, jumped right in to make my life a little better. My mom sent me a care package. Or a happy package? Haha. I like that. It had a sweet little card in it, and some chocolate and a bright blue t-shirt with this huge smiley face on it. It was super cute and it brightened my spirits a lot. My friend Ash sent me a card too. It was fun to get unexpected mail twice in one week. I'm so glad to know that I have special people in my life that I can count on when things get tough. :) I certainly do have some amazing people in my life.
     And now for a short recap: Lots of things, mostly good, have happened in my life since my last blog post. I have come to terms with all the changes that made me so unhappy previously. While they are not ideal, I will make the best of them, because that's what I do. I'm that notorious "glass half full" person. In the last month or so I have aced a few tests, done badly on a few others, gotten an A on that paper that stressed me out so much, made new friends, had some grand adventures, and spent lots of time with family. All in all... I can say that life is wonderful! :) Which reminds me of a song... I love this song. Listen to it when you're unhappy. And remember: "You've got to look yourself in the eye and say 'I am wonderful!'"
❤, Meagan