Returning Home from 2 year mission to the Tennessee Nashville Mission
May 25th, 2016
I faithfully, and successfully, finished a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints which was really the hardest thing I've ever loved to do. I met so many good people those last five and 3/4 months and it was sad to leave. I miss it often and I think about everyone there frequently. I apply many techniques that I learned there to my home life and have enjoyed the blessings from serving. (If the Cubs winning the World Series was a product of that, then I am immensely grateful for that too).
Humor Code Show Curtain Call
November 2016
I finished my fifth (but more like third academically) semester at BYU-Idaho with flying colors, bringing my GPA up to above a 3.0 which is the first time it has been that high since my 1st semester. (Which incidentally ended with a 0.72. Yeah. I don't look too fondly on that semester). I joined Humor Code, which is a sketch comedy group on campus (similar to Studio C or a clean version of SNL) and have immensely enjoyed working with them and performing comedy to loads of people. I also was accepted to be a Teacher Assistant for one of my favorite classes ever.
But looking back, there were still many really hard times that I was genuinely scared about. Or times where I was really depressed or witnessed others experiencing similar problems. I started to look for different techniques and ways that I could stay positive. It started with a goal.
On the actual front (so backside) of Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland
August 2016
I felt like I needed to have something to work towards in the future. Something to get really excited about that was definitely attainable. I had no idea what I wanted to major in, so I thought of instead aiming for a specific job. Currently that job would be working for Walt Disney World in some way or fashion. I didn't know how I'd get there, but that was the goal. I started researching like crazy, looking up any facts or opinions on park systems, history, cast member applications, the works. I literally asked for nothing but Disney stuff for Christmas this year. A lot of my family think I'm borderline obsessed.
Justin Scarred in Death Valley
Among my research I came across this guy named Justin Scarred. He's a not too well known YouTuber (as of right now he has a little over 50,000 subscribers), who is also obsessed with Disney and tours the parks frequently. The guy has been through a lot, but one thing that I was so intrigued about was his sense of positivity. Every video, every interview, every time I saw him he was always so positive and happy. Not to mention very funny. And then I discovered it was because he decided to live his life as a "Quest for Positivity," The dude literally has bracelets that says that. And it really clicked with me. This video was his latest and had a lot of previous clips in it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8Nd2YSduPk&t=1525s
For New Years Resolutions, people often make goals on how much weight they want to lose, what relationship status they want to attain, or similar goals that are often material in their nature. I wanted something different that was more meaningful, and could actually be obtained by little or big measures. What I've decided is what I'm calling my own personal "Quest for Positivity." Every day, no matter what my mood is or what the situation is, I will do my best to find the positive things in each day. Whether it is doing service, sending a message, showing love, or doing something that makes me feel good, just doing something daily that brings a positive spirit to my life.
This world is in chaos currently, and there is a lot of distrust and anger especially in this country. But one thing each person in this world craves for and can actually rather easily obtain is personal happiness. It can vary from person to person, but each person has an ability to obtain their own happiness. Heck, it's even stated in the Declaration of Independence; "...that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
So in conclusion, I invite you all to have your own personal "Quest for Positivity". See how you can make a difference in your life or more importantly other peoples' lives. It can be as simple as saying hi to people, showing kindness, doing positive activities with friends and family, or writing a blog post about how you're trying to make the world a more positive place. Wait...
Good luck making the world a better place. And have fun!
