Lucky 7 Life Lessons

Why hello there fellow readers! Never in my life have I thought about starting a blog but I think the Mormon/Utah norm is rubbing off on me. I am horrible at journaling and I feel like this is a great way to do it... so here we are! While at BYU I have had so many growing and learning experiences. I love everything about this university and I am having the time of my life. My testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints grows stronger every day and I'm actually doing beneficial school work (which is different from what I am used to… you Trinity Prep kids understand this). So for my very first post I thought I would summarize my first month by what I have learned and taken away from classes, friends, family, etc. Here's the lucky 7 (in no particular order)! : 

1) College is lots of fun but lots of work. 

Ohhh how I still remember my first all nighter like it was yesterday. I guess I under estimated how long it would take me to do a 13 page outline on the Restoration of the Gospel. I felt like a zombie from the Walking Dead the next day and I wanted to kill everything. Note to self-don't procrastinate gospel discussions. They are too in depth… no wonder missionaries study for at least two hours a day in the morning. It's all making sense now. 

2) The Priesthood is the biggest blessing I have in my life. 

For those of you who are not members of the LDS faith and do not know what the priesthood is, click here. 

I have had the opportunity to give two incredible blessings while I've been here and the power of the priesthood is real. It is amazing and honestly indescribable. Because of the sacredness of those blessings, I will not share what was said or who they were given to. All I will say is I know for a fact that the priesthood is powerful and it blesses the lives of many. I am so grateful and blessed to be able to be a priesthood holder. I try my best to remain as worthy as possible so I can continually enjoy the blessings of this amazing gift. 

3) Living in Building 9 A.K.A. the "tool shed" is one of the best decisions I've made.

While the dorm building I live in has a reputation for having the most tools on campus, I could care less. Building 9 is the place to be! I've met so many awesome and chill people and I love all the guys on my hall that I live with… including my roommate Gil! We all have such a good time and there's never a dull moment. So next time you're on our side of town, stop by. I promise you won't be disappointed with your visit. Who knows, you might be up next for a game of water pong! ;) #mormonprobs

4) Being fit and healthy feels good but also hurts like hell. 

I've also had the opportunity to be in a weight training class that I have to attend Monday-Thursday. I love it not only because it keeps me in shape but because I have two of my best friends Meilee and Jordan in the class with me! They have helped me along the way and pushed me to not be such a weakling. While this all sounds like a great thing it also has its downsides. I've woken up way too many times sore from head to toe. My body constantly aches and I feel pain in places I didn't know existed. It also doesn't help that I walk everywhere so I feel like I'm always working out even when I am not trying to. Overall it's good because I don't huff and puff when I walk up the stairs anymore… 

5) I will never stop thinking about my family. 

As many of you know, the Catchatoorians are one close family. We're all basically best friends with each other. I love my family more than anything or anybody in this world. I am so grateful for each of them. While I am so happy to be living near Cassie again, I still miss mom, dad, Tisha, and Josh every day. I constantly think about them and being away from them just makes me love and appreciate them even more than I already do. Don't ever take your family for granted! 

6) I love studying Mass Communications.

For those of you who don't know, I plan on majoring in television broadcasting. My dream is to have my own show where I interview people from all around the world. I am passionate about the underrepresented and am a firm believer that everyone should have their voice be heard at some point in their life. We all have a story. A big part of who I am as a person today is because of the stories that have been shared with me and the people I have met. I have been nothing but extremely blessed and lucky in my life, and I feel that it is my job to give back to the world. We as a people need each other. Learning from the life stories and messages of others will allow us to eventually return to the one who created us all. People are put in your path for a reason. Nothing happens by chance. Always be open to those around you, because who knows… that person that you see sitting next to you in class might be the next person to change your life. 

7) All women are beautiful. 

Now, now, I know what you're thinking. "This playa is putting this as number 7 so he can get a bunch of 'awwws' from women or so he can come across really cheesy but be really sweet at the same time." While you may be somewhat right in your thinking, just hear me out right now, okay? 

First, I want you to watch this video: 

Now, I am not saying that I am opposed to bikinis. But, while living here in Utah I've gained a higher respect for women. Because of the honor code that BYU holds in making all be modestly dressed, I now see women differently. I don't check them out for their "hot body" but for who they are. I can keep eye contact and just look at their faces without glancing down and seeing coconuts flaunting out. It's allowed me to get to know girls for who they truly are and not just a shallow relationship of "we look good together". Women really are amazing and beautiful. I see the potential in all of them here. They have such special spirits and are gonna do the world some good. No wonder Mormons get accused of having sister wives… I just love them all! Good thing God's gonna help me choose one because I wouldn't be able to on my own! 

Well there you have it! Hope you enjoyed my first post. I'll try to post as often as possible and I plan on keeping this blog while on my mission so you should definitely follow me. ;)