Embracing the Way it Is

Well folks, I am home from California. A day early.  I"m home early because I got sick... again.

I am so frustrated. And I am going to be so real with you on this post. Feeling sick, tired, hungry, and not knowing when all of this is going to go away simply stinks. It does.

With this being said, I also feel completely grateful and hopeful. As equally frustrated as I am, I am equally as grateful for this opportunity to learn and grow. Currently I am not feeling well. And it is the way that it is. For so long I have been trying to change this fact and not face the situation-- telling myself that it is 'not so bad' or 'it will go away on it's own'. Well... I know that it will go away, and that I certainly will start to feel better. It has been promised to me in many instances, and I will always trust those. I just don't know when I will start to feel better and I know that it will take a lot more hard work, prayer, and lots and lots and lots of faith.

This week, with tear stained eyes, I asked my mom what it meant when I hear that 'God is mindful of me and is with me'. Before I even finished asking the question, I was able to answer it for myself. For me, this week, having 'God be with me' has meant everything to me. Because God was with me it allowed me to have 3 wonderful jam packed days at the beach. I had lot of energy and played all day long and forgot that I didn't feel well-- it was a miracle. Truly! Having God with me meant that he sent my cousin, Stevie, to ride home with me and my mom. He has the most positive attitude and kept the drive fun and optimistic. Having God with me, meant that I got to have wonderful conversations about faith and trials with my Aunt Patti, and my Grandma and Grandpa. Having God with me means that in all the individuals in my life is where I have seen Gods hand. Having God with me has opened my eyes this week to a reminder that we all have struggles, not just me. Having God with me means that I have seen many things to look forward to and reasons to smile-- I know that there is always so much good in life, no matter what. Having God with me meant that he has blessed me to have a positive attitude-- and when I don't, he picks me right back up and helps me on my feet again.


So, this post is to remind myself and those reading this to embrace life just the way that it is. Always strive for improvement, never settling for less than your best. But be kind to yourself when things aren't always sunshine and roses, if you know what I mean. There are a lot of reasons I want to be healthy. For example: it is my college degree to exercise and eat healthy, and right now I can't exercise vigorously (some days at all) or even eat most foods. I want to appear healthy so that cute boy won't be startled after reading this and that I will be able to keep up and do fun and active things with him. But I also need to be Camille, first and foremost. I will always be me and I will always have God and my family. I know that once I put these things first, then all the other things will fall into place (like nutrition, exercise, cute boys, etc. etc. will come). I really do know this with all my heart. I just need to keep reminding myself of this.

So the next time things get hard and you want to change them... practice embracing things the way they are. You can be happy now, even before things are "better".