I'm Alive.

Today I realized that I've cried more than normal in the last few weeks.
At first, I felt ashamed for crying so much and letting people see me in that vulnerable state.
And then I thought more about it, and I realized that I've been happier this month than I have been in a very long time.
And then I thought about it some more, and I realized that that's ok.

It's ok to cry.

It's ok to be emotional.

It's ok to care.

It's ok because it means I'm alive.

- - - - -

My reasons for crying: 

-- moving to a new ward from the best ward ever. But it's ok because I have the best roommates ever and the best friends ever in my old ward that I'll still see all the time. And I have faith in Heavenly Father's plans.

-- thinking about my Grandma Marene who passed away almost a year ago. Sundays at home are just not the same without her there.

-- explaining why I love and appreciate my mom so much during our family history night during the family reunion last week. 
-- holding my beautiful new niece and thinking about how she was with Heavenly Father just a few short weeks ago.

- - - - - 

I'm alive. 

With smiles, laughs, and tears, I'm alive.