Stay Strong.

We all experience challenges in our lives, some tougher than others.. But we are never given something we couldn't handle. I have heard that in Heaven we chose things we would agree to have challenge us when came to earth, such as a disorder, a lifestyle, or a situation. The same young women's leader I mentioned in my other post, shared this with us when I was in young women's:

"When we were in heaven I don't think I raised my hand for this... I must have been swatting a fly."

I love this! It's so true! As we go through hardships we don't understand why we were given something so difficult and so terrible to live. But He is always there by our side if we are willing to let Him help us. He will never give us a trial that we can't survive, we are only given things to test us and to make us stronger. He also gives us the people we need to make it through, to lean on and have support from when we are at our weakest. So never give up hope. Keep loving, keep living, and keep breathing. Things will get better and one day everything will make sense.

Yep. I'm one of those people who truly believe that everything happens for a reason. 

Stay strong.

Ignorance is bliss ;

Everyone is under the impression that I have everything all together... That I am completely in control, I know what I want, who I am, where I want to go, calm, collected, put together.

The truth is, I still struggle. I often find myself in times of unexplainable sadness, anger, and dread. I find myself surrounded by people, yet feeling completely alone. Numb.

If someone asks me about it, I usually dismiss it with a wave of my hand and say, “I’m just in a weird mood; I’ll be fine.” Then I’ll smile, make a joke, and laugh until I’ve successfully convinced myself and everyone else that I’m fine. Ignorance is bliss, right? 

You see, I’m good at encouraging other people. That everything will work out the way it's supposed to; everything happens for a reason. We are who we are because that's how it's supposed to be. We are here to be real, not perfect. That we shouldn’t feel shameful, embarrassed, or guilty about what’s truly going on in our minds. That it’s okay to not be okay. But I’m bad at taking my own advice and applying these things in my own life—practicing what I preach, admitting that I might not be okay.

People have thought I’m being aloof, or not interested in sharing my thoughts with them. This is not true. The fact is that I’ve not shared my thoughts with them because I’m still not sure what my thoughts really are.  I still have a lot of conflicting feelings and I don’t like trying to explain things that even I don’t understand.

Poems. Monica Lin.

I follow this girl on Instagram who writes poems. She's brilliant. So I just want to share a couple of my favorites, they are definitely worth your time. <3

Born to be real <3

The quote I shared in my Miss UVU interview:

I survived and I'm so proud

I made it, and I made it through in one piece. I honestly didn't know if I was going to make it through the past 2 months. It was a roller coaster ride, some ups and some downs, but definitely a worth while experience. It's fun to see how far I've come and how much I've grown. None of this would have been possible if it weren't for Chelsi standing by my side and giving the courage to push forward. Along with all the other support I had surrounding me.

 

The 10 minute interview was by far the hardest part of the process. I was so nervous, I seriously didn't know if I was going to survive it. The rest of the pageant was actually a lot of fun and afterwards I felt like was on top of the world, like I could conquer anything. I took second attendant, and I would be lying to say I'm not sad I didn't win. I'm a very competitive person. I know that everything happens for a reason but I'm not sure I know or understand this one yet.. I feel like I was ready for it, I felt ready.  

I'm very proud of our new Miss UVU, she did so incredible and she is going to do so well! All of the kind words from people afterwards really meant a lot.

I really enjoyed this journey, I wish it could have ended a little differently, but I'm excited to see what comes next!

With lots of love and a grateful heart, Samantha.

Yup. You heard right!

Welcome back from Moab. And welcome back to real life.

I was lucky enough to get to spend the weekend in Moab. I seriously just love jeeping! It gives me and teaches me so much. 

Now that I'm home things have to get real. Very real. 

Maybe you've heard a rumor going around that I may be doing Miss UVU? Well guess what, it's not a rumor, it's the truth. And the truth is that I'm scared to death! This is completely, 100%, out of my comfort zone! But what's a better reason than that? I want the world, but nothing comes from doing nothing. So yeah, I'm gonna give it a go. 

There is so much that goes in to this. Along with pageant this and pageant that also comes school, dance, and teaching! I'm already feeling overwhelmed, and the hardest parts haven't event started yet! But lucky am I, that I have some of the most supportive people and teammates in my life. 💜

Boy am I terrified for what lies ahead, but I am also so excited for this journey I am about to begin. No matter what comes of it all, I know I will be better for it. Whatever is supposed to happen will happen, all I can do is just do my best and God will take care if the rest.

Goodnight lovelies! 

genuinely you.

love this! 

live on. and be yourself.